RESEARCH AT EYRE BIRD OBSERVATORY

The scientific programme at Eyre Bird Observatory (EBO) commenced in 1978 with the aid of a grant from the Utah Foundation. Research at EBO has continued since then under the supervision of the Wardens, Course Leaders and visiting scientists.

DUNE STABILISATION
Dune stabilisation efforts commenced with the establishment of EBO and progress reports of the success of this work have been presented in subsequent EBO Reports.

BOTANY
Allan Burbidge published a plant list for the region, adding to the work of R.F. Parsons, E.C. Nelson, G.J. Keighery and others. Botanical studies have continued with visits by E.R.L. Johnson, A.M. Baird, H. Kirkman, K.R. Newbey, M. McCallum-Webster and A. Brown.

HERPETOLOGY
Mike Bamford collected data at EBO as part of an honours project at Murdoch University, studying the biology of the Bobtailed Lizard Tiliqua rugosa. Further herpetological records for the area have been provided through research by M.J. Dyer, P. Congreve, T.M. Hanlon, G. Harold, G.M. Storr, M. Hutchinson and P. Griffin, and surveys by the Department of Conservation and Land Management.

MAMMALS
Mammal lists are kept up to date and are available to researchers. Information on ground dwelling mammals is based on trapping by the Department of Conservation and Land Management and EBO Wardens. Knowledge of the bat fauna is based on long term studies by Doug Watkins.

ORNITHOLOGY
Bird observations commenced on the first day of rehabilitation of the Telegraph Station and continue on a daily basis by the Caretakers and visitors. These data are supplemented by ABC counts in the vicinity of the Observatory. Weekly bird counts are carried out along the 13 km of Kanidal Beach. Records from EBO are forwarded for inclusion in WA Bird Notes, the quarterly newsletter of the WA branch of Birds Australia.

BIRD BANDING
Bird banding commenced in 1977 and has continued since through the efforts of the Wardens, assisted by qualified Course Leaders and visiting banders. Banding studies at EBO include John Martindale’s MSc project on genetic relationships in birds; the extensive Honeyeater Expedition co-ordinated by Stephen Ambrose and Tim Marples; a PhD project by Stephen Ambrose on the behavioural and physiological ecology of the White-browed Scrubwren; Tim Marples spent some months at EBO carrying out research into the ecology of the Singing Honeyeater. He also analysed data gathered by the EBO banding programme to examine trends in occurrence for a number of honeyeater species; Peter Congreve investigated plumage changes and moult sequences of a number of species banded at EBO, and contributed data to supplement known methods for ageing and sexing birds; Doug Watkins gathered data from banded birds to determine their role as pollinators in the region; Don Bradshaw and Dave Goldstein used EBO to conduct research into water metabolism and kidney function in honeyeaters; data gathered at EBO has contributed to research demonstrating Bergmann’s Rule in the Singing Honeyeater.

Annual banding studies at EBO continue to provide important data on seasonal movements and longevity of individuals and morphological variations in a number of species. Ornithological research has been an essential function at EBO and will continue under the supervision of qualified researchers.

THE FUTURE
EBO is keen to encourage further research – if you would like to contribute, please contact the caretakers:
By post: Cocklebiddy via NORSEMAN WA 6443
Telephone: (08) 9039 3450
Fax: (08) 9039 3440
E-mail: eyrebirdobs@bigpond.com

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