Gouldian Finch Recovery Project

Waterhole Counts

Why do we Count Gouldians?

• Assess population size
• Assess the impact of experimental management
• Provide avenues for public involvement

Where?

Waterhole counts are conducted in the Yinberrie Hills, about 45km north of Katherine in the Northern Territory. This is in the heart of the gouldian distribution and where the majority of research data has been collected to better understand the ecology of the gouldian finch.

Typical Gouldian finch habitat.

One of the fenced enclosures used to protect vital beds of cockatoo grass from feral pigs. Without fencing and eradication of feral animals it is probable that grass areas like these will only be found in the future as remnant patches so small as to be of no value for finches.

When?

Counts are conducted in the late dry season which corresponds to southern Australia's winter. The reason for this timing is because water becomes scarcer as the dry season progresses leaving birds with fewer places to drink each morning. Thus, birds become concentrated at small isolated waterholes and our estimations are more accurate.

Where?

During our week of gouldian watching we stay in Nitmiluk National Park. Camping sites are provided at the Ranger Station, but you are expected to bring a tent, sleeping bag & swimmers.

Edith Falls - safe swimming and a wonderful place to relax after a long day. We provide the food, atmosphere and good company.

The team relaxing after the morning's waterhole counts.

Daily Routine

After an early morning rise we drive into the hills and each person sits at their allotted waterhole. We start recording at 07:00 and finish at 10:00. Seasoned WHW (waterhole watcher's) bring a chair, binoculars, hat & insect repellent.

The morning's essentials.
The mornings can be a little chilly and some waterholes are a small distance from vehicle access so it is advisable to bring warmer clothing and a good set of boots. A small pack (not a plastic shopping bag) is essential for carrying other items such as snacks and water. Don't forget your camera!	The alarm clock is essential because we need to be out of bed before dawn. A watch is essential because we tally our counts every fifteen minutes. Anyway if you do not bring a watch you will not know when it is time for morning tea.

Within the study area we have about 100 waterholes that are regularly censused for the presence of gouldians and other species of finches. These waterholes range in size from very tiny (hand basin size) to much larger (large swimming pool).

Large waterholes receive visits from gouldians as well as larger birds such as northern rosellas and Jabiru.

Data collection is simple. At each waterhole we record how many gouldians and other finch species drink within each 15 minute period. These numbers are then tallied and an estimate of the population size frequenting those waterholes can be made.

There are also plenty of other birds to see as you sit and count. Can you spot the gouldian?	Our volunteer, Ci Ci working with a GPS

After we return from the morning's activities there is usually time for a swim and lunch. We then spend the afternoon in a variety of activities including waterhole mapping, vegetation mapping or even fencing.

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