Searches for threatened Mallee birds: Volunteer field assistants required

["Rohan Clarke" <>]

Hi all,
Some list members may be interested in this.

SEARCHES FOR THREATENED MALLEE BIRDS: VOLUNTEER FIELD ASSISTANTS REQUIRED.

This is a unique opportunity to participate in ornithological research on a host of threatened mallee bird species.

Activities: Primarily searching for threatened mallee birds in one of three locations (see below). Species that we are seeking include Black-eared Miner, Red-lored Whistler, Striated Grasswren, Mallee Emuwren, Mallee Whipbird and Malleefowl to name a few. (note that not all species are found at each location). Some vegetation assessment will also be conducted at specific sites. Results will feed into a larger project investigating "Landscape-scale habitat modification and its impact on threatened bird species in the Murray Mallee of South-eastern Australia". Searches will involve a mixture of vehicle based call playback, point counts and transects. When walking transects we cover up to 12 km a day off-tracks so volunteers need to be reasonably fit.

Personal qualities required: easy going and equable temperament; ability to enjoy life in an isolated and challenging environment; ability to work co-operatively and under direction as part of a team; ability to keep detailed records.

Given these are short focused field trips good general birdwatching skills are necessary. Other desirable skills include previous fieldwork (birds, flora/fauna); camping, bush navigation and first aid.

Location: Murray Sunset National Park Vic., Mallee Cliffs/Abbots Tank area NSW and/or Billiatt Conservation Park and surrounds SA.

Duration: One to two people for two to three week blocks.

Provisional dates are:

September 19th to Oct 4th

Oct 13th to Nov 1st

Nov 10th to Nov 22nd

Nov 24th to Dec 6th

Expenses: food costs provided and transport ex Melbourne in University vehicle. All trips will involve camping.

Expressions of interest: Rohan Clarke, La Trobe University, School of Zoology, Bundoora, 3083, Ph
03 9479 1672, Fax 03 9479 1551, e-mail m("zoo.latrobe.edu.au","r.clarke");">

Rohan Clarke
Threatened Mallee Bird Project
Zoology Department
La Trobe University
Bundoora 3086
Ph: 03 9479 1672 Mobile 0408 947001
m("zoo.latrobe.edu.au","R.Clarke");">