The scientific program at the observatory commenced in 1978 and continues currently under the supervision of the caretakers, course leaders and visiting scientists. We encourage further research; to contribute please contact us.
Birds
Bird observations commenced on the first day of rehabilitation of the Telegraph Station and continue on a daily basis by the caretakers and visitors. Supplemented by regular counts in defined areas and weekly counts are carried out along 13 km of Kanidal Beach. Records are contributed to BirdLife Australia’s Atlas & Birdata project as well as printed in the West Australian Bird Notes newsletter.
Bird banding started in 1977 and has continued since through the efforts of the Caretakers, assisted by qualified course leaders and visiting banders.
Banding studies include:
- John Martindale’s MSc project on genetic relationships in birds;
- the extensive Honeyeater Expedition co-ordinated by Stephen Ambrose and Tim Marples;
- a PhD project by Stephen Ambrose on the behavioural and physiological ecology of the White-browed Scrubwren;
- Tim Marples spent some months carrying out research into the ecology of the Singing Honeyeater. He also analysed data gathered by the the observatory banding program to examine trends in occurrence for a number of honeyeater species;
- Peter Congreve investigated plumage changes and moult sequences of a number of species banded at the observatory, and contributed data to supplement known methods for ageing and sexing birds;
- Doug Watkins gathered data from banded birds to determine their role as pollinators in the region;
- Don Bradshaw and Dave Goldstein conducted research into water metabolism and kidney function in honeyeaters; and data gathered at the observatory has contributed to research demonstrating Bergmann’s Rule in the Singing Honeyeater.
Annual banding studies continue to provide important data on seasonal movements and longevity of individuals and morphological variations in a number of species. The observatory has the second longest running bird banding project in Australia. The data gathered at Eyre is being used in climate change studies by Janet Gardner, and more.
2-3 banding sessions were held annually by Alma and Perry de Rebeira from 1980 to 2010. This resulted in the publication of the Banders’ Guide to Western Australian Birds by Perry de Rebeira. A bird banders ‘go to’ reference guide whilst out in the field.
Ornithological research has been an essential function of the observatory and will continue into the future.
Dune Stabilisation
Dune stabilisation has been an important effort since the observatory opened. Progress reports of the success of this work are presented regularly. The observatory was a semi finalist in the Regional Achievement and Community awards in 2011 for the work done on dune restoration.
We are currently searching for a new facilitator in dune restoration so that this vital work can continue.
Botany & Flora
Allan Burbidge published a plant list for the region, adding to the work of R.F. Parsons, E.C. Nelson, G.J. Keighery and others. Botanical studies have continued with visits by E.R.L. Johnson, A.M. Baird, H. Kirkman, K.R. Newbey, M. McCallum-Webster and A. Brown.
A new pictorial record of flowering plants is being produced and will soon be available.
In addition to birds, research has been carried out and continues to be so on numerous topics including flora, fauna, fungi, reptiles, mammals, climate change, radio astronomy, water samplings from the Nullarbor caves and much, much more.
