woodland survey - Callum Brae

[sandra henderson <>]

The survey was carried out on November 25, in pleasant conditions. The reserve is still very dry, although there is some water in several of the dams. Even the St Johns Wort and Saffron Thistle seem to be struggling, and there were numerous rabbits around.

48 species in total were seen.  The most surprising sighting of the morning was an immature Great Crested Grebe on the main farm dam next to the fence. This was a first for me at Callum Brae.This is a fairly small dam, although apparently quite deep.

A single Dollarbird was seen. This species has not been common in Callum Brae in recent years.  As is often the case, sites 1 (not far from old zoo corner) and 4 (woodland near the powerline pylons on far side of the reserve) were the best, with 12 and 11 species respectively, while at site 6 the only birds seen close by were Noisy Miners, although two Wedge-tailed Eagles were circling.

A number of expected species were not present, including Red-rumped Parrots and Striated Thornbills.

Sandra Henderson