Wader monitoring
Wader monitoring is typically undertaken by counting or surveying populations (observation-based studies) and catching and tagging of birds (capture-based studies). The focus for VWSG activities has always been on capture-based monitoring, although many members also contribute to observation-based monitoring through programs like Shorebirds 2020.
Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority has produced a great video on The Discovery Bay Sanderling Project, which involves the VWSG and FOSSE members. You can view it on Youtube via the link below.
Catching waders
The VWSG mostly uses a technique called cannon-netting to catch waders for various scientific research projects (approved by the Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme – ABBBS). It also uses a technique called mist-netting for species such as Latham’s Snipe.