During several lunch breaks, I have been boosting up my fitness levels by
going for regular walks (upto 5 km or so) with a work mate of mine, at the
relatively new Fairfield Regional Park (about 40km west of Sydney CBD). Though I
have not been carrying a pair of binoculars on these walks, I have taken notice
of a number of birds present (mostly by the ears). Today I heard Brown Quails
and have seen/heard numerous Striated and Spotted Pardalotes, Red-rumped
Parrots, Red-browed Firetails, Yellow Thornbills, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and
also have seen Brown Falcon, Double-barred Finches etc over the past few weeks.
I have been hearing lots of Eastern Froglets and Whistling Tree Frogs there as
well. This area has been heavily cleared in the past, but a lot of bush
regeneration has been done in this area over recent years (and I have taken part
in this with Greening Australia) and a lot of the trees are growing very well.
There is also a small patch of remnant rainforest here. Most of the older
Eucalyptus present is E.Territicornis and there is a lot of regrowth of Acacia
decurrens. There are also a number of former farm dams, which attract several
water birds. In time, this area has great potential in producing some good bird
sightings.
The area is great for a family picnic and offers some of Sydney’ best views
(infact 365 degrees, where on a clear day you can see the city (harbour bridge
and Sydney tower) as well as Prospect Reservoir, Holsworthy/Royal NP, the Blue
Mountains etc)
Edwin Vella
