Our coast count map has been updated to include all results so far received for the 2022-23 season.
More than 250 people* have participated since the coast counts began in 2007, many thanks to one and all!, and HUGE thanks to those wonderful people who keep on counting every year 😍
*If your name is missing above, please let us know which site(s) and which year(s) you counted, so we can update the count records.
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We are putting out an urgent call for more TIP coast counters on or near the target dates for 2022, November 18,1 9 and 20. Some very important sites are still in need of counters: Cowley Beach, South Mission Beach and Yorkeys Knob. If you can help, please email Rebel Warren rebelwarren51@gmail.com
Many thanks to the wonderful people who have already responded!
First urban sightings for the new season were in Cairns where Carolyn spotted 3 TIPs/PIPs in the city on 12 August. Next, a single bird was spotted by Sally on 14 August, and another spotted by Gerry on 16 August. First flocks reported were seen flying south over the water in Torres Strait by Greg on 16 August and by Jon on 20 August. Many thanks to all for reporting new sightings.
Our coast count map has been updated to include all results so far received for the 2021-22 season.
Since the first counts in 2007, more than 200 people have participated. Many thanks to one and all. HUGE thanks to those wonderful people who have kept on counting every year.
Thank you coast counters!
We warmly welcome Rebel Warren as our new Coast Count Coordinator. Many thanks to Rebel for taking on the role. Julia Hazel will continue as Project Manager.
Rebel is starting to plan the coast counts for 2021. Shortly she will contact the wonderful people who counted last year. She’s also keen to hear from anyone interested in getting involved in Coast Counts.
Coast counts are a great way to turn an afternoon at the beach into a valuable contribution to bird conservation, and it’s not difficult – you don’t need to be an expert birder to do this.
For more information please contact Rebel on 0407 914 318 or email rebelwarren51@gmail.com
It’s always a delight to hear about TIPs/PIPs returning to Queensland for another breeding season.
We already knew they were on their way: thanks to Jon for reporting the first small flock he saw flying south past Muralug Beach (Torres Strait) on 18 July in strong winds.
Thanks to Brian, Carolyn and Gerry for reporting their “firsts” for new arrivals in Cairns during the second and third week of August. Thanks to Jenny for the first report in Townsville on 23 August.
All count records so far received for the 2020-21 season (a few still outstanding) are included in the online map of results.
The updated map now shows counts for the past eight PIP seasons. What a great effort, MANY THANKS to everyone participating and supporting this project!
With the PIP season still in full swing, we are seeking more volunteers to continue the Coast Count series.
What’s involved? Go to your count site on the coast, keep watch from 4pm until dusk, and record the number of Torresian/Pied Imperial pigeons as they fly from the land out to sea. These distinctive birds are easy to identify when they fly out in the open. You don’t need to be an expert birder.
To get started, just download the count guidelines and datasheets here.
Many locations need to be covered. If you have chosen a count site, or would like help in choosing one, please contact Julia Hazel on 0407 431 382 or email: Julia.hazel@jcu.edu.au
You can see previous count results here.
The 2020 Birdlife NQ coast counts of Torresian/Pied Imperial pigeons (TIPs/PIPs) need more volunteers – please help if you can!
What’s involved? Go to your count site on the coast, keep watch from 4pm until dusk, and record the number of Torresian/Pied Imperial pigeons as they fly from the land out to sea. These distinctive birds are easy to identify when they fly out in the open. You don’t need to be an expert birder.
The Birdlife NQ target date is Saturday 14 November 2020. If that’s not convenient, it’s fine to pick a nearby date that suits you.
Count guidelines and datasheets can be downloaded here.
Many locations need to be covered. If you have chosen a count site, or would like help in choosing one, please contact Julia Hazel on 0407 431 382 or email: Julia.hazel@jcu.edu.au
The first Pied/Torresian imperial pigeon reports this season came in during July, from Cairns and Muralug Island. The next round of personal “firsts” during August and September were widely spread out between Cooktown and Campwin Beach.
Many thanks to Brian, Jon, Gerry, Atalanta, David, Shane, Lucie, Christin, Jenny and Jaymie for observation reports and extra thanks to Jaymie for the photo below.
