Hi,
I am currently looking for a volunteer to help with some fieldwork for a
research project in the Macquarie Marshes. I was wondering if the details
below could be forwarded to the Birding Australia email list.
Thankyou!
Alice Blackwood
Honours Candidate
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science
University of New South Wales
FIELDWORK VOLUNTEERS WANTED- MACQUARIE MARSHES, RED GUMS AND BIRDS
Hi Folks,
I'm searching for someone with a bit of birdwatching experience to help out
with some fieldwork in the Macquarie Marshes from the 19th of April to the
8th of May.
I have a few volunteers already, but if someone with a bit of birdwatching
experience is interested then I will be able to have two survey teams, and
greatly increase the power of my analysis. Students are particularly
welcome, birdwatching experience only needs to be equivalent or better than
my own relatively beginner status.
*About the project:*
It will be examining the effects of River-red gum *Eucalyptus
camaldulensis*decline on habitat quality for bushbirds in the
Macquarie Marshes, NSW
River Red Gum forests in NSW provide important habitat for threatened and
endangered species and migratory birds. Little is known about their
importance to terrestrial fauna although they are sites of high
productivity, particularly during floods. The Macquarie Marshes, an
internationally important wetland in central Western NSW, has the largest
stand of river red gums *Eucalyptus camaldulensis* in northern NSW, but this
has declined by about 14%, with the death of large areas of red gum. This
project aims to investigate differences in bird abundance, diversity and
behaviour in areas of river red gums in different health conditions, related
to the changes in river and groundwater access.
The management of the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin has become one of
the most serious environmental issues affecting Australia with commitment by
all governments to rehabilitation of rivers. This cannot be done without a
good understanding of the likely benefits but also the long term costs of
not providing increased flows. Much of Australia’s research has focused on
freshwater dependent organisms but it is known that wetlands are also a
critical focus of productivity for terrestrial animals. The relative
importance of key wetland areas to bush birds is poorly known. This project
provides the opportunity to engage with a dynamic group of researchers
providing information to managers and policy makers on the future of the
Macquarie Marshes and the effects of rehabilitation. The work can
synergistically assist by providing information on an area that is poorly
known. The research group has strong collaborative links with policy-makers,
landholders and other stakeholders.
Click
here<http://maps.google.com.au/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=macquarie+marshes&sll=-25.335448,135.745076&sspn=53.802978,78.75&ie=UTF8&ll=-32.305706,149.326172&spn=6.479371,9.84375&z=7&iwloc=addr>for
a map of where the Macquarie Marshes are.
*What you would be doing*
If you have bird watching experience I would get you to lead a survey team
conducting bird surveys in the mornings. The 2ha search as used by the New
Atlas of Australian Birds will be used. So some familiarity with scientific
surveying would be helpful. Other volunteers will assist and take notes.
Vegetation surveys will be carried out during the day.
We will be staying in a house belonging to National Parks, but may camp
some nights in order to be close to sampling sites in the morning.
*What will it cost you*
Food and transport costs (from Sydney or closer) will be covered
*What you would get out of it*
Fieldwork and birdwatching experience and skills.
Fun!
Time out of the city, getting to know an internationally important wetland
and its flora and fauna.
A warm fuzzy feeling from knowing you're helping with important research
that could contribute to future survival of Macquarie Marshes and other
river red gum forests.
My eternal gratitude!
*If you are interested*
Contact me! or 0422071085. Let me know:
a)your name and contact details
b)when you would be interested in coming and for how long (1 week is the
minimum practical stay, a whole fortnight or more is preferred)
c)any relevant fieldwork or birdwatching experience
Please circulate to anyone you think might be interested
All the best,
Alice Blackwood
Honours Candidate
School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science
University of New South Wales
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