Dear Volunteers,
The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) invites you to join us for the coming 2023 Spring Waterfowl and Wetlands survey in South Australia.
The on-ground information gathered by volunteers contributes to the management of ducks in South Australia and is summarised on our website each year. The outcomes of the survey, along with other continental waterfowl abundance, wetland conditions and climate reports, is provided annually to the Minister for consideration of whether to declare an open season, and its conditions.
When
Volunteers are asked to undertake the surveys between Saturday 21 October and Sunday 5 November, ideally with surveys to occur on the middle weekend of Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October.
Where
Attached to this email is the list of the wetlands identified for surveying across the Fleurieu, Riverland and Murraylands, Coorong and South East Regions. We aim to have all the identified wetlands surveyed annually, regardless of the presence of water, as the documentation of dry wetlands and the absence birds is equally as useful as surveying sites with abundant birds. If you would like to see a searchable map showing the locations of the sites, click on this link https://sagov-env.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2132f5aadb5345ad86f44266467bf387.
How
Surveys can be done using an App on your smartphone using Survey123. This will improve convenience, time efficiency, and accuracy of data collection. However, if you would prefer, you may still opt for using forms that can be emailed or mailed to you.
Getting Involved
Please email wildlife@sa.gov.au if you intend to participate by 15 October 2023 and list the site(s) you plan to survey. You will then be sent instructions on how to download and use the App. If you would like to use forms, please indicate this in your reply so the relevant survey templates can be sent to you.
Volunteers should be registered with DEW as part of our safety policy. A registration form will be sent with the above information once you have nominated to be involved. Note that if you have completed this form to participate in the past and your contact details are the same, you do not need to do another one.
Please phone 8207 7738 or email wildlife@sa.gov.au if you have any queries. Your assistance is greatly valued by DEW and we look forward to hearing from you in the coming weeks.
Kind regards
Allira Taylor-Wilkins
Wildlife Project Officer
Wildlife Management
Conservation & Wildlife Branch, National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
Department for Environment and Water