October 2014 – PIPwatch

North Brook Island PIP count Oct 2014

Strong winds delayed the first count of the season for North Brook Island. The rescheduled count took place just before the end of the month in fine but still breezy weather.

A total 15,974 incoming PIPs were recorded on the afternoon of 30 October. MANY thanks to QPWS staff and long term volunteers. The team was once again gallantly led by Margaret Thorsborne who instigated these counts and has been “keeping on counting” for the past half-century, as well as championing many other local conservation projects.

Green Island PIP count Oct 2014

The second Green Island count of the season took place at the end of October. Totals for PIPs flying in from 3.30 PM to 6.45 PM were 5485 / 5490 (independent concurrent counts) .

Gerry and Carolyn are doing a heroic job keeping the Green Island counts going – many thanks to you both!

PIPs are wary birds and the majority roost and nest in inaccessible areas. However, sometimes they can be glimpsed in the canopy above the rainforest boardwalk on Green Island.

Low Isles PIP count Oct 2014

The weather was perfect for pigeon counting at Low Isles on 11 October when 12,600 incoming PIPs were recorded between 4PM and dark. The birds were roosting on the island overnight but very few had commenced nests.

Many thanks yet again to Low Isles Caretakers Wayne and Jenni, who organise the monthly PIP counts and so much more! More thanks to this month’s count team: Grant, Lachie, Peta, Andy, Louise, Jasmine, Julia, Noela, Annji, Inger, Brian, all local volunteers, and Carl who came all the way from Rhode Island to help with PIP counts and research.