Spring woodland survey - Mt Ainslie

[Michael Lenz <>]

  On 3 October Robin Hide and Michael Lenz carried out the survey of the 9 sites on the eastern slopes of Mt Ainslie. It was overcast with light wind. It was notable that in many areas the foliage of smaller eucalypts had thinned out considerably, allowing to 'see through' sites much further than usual, no doubt drought related. The grazing pressure from significant numbers of kangaroos has stayed very high. 

   In total 44 species were recorded - 25 at sites and  a further 19 in between. The most widespread species were again Noisy Miners (8 sites) followed by Crimson Rosella and Striated Pardalote (7 sites each).

   Spring arrivals included both Gerygones, Noisy Friarbird, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Woodswallows (but in reduced numbers compared to earlier visits to the area in mid to late September), Grey Fantail and Mistletoebird.

  Overall numbers of smaller bush birds were low, including one bird each of Speckled Warbler and Varied Sittella. 

   We encountered still one mixed feeding flock, comprising Silvereyes, Rufous Whistler, White-throated Gerygone, Grey Fantails and Spotted Pardalotes.

   A very quiet pair of Red Wattlebirds was building a nest in Noisy Miner territory.

  The female of a pair of Brown Goshawks showed an interesting plumage pattern (see attached photo by Robin Hide): It is in a transition from 1st to 2nd year plumage.

Michael Lenz

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