Haddon Rig is honoured to partner with Charles Sturt University’s new research project, Eavesdropping on Wetland Birds.
Our region is lucky to be surrounded by vast areas of natural wetlands, which offer ideal breeding grounds for a multitude of local wildlife – particularly birds.
Haddon Rig Merino and Poll Merino Stud principal George Falkiner has a keen interest in the local bird life and is excited to support this project.
“One of my hobbies is observing how the wildlife is breeding and preserving the wetlands around Haddon Rig.”
He said the bird life on the Marthaguy Creek, which runs through “Haddon Rig”, is exceptional.
“We have a multitude of birds – ducks, swans, cranes, mulgas, grebes and lots of others in our region.”
This research project, led by Charles Sturt University’s Dr Elizabeth Znidersic, Professor David Watson and Dr Michael Towsey, sets out to identify the distribution of wetland birds and create a library of images and audio of the local wildlife.
Researchers are utilising modern technology like acoustic recorders and camera traps to detect the booming vocals of animals while also capturing footage of them, as well as potential threats such as cats, foxes and pigs.
Dr Elizabeth Znidersic said the research was non-evasive, efficient and cost effective.
“We are excited to see farmers seeing the value of local wetlands and how it supports their businesses.”
Dr Znidersic said a large number of animal species found in the wetlands were “secretive” and often undetectable during visits to the areas.
“It’s the ideal marriage between ecologists and technology. There will be a permanent record to keep, with no bias, which can be accessed by other scientists who may be looking for others species of animals in the region in the future.”
Four solar powered acoustic monitors will be deployed at “Burrima” to record continuously for two years.
Dr Znidersic said they were hoping to continue the project for as long as five years and build an extensive library of audio and image data.
You can read more about the project by visiting the website link below.