It was a fine late spring morning when we started the survey around 7:45 am. During our excursion across the range from south to north, we were struck by how green everything looked, but how close the grass was cropped at many of the sites. How wonderful it was to survey every site under bright skies and no breeze, and how prolific was the flowering in many species of eucalypt. It was most delightful to descend into the open grassy valleys through golden swathes of St John’s Wort, scenes reminiscent of Dorothy and friends skipping through the Land of Oz. It seems this herb can be used as a treatment for depression, perhaps to assist the unhappy environmentalist witnessing the spread of this attractive but noxious plant.
There were plenty of birds about, and between the sites a pair of Wedgies, a Common Bronzewing, and Pallid and Fantail Cuckoos were observed, as well as the more usual Eastern and Crimson Rosellas.
Birds observed at different sites included 4 Rufous Songlarks and a White-winged Triller, as well as the usual inhabitants such as Noisy Miners, Starlings, and Red-rumped parrots at the Grenade Range.
More than one site produced sightings of Leaden Flycatchers, White-throated Gerygones, Rufous Whistlers, Shining Bronze Cuckoos and Brown-headed Honeyeaters.
The most prolific site was at the dam at the northern end of the range, which has varied considerably over the last few surveys in the number of species. On Tuesday, 17 species were noted within the 10 minute survey period, including Grey Teal, Hardhead and Pacific Black Duck, Eurasian Coot and Australasian Grebe, as well as Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Shining Bronze Cuckoo and Rufous Whistler. There were 8 Striated Thornbills with dependent young. As well there were the usual inhabitants such as Choughs, Magpies, Magpie Larks, and Pied Currawongs.
Other species observed included Olive-backed Orioles, Superb Fairywrens, Grey Shrike-thrush, Blackfaced Cuckoo-shrikes, Grey Fantails, and a single White-eared Honeyeater.
All in all a very pleasant and informative morning.
Cheers
Paul
Paul Fennell
Editor Annual Bird Report
COG Databases Manager
026254 1804
0407105460
