The spring woodland surveys at Gooroo north were held on a mild and still morning. After good winter rains the groundcover in the reserve was looking lovely. In 17 years of surveys I don’t remember seeing such a prolific display of the
tuberous wildflowers – Early Nancy, Yam Daisy, Creamy Candles, Billy Buttons. The Blakely’s Redgum were still looking threadbare after the autumn lerp attack, which may account for the lack of pardalotes, but a flush of new growth was evident on some trees.
Birds were active and vocal, with 40 species recorded in the survey sites. Most of the expected spring migrants were recorded with plenty of
Gerygone (both species) Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, Olive-backed Oriole, 3 cuckoo species, Leaden Flycatcher, Noisy Friarbird
and Mistletoebird. A small group of Yellow-faced and White-naped Honeyeaters flitted through, and a
White-eared Honeyeater was recorded at one site. Speckled Warbler and Scarlet Robin were recorded at two sites each. A
Brown Goshawk has nested in the same tree for most of the last 17 years and was there again this year.
Superb Parrots are usually fairly common in the north of the reserve but this time were heard on only one occasion.
Cheers
Nicki Taws
0408 210736
