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.