Castlereagh NR

["Graham Turner" <>]

Gidday Birders,

                        last Sunday Richard Turner and I went to Castlereagh Nature Reserve (North-western outskirts of Sydney) to check the Mugga Ironbark for Swift Parrots / Regent Honeyeater. What we found was disappointing, not only had the area been severely burnt, but several of the ironbarks which were used in the bumper '98 season by both regents and swifts had been killed in the fires. The area is regenerating well, but has a long way to go.

 

However, its not all bad. In some of the nearby cleared paddocks there were some large Muggas covered in blossom. There appeared to be only Noisy Friarbirds in attendance but anything could turn up over the next few weeks.

 

For anyone wanting location details, south east corner of Castlereagh NR, UBD map 125 location B 14, with trees in the vicinity of the Llandilo Rd, Mayo Rd, Old Llandilo Rd intersection. Just listen for the Noisy Noisys.

 

Haven't yet checked the other areas for flowering trees. Any news from the central coast? After last years effort maybe the Swamp Mahoganies are going to have a rest.

 

Cheers

Graham Turner