Bird Counts
The Waterbird surveys were initiated in 2002 using
a tape call-back system.
The objective of this study was to use broadcast calls
to quantify the use of the Netley Libau IBA by secretive
species Virginia rails, Sora, yellow rails, pied-billed
grebes and American bitterns.
A broadcast tape was developed that included the calls
most commonly used during the breeding season by the
above birds. Conspecific calls were 1-min in length
followed by a 1-min listening period. A Johnny Stewart
Wildlife Caller was used to broadcast calls.
Surveys were conducted on June 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th,
24th, 26th; and on July 3rd 2002. At least 29 hours
of broadcast calls were administered in 2002. Surveys
were conducted around Goldeye Lake, Prudent Lake, Parisian
Lake, Anderson road, and Swedish Lake and either before
12 noon or after 6 pm in the evening.
Soras responded the most frequently followed by Virginia
rails. Soras were found to be very vocal responding
to not only conspecific calls but to broadcast calls
of all other species. On several occasions soras approached
to within 1-meter of the surveyor.
Waterbird responses to aural survey were conducted
in the Netley Libau Marsh 2002. Soras were found to
respond to both the sora purwee and sora whinney call
as well as to other species calls. Incidental calls
were calls heard during the survey period judged not
to be in response to the broadcast tape.
The surveys will be continued and expanded in 2003.
Efforts will be made to assess the Least Bittern population
as well.
In the past 3 years a total of at least 120 species
have been recorded on the surveys with several thousand
birds each year being counted. The species include waterfowl,
upland game birds, hawks and eagles and a representation
of all tyes of songbirds.
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