What is Canberra Ornithologists Group (COG)

COG’S BIRD BLITZ – UPDATE 29 October

Unfortunately a few regulars have pulled out so now there is no certain (though possible default) coverage of the Ororral Valley and less than ideal coverage of the Brindabellas, so if anyone has time and energy to brave the elements safely, go to. As reported previously, a few normally popular sites have not been adopted: Percival Hill NR in the north; Mt Mugga Mugga; and all of the trails off the Boboyan Rd in Namadgi NP. Quite a few more central sites have “possible” surveyors whom I have not recorded on the Excel spreadsheet - don’t worry if your name does not appear, your contributions will be most welcome. Several people have asked if they can survey their sites outside of the weekend – the short answer is, no, not if they are to be counted as part of the blitz. As you will have noted, the weather forecast is less than promising. The blitz goes ahead, however, and hopefully there will be dry spells which enable us to record birds at no risk to life and limb. Remember, the birds will still be there and quite often surveying immediately before or after rain can be rewarding. If the weather is truly awful, you will be forgiven for not participating, but please let me know after the event so I don’t chase you up unnecessarily. Good and safe birding, everyone, and do not take unnecessary risks in the wet! And remember to get your datasheets in as soon as possible afterwards, either electronically via COG’s input system, or in hard copy to COG’s PO box or to the red datasheet box at the next COG meeting or to my mailbox in Page. If you don’t have datasheets or can’t download them from the COG website www.canberrabirds.org.au simply use a piece of paper and provide full details of who you are, where you went and when, and what you recorded (actual numbers pls, not presence). Barbara Allan, blitz organiser

Yes, it is on again, on the weekend of 30-31 October - COG’s annual effort to record over the last weekend in October all species of birds present in the ACT across as wide a variety of habitats as possible; and to record any breeding activity. All COG members are warmly encouraged to participate, so that we can cover as much of the ACT as possible. COG members are encouraged to “adopt” one or more grid cells, and those already adopted will be shown on our website and updated from time to time. But don’t be perturbed if your favorite location has been taken - multiple surveyors per grid cell are quite acceptable, though it would be good if you took on at least one unclaimed site as well. Think about giving an unknown area a try – it might prove exciting. In order to claim a grid cell, please put in your bid to Barbara Allan, the blitz organizer, on allanbm@bigpond.net.au or phone her on 6254 6520.

If you are very familiar with a site and regularly survey there, or do Birds Australia-registered two hectare surveys there, you would probably be the best person to survey that site for the blitz if you can. But if last years’ sites were boring or unpleasant or bird-free zones, pick somewhere new this time. Or better still, do a 2-ha 20-min survey to “cover” the grid cell, then move on to somewhere more interesting. If you are a beginner, probably the easiest way to participate is to do a survey in your local park – but remember only to record the birds whose identity you are absolutely sure of. And if work or family commitments preclude you from doing much at all, be sure to try and do at least a 20-minute, 2-ha survey of your own backyard and environs, to support COG’s blitz.

As usual, depending on the weather and Namadgi National Park management, we hope to be able to conduct surveys beyond the locked gates in the Park. The organizer is looking for more 4WDs and competent drivers to tackle the fire trails. Please contact Barbara if you’d like to be involved and/or if you have room in your vehicle and are willing to take passengers.

All standard Birds Australia survey methods are acceptable – just indicate on the electronic or hard-copy datasheet which one you used:

Remember to record the abundance of each bird species seen – e.g. 2 Laughing Kookaburra; plus any indication of breeding using the following codes: ih (inspecting hollow); co (copulating); nb (nest building); ny (nest with young); cf (carrying food); dy (dependent young). Only record species you are sure about. If you see a bird species on COG’s “unusuals” list, take a photo of it, if at all possible; take copious field notes of all the details you observe and any features you didn’t see; then either submit a completed “unusual bird report form” (available on the COG website) with your hard-copy datasheet or email it to rarities@canberrabirds.org.au.

Datasheets are available at COG meetings; from the organiser; or from the COG website under “forms” – the COG observation record sheet is the general-use form. This year you may also use COG’s electronic input option for your blitz records, using the standard ABA code not a specific blitz one. [This means that any ACT bird record entered over the blitz weekend will be treated as if it were a blitz record].If you aren’t already a user of the online data entry system and would prefer to enter your blitz records this way, please contact Paul Fennell our database manager for details – ptf@grapevine.com.au or 6254 1804. If you use hard-copy datasheets, please mail them to COG blitz records, PO Box 301, Civic Square ACT 2608; deliver them to Barbara; or hand them in at the November COG meeting.

While most of us find the act of going out and recording birds rewarding enough in itself, it is good if we can offer modest incentives such as participation “lucky draw” prizes. If you are prepared to donate books, wine, DVDs, native plants or anything suitable as a blitz prize, the organizer would love to hear from you!

COG Bird Week Blitz 2010 October 30-31

COG Bird Week Blitz 2010
October 30-31