Hi Everyone,
Thankyou for all your efforts last week (and / or your ongoing support) – it was not an easy task but then again it never is! We are getting very efficient at constructing indoor wetlands, which has proven invaluable to ensure that the
birds are carrying their trackers well. We affixed satellite trackers to 4 birds. but had to remove the harness from one bird after it got its beak caught in its harness after around 8 hours. It was released harness-free and unharmed as soon as it occurred
(hence the need for continuous 24 hour nestcam monitoring by volunteers).
The other 3 birds were released with their trackers in place and are going well. They are roosting at Jerra Wetlands (in the Jerra Creek ‘pool’ and northern most paleochannels) and going over to Canturf to feed at night. Bird 64 has remained
at Canturf. We get a fix at midday and midnight each day. See attached map.
We were very pleased with the results of this catch, and thanks to the eyes and ears of our birders and volunteers in the lead up, we had some idea where to focus our efforts. This was still a bit of an unknown given the lack of water in
Kelly’s but as it turned out, the birds were actually concentrating in small areas of suitable habitat where the mud was still moist (in the Typha in front of Ardea Hide mostly). As mentioned in a previous email, we caught a total of 7 birds over the two nights.
Our Japanese friends from the Wild Bird Society of Japan had a wonderful time and were extremely happy to ‘meet’ some Snipe in Australia. We also took them around Jerra Wetlands, to the outskirts of Mulligans (and a talk and lunch at WWT
HQ in Forde), the ANBG, the walk-in Aviary and the Zoo and Aquarium to see some other birds (and wildlife) in spite of the hot dry and smoky conditions. On the really hot day, they went to Questacon to escape the heat. This is a highly valued collaboration
around our “shared bird” and one which we hope will continue into the future to ensure the conservation of critical habitat in both countries. Hokkaido TV also accompanied the group so watch this space for the story.
Once again, I would like to thank all our dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters, and we will keep you updated.
Cheers Lori
Lori Gould
Program Manager
Woodlands and Wetlands Trust (Jerrabomberra Wetlands)
M: 0439 030 058
PO Box 58 Fyshwick ACT 2609
www.woodlandsandwetlands.org.au
