SuperSites Data Portal

Seven iterations of 20 minute bird surveys recording all birds seen and heard within an approximate 2 hectare plot centred on the marked areas at ASM and TTE. Times of surveys were staggered throughout the day at each site. Records species diversity and abundance.

Reference: BirdLife Australia Atlas website

Searches of the 2 hectare plots surveyed using the Atlas method (see above) seeking identifiable signs of birds including tracks, droppings, nests. Records species diversity but not abundance. Weather events which can erase sign can be confounding factor. Best performed early or late in the day to maximise track visibility.

Reference: Moseby, K. et al. (2011) Tales in the Sand: A guide to identifying Australian Arid-zone fauna using spoor and other signs

A set of three 600-800m line transects in the wider area immediately surrounding each of the 2 hectrare Atlas plots. All birds seen or heard within 100m either side of the transect line are counted. GPS Track files are recorded so transects can be repeated in future surveys. Records species diversity and abundance.

Reference: Bibby et al. (2000) Bird Census Techniques 2nd Ed

A form of point survey where only audible bird vocalisations are recorded. Records species diversity but not abundance. Each 15 minutes a list of all bird species which can be identified from vocalisations are recorded. Relies heavily on experience of observer. Can provide baseline data for automated acoustic recording analysis. Especially valuable for detecting cryptic and nocturnal bird species.

Reference: Bibby, C.J. et al. (2000) Bird Census Techniques 2nd Ed

A 30 minute nocturnal search for fauna using a spotlight to visually record bird species. Search areas based on 2 hectare atlas sites.

Reference: Australian Government: Department of Environment (2010) Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Birds available here as pdf: http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/107052eb-2041-45b9-9296-b5f514493ae0/files/survey-guidelines-birds.pdf

A form of point survey where pre-recorded calls of bird species are played at volume to stimulate a response form any birds of that species within earshot. Usually performed towards the end of a survey at a site when there are unrecorded species which could be reasonably expected to be present. Hearing these calls can be stressful for some birds, particularly during breeding so playback should not be performed during the species breeding season. As soon as the birds have responded all playback should cease.

References: Bibby, C.J. et al. (2000) Bird Census Techniques 2nd Ed

Australian Government: Department of Environment (2010) Survey Guidelines for Australia’s Threatened Birds available here as pdf: http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/107052eb-2041-45b9-9296-b5f514493ae0/files/survey-guidelines-birds.pdf

Timed counts of all birds seen and heard at static sites located away from 2 hectare atlas sites but in comparable habitat (Spinifex sandplain/burnt Mulga Woodland mosaic and long-unburnt sandplain Mulga Woodland). Points selected by observer at random.

Reference: Bibby et al. (2000) Bird Census Techniques 2nd Ed

A daily list of species of note encountered while travelling between survey sites. A useful way to detect species present in the landscape at very low densities such as birds of prey.