Ceri Pearce | Birds With Altitude Project Leader
A very big thank you to all participants in the Birds With Altitude 2023 Challenge Competition. There was outstanding participation with a total of 185 surveys completed in the Wet Tropics Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) and entered into Birdata between 1 June and 31 December 2023.
Kate Millar, CEO of BirdLife Australia, announced the Birds With Altitude 2023 Challenge Competition winners at the recent BirdLife Northern Queensland 2024 Annual General Meeting. We are thrilled to reveal the champions. 🦜🌄
The winners are…
Most surveys in Wooroonooran National Park
🏆 Darlene Kneen 🏆
Darlene completed the most BirdLife Australia 2 ha, 20 min area search surveys and/or 500 m area search surveys in Wooroonooran National Park.
Prize: A family pass to Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
Most surveys in KBAs across the Wet Tropics region
🏆 Simon Kennedy 🏆
Simon’s passion for bird conservation is evidenced by the number of surveys he undertook. Simon completed the most BirdLife Australia compatible 2 ha, 20 min area search surveys and/or 500 m area search surveys in Key Biodiversity Areas across the Wet Tropics region. While Simon is a BirdLife Australia employee, all of the surveys assessed by the judges were undertaken by Simon during his time off work!
Prize: A family pass to Mamu Tropical Skywalk.
Most surveys at sites 800 m or more above sea level
It's a tie!
🏆 Sue Gould 🏆 & 🏆 Walter Threlfall 🏆
Sue and Walter completed the most BirdLife Australia compatible surveys at sites 800 m or more above sea level. Of great benefit to the Birds With Altitude project was that Sue completed her surveys in the northern Wet Tropics (Daintree KBA), and Walter, completed his surveys in the southern Wet Tropics (Paluma KBA), so our coverage across the region was excellent!
Prize: A pass for two adults to Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, awarded to each winner.
At least six surveys at the same site in Wooroonooran National Park
One of the prizes was to be drawn from the pool of people who completed at least six surveys (2 ha, 20 min area search surveys and/or 500 m area search surveys) at the same site in Wooroonooran National Park. Note that surveys must be at least three weeks apart.
Prize: Not awarded as no one completed enough surveys at the same location during the competition.
Acknowledgements
A very BIG THANK YOU to the competition sponsors:
Mamu Tropical Skywalk 🌿
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway 🚡
Thanks to our sponsors, the competition winners will have an exciting opportunity to experience the Wet Tropics rainforest and its canopy from new heights. 🦜🌄
Thank you to all participants in the Birds With Altitude Project. An impressive 239 surveys were completed across the Wet Tropics Key Biodiversity Areas in 2023.
To the 32 survey contributors and their birding buddies, your participation has not only contributed to the project's success but also played a pivotal role in bird conservation efforts. Your time, expertise, and passion are truly appreciated.
A special thank you to Birdlife Townsville for your significant contribution and partnership. Your collaborative spirit has been instrumental in advancing our shared goals.
We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Wren Maclean for your efforts in sharing and promoting the project at the Paluma Citizen Science Weekend in August 2023. Your support has helped spread the word and engage more community members in our cause.
Lastly, we express our profound appreciation to Kate Millar, CEO of BirdLife Australia, for your unwavering support of the Birds With Altitude Project.
Kate Millar, CEO of BirdLife Australia, with Amanda Freeman and Ceri Pearce from the BirdLife Northern Queensland Birds With Altitude Project, at the Annual General Meeting announcement of the 2023 Challenge Competition winners.
Watch this space, there will be a new Birds With Altitude Competition in 2024!
About the Birds With Altitude Project
The Birds With Altitude Project aims to:
Monitor climate change impacts: Many of our unique Wet Tropics birds face challenges due to shifting habitats and resources caused by climate change. By monitoring their distribution, we gain critical insights.
Collect data: With the support of a Queensland Government Community Sustainability Action Grant (CSAP059), we’ve established monitoring sites in Wooroonooran National Park. And in 2023 we expanded the project across the Wet Tropics. Volunteers like Darlene, Simon, Sue, and Walter have been instrumental in gathering essential data.
Engage birdwatchers: Birdwatchers play a crucial role in our project. Their surveys help us understand population trends and identify species-specific requirements.
To find out more, visit:
It’s free to join in!
Calling all bird enthusiasts! Participate in the Birds With Altitude Project in 2024. Conduct standardised surveys within Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Your observations contribute to vital research.
KBAs to explore:
Atherton Tablelands KBA
Coastal Wet Tropics KBA
Daintree KBA
Paluma KBA
Wooroonooran KBA
Get involved. It’s as simple as 1, 2, 3.
Choose a Survey Site: Refer to the Birds With Altitude manual or select any publicly accessible location within the KBAs.
Conduct Surveys: Use the BirdLife Australia standard methods.
Record Data: Log your bird sightings in Birdata.