ROYAL NATIONAL PARK, NSW -21st JUNE 1998
Yesterday, though mainly overcast in Sydney, a great day of Birding was had
by myself and Dean Portelli in Sydney's Royal National Park (within 20 km
south of Sydney). We explored most of the parks habitat ranging from Beach
to the Heaths and from Heath to Subtropical Rainforest. Over 80 species were
observed in this National Park. Places visited include:
1) BONNIE VALE (near Bundeena) - The Beach Stone-curlew was still present
and very approachable allowing excellent opportunities for filming. I took
20 minutes of video on this one bird and the results were great. This
Stone-curlew is so approachable that not even a mob of 20 people who walked
within 5 metres did not flush it (unbelievable and very surprised!). The
bird was took to flight (on its own accord) though when it moved away from
its roosting spot to near the beach to preen for half an hour. It then later
returned back to its exact previous roost (an raised mound covered in grass
on the edge of the sand flats and close to the camping area. This raised
position should allow the bird view any danger nearby. Also seen nearby were
2 Eastern Curlews, 2 Little Egrets, and a group of Varied Sitellas
(Orange-winged form) in the Casuarinas.
2) CURRA MOORS (south of Bundeena) - Lots of Honeyeaters were present here
and in adjoining areas of Heath, especially Yellow-faced and New Holland
Honeyeaters aswell as Little Wattlebirds and Eastern Spinebills, but also
present were White-eared, White-naped, Tawny-crowned, White-cheeked and
Scarlet Honeyeaters. Southern Emuwrens, Chestnut-rumped Heathwrens,
Beautiful Firetail and a Brown Goshawk were also present.
3) WATERFALL END OF LADY CARRINGTON DRIVE - Here Superb Lyrebirds were heard
and seen and one was displaying showing of his beautiful tail imitating the
calls of Crimson rosellas, Little Wattlebirds, Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo,
Eastern Whipbird, Satin Bowerbird, Pilotbird, Pied Currawong, Black-faced
Monarch etc . One Lyrebird male feeding, was observed collecting so much
food from just a single scratch of the Rainforest Soil. A Yellow-throated
Scrubwren was quick to take advantage of this and walked almost under the
Lyrebirds feet. Several other Yellow-throated Scrubwrens were also seen
aswell as a Wonga Pigeon . 2 Pilotbirds were also heard calling
4) WATTLE TREE FOREST (near Audley) - Great views of 3 Bassian Thrushes were
seen in this patch of remnant Rainforest. A Rose Robin was also heard here.
Edwin Vella
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