Prue and I, with Dave Cook, did our first survey of the year in the southern half of Goorooyarroo this morning. As noted elsewhere, conditions weren’t great, it was sunny but the wind was strong and cold. Despite this we recorded 38 species in the reserve which isn’t too bad, although a count of 40+ is more usual for our autumn survey.
Highlights were a pair of Diamond Firetails and 15 Dusky Woodswallows at site 1, a Speckled Warbler at site 2, and 3 Wedge-tailed Eagles visible from site 7. Summer migrants were in low numbers but we did see Western Gerygone and Rufous Whistler. A White-eared Honeyeater was the only cool weather visitor noted. Mixed flocks of small birds, normally a feature of autumn, proved difficult to find. 30+ ravens were present around site 1, although some Little Raven calls were heard, the majority were Australian, including quite a lot of young birds.
Non-avian highlights included a Shingleback and a Swamp Wallaby. 6 species of butterfly were recorded – Common & Shouldered Brown, Imperial Jezebel, Meadow Argus, White-banded Grass-dart, and a still-active colony of Stencilled Hairstreaks. Much of the Box Mistletoe was in flower although the only bird I saw feeding at the flowers was a Noisy Miner.
Steve
