Dynamics of Water Bird Populations on the Alice Springs Sewage Farm, N.T

Abstract

Regular counts over an 18-month period were made of the water birds of the Alice Springs sewage farm. Thirty-four species were recorded; the frequency of observation of each species, in terms of percentage of total visits observed, was significantly related to species population size. The counts indicated that the sewage farm probably provided only temporary refuge during movements for most individuals of all species. Rainfall appeared a major factor affecting the number of species and total population present.