The project is becoming more demanding, in terms of time, each year. The fact that there are 30 known nesting locations presents a time problem for the project. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as returning to the nest site of the previous year. Nest ledges are changed frequently at most sites. This requires checking up to three ledges for each pair. In some cases, possible ledges could be either side of a deep valley. Some sites may take two days to survey. In total, between 50 and 60 ledges need to be checked each season.
1999 was a bad season in terms of weather, with a lot of days being lost due to rain.
The search for new sites in the southern end of the Park needs to continue.
In summary, it will be impossible to continue the same level of research in the project as the number of pairs identified increases.
With the completion of the survey of the southern end of the Park, the goals of this project will have been met. It is not intended to continue the project as it has been conducted to date. Periodic checks of some sites may take place.
5. Recommendations