Field Trip - K'gari (Fraser Island): beach clean-up & bird diversity mapping

Beach Clean-up, Raptor Spotting, Wildlife Photography
Join us for a few days on glorious K’gari. We aim to clean rubbish from the beach - something to make a difference to the horrible plastic pollution of our shores. We also will map the occurrence of the spectacular birds of prey soaring and foraging from the tall dunes to the surf. For those wanting to learn the first steps of ‘serious’ wildlife photography, I will bring cameras with a powerful tele lens (you keep the photos of course). Naturally, you can also bring your camera equipment and binoculars (we will have some). The general idea is to create a new, positive narrative of our spectacular beaches that can, hopefully, translate into better conservation of these glorious ecosystems.
IMPORTANT:

1. We need to complete some risk and insurance paperwork. Please get in touch with me via email so I can send you the forms to be filled out: tschlach@usc.edu.au.
2. Please note that we will need to complete this task at least three (3) weeks before a trip starts. If members do not get in touch, or return the insurance form, they will loose their spot (i.e. we cannot take people without the mandatory insurance cover to the island).
3. Fitness and stamina: We will walk along the beach in soft sand picking up litter: it can get hot/wet/windy etc., so both fitness and stamina are required. Expect to be out in the field working for about 8 hours per day There will also be some scrambling in and out of the 4WD vehicle and manual carrying and handling of collected beach litter.
4. By attending this activity, you agree to take full responsibility for your personal safety. Ocean Beaches cannot be held responsible for any mishap that may occur

Notes:

• Bring the ‘usual’ for weekend trip in Queensland: hat, sunglasses, water, binoculars (if you have some), change of clothes, torch….
• Depart: University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Carpark P15 (free parking for the duration of the trip); The free carpark is located at the southern end of the campus. The entrance is at Claymore Road, near the McDonald's and the servo. I can also pick up folks around the Sunshine Coast if they struggle to get there.
• https://www.usc.edu.au/about/locations/maps
• Weather emergency: I make a call the evening before if the forecast is truly miserable: we need to be flexible.
• · Equipment: none needed; we supply everything. Bring some gardening gloves for rubbish pick-up (not strictly necessary), rain jacket (!!!), personal medication, water bottle, bottles with fermented content (😊), snacks.
• $ cost to participants: zero (zilch, nil, nada....) thanks to a generous Citizen Science Grant from the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist.
• Transport: provided; we will travel in a 4WD vehicle. It can get a bit crammed, especially if we have to transport large amounts of beach litter back (we will manage and it is all part of the fun).
• Accommodation: provided in cabins at Dilli Village (all paid for).
• https://www.usc.edu.au/k-gari-app/explore/points-of-interest/dilli-village
• Food: I can provide dinner; please let us know about any food allergies/preferences (within limits). Bring your own lunch and breakfast. We have a fully equipped kitchen, hot water, microwaves, etc. We also have a large deep-freezer and walk-in fridge.
• Strictly NO peanuts (in any form).
• Anything else: please text/call/email/message Thomas (0409066710, tschlach@usc.edu.au