The autumn K2C surveys were held on 14 April. The morning was generally fine with light winds, although with a foggy start for a few sites around Bredbo. A total of 92 species was recorded, a good number for autumn given
that many of the summer migrants had departed.
A highlight for many sites was the migration of honeyeaters, even during the fog. The majority of the flocks were Yellow-faced honeyeaters, as expected, with a smaller proportion of White-naped. A few small flocks of
Red Wattlebirds were noted migrating, and one Crescent honeyeater. White-eared Honeyeaters were present in ones or twos at many sites and occasionally seemed to be moving with the Yellow-faced. The more sedentary honeyeaters were also in good numbers – Fuscous,
Brown-headed and White-plumed. Not many Red Wattlebirds were noted in the migration and no Noisy Friarbirds were recorded (which is usual for the autumn surveys).
Other highlights included Spotted Quail-thrush, a rarely recorded species in the surveys, Owlet Nighjar recorded at 2 sites, and Pied Butcherbird with an immature bird – a very interesting breeding record. Eight Hooded
Robins were recorded at Scottsdale in 3 separate locations, although this was the only property where they were recorded in this survey. Other threatened species were Scarlet Robin (8 properties), Dusky Woodswallow (8), Speckled Warbler (7), Brown Treecreeper
(5), Flame Robin (3), Diamond Firetail (2), and Southern Whiteface (1). Also Restless Flycatcher (2) and Jacky Winter (1).
Thank you to the volunteers, regular and new. Thanks also to the landholders for continued participation, and to Bush Heritage for hosting our post-survey lunch. The next surveys will be in October.
Nicki Taws
