Thanks to the generous support of Member for Wide Bay, Lew O’Brien MP, through the 2021 Volunteer Grants program, the NICA shorebird team was recently able to procure the latest high specification spotting scope and tripod to assist in its critical survey program in the Noosa River. The Swarovski ATS 80 HD scope coupled with the 25-50X wide zoom eyepiece provides outstanding pinpoint detail, edge sharpness and colour reproduction over the long distances required for this painstaking work.   The team looks forward to road-testing the new equipment shortly and before our migratory shorebirds and terns commence their long return journey.