birding-aus

News from F.O.M.

To: <>, <>
Subject: News from F.O.M.
From: "McGowan, John" <>
Date: Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:02:40 +1000

OK- I give up-'Field of Mars'.....?

:) John Mc
 Melbourne


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Sent: Friday, 18 July 2008 6:39 PM
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Subject: News from F.O.M.


Hi Birders,

I have observed some interesting bird behaviour and sightings in the
Field of Mars this week. At the beggining of the week the waterbird
activity was at its height. Buffalo Creek (which runs along the southern
end of the reserve) was full and the waterbirds included pairs of
Chestnut Teal and Pacific Black Duck, Dusky Moorhen, the resident Little
Pied Cormorant and an unusual visitor in the form of a Royal Spoonbill.
The Spoonbill stayed for the next two days, but I haven't seen it since.

On the 10/07 I located the female Satin Bowerbird that I had seen last
month. By following its electronic calls I also found its bower. It was
hopping around it and seemed to be rearranging the blue items? Normal
behaviour? I'll have to wait till Summer before I can tell if a male
will show. The bower is in a Lantana thicket behind the visitors centre.

There has also been a lot of Brown Goshawk activity of late. The other
day a pair came zooming through the riparian corridor along Buffalo
Creek and I saw BG try to catch a Red-whiskered Bulbul too. I believe
there is a resident BG, and I hope the pair will breed in the reserve.

On a nice morning (8:30-10:00 is best) you can easily pick up Golden
Whistler, Grey Fantail, New Holland HE, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike,
Spotted Pardalote, Crimson Rosella, King Parrot, Eastern Whipbird, both
types of Fairy-Wren, Lewins HE and at the moment Rose Robin.The pair of
Rose Robins have remained here since May and they are quite easy to
find.

Signs of Spring are certinaly showing. Pairs of Rosella and Lorikeets
are checking out nesting hollows and I saw a Cuckoo in the reserve
recently (bar-breasted species, unsure if Shining or Horsfields).

Even in Winter the Field of Mars is proving to be a good source of
birdlife and my survey list keeps on growing, 55 species have been
recorded in the reserve so far. For those of you who would like to check
it out; the reserve can be reached by either Westminister Rd or Cressy
Rd Gladesville.

Max.
Sydney...

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