Hi all,
Following the success of last weeks Black-eared Miner searches in Danggali
CP (see yesterdays email) we are seeking some more assistance in the Sunset
Country (NW Victoria) next week.
As many of you will know 5 Black-eared Miner colonies have been translocated
to the Sunset Country from the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve over the last 14
months in an effort to establish a second viable population of Black-eared
miners (we don't want all our eggs in one basket in case of fire etc).
These translocations have exceeded all our expectations. Birds in at least
two of the colonies commenced breeding within days of release last year and
the single colony released this year currently has four active nests.
Rebecca Boulton has just reported from the field that she has relocated one
of last year's colonies 2-3 km from its release site and it contains an
additional 5 large fledglings from this season!!! We are however having
trouble locating the other three colonies from last year as the radio
transmitters that were fitted 14 months age have all long since failed, and
the birds have clearly moved around a little.
Next week on Tuesday evening (13th) I am driving from Melbourne (via
Bendigo, Charlton, Ouyen) to the Sunset Country for two days of focused
searching to help out. At this stage I have three to four seats in the car
(aircon 4wd) for anyone that feels they could assist. I plan to return to
Melbourne (via the same route) on Thursday night (15th).
To search for the miners we usually walk between 6 and 14 km per day,
playing recordings of miners at regular intervals. Ideal volunteers would be
reasonably fit, have experience walking in the bush OFF TRACKS, be familiar
with navigating with both a GPS unit AND a compass and have some birding
experience.
We can provide each person with an EPIRP and a GPS and will ensure walkers
are competent in their use before turning them loose. We also have a
satellite phone at base camp. If getting a lift with me, transport to and
from Melbourne (or part thereof) is obviously free.
I realize this is a) short notice, b) a short trip and c) mid week but if
there is anybody out there that wishes to join me I would love to hear from
you.
If emailing a response please provide a phone number so that I can give you
a call.
Many thanks
Rohan
Rohan Clarke
PhD Candidate
'Conservation Biology of the Black-eared Miner'
Department of Zoology
La Trobe University
Bundoora Vic. 3083
Tel 03 9479 1672
Mobile 0408 947001
Email
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