Methods

Two types of bird monitoring were initiated on Ackers Point in April 2004; five minute bird counts and transect counts.

Five minute bird counts

Five minute bird counts followed standardised methods (Dawson and Bull 1975; see Appendix 2). On Ackers point, twenty four bird count stations were established and marked (see Figure 2). These stations were based at existing trap locations. All stations were counted at least twice to get 53 five minute bird counts. Despite stations only being 100m apart, counts were timed so that all counts on any one day, were a minimum of 180m apart.

Figure 2: Location of bird count stations on Ackers Point.

As a comparison, 50 bird count stations were also established and counted around the Ryans Creek track (see Figure 3). Over time, this will be a comparison between the area that we are protecting and an area that isn’t being trapped.

Figure 3: Location of bird count stations at Ryan’s Creek.

Transect Counts

Thirteen transect counts were established along the existing trap lines. Transect counts count every bird encountered within 10m either side of the transect line (see Handford 2000).

Results

Both sites currently have similar bird numbers, with the only substantial difference being more tomtits at Ryans Creek (see Figure 4). All original data is held on file at the trust’s office.

Figure 4: Comparison of the treatment and non-treatment areas, showing average bird numbers per station.

Discussion

This data provides a baseline so that we can record changes over time. If the trapping is successful, then bird numbers within the protected area should increase, whereas the Ryan’s Creek counts should stay the same or decrease.

The counts will have to be repeated every April, preferably by the same person.