Prue and I did our autumn woodland survey this morning in ideal conditions. It was sunny, mild to warm, and with light winds. The reserve was looking quite green after the recent rains but dams on and near our circuit only had a little
water in them at best. We recorded 39 species for the morning, with 31 of these found during 10 minutes counts. This was a lower species count than usual for autumn - last year we recorded totals of 45 and 35 on the equivalent survey.
Amongst the more interesting species recorded during counts were a
Wedge-tailed Eagle at site 2, a Mistletoebird at site 1, Scarlet Robins at sites 1 and 7,
Superb Parrots at 3 sites, and a Grey Currawong at site 6. Incidental records included a
Speckled Warbler, more Scarlet Robins, an Olive-backed Oriole, and Eastern Spinebills and
Brown-headed Honeyeaters feeding in flowering mistletoes. One large mixed flock at site 8 included White-eared Honeyeater,
Golden and Rufous Whistlers, plenty of Spotted and Striated
Pardalotes, Brown, Striated and Yellow-rumped Thornbills,
Weebill, Western Gerygone, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail,
White-throated Treecreeper, Silvereye and Yellow-faced Honeyeater. While a few honeyeater species were present in low numbers, no migrating groups were noted.
Non-avian highlights included a couple of Euros near site 9, a
Three-toed Skink, and 5 species of butterfly including Broad-margined Azure.
Steve
