Wanniassa Hills and Fadden Hills Pond this morning

[Ryu Callaway <>]

Wanniassa Hills:

I walked the section that was burned by the prescribed burns for the first time since it was carried out, and came across 2 speckled warblers, 2 scarlet robins, and 2 grey shrike-thrush, all feeding together. They were well within the burnt area, and I followed the group as they fed for about 10 minutes. Why would they choose that area of all places? Is there a side effect of the burns that makes it preferred for birds that feed on the ground?

Otherwise, my usual area of the reserve was very quiet and devoid of birdlife, even most of the common large species were absent. A significant change from a fortnight ago when mixed feeding flocks covered every inch of the area. 

I would attribute this to the weather- sunny and windy today compared to foggy and still last visit.

Fadden Hills Pond:

In contrast, the gully leading to the pond was teeming with activity, with thornbills, pardalotes, Golden Whistlers, Eastern Spinebill, and White-eared HE. The definite highlight (and surprise) was a male Rose Robin towards the far end of the gully which had a splash in the creek, possibly the same one as last year. The pond itself was surprisingly devoid of waterbirds, with no Pacific Blacks and just 4 Wood Ducks. 

Ryu