 Contents:
Garden Bird Survey
The GBS has been conducted by COG since 1981, with all the information now compiled in a detailed computer database.
The GBS records the species and abundance of birds in suburban gardens. Canberra suburbs are bird-rich environments that are made more interesting by a strong seasonal climatic variation. The GBS allows COG members and supporters to contribute to a useful bird survey from their own homes, with minimal cost and effort. It is also excellent for all levels, from beginners to experienced observers. The amount of time that participants spend is entirely open to their situation.
Survey participants record weekly, the largest number of individuals of each species observed at any one time in or over their site, being a 100 metre radius. Breeding activity is also recorded. The data is recorded on a large wall chart, which hold a year's worth of observations. The GBS year runs from July - June (but new participants can join at any time).
This project has established a unique long-term set of information into the annual geographic distributions and population abundance patterns of common, rare and introduced bird species.
Data from the GBS has contributed to the COG publication 'Birds of Canberra Gardens' (published in 2000), a generously illustrated analysis of Canberra's bird abundance and distribution, written for the general public.
COG is always looking for more participants for the GBS, particularly in newer areas such as Tuggeranong and Gungahlin.
Contact: Martin Butterfield gbs@canberrabirds.org.au
Birdwatch Project
Birdwatch is a joint project of ACT and region landholders, Greening Australia, CSIRO and COG.
The aim of the project is to determine the value of revegetation on rural properties for birds.
Early in 2000, COG members commenced surveying 132 sites located on 55 private properties and 15 public reserves across the Southern Tablelands. The sites included revegetation of varying size and shape, spread from Canberra to Braidwood to Boorowa, and ranging in age from 14 months to 14 years. Surveys are carried out quarterly.
The information obtained has been analysed by CSIRO to determine the best shape, size and location of revegetation for bird habitat.
As well as providing valuable information, the participating landholders have seen the fruits of their labours and received valuable education in how to monitor their properties for biodiversity. A small book, "Bringing the Birds Back: a glovebox guide for bird identification and habitat restoration in ACT & SE NSW" was published in conjunction with the project by Greening Australia in 2001.
Contact: Nicky Taws ntaws@bigpond.com
Woodland Surveys
Since 1995, COG has conducted quarterly surveys of the abundance and distribution of birds in the woodlands of Mulligan's Flat Nature Reserve.
With the declaration of the endangered Yellow Box - Blakeley's Red Gum Grassy Woodland Community and a number of woodland bird species as threatened species, in 1998 and 2000 COG extended its woodland surveys.
Currently, COG systematically surveys each season 11 grassy woodland sites covering nature parks and reserves and rural leasehold areas in the ACT (under arrangement with the land managers/lessees of those sites).
The aims of the surveys are to document the abundance of the birds using the endangered grassy woodlands so that the success of management practices can be monitored and to obtain as much information as possible on those bird species listed as threatened within the ACT.
Contact: COG office cogoffice@canberrabirds.org.au
Threatened Bird Surveys
COG is currently developing a survey protocol for the long-term monitoring of the abundance of two listed threatened species, Brown Treecreeper and Hooded Robin, at a number of sites around Canberra. These sites will include existing woodland survey sites, some Atlas of Australian Birds sites and others yet to be selected.
It is expected that these surveys will commence in the second half of 2002.
Contact: Nicky Taws ntaws@bigpond.com
Lakes George and Bathurst Waterbird Surveys
COG volunteers have been conducting, whenever possible, monthly surveys of Lake Bathurst and Lake George, north of Canberra, since 1980. Both lakes support large numbers of waterbirds of many species, including rare and threatened species.
In recent years overall water levels have been low, and both lakes have been dry for extended periods. However, the monitoring program for both sites continues.
Contact: Dr Michael Lenz via the COG office cogoffice@canberrabirds.org.au
Atlas of Australian Birds
COG members participated in the Birds Australia national initiative to atlas the presence of bird species in known habitat types right across the continent. This survey, which commenced in 1998, is still ongoing albeit at a lower level than the initial three years intense activity.
Birds Australia is currently preparing data from the 1998-2001 collection period for publication (due end 2002). This will compare distribution and abundance data with that collected during the first Atlas of Australian Birds undertaken between 1977-1981.
COG members continue to survey habitat sites they identified during the atlas.
Data is collected on COG Observation Record forms, and entered into the COG record database, as well as being shared with Birds Australia.
Contact: COG office cogoffice@canberrabirds.org.au
|
