Spring woodland survey - Callum Brae

[sandra henderson <>]

An overcast morning didn't deter the birds, which were very active and vocal. The reserve is very wet, with water lying in many areas. Water is running in all the gullies. 48 species in total were seen.

A disappointing result was the presence of Starlings in three of the six survey sites, which is very unusual. Highlights included a pair of Gang-gangs in the first site (and another pair later flying in from the quarry), a pair of Little Corellas displaying serious aggression towards Rainbow Lorikeets interested in the same hollow, one of a pair of Speckled Warblers with a beak full of nesting material, and pairs of Nankeen Kestrels and Brown Goshawks. Large groups of Pied Currawongs were in several areas, including near a tree used by nesting kestrels last year - the two kestrels today were very agitated and chasing the currawongs. As usual, dozens of both Eastern and Crimson Rosellas in the reserve, as well as large groups of Little Corellas and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos.

Sandra H