I had a good 2 hours this morning in the Richmond Turf Farms
(approx. 55km NW of Sydney CBD). Again King Quail was the most numerous species
with at least 7 seen and another heard. Amongst the seven individuals flushed were
at least 5 very young birds about a third size of the adults and most appeared
to be males so we should hopefully see even more King Quail in the Hawkesbury. Also
seen was a single Red-backed Button-quail (I flushed a
male bird which may have been sitting on a nest), 4 Brown (which have also
bred) and only one Stubble Quail. There was no sign of the Red-chested Button-quails that I had seen on my previous 3
visits but they may also be nesting! The only quail calling during the time I
was there was one King Quail with its “phew..phew..phew” just
before I had flushed the 5 young birds.
Another good show from the same paddock as the above quails was
a beautiful adult Spotted Harrier (a bit early than usual for this regular wintering
species for this part of Sydney). I also
had a great view of a Peregrine, a female Swamp Harrier and several Singing Bushlarks (not many of the later as in previous visits).
A good mix of birds for just a couple of hours to spare!
Edwin Vella
