The Woodhen survey conducted between 18 November and 6 December 2024 has resulted in yet another record high count. 

The survey covered key areas including the Settlement Area, Far Flats (Little Island track and nearby vegetation), North Bay, and Smoking Tree/Boat Harbour/Muttonbird Point. Mt Gower was excluded from this survey due to concerns around the potential spread of Phytophthora. Despite losing a day and a half of surveying to rain, most areas were thoroughly covered, and follow-up visits were made to account for any missed birds. 

A total of 1,535 adult and juvenile woodhens (weighing over 250g, including birds seen or heard) were recorded, alongside 26 chicks (weighing less than 250g). The total includes 672 new birds that were caught and banded for the first time, confirming high rates of breeding success since the April 2024 banding exercise.

In the Settlement Area alone, 1,420 woodhens were recorded. While Mt Gower was not surveyed this time around, data from the 2022 survey (which documented 77 birds) were included in the total. Given the continued population growth, it is likely the Mt Gower population has also increased further in the last two years.

These findings bring the minimum known woodhen population to at least 1,638 birds, up from 1,147 birds in 2022 — a staggering increase from the 208 individuals recorded in 2019 when birds were released from captive management following the REP.

Future survey methodology

Alongside the traditional census survey, an alternative monitoring technique was trialed whereby a number of transects located in key areas were surveyed to sample a proportion of the population. Data from these surveys is still being analysed, but it is hoped that the proposed new methodology will enable woodhen population trends to be detected without the need to catch and band birds, while also minimising resources required to monitor this iconic species.