Other News

ON THE RADIO: The Passionate Paddler’s items are still broadcast by 6MM, as part of the local Department of Sport and Recreation ‘s radio spot on Friday mornings between 9-10am

Water and Shorebird Sanctuaries: That DEC is looking to prohibit or restrict boating in areas we have identified as water and shorebird sanctuary zones Dogs will be prohibited from the “Bird Sanctuary” at John Street, Coodanup

That for Clean Up Australia Day: on Sunday 27 February, we “cleaned up” from Barragup Bridge to Furnissdale, Mandurah Paddling Cub did from Riverside Gardens down

Dolphin rides, with “gang of five”: Dolphins are great fun when they go under your boat looking up at you, jump out of the water doing tricks and generally interact with us paddlers in all sorts of ways. One Saturday morning, in October, the “gang of five” were out near Boodalin Island and met a pod of about eleven dolphins. The dolphins decided that each one of the five should be taken for a “dolphin ride” not only one paddler at a time, but often two at a time This went on for about half an hour or so enough time to travel (if that’s the right word) 3/4 of the way back to the Murray River. So fast and furious were some of these “rides” that amid the cries of joy and laughter, there was at least one cry of, “I can’t control my boat ” Now I know that individual paddlers have enjoyed similar “ride” experiences, but never have I heard of a group being chosen for this trick. P.S. I was there, and at one time I counted at least four dolphins under my boat. Barry

Robert’s weekly bird count highlights Oct – Dec 2011: In excess of 8,500 W & S birds counted, individual count highlights 450 red necked avocets; 1150 red necked stints; Uncommon sighting, terek sandpiper, 1180 red-necked stints; 20 fairy terns (endangered); 1850 rednecked stints;
Of interest –At Austin Bay pectoral sandpipers - uncommon, 6 whistling kites together. At Harvey Delta white-bellied sea eagle, 16 species of shorebirds (usually 9 or 10) wood sandpiper and ruddy turnstone and greater sandplover all relatively uncommon.

“WHY & HOW” PRESENTATION With 38 people in attendance, Senior Ornithologist, Bill Rutherford informed on “WHY” we should protect our water and shore birds. Aside from support for our stance, some suggested “HOW” ’s included: “ Volunteer power” – (people in paid positions are constrained), more bird hides, education via TAFE, reviving the Gould Bird League, and tourism Thanks, City of Mandurah and Natalie Lees, acting Coordinator Eco Services, for support & venue

Sandy Cove and Clansman Beaches: We, along with the Mandurah Paddling Club and The Mandurah Over 55s Canoe Club have written to the Shire of Murray stating that these two public beaches should remain open to use by paddlers

DEC Canoe guides/ maps: Now available, titled Murray River: Pinjarra to Peel Inlet, the guide also takes in the Serpentine River from Riverside Gardens downstream. Durable, water resistant and virtually rip proof the guide will be available at most outdoor recreation stores, visitor centres and paddling stores for $11.00. "Paddle the Murray River: Pinjarra to Peel Inlet" can be ordered online at www.dec.wa.gov.au/shop or by phone on 9334 0800.


Sanctuary Zones Update: Recently both the Peel inlet and Harvey Estuary have been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in a report by Birds Australia. IBAs are selected to identify priority places around the world for bird conservation. On Sunday, February 7, 2009 as part of the nationwide shorebird count, in excess of fifty thousand birds (56,000) were counted by trained volunteers.
For more details please refer to sanctuary zones for water and shorebirds on this blogsite

Road Reserve: Following representations from the Friends, the road reserve just south of the Caltex Service Station at Herron, is now open to the public allowing pedestrian access to the foreshore

Brunswick Island: Ninety percent of the Watsonia was knocked out last year. Follow up spraying has been done this year and probably will continue for another two years. It is pleasing to note the sedge/rush vegetation is reclaiming where the Watsonia infestations once thrived