Hi All,
Last weekend (11-12th) was the September Regent Honeyeater survey in the
Capertee Valley (50km north of Lithgow NSW), this time organised by the
Cumberland Bird Observer's Club. There was a good turn out of 13 members
(eager birdwatchers) who surveyed the sites on the Saturday morning. During
the surveys 9 (or 10) birds were located at three (or four) sites. A return
visit to one of these sites on the Sunday found that there were more than
the two birds detected earlier, and in total there was between 6-7 birds,
with one pair nesting (female sitting on nest, most likely with eggs). Other
birds were behaving territorially suggesting they too were contemplating (or
attempting) nesting - all fingers crossed that this season will break the
'dry run' for these birds.
This same site produced seven different Honeyeater species: Regent, Striped,
Yellow-Faced, Fuscous, White-Plumed, and Black-Chinned (great views)
Honeyeaters and Noisy Friarbird. As well as nesting Eastern Yellow Robin and
a pair of Little Eagles.
In all more than 80 bird species were seen in the valley, the highlights
included up to 100 or more Plum-Headed Finches feeding in mixed flocks
consisting of mainly Zebra Finches and House Sparrows, but also Red-Rumped
Parrots, Diamond Firetails and Double-Barred Finches. Other great birds were
Turquoise Parrots, White-Backed Swallows, Speckled Warblers, Budgerigars,
Little Lorikeets, Hooded Robins and one group saw a lone Diamond Dove!.
Once again the Capertee delivered spectacular birding, especially the
Regents, a bird that I have not seen for several years. I vowed to not again
let such a long time elapse between sightings of this most beautiful of
Australian birds - it truly would be a loss if this species dropped over the
edge of extinction.
Cheers, Dean
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