Lower Ovens/Killawarra Forests...

["Michael Ramsey" <>]

Hi all,

 

I spent a great weekend camping and birding at McLaughlins Bend in the Lower Ovens Regional Park,

 36 09, 146 14 (north-eastern Victoria), with a visit to the nearby Box/Ironbark Killawarra Forest to look for Regent Honeyeaters and Swift Parrots.

 

After recent rains in the Lower Ovens the area had greened up a little but many billabongs and lagoons were still dry so waterbird numbers were limited. Nocturnal species however were very active. On all nights up to three Boobook Owls could be heard around the camp, and on two nights a Barking Owl was heard. Tawny Frogmouth was also recorded. Also at night, about 11pm a flock of waders (I think) was heard overheard. The flock gave a chirrup call like a hyperactive flock of Galahs. My only ideas are Curlew Sandpipers or Red-necked Stints, suggestions anyone ?.

 

With winter approaching many altitidinal migrants were seen such as White-naped Honeyeater, Golden Whistler, Flame Robin, Red Wattlebird, Spotted Pardalote and a single male Rose Robin. Also of interest was a flock of Crimson Rosellas. This area has resident Yellow Rosellas and it was interesting to see these two subspecies feed and flock together. All but one of the Crimson Rosellas were immature birds. A White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike was also observed.

 

Birds of Prey were fairly scare, highlights were a pair of White-bellied Sea-eagles (maybe from nearby Lake Mulwala) and a young Peregrine Falcon. A Collared Sparrowhawk was regularly seen around the campsite.

 

Killawarra Forest 36 13, 146 10, to the south of the Lower Ovens towards Wangaratta was still very dry and only a few Grey Box had begun flowering. No Regent Honeyeaters or Swift Parrots were observed (though they are at the Chiltern Box/Ironbark Forest nearby). Of note however was a flock of Grey-crowned Babbler and three Hooded Robins. Most birds were seen in mixed winter feeding flocks.

 

Michael Ramsey, Albury NSW.

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