Naas Site Spring Woodland Survey

["Julie Hotchin via Canberrabirds " <>]

We conducted the spring woodland survey on this rural leasehold south of Tharwa on 25 September. The morning was overcast and warm initially, with a welcome light breeze later. The dams held water and parts of the property were green; it was also well-stocked with cattle (that were very curious) and sheep. The bird diversity was high, with several returning spring migrants recorded. In total we recorded 53 species, of which 39 species were in the six subsites.

Highlights included a group of Diamond Firetails, one carrying nesting material. This species has not been recorded here for several years. A Jacky Winter was active between subsites, a Mistletoebird was heard, and a Hobby flew over the first subsite. The only other raptor seen was a Nankeen Kestrel.

Spring-summer migrants present included Dusky Woodswallows, White-throated Gerygones were seen or heard at every subsite, Western Gerygones, a male White-winged Triller, Rufous Whistlers, two Olive-backed Orioles, and a Fan-Tailed and Shining Bronze-cuckoo. Honeyeaters were present in greater numbers than usual, with several groups of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters moving through the site, and Brown-headed and White-plumed Honeyeaters observed at one subsite. A Satin Bowerbird (green bird) was a surprise sighting. Low numbers of small birds were recorded at most subsites, including a Brown Thornbill, Grey Fantails, Weebills and Willie Wagtails. The exception was fourteen Striated Pardalotes.

Breeding activity included nest building by Diamond Firetail, Dusky Woodswallow and Grey Fantail, and a pair of Tree Martins going in and out of a hollow.

The number of species recorded (53) is higher than in the past three years (45 in 2025, 42 in 2024 and 31 in 2023), perhaps reflecting the late-winter rain.

Julie Hotchin and Julie McGuiness

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