Surveying the birds of the Merri in Winter Sunday 26 May

Autumn is upon us and another bird survey is about to take place up and down Merri Creek. Bird surveys provide useful data for mapping the changing patterns and distribution of bird species. It is one small but significant way that anyone can contribute to science. (See Using Citizen Science in Urban Bird Studies)

In Fawkner the survey will be at Bababi Djinanang (Jukes Road grasslands), Fawkner. Meet on Merri Path at end of Jukes Road at 8.45am, Sunday 26 May 2013.

Friends of Merri Creek have organised these surveys which build up a seasonal picture over time of bird diversity and range along the Merri. Anyone can attend and participate in these surveys. If nothing more it is a chance to visit part of the Merri Creek Environment to enjoy it’s special diversity it brings to our urban environment.

Here are the details from Friends of Merri Creek:

It’s time to check on the winter migrants to the Merri, as well as the year-round avian residents, in the next round of surveys on Sunday 26 May, 8.45-10.30am.

The survey at Bababi Marning will be a week earlier, on 19 May, 8.45-10.30am.

Beginner-birders welcome. Bring binoculars if you have them. Closed-in footwear and a sunhat would also be useful. No dogs, please.

Meeting points:

Bababi Djinanang (Jukes Road grasslands), Fawkner: Meet on Merri Path at end of Jukes Road, Fawkner (Melway 18 A2).
Egan Reserve-Harding St-Strettle Reserve: Meet at steps at end of The Grove, East Coburg (Melway 30 A3).
Coburg Lake Reserve: Meet near the car park, Lake Grove Coburg (Melway 17 H10).
Edwardes Lake: Meet at the playground adjacent to Griffiths St, Reservoir (Melway 18 E5).
CERES to Moreland Road: Meet at the seats on the Merri Path at rear of CERES near Blyth Street, East Brunswick (Melway 30 B7).
Phillips Reserve, Merri Park: Meet at the end of Victoria St, East Brunswick, at barbecue shelter (Melway 30 B8).
Hall Reserve- Yarra Bend Park: Meet at the Rotunda, Hall Reserve, Clifton Hill (Melway 2D D1).
Galgi Ngaark (Craigieburn Grasslands): Meet at the O’Herns Road gate off Hume Highway (Melway 180 E6).
Galada Tamboore: Meet at the end of Hatty Court, Campbellfield (Melway 7 K6).

Bababi Marning (Cooper St Grasslands): Meet outside the Istrian Social Club, Cooper St Epping (Melway 387K10). on 19 May, 8.45-10.30am.