Proposed survey of Bush Stone-curlew at Mulligans Flat Sanctuary
The Canberra Ornithologists Group has been involved in the reintroduction program for the Bush Stone-curlew at the Mulligans Flat Sanctuary since the
start of the program in 2013. The Group has donated funds for the construction of the soft-release aviary and for the purchase of radio tracking equipment. In 2018 the Group organised a survey in the Sanctuary to determine the status of the population. After
an interval of nearly three years we wish to resurvey the Sanctuary on the 7th and again on 14th August 2021. We hope to assess the number of birds in the area to help determine the success of the reintroduction project and in particular to determine the number
and location of unmarked individuals.
The survey will involve searching allocated areas over a three-hour period starting around 8:00am. The Sanctuary will be divided into 12 areas and each
will be surveyed by volunteers over a period of three hours. The location of any Bush Stone-curlew will be recorded and photographs taken to identify individuals. I am therefore seeking volunteers with cameras that can capture an image of a leg-flag on a Bush
Stone-curlew at a distance of 50m. This involves a camera equipped with a 200-400mm zoom lens. It will be great but not essential if you are in a position to volunteer for either morning but for safety reasons you will need a mobile phone. It will not be a
requirement to have previous experiences with Stone-curlews but it would be an advantage. As an incentive refreshments, will be provided at the end of each morning’s survey
If you wish to participate or to obtain further details please contact Chris Davey
Chris Davey
