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Wings over Western Port
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Three
decades surveying Wetland Birds 1973 to 2003
Wings Over Western Port has been
published with the hope that it will inspire and assist other groups to become
involved in long-term studies of our wildlife. Such studies, which iron out the
short-term changes due to annual variations in local conditions, will help to
identify trends in populations, some of which could require action to correct.
This is especially important for the migratory waders, which face many
challenges during their annual travels and rely on habitat conditions being
favourable in sites well away from Australia’s control. However, if a problem
is identified there is a chance that we can help.
More than thirty years ago BOCA became involved in surveying the birds of
Western Port and adjacent wetlands. Initially, the survey was undertaken as part
of the Western Port Environmental Study for the Ministry of Conservation. At the
end of that twelve-month project, BOCA members decided to continue with regular
surveys and this has continued unbroken to the present day.
Wings Over Western Port outlines how
the survey was undertaken, the lessons learnt along the way, and some of the
outcomes. The data collected through the BOCA surveys have been used in many
ways to contribute to our knowledge and protection of Western Port’s
environment and its birdlife. Western Port now enjoys the status of a Ramsar
site and has recently been included as a major component of the Mornington
Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve. It is also recognised as a site in
the East Asian-Australasian Shorebird Reserve Network and has been included in
the National Shorebird Conservation Project of WWF Australia. Along the way, the
survey data have been used for many planning studies and strategies, such as the
Oil Spill Response Atlas. BOCA’s survey played a major role in all these
actions, and others as well.
Obviously it has required a huge commitment and effort from BOCA members to
maintain the survey for three decades. Over that period more than two hundred
BOCA members and their families have taken part. The results are a tribute to
those volunteers and particularly to the co-ordinators, who organise the teams,
the training, the transport (including boats) and the documentation of results.
BOCA members and others who participated in the Western
Port Survey may obtain a free copy of Wings Over Western Port by contacting
Trish or Sue at BOCA’s Head Office on 03 9877 5342, writing to BOCA, PO Box
185, Nunawading, Vic, 3131, or by email information@birdobservers.org.au
Organisations planning or undertaking similar surveys may
also be eligible for a complimentary copy. Apply as above. The report may also
be purchased from BOCA's Blue Wren Gift Shop.
The survey of Western Port continues. Anyone who would like
to take part in the study is invited to contact BOCA.
Wings Over Western Port was produced
with the assistance of a grant
from Environment Australia’s Natural Heritage Trust.
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