The traps are then checked daily before the sun rises and in the afternoon, if hot enough, with animals being identified, weighed, measured and then released.
But alas, Mother Nature had other plans for our group in Spring 2020, with the week starting off with catastrophic fire conditions, which meant no-one could leave the homestead precinct. This was followed by a multitude of overcast days that ended in rain, which meant closing the traps early. All of which resulted in lower animal abundance and species diversity.
But the week was not without its highlights.
Setting up mist nets near a granite outcrop with semi-permanent water and capturing a wide array of birdlife – Zebra Finches, White-browed Babblers, Brown Honeyeaters, Southern Whiteface and Singing Honeyeaters just to name a few. I was lucky to release one of the Singing Honeyeaters – and I think the photo captures my excitement and joy.