This is the tenth year of biannual K2C surveys in the Williamsdale to Bredbo area. This autumn’s survey was held on a mild partly cloudy morning and with 16 volunteers, 38 sites were surveyed across 19 properties. The undoubted highlight
was a sighting of 4 Swift Parrots at one of our northernmost properties, the first record of the species for these surveys. Other Threatened species included
Dusky Woodswallow (recorded at 8 properties), Scarlet Robin (7),
Diamond Firetail (6), Brown Treecreeper (4), Speckled Warbler (3),
Hooded Robin (2) and Flame Robin (1).
Other interesting sightings included 3 Crested Shrike-tit, 4
Restless Flycatchers together (probably a family group), a Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, and a
Pied Butcherbird at Strike-a-Light, one of the southernmost sites. This species has become almost a regular in the last few surveys, reflecting a similar increase in observations in the ACT.
Honeyeater migration during the morning was somewhat subdued and only apparent at a couple of sites. Earlier in the week when the weather was more favourable about 2000 honeyeaters were counted in 20 mins at one of the survey sites.
Yellow-faced Honeyeaters made up about 90% of the flocks with White-naped 10%. A flock of 30
Red Wattlebirds was noted flying over one site. Many of the summer migrants appear to have left but those species that are later to leave or may overwinter included
Fantailed Cuckoo, Rufous Whistler, Noisy Friarbird, Dusky Woodswallow, Leaden Flycatcher, Tree Martin and
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. It is heartening to see the development of revegetated sites to the point where they are starting to support a greater abundance and diversity of birds. Species recorded from revegetation in this survey included
Speckled Warbler and Hooded Robin.
Thank you to the COG volunteers, the landholders and Bush Heritage for hosting us at Scottsdale Reserve and supplying the lunch. The next survey will be held on Sunday 13th October, completing 10 years.
Cheers
Nicki Taws
0408 210736
