La Nina has played havoc with many plans this year and the K2C bird surveys were no exception. The forecast for the scheduled 9 October promised substantial rain, so for the first time in 12 years I postponed the event
due to the weather. As it turned out 50mm of rain did fall but it cleared by sunrise, however it left a coating of snow over the Michelago-Bredbo landscape so I wasn’t disappointed to have made the call.
The surveys were carried out by various helpers over a few fine mornings during the subsequent week. We recorded a total of 92 species over the 38 sites (20 properties), a good haul for the spring surveys even though
few waterbird species were present. Bird activity was high at the majority of sites, most pleasingly those severely burnt 2½ years ago and the younger revegetated sites which have put on significant growth over the past 2 years.
Most of the expected summer migrants were recorded but several species were in low numbers, possibly due to the cool spring so far -
Noisy Friarbird (2 records), Sacred Kingfisher (1), Olive-backed Oriole (2),
Mistletoebird (1), Leaden Flycatcher (2) and Rufous Songlark (1). The migrants present in good numbers were
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Woodwallow (8 properties), and the
Cuckoos (Pallid, Fantailed, Shining Bronze-, but no Horsfeld’s). Honeyeater migration was subdued, and although the
Yellow-faced were widely recorded, they were only noted migrating at one site.
Threatened species were in good numbers including
Brown Treecreeper (7 properties), Speckled Warbler (5), Hooded Robin (3),
Scarlet Robin (3), Varied Sittella (3), Flame Robin (1),
Gang-gang (1). The one threatened species that was largely missing was the
Diamond Firetail with only 2 records of single birds. Other interesting records were
Southern Whiteface (3 properties), Restless Flycatcher (2) Grey Currawong (1) and
Jacky Winter (1).
A big thank you to the volunteers who were flexible with their plants and helped complete the surveys. And thanks as always to the landholders who continue to support the program. The next surveys will be in April 2023.
Nicki Taws
0408 210736
