The K2C surveys this autumn were not able to be held as a COG event but over a week-long period in early April each of the sites was visited by a solo observer.
The impact of the severe drought last year was evident at a number of sites where the canopy had died back and was only just resprouting. The Clear Range fire in February severely burnt the Ingelara woodlands and most of the Scottsdale
sites. Many of the large trees at these sites had fallen over but those that remained standing were resprouting with epicormic growth, including most of the recently planted trees.
A total of 80 species was recorded in the surveys with highlights including Owlet Nightjar, Superb Lyrebird, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Satin Flycatcher and a couple of late-departing Rainbow Bee-eaters. Other summer migrants
which were still in the region included Noisy Friarbird, Western Gerygone and
Rufous Whistler.
The honeyeater migration was very subdued at all sites, which may be a result of the weather for the whole week being somewhat cloudy and/or windy which is generally less than ideal for the honeyeater migration. Or it may reflect the impact
of the extensive fires to the west of the survey area on honeyeater numbers and/or movement patterns.
Two large dams are included in the surveys and usually have a high diversity of waterbirds, however the only ducks recorded this time were
Wood Ducks. Presumably the widespread rains over the last two months have meant other duck species have dispersed far and wide. Raptors were also in lower numbers with only three species recorded-
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Falcon and Collared Sparrowhawk.
Of the Threatened species Gang-gang was recorded on 1 property,
Brown Treecreeper 5, Speckled Warbler 5, Dusky Woodswallow 6,
Scarlet Robin 6, Flame Robin 1, Hooded Robin 2 and Diamond Firetail 6. There were also
Southern Whiteface at 6 properties, but Restless Flycatcher at only one.
A big thank you to the landholders for permission to continue with the surveys, and for my helpers for ensuring we covered all the sites.
Cheers
Nicki Taws
0408 210736
