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This species was a common resident of the
Narrabundah Hill pine forest pre-fires, but was one of the birds most impacted
by the fires and until this winter had not been recorded by me in the burnt
areas (2 well spaced sightings). Thus it was a big surprise to find 5
birds round the dam at the end of Kathner Street yesterday morning, and an even
bigger surprise shortly after to watch them co-operatively building a nest in a
nearby tree.
A Grey Shrike-thrush was seen close by, again
this species was not seen in the burnt areas until several sightings last
winter, but has been much more common in the area in 2007. Perhaps things
are getting back to normal.
A Horsefield's Bronze-cuckoo was heard calling in
the distance last Sunday morning but this weekend it was heard calling loudly on
a number of occasions, mainly in the former pine forest. Since the
beginning of the month there have been a number of reported sightings for this
species which seems to be have arrived in good numbers this year.
As expected the Masked Lapwings moved into the
Chapman horse paddocks and after watching a spot where they have been swooping
vigorously this past week, I found 2 young this morning. In previous years
they have been impossible to find, but the very short grass at the moment
affords very little cover for them.
Finally there are still a few Flame and Scarlet
Robins around, but most seem to have departed for higher altitudes.
Jack Holland
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