The autumn 2026 K2C bird surveys were held over several days due to limited volunteer availability. The main survey day was Saturday 11 April, a fine but windy morning during a long, dry and warm autumn spell. The sheltered
sites generally yielded more birds; an interesting exception being the Ingelara woodland where despite the strong wind, the dense metre-high regrowth afforded enough shelter for a lovely selection of woodland birds (including
Hooded Robin, Speckled Warbler, Yellow and Buff-rumped Thornbills and Diamond Firetail) to stay foraging down at ground level.
There was almost no movement of honeyeaters in the windy conditions; the usual suite of
Yellow-faced, White-naped, White-eared, Fuscous, White-plumed and Brown-headed Honeyeaters were recorded but in low numbers. A group of 5
Noisy Friarbirds were seen moving northwards. Other lingering summer migrants included
Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Dusky Woodswallow, and a couple of records of
Fan-tailed Cuckoo.
Threatened species were in lower than usual numbers, the most prevalent being
Scarlet Robin (5 properties) Dusky Woodswallow (5), Hooded Robin (3),
Diamond Firetail (2), Brown Treecreeper (2), Southern Whiteface (2),
Flame Robin (1). This may have been partly due to the conditions during the survey or the fact that one of the reliable properties for these species was not surveyed.
Thanks again to the volunteers, the landholders for continued access, and Bush Heritage for the use of the facilities at Scottsdale for our post-survey lunch.
Nicki Taws
0408 210736
