The 2024 Gouldian count is completed. A brief summary of our results is as follows.
Over the 5 days we counted an average of 1047 Gouldians per day – 312.4 adults and 735 juveniles in our study area around Wyndham. Numbers through the week were quite consistent from day to day. Given the amount of water still around after a big wet season we were surprised to see this many birds. They were not as concentrated as after a normal dry season.
The observation of 70.2% juveniles is the highest figure we have ever had. Average of all previous counts is 57.8% juveniles. With the breeding season spanning about February to June, this figure would appear to mean that the birds had a good breeding season.
Gouldians came to 6 of the 14 sites we surveyed, but just three sites accounted for 88% of the Gouldians counted.
The breakdown of head colours was 72.2% Black, 27.2% Red and 0.6% Yellow head, similar to previous counts.
As we have seen in the past there is an overall shortage of hens in the population, perhaps reflecting mortality during breeding. This year we counted 65% males and 35% females. In previous years it has been more like 60% to 40%. There is a real shortage of Red headed hens in the population with the sex ratio of red headed birds being 80% males: 20% females.
There will be more to find in the data, but we want to extend a huge thank you to the 28 volunteers who assisted this year. They came from Qld, NSW, Victoria, WA and the UK. A great effort. About half the group were attending for the first time, while the remainder had attended the count previously, some as many as 9 times. We were pleased to have some younger volunteers. Well done to Zoe, Holly, Zachary and Michelle for your involvement and commitment to the cause.
Finally huge thanks are due to the locals – Rodney and Christine. Their local help to STGF is invaluable.
