Event

Pest Free Pt Chevalier is all about improving the native biodiversity of our little suburb. Many of us trap rats, a few trap possums and others are involved with controlling weeds in our reserves. But how do we know we are making a difference. One measure is to track changes in the makeup of our bird population by doing Five-minute bird counts (5MBCs). Yes, just five minutes looking and listening for birds can contribute to a growing database of bird activity.

• If you’ve done 5MBCs, please come along and help out those who haven’t.
• If you know your birds but have never done 5MBCs, come and learn how.
• Even if you don’t know your birds, now is a great time to start learning and contributing to citizen science.

What: We’ll be briefly teaching how bird counting is done then getting straight into the practical stuff, a series of 5MBCs at reserves around Pt Chev: Walmer Reserve, Moa Reserve, Pasadena Reserve, Waiōrea bush reserve. Those who want can then stick around for a cuppa and a debrief at the Urban Ark office in the Waiōrea Community Recycling Centre.

When: Saturday 17 May, 8am. The early bird gets the worm: the early birder gets the decent 5MBC. Birds are most active in the morning, so we’re starting at 8am. Bring along your wake-me-up brew and congratulate yourself with getting back home with a job well done before the reast of the household is up.

Where: Walmer Reserve, 76 Moa Rd. Meet on the grass and look for the Urban Ark flag.

What to bring: weather-appropriate clothing, strong footwear, binocular if you have them (we’ll bring spares)

Contact: Paul Whitfield [Enable JavaScript to view protected content]

Group: Pest Free Pt Chevalier