Where? Where? Wedgie!
The Bookend Trust
| Presented By | The Bookend Trust |
|---|---|
| Goal |
Monitor the status of Tasmania's birds of prey
|
| Task |
Survey for birds of prey in specific areas across Tasmania, mid- & end-May
|
| Where | |
| Description |
You’re invited to join NatureTrackers in monitoring Tasmania’s birds of prey (raptors), to update estimates from many years ago. Read moreIn particular, there are lots of efforts to reduce the impact of human activities on Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagles, but we don’t know if they’re working. These eagles are Endangered, and a different subspecies from the mainland wedgies. Are numbers now increasing - or continuing the suspected decline? Spend a day out in May with your eyes to the sky! There’s the chance to learn a lot about nature, maps, science and some very special spots in Tasmania. A survey requires six 10-minute periods of observation in your chosen area, each separated by at least 30 minutes: an efficient morning out, or a leisurely day exploring with family and friends. We record all day-active species of raptor during the survey, but it’s fine to take part even if you’re not yet an expert - you can indicate in your records when you’re not sure of the species. You’ll need some advance preparation to choose an area (survey square), assemble your team (all ages!) and explore the app or datasheets on which you’ll record your observations, but then you’re set for a fun morning outdoors - or, for the enthusiasts, as much as two long weekends - every May. The website explains what you need to do, including how to book your survey square (usually opening in early February), and resources for you to gain or build on your bird identification skills. Where? Where? Wedgie! also involves a substantial schools component, through Expedition Class: Where Where Wedgie? Students learn about eagles and other birds of prey, and about monitoring threatened species. |
| How to get started |
Explore the website, and sign up - you’ll receive occasional email updates. You might like to watch the videos on identifying raptors and what the surveys involve. Have a go with the app &/or print out the datasheets you’ll be using. In March, the booking map will open, and you can choose a survey square where you’d like to do your survey. This will give you time to work out how to get there, whether you need any special permission to enter the land, where you’ll do each 10 minute observation, and to assemble your team (it’s most effective and fun if you have around three of you, although some people prefer to do it alone or in larger groups). Will you head to a remote national park, or visit your friend’s property in the Midlands (either would be great - we need more surveys in remote and agricultural areas!). |
| Social Media | |
| Total expense | $0.00 |
| Ideal Age Group | Elementary school (6 - 10 years), Families, Adults, Seniors, Middle school (11 - 13 years), High school (14 - 17 years), College, Graduate students |
| Spend the time | Outdoors |
| Type of Activity | On a walk, run, On a hike |
| Topics | Education, Birds, Ecology & Environment |
| Tags | wedgie, survey, birds, cockatoos, outdoors, biology, primary, school, where, student, eagles, ecology, midlands, nature, raptors, corellas, bushwalk, tasmania |
| Website | Where? Where? Wedgie! |
| Project Entry Updated | Wed Nov 11 01:07:13 2026 +0000 |
