| Narran Lake Waterbirds |
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| Researcher: Kate Brandis |
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| The first breeding event observed in 8 years is currently underway at Narran Lakes. Due to the drought that the Murray Darling Basin has been experiencing for the last 6 years there has been a lack of suitable flood events to initiate waterbird breeding in this internationally recognised wetland. It is a highly significant event and it is critical that as much information is collected about the success of this breeding event as possible. |
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| The current breeding event provides a significant opportunity to identify for the critical aspects of flow necessary for successful waterbird breeding at Narran Lakes. It would provide current data that could be tested against the models developed on historical data. |
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| This study collects data at three different scales; the wetland scale, the colony scale and the nest scale. The wetland will be surveyed as a single unit using aerial waterbird survey techniques from a fixed-wing aircraft. This survey will provide data on breeding throughout the entire wetland, on total waterbird abundance and species diversity. This information will also include data on different colony sites within the wetland. |
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| Data from all three scales will be related to the hydrological characteristics of the flood event. This information is critical in managing the wetland complex as a successful breeding site and maintaining its importance as a wetland of international significance. |
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| At the colony scale, data will be collected using low level photography taken from a helicopter. The Ibis colony at Back Lake will be photographed providing an accurate estimation of nest numbers throughout the colony. The nest scale will be studied through a series of ground surveys that collect data on the reproductive success of nests throughout the breeding event. This will provide information on clutch size and breeding success. Ground surveys will also measure water depth changes at the colony site. These data are important in determining inundation patterns required for successful breeding. |
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| Fixed wing surveys offer an opportunity to observe and survey the entire colony site and other waterbirds using the wetland in a relatively short time period. During the February 2004 flow event an aerial survey was conducted to check for the waterbird breeding. Unfortunately the conditions are the time was not suitable for waterbird breeding. The conditions for waterbird breeding are now suitable and aerial surveys conducted now will contribute to our overall understanding of triggers for waterbird breeding. Fixed wing aerial surveys will be conducted to conduct counts of waterbirds and species present. This survey would be repeated during the breeding event to monitor changes in abundance, species composition and changes in inundation. |
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| A helicopter survey will provide the opportunity to take low level photography, not possible from a fixed wing aircraft. The photographic data can then be analysed in the lab to look at the number of nests and nesting patterns. This method of can collect a large amount of data over a short time period. |
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| In addition to aerial surveys to monitor the entire colony site, ground surveys will be done to more closely monitor waterbird nesting. Ground counts will be conducted from within the colony using a canoe. A number of nests will be monitored every two weeks to study the progress of egg laying, chick survival and fledgling success. Water depth and water quality at the colony site will be monitored throughout the breeding event. |
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