Operation Duck Pond needs your help!

Operation Duck Pond is still looking for keen waterfowl hunters (or family members, friends) who are able to monitor their ponds over the coming breeding season.

Last year was our first year of the ‘citizen science’ project, a term that refers to local people, non-scientists, helping in scientific work such as birds counts, says Co-ordinator Nathan Burkepile.

"Fish & Game recruited 19 active participants but needs more; at least 50 ponds are needed to provide enough data to evaluate what habitat features make an ideal breeding pond.

"That’s why we are counting on you or perhaps family members or relations to help us out. It doesn’t call for a major time commitment; participants are asked to do only four surveys, so volunteers don’t have to set aside huge hours.

Duck counts are conducted during the peak of waterfowl breeding to provide Fish & Game with the best possible data to determine as accurately as possible, waterfowl use of the ponds, Mr Burkepile says.

If you’re keen to help with the collection of data and prepared to monitor a pond, a fun and fulfilling project – and one that that will help New Zealand’s waterfowl and other native water-dependant birds – this is for you, he says.

"Don’t forget – we are keen to hear from a wide range of people, including youngsters. Kids – depending on your age, you may need to line up support from mum and dad, a friend or relation."

Phone Nathan Burkepile at Northland 09 - 438 4135 or Mob 021-222-7920.