The most recent (and final) state of play has been sent to the COG
website and should be available for viewing shortly. Unfortunately a few
regulars have pulled out so now there is no certain (though possible default) coverage
of the Ororral Valley and less than ideal coverage of
the Brindabellas, so if anyone has time and energy to brave the elements safely,
go to. As reported previously, a few normally popular sites have not been
adopted: Percival Hill NR in the north; Mt Mugga Mugga; and all of the trails
off the Boboyan Rd
in Namadgi NP. Quite a few more central sites have “possible”
surveyors whom I have not recorded on the Excel spreadsheet - don’t worry
if your name does not appear, your contributions will be most welcome. Several
people have asked if they can survey their sites outside of the weekend –
the short answer is, no, not if they are to be counted as part of the blitz. As
you will have noted, the weather forecast is less than promising. The blitz
goes ahead, however, and hopefully there will be dry spells which enable us to
record birds at no risk to life and limb. Remember, the birds will still be
there and quite often surveying immediately before or after rain can be
rewarding. If the weather is truly awful, you will be forgiven for not
participating, but please let me know after the event so I don’t chase
you up unnecessarily. Good and safe birding, everyone, and do not take
unnecessary risks in the wet! And remember to get your datasheets in as soon as
possible afterwards, either electronically via COG’s input system, or in
hard copy to COG’s PO box or to the red datasheet box at the next COG
meeting or to my mailbox in Page. If you don’t have datasheets or can’t
download them from the COG website www.canberrabirds.org.au
simply use a piece of paper and provide full details of who you are, where you
went and when, and what you recorded (actual numbers pls, not presence). Barbara
Allan, blitz organiser
