FW: Ashley Update and survey

[Frances Schmechel]

Request for help with the upcoming annual Ashley Survey below and an update on the birds below....

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From: n.le...@xtra.co.nz [mailto:n.le...@xtra.co.nz]
Sent: Sunday, 14 November 2010 8:48 p.m.
Subject: Ashley Update and survey

Hi All

 

First of all, the survey next Saturday (Nov 20).  This is our one fixed date of the year, when we get the measurement which tells us the long-term 'pulse' of the birds on the river, so it is important that we do it well.  It is most likely that the river will be fine and crossable.  We were to try to survey right from the Ashley Gorge down to the sea, but I do not think that will be possible, so we will stick with the regular stretch from the Okuku river junction down to SH1.  Unfortunately, our usual organiser, Eric Spurr, will still be off-shore in the UK, so it is up to us to get it right. As usual, we will meet at the Ashley bridge picnic area at 9 am, and it should all be over by midday.  The survey is reasonably physically demanding, so come prepared with the proper outdoor gear and some sustenance, and the ability to look after yourself with river crossings etc  - no small children or dogs etc.

Finally, I need to know numbers, so those that can be present please reply to this message.

 

We had two groups visiting the river on Friday (8) and Saturday (3), and both had excellent views of nesting terns and wrybill.  That site between Groyne 1 and the Ashley road bridge is a first class one to have such inspections, with plenty of birds and the space to wander down the N bank with little disturbance.  In addition to the wrybill, terns, BDs and stilts, a group of gulls have turned up - 16 on Friday and 30 on Saturday.  Although it is getting late in the season, it looks like they might nest.  Further downriver at the Railway site, the wrybill pair that were there last year have turned up again and on Friday the male was sitting on a 1-egg nest. 

 

Tomorrow, Geoff Swailes is meeting up with ECan and a digger to block off the major access ways on the N bank.  And John D should be doing a check on activity - always good to get his experienced viewpoint.  So, by the survey on Saturday, we should have a reasonable idea as to what we are in for.

 

See you then.

 

Nick L.

Chairman

Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group.

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