Part of the Redcliffe Environmental Forum's ongoing projects focusing on Hays Inlet involves not only rehabilitation of the vegetation but survey work around the flora and fauna in the area. A key survey is linked to the presence of birds and to really appreciate the variety of species it pays to have bird experts like those from the Pine Rivers Birders group.

They have just completed their third survey for Autumn and incredibly they have now identified 98 species of birds in the project site area behind Silcock Street at Clontarf. Rita Larsen, team leader advised that with the high tide they were able to spot 13 species of waders (including over a 100 black-winged stilts using the saltmarsh and surrounding vegetation as a roosting site).

The group also spotted a number of raptor species (see images above) making it a very successful day for the group and the Green Army Team. The high level of biodiversity in the Hays Inlet wetland area underlies the importance of the need to conserve as much of our wetland areas around Hays Inlet and Deception Bay in order to support our wildlife and fisheries. The next survey (winter) will be conducted in August 2016.

Members of the Hays Inlet Bushcare Group had a busy morning starting with some planting around the entrance to the reserve area (Green Army Project Site). The group prepared and planted 64 plants including:  

• Barbed Wire Grass – Cymbopogon refractus
  
• Guioa - Guioa Semiglauca
• Melaleuca Mini Quini - dwarf Melaleuca quinquinervia
• Silky Oak - Grevillea robusta
• Hickory Wattle - Acacia disparrima
• Queensland Brush Box - Lophostemon confertus

The group also took some way points with the gps to map out the second Green Army Project area.  A very productive morning saw the group also engage in some ground weeding removing a section of balloon cotton infestation. It’s amazing how much can get done in a short period of time when the bushcare team gets together.
The next community activity at the site will be a bird survey conducted this Wednesday 6th April 2016 at 7.00 am. If anyone would like to learn some more about our local birdlife just meet with Rita and her bird team at the rugby union clubhouse car park.