Surveys

Birds Australia - Victoria conduct a number of regular surveys.

Devilbend

Roger Richards and a group of committed bird counters were given permission by Melbourne Water to enter the 1057ha reserve surrounding the decommissioned Devilbend and Bittern Reservoirs on the Mornington Peninsula to conduct monthly bird counts. The counts started in May 2004 and by February 2005 129 species had been recorded.

Birds in the adjacent Woods Reserve are also recorded.

Waterbirds are counted using spotting scopes from set positions where the overall reservoir area can be observed. An estimate of total waterbird numbers is recorded.

45 waterbirds have been recorded including Blue-billed Duck and Great Crested Grebe. White-bellied Sea-Eagles have also been seen.

Terrestrial birds are counted along a number of transects to obtain an abundance index.

Incidental observations of flocks or individuals are added.

In January 2005, the Victorian Government announced that Devilbend Reserve will be transferred to Parks Victoria and will be listed as a Conservation Park. Community volunteers will be involved in the management. Details are yet to be finalized.

The Melway Reference is Map 153 J3. Counts are held on the second Tuesday of each month Anyone wishing to participate is requested to contact Roger by email at ornithology3@yahoo.com.

Eastern Treatment Plant Bird Surveys

The Eastern Treatment Plant (ETP) is usually surveyed on the fourth Sunday of the month. Surveyors drive around the entire plant in 4wds and attempt to count every bird detected. Being a working sewage plant with some designated conservation areas, but smaller than the Western Treatment Plant at Werribee, you can expect to encounter a wide range of birds, albeit in smaller numbers than at Werribee. For the beginner, this is an ideal place to start learning water birds, and how to count birds, since Mike and his associates will assist you in any way they can. Anyone can identify and count Black Swans can't they? The plant is not as actively managed for the birds as Werribee is, so from count to count we don't know what the next tank is likely to yield. Some surprising birds have turned up in the ponds: Painted Snipe, Yellow Wagtail, and all manner of waders.

Trust For Nature

BA-Vic conducts a program of systematic surveys of Trust For Nature properties. Full reports are available on the TFN Survey Page.

Last updated 22 March 2006.