Spring woodland surveys - Callum Brae and Mugga Lane (Isaacs Ridge)

[sandra henderson <>]

The Callum Brae surveys were conducted on 21 Sept, in perfect conditions. An Olive-backed Oriole greeted me at the gate to the reserve on arrival. The first surprise in one of the survey sites was a pair of Gang-gangs, probably the first I've had in a woodland survey, although I've encountered them occasionally in the reserve over the years. The other unusual sighting at that site was two Australian Raven nests in a single tree - the nest on the right had two well-grown youngsters doing some experimental wing flapping, the nest on the left hand side of the tree was still under construction. As we watched, one bird was flying in with twigs, while the second bird added them to the nest.

Three separate active chough nests were sighted around the survey circuit, with birds on each nest. Nankeen Kestrels were sighted in the vicinity of two trees where they are probably breeding, although this wasn't confirmed. Quite unusual was the lack of thornbills - three Yellow-rumped Thornbills being the total for the group. No White-throated Gerygones were heard at survey sites, although several were heard after we'd left the last site. 43 species noted in total.

 

The Mugga Lane sites (now part of Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve) were rather quiet, but a highlight was five Speckled Warblers.

 

Sandra Henderson