Dear Alistair and others,
Before the hides were renovated/remodelled, I was very sceptical about the proposed changes. My first visit to the remodelled hides was on a very cold late winter day, and the hides – always cold in winter – were colder than ever. I was still sceptical about the changes. But on subsequent visits I have become used to them. Particularly useful is the new screen beside Bittern with windows overlooking the channel. I have discovered that using a monopod and leaning it against the shortest window I get better stability for my lens than holding it by hand and poking it through the window of the shed hides, even with a bean bag.
I too thought the removal of the baffles would make the humans inside obvious to the birds outside. This does not appear to have been the case, and two of us spent some 20 minutes in Cygnus one morning photographing a Latham’s snipe as it preened and rested about 10 metres in front of the hide. It was completely unaware of us. I have had a similar experience with a couple of welcome swallows resting right in front of the hide.
As for the extra seating at the back of the hides. I’m blessed if anyone could see much from them in the first place and the only use I ever saw in them was a place to put one’s camera bag.
I am happy to say that I have been converted!
Margaret Leggoe
From: BirdlineACT [
Sent: Monday, 17 December 2012 9:24 AM
To: Chris Davey; Freeman, John
Cc: Margaret Leggoe; Maconachie, Michael; Robin Hide;
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] re hide refurbishment at Jerrabomberra Wetlands
I know I may be going out on a limb, but in light of the other comments I feel compelled to write.
Does COG support the 'refit' of the bird hides. Without exception, every birder I have spoken to at Kelly's has bemoaned the changes. I hope they too feel emboldened to write. Personally I think the utility as 'hides' has been deleteriously affected and the work should stop until some 'science' is applied to the project.
Why was this work done in the first place? The word on the street is that this was commenced solely based on feedback from the general public during a wetland open day - the general public did not like entering darkened spaces. Did any birders have an opportunity to provide feedback or, as the primary users of the hides, have these changes just been foisted upon us?
The baffles served an important function and I can not understand why they have been removed. The birds now appear more aware that people are in the hides and if there is any wind blowing, Cygnus hide becomes unusable as it appears to funnel the wind. There is now half as much seating in each hide.
As has previously been mentioned the brush screen outside bittern hide is unusable for a normal sized person. Even my 9 year old daughter was unable to find a slot at the right height to look through. Many people now sit in front of the screen or at its eastern extremity.
Kelly's has gone from having hides that were the envy of birders Australia-wide to something not quite second rate but certainly not as good as they were.
I suggest Parks either leaves the other two hides as they are or allow us an opportunity to input comments.
Perhaps, ideally, something adjustable covering the range of heights, rather than fixed height slots? Are there examples/models from elsewhere?
Robin
On 17/12/2012 7:18 AM, Margaret Leggoe wrote:
Or for people less than 5’ high. Yes, such midgets do exist and go watching/photographing birds.
ML
Chris,
may I suggest that, if any brushfencing is involved, some of the viewing slots be positioned at appropriate heights for different sized persons?
All three of the slots at Bittern Hide are just too low for comfortable standing and viewing by a c.180 cm tall person (stooping on bent and ageing knees does not encourage an extended view!).
thanks
Robin Hide
On 16/12/2012 2:46 PM, Chris Davey wrote:
Hi,
For those who have visited the Jerrabomberra Wetlands recently you would have noticed the renovation work in and around the bird hides at Kelly’s Swamp. Work will be starting on the Tadorna and Fulica bird hides (the two on the Causeway side of Jerrabomberra Creek) tomorrow and they expect to be completed over Xmas. The work will be similar to that on the 3 hides around Kelly’s.
Chris
