Wings on King - relies on local volunteers and visitors. Join us...
King Island is a working island providing around 6% of Tasmania’s GDP — but it has a small human population, with only a few residents having the expertise or time to monitor birds. We don’t have the human resources to gather the data we need.
That's why we hope you can give us a hand. We need bird enthusiasts and keen birders to work with us and undertake surveys.
When are surveys undertaken?
Surveys can be done at any time you choose to visit, but there are also specific survey weekends in autumn and spring that usually have special events attached to them.
Advantages and Opportunities of a registered participant
Registered Wings on King participants have the opportunity to see and learn about King Island in a way that no ordinary visitor to the island can.
Access to Private Land:
These ‘private’ sites provide an opportunity to visit many wonderful areas of King Island that few people have access to. They include private forests, riparian zones, farmlands, and remote coasts.
Field Plan and Kit:
Each registered group or individual are given a specific Field Plan and accompanying Survey Kit. This Plan takes your needs and capabilities into account, as you specify on Registration. It also reflects the needs of the Project by allocating the sites that are most in need of surveys, while ensuring you have a good look around the island and visit plenty of special places.
The Wings on King Survey Kit contains a map, details of the survey sites and other
relevant information you may need. Surveys undertaken
on private land are pre-arranged with landholders contacted, so they know when to
expect you and have pre-approved your visit.
Insurance:
You’re insured: The BirdLife Australia insurance policy requires that you
sign a Field Work Plan and an Attendees List before you commence surveying.
Your WoKA will obtain these signatures from you at your first meeting.
Once signed, you are covered by the BirdLife Volunteer Insurance.
Returning the Survey Kits:
Before you leave the Island, our team will meet with you again to debrief, collect the Wings on King Kit and copies of your bird lists. This 'farewell' meeting will be arranged at your first meeting on your arrival.
NOTE - Mobile Phones:
Please be aware that your mobile phone may not work on King Island. As at June, 2020, the only networks available are Telstra 3 and 4G.
Working in Groups:
There are some ‘dead spots’ where mobile signals don’t reach. For this reason we would prefer you to work in groups of two or more. It’s safer should there be a mishap. If you prefer to go it alone, that’s OK too but we request that you check-in with us at the end of each day.