NSW Twitchathon 2004

I've just received the list of all species seen by teams participating in the 2004 NSW Twichathon (30-31 October).  It makes interesting reading.

A total of 317 species were recorded in the 24 hour period.  This is quite impressive with the winning team recording 220. Not surprisingly, the greatest gap is sea-birds with three species of shearwater, Northern Giant Petrel and Gannet the only "real" sea-bird species recorded.

The scope of the twitchathon is well demonstrated by the diversity of species seen - Crested Bellbird, Diamond Dove, Chestnut-crowned Babbler and Crimson Chat to Rufous Scub-bird, Noisy Pitta and Wompoo Fruit-dove and Little Bronze-cuckoo to Fairy Tern.  Eight nocturnal species, 18 species of diurnal raptor and 29 species of honeyeater were recorded along with 30 species of shorebird.

A know there are a number of near-misses omitted (quire rightly) from the list.  The Whacked-out Woodswallows saw several species before the start but not during the official 24 hour period that didn't get recorded by any team - Major Mitchell Cockatoo, Budgerigar and Black Kite for example.  I also can't believe that no-one managed to record a Rockwarbler!!  

Although the funds raised this year will go to the Capertee Valley Regent Honeyeater Project no-one managed to find a Regent Honeyeater!

This list will be useful in efforts to try and get some corporate sponsorship of the 2005 Twitchathon.  I'm hoping that we can get a sponsor for species recorded by all teams.  if anyone out there knows of a potential sponsor please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Cheers

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
Department of Environment & Conservation
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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