Prue and I did our autumn woodland survey this morning in reasonable conditions. It was mostly overcast and still, with the occasional period of light rain. 43 species were recorded, a reasonable return for
autumn, with 31 of these noted during 10 minutes counts. The reserve was looking rather overgrazed
and very dry, all dams now have little or no water.
There was a reasonable amount of small bird activity at some sites, with a couple of mixed feeding flocks encountered. These were mostly made up of pardalotes and thornbills. The most interesting sighting
was a Long-billed Corella, the first for these surveys. Also of interest were 3 Wedge-tailed Eagles together, they appeared to be two adults with a young bird. Colder weather visitors included a few Golden Whistlers and a White-eared Honeyeater. A number of
summer visitors were still present in low numbers – Rufous Whistler, White-throated Gerygone and an Olive-backed Oriole. A group of Dusky Woodswallows flew over at one point. No sign of honeyeater migration.
Other things recorded included Red-necked Wallaby, Verreaux’s Tree Frog (heard during one of the rain showers), and a few butterflies and moths - Mistletoe Moth, Meadow Argus, Common Browns (less than usual,
they seem to have had a really poor season), and singles each of Amethyst and Stencilled Hairstreaks.
Steve
