Yellow-faced Honeyeater (photo: John Hurrell)
Volunteer for the 2026 honeyeater migration survey
A CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
In April 2025 Canberra Birds conducted surveys of migrating honeyeaters along the Murrumbidgee River Corridor. Many of our members took part, with preliminary results presented by survey coordinator, Chris Davey in the May issue of Gang-gang and in more detail at the July members meeting.
The honeyeater migration is a feature of the local birding scene and occurs twice a year, with birds passing through the ACT in spring and autumn. The autumn movement is the more obvious, as birds move in flocks from their breeding grounds in the Brindabella Ranges and beyond.
The April 2025 survey was very successful and revealed that numbers of migrating birds were well down from our previous survey in 1997. Impressions from the local bush telegraph indicate that the main passage of migratory birds may have been in late March-early April. So we will repeat and extend the survey in autumn 2026 – starting mid-March and finishing mid-May.
We are again seeking volunteers to take part. All levels of experience are welcome. If you haven’t surveyed before or want to develop your identification skills this is a great opportunity to do so. It is not necessary to commit to attend all 10 survey days!
In 2025, eighty-eight species were reported during the passage. The survey therefore provides a great opportunity to view the migration and also record other species in the area.
What’s involved?
Our volunteer surveyors count the number of birds passing through nine locations along the Murrumbidgee River Corridor. Teams of 2-3 people count birds at each site, with experienced observers teamed with less-experienced observers.
When and Where: The mornings of 14, 21 and 28 March, 4, 11, 18 and 25 April and 2, 9 and 16 May at Casuarina Sands, Pine Island, Gigerline A (Tharwa Sandwash) and Angle Crossing. In addition, if we have enough volunteers, we will survey Uriarra Crossing, Kambah Pool, Point Hut, Gigerline B and Williamsdale on the 11, 18 and 25 April.
What: Count the number of each migrating species over 15 minute periods between 8:00 am and 1.00 pm and record these on a special survey sheet.
WE ARE NOW CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS. Could you please email Chris Davey (daveychris12@gmail.com) providing your mobile number and indicate which survey/s and sites (details of sites and locations are below) you would like to be involved with. If you wish to survey at different sites on different surveys that would not be a problem.
I encourage you to get involved with this interesting survey. As in 2025, it will be most enjoyable, and you will be contributing to a very worthwhile citizen science project.
Resources
White-naped Honeyeater (photo: John Hurrell)