For myself, last years Regent Honeyeater & Swift Parrot survey was a
success ( with both species seen at the one place and same time). This years is
another story. I saw not even one of these target birds but had a great day out
birding. Myself, David Koffel and an overseas visitor, Stuart White from
Ireland, set off early today up the Putty road and to Bulga, about 2
½ hours drive north-west of Sydney and in the Hunter Valley. The only
trees seen in flower were the Narrow-leaved Ironbarks (Eucalyptus crebra) but
were not attractive for any of the Honeyeaters about. Some of the birds seen
here included several Red-capped Robins (included 3 males
chasing each other), Hooded Robins, many Speckled
Warblers, Rock Warbler, Grey-crowned Babblers, Brown Treecreepers and a
magnificent White-backed Swallow (with it fairly loud but
pleasant rolling call) near the McDonald River Bridge. Worth of note were
9 Striated Pardalotes perched together on the same branch of a
dead tree (some with wings out-stretched giving some sort of display.
Would’ve made a great photo) and in a small dam, 8
Yellow-billed Spoonbills were seen feeding
together.
The next survey spot was Howes Valley, where several
White-naped and a few Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters were seen but
not much else. A nice pair of Hooded Robins were seen perched
in somebodies garden were the owner said that all he had was a few Sparrows
about.
The final spot was the Putty Valley, were we saw a pair of
Scarlet Robins (the female had a nice scarlet wash on its
chest). We also heard a Glossy Black-cockatoo call once, but
unfortunately could not produce Stuart a great tick.
Though none of the target species was seen, we had some great weather for
this time of year, and some good birds.
Just watched a show on channel 2 about South Georgia Island. Quite a good
show which featured Wandering, Light-mantled Sooty and Grey-headed Albatross,
aswell as Blue, Snow and White-chinned Petrels (wouldn’t they all make a
good pelagic trip!!!!).
Edwin
