wetlands boardwalk

["Philip Veerman" <>]

Nice of you to inform us, take the care and do something to achieve it. Of course a bit of research about what is known should help to establish a start point. If my time priorities allow, I might give it a try. Habituation would suggest that if the birds have that activity around them and it does not harm them, then they simply learn to tolerate it. At that site they see people all the time. Raptor species vary as to how sensitive they are to disturbance (and maybe individuals vary also and it may vary according to the stage of the nest). Is there a prima facie reason to believe that (provided there is no direct contact) construction activities nearby or people standing under are any more or less disturbing? Indeed, presence of Pied Currawongs (if flocks of them have found the nest), might be a far more serious threat than both these direct people factors.

 

Philip

 

-----Original Message-----From: Margaret Leggoe [ Sent: Wednesday, 7 May 2014 8:18 AM      To: 'Maconachie, Michael'
Cc:       Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] wetlands boardwalk

Thank you Michael.

ML

 

From: Maconachie, Michael [ Sent: Tuesday, 6 May 2014 9:40 PM      To: 'Margaret Leggoe'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] wetlands boardwalk

 

They will be what I consider a safe distance away and it will be monitored by us and modified as required. As I have seen several birdwatchers over the last few days standing directly under the nest tree I have a lot more concerns that this is where the main disturbance will come from, however unintentional it may be.

 

Michael

 

From: Margaret Leggoe Sent: Tuesday, 6 May 2014 6:55 PM      To: Maconachie, Michael;
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] wetlands boardwalk

 

Sorry Michael, but that is a pretty vague kind of reassurance.  Exactly what distance is “their” distance?  How was it decided that “their” distance will not disrupt the birds?  Construction activities will be a long way more obvious than the occasional birder wandering around.

This is not meant to be personal.

Cheers

Margaret Leggoe

 

From: Maconachie, Michael Sent: Tuesday, 6 May 2014 4:02 PM      To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] wetlands boardwalk

 

The boardwalk that is going around the back of Kellys Swamp, along Jerra Creek, will commence construction tomorrow. Initially the line will be cut through the vegetation, with actual construction to commence shortly afterwards. The contractor is aware of the BSK nest site and will keep their distance.

 

Michael Maconachie

Senior Ranger

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

ACT Parks and Conservation Service

TAMS Directorate

0428 113 533