Bird survey a highlight of BioBlitz at Gunnado Farm

Members of Birdlife Australia Mid West continue to survey birds at every opportunity.

During the two-day 2018 Gunnado BioBlitz at Gunnado Farm near Walkaway, Birdlife members Jan Checker and Janet Newell joined Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions scientist Heather Beswick to lead volunteers in a bird census.

“Around 40 joined the group including a number of children who had a wonderful time,” Mrs Checker said.

“For me, the bird highlights were spotted harrier, flock of pied honeyeaters, splendid wren families, white-winged trillers and the pole camera shots of magpie and crow young in their nests.”

Mrs Checker said the weekend was well run and Gunnado was a beautiful place in the flat-topped hills which offered views of Geraldton 30km away and the coast.

“We saw the spotted harrier in action because we were up high on the hill on the lookout and it was below floating on the grass looking for rabbits, mice, insects, it was lovely,” she said.

“It has got a light-grey back and it was late in the day and there was light bouncing off it. It has light broad wings and it has that slow surveillance which is one of its features.”

Mrs Checker said they identified 36 definite bird species and two they were not sure of because they were some distance away.

Birdlife Australia Mid West is a citizen science group and more information about its activities is available by phoning 0438 643 773.

Conservation Council of WA members are heading up to Chapman Valley Regional Park again for a springtime round of fauna surveying for the City of Greater Geraldton led by ecologist Dr Nic Dunlop.

Organiser Alison Goundrey said the group would be relying on “local know-how” and encouraged Geraldton people to participate until Friday, September 21.

For more information, email alisongoundrey@westnet.com.au or call 0424 289 294.