Mt Ainslie East, Woodland Survey

[Michael Lenz <>]

Robin Hide and Michael Lenz conducted the Mt Ainslie survey on the morning of 25 March. It was overcast and while at 2 of the 9 sub-sites we experienced drizzle to very light rain. 

Small birds were the exception rather than the rule. Species numbers were also very low, with 20 at the sub-sites and a further 10 species  outside the survey areas.  At the (usually) best site, No.1, 13 species were recorded, incl. the only two migrant species: White-throated Gerygone and Rufous Whistler. At other sub-sites species numbers ranged from only 3 to 8, mostly involving larger species.

The Noisy Miner  was the only honeyeater, and also the most widespread species (at 8 sub-sites).

We encountered only 1 small MFF (outside sub-sites), including 6 Sittellas and 1 Speckled Warbler.

Of note was a flock of 30 Crested Pigeons in the middle of the woodland and 35 White-winged Choughs, comprising  several groups foraging in close proximity to each other in the paddocks to the  Majura Parkway.

Michael Lenz