Capertee Valley

Last weekend was a Regent Honeyeater survey weekend in the Capertee Valley (central NSW between Lithgow and Mudgee).  The surveys are part of on-going monitoring of population trends of Regent Honeyeaters in the Valley.

Thank you to Carol Probets, John Duranti, Tony Peri, Nicki Taws, Cassie Thornley, Stuart and Grace Mulvenna, Greg Peters and friend Sarah, all of whom helped out at short notice.

Thirteen survey sites were covered in fairly difficult conditions - heavily overcast and VERY windy.  Despite lower than expected counts on a couple of survey sites that can be attributed to the birds "lying low" in the wind, Regents were seen on seven of the 13 sites.  They weren't seen on one site that probably had Regents (they had been seen there regularly over the past month or two).   Several Regents were seen collecting nesting material, some were single birds (strongly suggesting the female was on a nest) and one newly fledged youngster was seen.

On the bird front generally, large flocks of Plum-headed Finches were seen at two locations, superb views were had of Turquoise Parrots (at one location seen at close quarters feeding on grevillea flowers), a Chestnut-rumped Heathwren was seen on one of the survey sites, most of the Capertee Valley "specials" were seen including Hooded Robin, White-backed Swallow, Grey-crowned Babbler, Southern White-face, Specked Warbler.  A new bird for the valley (to my knowledge) was a Common Greenshank, first seen by John Duranti on a dam on Goollooinboin Station and then by others.

In all, a weekend enjoyed by those that were able to get there.

David Geering
Regent Honeyeater Recovery Coordinator
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
P.O. Box 2111
Dubbo  NSW  2830
Ph: 02 6883 5335 or Freecall 1800 621 056
Fax: 02 6884 9382



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