Raptor Nest Activity Assessment Form 2010

Nest Description:
Provide any further comments relating to what was observed
Note: Be specific in your description. Comments such as “nest untidy”
(common to all nests) provide little detail
New Nest 2009
This nest was located on the 8 th of July 2009 as a
result of preoperational search requirements for
state forest coupes SH084B, SH085C and
SH086D. This nest was found to be in excellent
condition at this time with multiple signs of nest
maintenance activity. The report prepared at this
time indicated the following.
While not lined with green leaves, fresh nesting
material was evident. In addition the nest
displayed a zone of compaction in the nest
centre. Droppings were also evident on the nest
surface and adjoining limbs. Finally two adult
birds were observed during the inspection of the
nest. One believed to be the male was located on
an adjoining tree on the western face of the gully
into Butlers Creek. The second presumed to be
the female was actually on the nest when we first
entered the gully. She moved off the nest during
the short inspection. No distress behavior was
evident.
The inspection of this nest on this day found
strong signs of confirmed use during the 2009
breeding season. While this inspection would not
be able to confirm an outcome of successful
breeding the nest displayed a large are of
compaction in the nest centre which is a strong
indicator of longer term use during the 2009
breeding season.
The nest however did not display signs of any
recent maintenance activity in preparation for the
2010 breeding season. Its current condition
suggests a likely inactive status for the 2010
breeding season, especially given the strong
signs of expected use of other nests in this
locality. However if this nest has been employed
during the 2009 breeding season it is
recommended that this nest be treated as
indeterminate status and therefore active until
such time as a further activity check can establish
nest status.
Were any of these observed on the nest
Each box MUST be marked Yes/No or Not Assessed
Green Leaves
No
Fresh (brown) sticks
No
White wash (droppings)
Yes
Flat compressed nest top
Yes
Nest Bowl (concave nest platform) No
Brown leaves on nest
Down on/around nest
Nest Partly/mostly bleached
Nest condition
Poor/average/good/excellent
Prey remains
Bird on nest or nearby
(note age if possible)
No
No
Partly Bleached
Excellent
No
No
If the nest has no vantage points or you believe the
nest cannot be accurately assessed tick this box
Bird Activity Observed: (Write a description of what was observed e.g. Two birds soaring over the nest, bird carrying sticks)
No birds observed in area during inspection of New Nest 2009 - Grid reference 562452 mE : 5361561 mN
GDA
Report Author : Vanessa Thompson
Report Date: 13 th of August 2010
Raptor Nest Activity Form SH087A Nest Complex Page 6 of 14