Yandina Wetlands surveys

Hello all active Sunshine Coast Birders,

Many of you are aware of the Yandina Creek Wetlands and the efforts of Greg Roberts, who discovered the site’s value for rare and uncommon bird species, and others to encourage the protection of this area.

Some of you would also be aware that all of these efforts paid off when Unity Waters purchased the property. With that purchase and their on-going management Yandina Creek Wetlands now should enjoy a promising future. You can read about the wetlands and Unity Water here; https://www.unitywater.com/about-us/projects-in-your-area/major-projects/yandina-creek-wetland

In exciting news for local birders Unity Water and Birdlife Australia SE Queensland have entered into an agreement that involves monitoring the wetlands periodically; specifically undertaking bird surveys. Sunshine Coast birders have an opportunity to contribute to these surveys and thus contribute to the knowledge base essential for successful management. At this stage it is not possible to visit the site unless connected with these formal surveys.

To participate in the surveys each birder must participate in a workshop such that survey methodology, species identification and recording, site safety etc, can be clearly understood. Each birder must be responsible to protect themselves from harm – specifically sun, biting insects and the terrain – so hats, sun-screen, long sleeves and closed shoes or boots are essential.

The dates for these workshops are, at this stage, the 11^th and 25^th November. The workshops would run from approximately midday until 5pm. This time frame would allow both a workshop covering the above topics within a Unity Waters building before a visit to the Wetlands to undertake a bird survey. More specific details regarding the surveys will be available prior. There are plans to run a number of surveys throughout the year. Dates, times and participants for each subsequent survey will also be advised later.

Please let me know of your interest as soon as possible,

Cheers now and good birding,

Ken
friarbird43@bigpond.com