Australian white ibis community survey 2004 - report
The 2004 Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca) community survey was conducted on Saturday 11 December. The aim of the survey was to increase our knowledge of Sydney's white ibis population. It was the most successful ibis survey to date, with a positive response from the community.
Eighty-six records were received, covering 69 different sites across the Sydney region, the Central Coast and beyond. Counts were conducted throughout the day, with the earliest at 5.30 am and the latest at 7.30 pm. Where more than one count was taken at a particular site, the maximum count was taken as a site count.
A total of 3342 Australian white ibis were counted within the Sydney region. However, this is an underestimate. The actual number of ibis is likely to be higher, as a number of known nesting sites could not be counted on the day.
The survey identified sites where ibis were nesting, roosting and feeding. Of the sites reported in the survey:
- 27 were nesting sites
- 36 were foraging areas
- Six were sites that ibis were seen flying over.
A total of 16 new nesting sites were identified. All of these sites were small colonies of 50 birds or less, generally in palm trees in schoolyards, carparks, public parks and on private land. One site, at Ryde, was the first nesting site to be reported north of the Parramatta River. This information has increased our awareness of a trend towards dispersed colonies.
The two largest nesting colonies reported in the survey were at Centennial Parklands (500 birds) and Lake Gillawarna (432 birds). The largest foraging population of ibis reported in the survey was at Belrose Waste Management Centre (1000 birds).
A number of ibis have been banded with coloured bands in the Sydney region, in order to study the movements of these birds and their fidelity to feeding and nesting sites. Two colour-banded birds were reported on the day. One bird was reported 20.5 km from the location where it was originally banded. The second bird was 1.2 km from where it was last reported. Both of the banded birds were reported foraging in the inner city area.
Considering the limitations of this type of survey, the information gained and the level of community participation was above expectations. We wish to thank all those who participated in the survey for giving up some of their time to provide us with this much-needed information. The data collected from this survey is helpful for long-term monitoring and management of this species in the Sydney region.
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