Shire of Dandaragan installs cameras to monitor vulnerable fairy tern population at Hill River mouth

The Shire of Dandaragan has deployed cameras to monitor and protect the fairy tern population nesting at the Hill River mouth. In December 2022 the shire received reports that a number of nesting pairs had been sighted at this location. These numbers have steadily increased over the past few weeks and newly hatched chicks are expected in the coming days. Last week shire rangers, assisted by Midwest Professional Shooting and Pest Management, deployed two 4G cameras at the site to assist with monitoring these endangered birds. The cameras have been donated for use by the Midlands Biosecurity Group and are PIN locked to deter people removing them from their location. They provide instant notification of any movement or tampering of the equipment and each camera is GPS tracked. Anyone trying to damage or remove cameras from the location may find themselves paying a hefty fine. A large cage trap has also been deployed to assist with the control of resident predators and, along with the cameras, will help stakeholders gain a better understanding of the types of predator posing a threat in the area. “To see these chicks flourish to adulthood would be a significant win for this vulnerable species at this location but we need everyone to do their bit to ensure their survival so they can return to nest for many years to come,” a shire spokesperson said.