Woodland survey Mt Ainslie

[Michael Lenz <>]

This morning (25 Mar) Michael Lenz carried out the survey at the 9 sites on the lower eastern slopes of Mt Ainslie. It was a mild and calm morning, partly overcast.

The greatest surprise was the very low number of Noisy Miners, normally the most widespread and quite numerous species. This time the species was present at only 3 sites with one bird each! Even in the area immediately around the Campbell Park office only few miners were encountered. I assume the drought/post drought food shortage may be behind this decline. Unfortunately, the lack of Noisy Miners did not translate into higher numbers of small bush birds.

The Crimson Rosella was the most widespread species (8 sites), followed by Galah, Eastern Rosella and Spotted Pardalote (each at 5 sites). A few small MFFs were encountered, mostly in areas between sites.

Species of interest included 4 Superb Parrots, 2 Speckled Warbler, several Rufous Whistlers and Western Gerygones, 2 Dusky Woodswallows and 1 Mistletoebird. The only other honeyeaters were Brown-headed Honeyeaters (2x small groups),

In total 35 species were recorded - 22 at sites and another 13 between sites.

Michael Lenz