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Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary WA
Finch Census 2010
This year the annual finch census will be held at Mornington Wildlife
Sanctuary between the 19th and 23rd of September 2010. These notes
have been compiled to give you an idea of what the census will involve,
what is expected of volunteers, how to get to Mornington, what to
expect when you arrive and what to bring. If you have any additional
questions please contact James Smith (finch.census@australianwildlife.org).
The AWC website provides details on the wildlife and ecosystems of
Mornington (http://www.australianwildlife.org.au).
Background information
The Finch census has been an annual event on Mornington for the past
5 years. The aim is to keep track of finch numbers across the property.
Although Gouldians are a focus, other species are also monitored.
There are ten species of finch on Mornington (some are very rare),
all of which are monitored, as well as doves. During September, the
waterholes have retracted to a small number, making it easier to count
the birds as they come for a drink in the morning.
What the week will entail
The census will be run by AWC ecologist Sarah Legge. Sarah will be
assisted by approximately three AWC ecologists. The AWC team will
have a series of water holes mapped out for the census. Finch volunteers
will be split into groups and will leave early each morning to survey
water holes in the south of Mornington. Each group will spend two
hours (between 5am and 7am) at their designated waterhole counting
birds. All groups then return to the Research office for breakfast
(provided by AWC) and a general discussion on what was seen and what
will happen the next day. We ask that you write up your notes for
one of the AWC employees to enter and then the rest of the day is
free. There will be opportunities for day activities and excursions
to good birding spots for those who are interested. An AWC staff member
will be able to escort you to these areas and be able to provide transport.
Although the census will run from the 19th to the 23rd of September,
we ask that you arrive at Mornington on the 18th for an introduction,
training and practice session. This session will begin at 2pm and
aims to provide everyone with an understanding of what we are trying
to record, how to prioritise information if the situation becomes
frenetic (for example 200 finches drinking at once), and to make sure
you're comfortable with identifying some of the juveniles, such as
picking juvenile Pictorellas from Gouldians.
On the night of the 23rd Mornington will host a celebratory thank
you and farewell dinner. We recommend that you organize to depart
Mornington on the 24th.
Volunteer requirements
Experienced birdwatchers are required for the census. Volunteers should
have a keen eye for bird-watching and be able to conduct rapid counts.
How to get to Mornington
Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Central Kimberley.
The closest major centres are Kununurra and Broome. Derby, the nearest
town, is a five hour drive along the Gibb River road (mostly a dirt
road). Click here to view a map.
Driving:
If you are driving yourself, a 4WD vehicle is essential. Mornington
is accessible by road from Derby or Kununurra along the Gibb River
Road. If you are travelling from Broome or Derby you will travel north
along the Gibb River Road to the Mt House/Mornington turn off. The
distance from Broome to the turn off is 468km (approximately six hours
travel) and from Derby 248km (three hours). From Kununurra it is 455km
(approximately six hours) via the Gibb River Road or 380km (four to
five hours) from Fitzroy Crossing via Tunnel Creek.
The road into Mornington is less frequently travelled. There are a
number of river and creek crossings where you will require a 4WD,
mainly for the clearance. We can give you an update of road conditions
closer to your time of travel. From the turn off at the Gibb River
Rd it is 91km (approx two hours) in to the camp. Mornington has a
radio booth at the turn-off, please radio ahead and let us know you
are coming in.
Flying:
If you are flying, you can fly into Broome (Airnorth, Qantas, Skywest,
Virgin Blue), Derby (Ozjet) or Kununurra (Airnorth) and make your
way to Mornington from there. From Broome you are able to catch a
bus to Derby, which will take approximately two to three hours. You
can get timetables and book through the Derby Visitor Centre (08 9191
1426 www.derbytourism.com.au) or Greyhound (www.greyhound.com). From
Derby you can catch the weekly mail plane (operated by Slingair),
it departs Derby at 7am every Friday and can be booked the through
Derby Visitor Centre.
Other:
There will be a number of people travelling in for the Finch census
so if you require a lift from Broome or Derby to Mornington let us
know and we will try and find you a seat with some fellow finchers.
We also have fortnightly supply runs to Derby. If the timing is suitable,
we can arrange to pick you up or drop you off during a supply run.
There is a limit of 2 passengers, so space is limited.
Facilities
Volunteers will be camping in the Mornington Campground. We ask that
you bring your own tents and sleeping gear. There are shared amenities
close by, including a laundry.
There are also Safari tents available as an alternative to camping.
To make a booking or find out any information about prices or availability
please email diane.scarsi@australianwildlife.org
You will have the use of the staff kitchen. It is a full kitchen with
a gas stove, fridges, cooking gear, crockery, and cutlery.
There is a public phone available at the camp but you will require
a phone card. They are sold at the camp bar but we recommend you bring
one with you.
What to bring
The weather at Mornington will be comfortably warm and dry with cold
nights (night temperatures can drop to 10 degrees Celsius in September).
You need to bring your own: ·
Camping gear - we recommend that you bring a lightweight tent, therma-rest
type mattress and warm sleeping bag.
· Personal cup, plates and cutlery
· Binoculars
· You could bring a scope if you have one, there will be an opportunity
to go to Lake Gladstone one afternoon and look for waders and water-birds
· Torch (spare batteries)
· Sturdy/hiking shoes
· Sandals
· Sun protection - hat, long sleeved cotton shirt, long pants, sun
block
· Cool comfortable clothes for the daytime
· Warm clothes for the evening
· Small field pack
· Water bottle
· Food (breakfast will be provided by the Sanctuary but you will be
responsible for all other meals).
We will provide you with a datasheet, note book and folder for recording
birds during the survey.
If you'd like to see a snapshot of the results so far, please contact
James Smith (finch.census@australianwildlife.org)
. ...................................
THREATENED BIRD NETWORK
tbn@birdsaustralia.com.au
Birds Australia
Suite 2-05, 60 Leicester Street
Carlton VIC 3053
Australia
Ph 1300 730 075
www.birdsaustralia.com.au |
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