The spring bird survey in the southern half of Goorooyarroo was done by Prue and I this morning in mostly sunny conditions although a strong cold north-westerly wind soon sprang up and continued all morning.
The reserve was looking green after the recent rain, with dams mostly full and some creeks running. Wildflowers were reasonably plentiful, with Early Nancy particularly dense in some places, and two species of orchid in small numbers (Dusky Fingers and Golden
Moths). We recorded a total of 54 species for the morning with 41 of those during our 10 minute counts, quite similar to last year’s totals of 51 and 39.
Amongst species recorded were three raptors –
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel and Brown Goshawk. Spring/summer migrants present were
Western and White-throated Gerygones, Rufous Whistler, Horsfield’s
and Shining Bronze-Cuckoos, Pallid Cuckoo, Tree Martin and Olive-backed Oriole. Surprisingly, no friarbirds were recorded. Small birds were in fairly small numbers with
Striated and Spotted Pardalotes, Brown-headed Honeyeater,
Weebill, Superb Fairy-wren, Buff-rumped Thornbill and Grey Fantail the most prominent.
Golden Whistler and White-eared Honeyeater were both still present.
Speckled Warblers were at site 8.
Other fauna included four
Euros, an Echidna, Shingleback and Eastern Bearded Dragon.
Steve
