Wader Counting Program
What is the counting program?
Each month the QWSG organises a standardised count of as many high tide roosts in Queensland as it can. This is to obtain data concerning the number of waders and the different species of waders found in Queensland. From this, data for the site is obtained, data across species and overall trends can be followed.
The use of the high tide roost sites maximises the chances of obtaining an accurate number because the birds are pushed off the mudflats into a few, much smaller areas. These areas are usually free from vegetation so that a good sighting of the birds is achieved.
Each month a date is arranged so that the maximum height of tide, allied to the best time of day for the viewing and for volunteers, is arrived at (usually a weekend). The observers at the site then gather the relevant data. This information is divided into several sections.
- The most important is the birds. The number of birds present for each species are noted. The number of other waterbirds, seabirds and raptors are also counted. In addition, notes can be taken to cover plumage details or any flags observed.
- Details of the weather are recorded as these may have some bearing on numbers.
- Disturbances to the roosting birds such as humans, animals or vehicles are also recorded.
All this information is transferred to a standardised form and forwarded to the Count Coordinator, who checks for any obvious discrepancy. Then the data is entered into a database for later use.
As with most observations of waders a spotting scope with a magnification of at least 20x makes the job a lot easier. Familiarisation of the site will make a great difference to the coverage and efficiency of the count. One becomes used to the idiosyncrasies of the waders and their preferred roosting areas. It might not be possible to scan the whole of the site so care needs to be taken to cover the entire site without disturbing the birds too much. When there are large numbers of birds on the site care must be taken as the birds can be packed together. To assist the count a mechanical counter (clicker) can be of great benefit. Some observers like to use a small tape recorder so that they can go back over the count in peace at home.
We now have many years of consistently collected data from all over Queensland and this is now a valuable conservation tool and has recently led to a partnership between ourselves, the University of Queensland and a number of other parties which will analyse the dataset and use it to establish trends for shorebird numbers both in Queensland and throughout Australia.
We are always looking for new counters. If you would like to help out a good basic knowledge of wader identification is useful. We can send you out with one of our counters to gain experience or you can join us on one of our ID days and build your ID skills up over time. You may then be given a site to count. Please use our contact page to contact our Count Coordinator if you are interested.
Further information
How to get involved with the count program?
There are three main types of counts that the QWSG undertakes:
- Monthly count of high tide roost sites
- Port of Brisbane roost sites
- Special Surveys
The monthly count is the basis of the count program and is done, most times, on a Saturday. This count does require some commitment to being a regular counter, but can be shared with others thus enabling a continuous data set.
If you are interested you will need to contact the count co-ordinator and they will be able to take your details to allocate a suitable site, someone to help mentor you and to explain in more depth what is required.
For contact details: Count co-ordinator
The Port of Brisbane count is another monthly count taking place on the Sunday following the regular QWSG monthly count. These counts happen through an agreement from the Port of Brisbane Propriety Limited. It is necessary to fill out a simple induction and follow all directions from the PBPL representatives. (Port of Brisbane Safety Online Course) At the Port you will be allocated an area to count and, like the monthly count, you will have someone with you to mentor and explain what is required.
At present we run special surveys to the Great Sandy Strait, the Mackay district, the Gulf of Carpentaria, and Bowling Green Bay, Townsville. These counts are irregular and require a longer weekend participation; when one is being arranged a notice will be circulated. Usually, your travel, accommodation and some foods are covered by QWSG.
Either you will be contacted or an email invitation will be sent.