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Rebecca Boulton and the Black-eared Miner Recovery Team need a number of enthusiastic volunteers to help walk transects throughout the Riverland Biosphere to record miners and other threatened mallee birds. They are attempting to repeat extensive surveys that were completed back in 2000-02 and again in 2007 using distance sampling to take a snap-shot of miner densities in specific areas of the Biosphere Reserve. This will give some indication of how the species is recovering from the 118,000ha fire that burnt through the Biosphere in 2006.

No black-eared miner experience is necessary, as volunteers will only be required to count the number of miners detected along each transect. General bird identification skills will be beneficial. Volunteers will need to have a good level of fitness and be proficient with using a GPS as transects will require walking 4-5km off dirt tracks, walking up to 10km.

Volunteers will be required to travel to Gluepot Reserve independently. Some car-pooling will be possible during the surveys, however, the use of personal vehicles may be necessary due to the survey sites dispersion across the Biosphere. Accommodation will be camping at the Gluepot Reserve designated campsites.

This is a great opportunity to visit Gluepot Reserve, walking extensive areas in these mallee habitats is the best way to see all of those other mallee specialists.

Contact: please contact Rebecca if you are interested or require more information on 0468 717 404 or rlboulton@gmail.com
When: 11-16 September 2015 (volunteers not required for the whole period) with another possible survey in October
Where: Gluepot Reserve, South Australia

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Image source: birdway.com.au