The final Gooroo South woodland survey for the year was done by Prue and myself on Friday 2nd and Tuesday 6th December. It was fine both days, mostly overcast on the 2nd, and rather windy on the 6th.
The reserve had dried out considerably since our September survey although some creeks still had a fair bit of water in them. Grass and weed growth was prolific which made moving between sites a little challenging at times. A total of 59 species were recorded
across the 2 days, with 40 of these during point counts, compared to 54 and 38 for December 2021.
Interesting records during 10 minute counts included a Speckled Warbler at site 2,
Nankeen Kestrel at sites 2 and 7, a Brown Goshawk at site 6 and
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo at site 1. Noisy Friarbirds were in good numbers, other summer migrants recorded were
White-throated and Western Gerygones, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Wood Swallow,
Olive-backed Oriole and Horsfield’s and Shining Bronze-Cuckoos. Incidental records included
Brown Falcon, Southern Whiteface and Golden-headed Cisticola. Breeding was recorded for
Superb Fairy-wren (carrying food), Willie Wagtail (nest building), and
Yellow Thornbill, Australasian Grebe, Australian Magpie and
Grey Butcherbird (the last four with dependent young).
Other fauna seen included Swamp Wallaby, Long-necked Turtle and
Cunningham’s Skink.
Steve Holliday
