Matuku/Australasian Bittern - Booming Survey
The Australasian Bittern, or matuku, is classified as nationally critical; however there is a good population of the birds in South Head.
SKL has been working to share information with locals about the birds, find out more about our local population and protect them. This includes; ‘caution’ road signs for areas that Bittern cross South Head Road, a guest speaker at our 2018 AGM, Bittern monitoring.
Survey - Can You Help?
Matuku Link, are developing a database of where matuku/Australasian bittern are heard. The aim is to increase awareness of matuku presence generally and add to knowledge of their site preference. Although bitterns/matuku can disperse to and through various wetlands throughout the year, the booming of the male matuku defines a site as a potential breeding territory. Males boom from early spring through to summer to attract mates and to deter rivals.
This Citizen Science project will accumulate a database of annual territories to give an additional indication of population stability or decline. Please check the Matuku Link website for details & note the attached "OK Boomer" poster. Please assist our conservation partner Matuku Link with reports of booming bitterns if you can.
