Also at Rocky Knob this morning, a hunting hobby, possibly attracted by the lorikeets. These are occasionally seen in the suburbs. I wonder if there is anything about that in The GBS Report …
From: Philip Veerman [
Sent: Tuesday, 24 February 2015 5:17 PM
To: 'casburnj'; 'canberrabirds'
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] Hundreds of White-throated Needletail over Narrabundah Hill Duffy 3pm
If they are within (including above) your GBS site then put them on the chart. These quotes from The GBS Report: Accurately counting and recording bird numbers is always a problem for almost any bird survey. ........ The GBS is based on some unrealistic assumptions: That each observer is continually aware of the number of individuals of each species present in their 3+ hectare area. That they are able to pick for each species when that number reaches its maximum and that they will record it. However, for the common species, the best that most can do is provide an estimate of the maximum number observed at any one time. It is certainly difficult to count the number of swifts in a large swirling flock, within a 100 metres' radius cylindrical shape of unlimited altitude.
"There is no altitude limit, and no requirement for the birds to be 'using' the area. "
"This species is often hard to count, especially when in large flocks at a wide range of altitudes. Counts tend to be broad estimates."
Of course the hard part is guessing how many are within the diameter limit. Although in the end the actual number does not matter a lot, just record an estimate close to the truth.
As you saw them outside your GBS and within, you could easily do two separate records if you wish.... They wont all be the same birds.........
-----Original Message-----
From: casburnj
Sent: Tuesday, 24 February 2015 3:41 PM
To: canberrabirds
Cc: jandaholland
Subject: [canberrabirds] Hundreds of White-throated Needletail over Narrabundah Hill Duffy 3pm
I first saw these while driving. They were flying over the southern end of Eucumbene Drive and the edges of Narrabundah Hill. By the time I got home, the bulk of them were circling over my GBS. I thought they would hang about a bit – but they disappeared up into the clouds quickly and although I watched for them – they did not reappear.
Some of the flock were hawking low while others circled higher and higher into cloud . There could easily have been 350 birds. Should such a large number be entered into my GBS, or would an incidental report be better?
