Lake Ellesmere waterbird survey Feb 16

Upcoming bird-watching trips and other birding events. Announce your counts, field trips, working bees, cost-share birding trips etc.
andrewcrossland
Posts: 2132
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:29 pm
Location: Christchurch

Lake Ellesmere waterbird survey Feb 16

Postby andrewcrossland » Thu Jan 17, 2019 8:33 am

Hi folks - the best chance to see all the birds at Lake Ellesmere is to participate in the annual all species count.

see http://www.wet.org.nz/projects/

This census enables long term longitudinal monitoring of bird pops on the lake, as well as useful info on wader nos and distribution. The more birders involved, the better the quality of data collected, and the more integrated the network of people and organisations who are interested in protecting the lake and its birdlife.

Results on the day are tabulated on a board at the site HQ so a great chance to pick up some species you need for your Canterbury BIG YEAR.

So, Sat Feb 16 is the day - the more people helping the better: Contact manager@wet.org.nz for info on how to participate

Contact manager@wet.org.nz to participate
andrewcrossland
Posts: 2132
Joined: Mon Dec 14, 2009 2:29 pm
Location: Christchurch

Re: Lake Ellesmere waterbird survey Feb 16

Postby andrewcrossland » Sat Feb 02, 2019 10:03 am

Hi folks, just a reminder that volunteers are wanted for the annual bird survey on lake Ellesmere. Sign up details are on the previous posting.
I know a lot of folks just like to go birding and see some rarities and find counting a drag, but it might be helpful to consider that:

1. Being involved in the count is a good way to "give back" to the lake and its avifauna, a way to contribute toward better wildlife management and eventually enhanced conservation protection (Ramsar site?).

2. there is often a skills deficit on survey teams where maybe only 1 or 2 of the 4-5 people per team are familiar with wader ID etc, but the others are much less experienced and instead can really only competently count species like counting swans, geese, spoonbills, stilts etc. The addition of more skilled observers, esp those with quality optics, is a massive help.

3. section totals and species lists are posted at a central HQ as these come in - meaning that there's great opportunity in the afternoon of the count to go and have a look for some of the rarer species.

4. Having lots of people out counting birds on a single day is certainly the best chance during the year to socialise, meet other birders, and put names to faces.

So, for those I've convinced to come along, the count itself is Sat 16 Feb, with an ID and counting methodology site workshop at Yarrs (DoC carpark at the end of Wolfes Rd), tomorrow, Sat Feb 3, 9:30am.

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