The attachments to the email below are too large for the chatline.
The annual report for Regent Honeyeater and mainland Swift Parrot
sightings can be found here
https://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/woodland-birds-for-biodiversity/latest-news-wl.
It's the first document in the list towards the bottom of the page.
The second attachment was an updated version of the Swift Parrot survey
information I sent to the chatline on 15 April.
Regards
Alison Mackerras
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: 2021 Swifty and Regent surveys commence on 24 April, plus 2020
Annual Report
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2021 02:03:25 +0000
From: Chris Timewell <>
CC: Woodland Birds <>
Hello Woodland Bird enthusiasts,
Attached to this email is the annual report for Regent Honeyeater and
mainland Swift Parrot sightings from 2020.Despite the cancellation of
both 2020 survey periods due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were still
widespread records for these two critically endangered species from
incidental observations and other surveys.We greatly appreciate everyone
who informed us whenever one of these species was detected, and we hope
that you enjoy reading this annual summary.
At least for the Swifties, the 2021 year is already shaping up to be
quite different to 2020.The first regular sightings were about 3-4 weeks
earlier – and there is growing evidence of a good season for nectar and
lerp, particularly in woodlands on the inland side of the Great Dividing
Range.
This is the segue to reminding you that the first targeted survey period
for 2021 commences this *Saturday 24^th April* and continues through to
*Sunday 6^th June*.This is a six week period roughly centred around the
traditional third weekend in May.The second 2021 survey period is from
*Saturday 17^th July to **Sunday 29^th August* – also a six week period,
and centred around the traditional first weekend in August.
This first survey period also represents the launch and initial phase of
roll-out for our new *SWIFT PARROT SEARCH* program – the updated
approach to the biannual surveys.We are encouraging you to try the new
method at one of the new fixed sites near to your home (if available) or
at your favourite bushland area.But please bear in mind, at this early
phase of roll-out, we haven’t yet set up this new monitoring site
network across the species’ entire mainland range, so many regions won’t
have new sites to monitor (more details below).As such, it is also fine
for participants to continue undertaking their general searches for
these target species using their own survey method and within any
potential habitat. Let us or your regional coordinator know what you’ve
found from these general searches, and/or lodge the findings into your
preferred recording system (e.g., ideally Birdata, but also eBird and
Birdline).
In summary for the launch of the ‘Swift Parrot Search’ program:
* Swift Parrot Search involves birdwatchers visiting permanent fixed
sites on public land, and undertaking 5 minute surveys for all bird
species across a circular 50 metre radius search area – with a
particular focus on detecting Swifties and Regents.It is also
encouraged that the birdwatchers record the flowering intensity for
trees and mistletoe, plus the availability of water.Each fixed site
has a unique code name (e.g., ABC.002), but is not physically marked
with a sign-post, flagging tape or similar.There is a full
description of the survey method on the newly established webpage
(https://birdlife.org.au/swift-parrot
<https://birdlife.org.au/swift-parrot>).
* For the first survey period, we are aiming to have at least one
survey conducted at each of the 1200+ fixed monitoring sites that
have been established.By the end of 2021, we expect the final tally
to be more than 2500 established sites across the mainland range of
the Swift Parrot.Let us know if you have recommendations on public
land locations to establish additional sites.
* The currently active sites can be viewed through the Shared Sites
section of Birdata (see attachment for instructions), through the
new Swift Parrot Search portal in Birdata (click here
<https://birdata.birdlife.org.au/record-survey>) or by downloading
the relevant KML files for viewing in programs and apps such as
Google Earth and HandyGPS (downloadable KML files for all mainland
sites at bottom of this webpage – click here
<https://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/woodland-birds-for-biodiversity/swift-parrot-search>-
or for specific Victorian regions at the bottom on this webpage –
click here
<https://birdlife.org.au/projects/woodland-birds-for-biodiversity/swift-parrot-search-victoria>.Other
states to follow soon.).
* In addition to the KML files, we are also in the process of
preparing user guides and geo-referenced maps (for use in apps such
as Avenza maps) and other support material to help of our volunteers
find these fixed points.Through this webpage (click here
<https://birdlife.org.au/projects/woodland-birds-for-biodiversity/swift-parrot-search-victoria>),
we suggest that you have a look at the “North Central” drop-down box
for an example of what the final array of information will look like
for all locations.
Unless there are some last minute delays, we expect that the Swift
Parrot Search program option will be available on the Birdata phone apps
(Apple and Android) by the 24^th April.As such, you will be able to
complete the surveys directly onto your phone in the field without any
double handling of information.
For those that prefer not to use their phone in the field, there are
also tailored datasheets available for downloading, and then using in
the field (See the state-by-state dropdown boxes on this webpage – click
here
<https://www.birdlife.org.au/projects/woodland-birds-for-biodiversity/swift-parrot-search>).This
information can then be entered into the Swift Parrot Search portal
within Birdata when you return home to your computer.
We’ll leave it there in the interests of brevity!
We’re very excited about this revised approach, and the possibilities
that it offers to address urgent questions for the Swift Parrots, Regent
Honeyeaters and other woodland birds.Your participation will be crucial
to making it a success.Have a read through the material on the webpage,
check out the Swift Parrot Search portal or Shared Sites layer in
Birdata and test out the new survey method in the field.We also
encourage you to get in touch with your regional coordinator for advice
on sites of high priority needing additional birdwatchers.
If you have questions or feedback about any aspect, also please feel
free to get in touch with Chris
<>) or Beau
<>).
Thanks again for your amazing support and encouragement.
From Dean, Mick, Chris, Emily, Kristy and Beau
Chris Timewell| Woodland Bird Project Coordinator
BirdLife Australia
Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton VIC 3053
M0417 621 901 | T03 9347 0757 ext 234 | F03 9347 9323
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