News from F.O.M.

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Hi Birders,

I have observed some interesting bird behaviour and sightings in the Field of Mars this week. At the beggining of the week the waterbird activity was at its height. Buffalo Creek (which runs along the southern end of the reserve) was full and the waterbirds included pairs of Chestnut Teal and Pacific Black Duck, Dusky Moorhen, the resident Little Pied Cormorant and an unusual visitor in the form of a Royal Spoonbill. The Spoonbill stayed for the next two days, but I haven't seen it since.

On the 10/07 I located the female Satin Bowerbird that I had seen last month. By following its electronic calls I also found its bower. It was hopping around it and seemed to be rearranging the blue items? Normal behaviour? I'll have to wait till Summer before I can tell if a male will show. The bower is in a Lantana thicket behind the visitors centre.

There has also been a lot of Brown Goshawk activity of late. The other day a pair came zooming through the riparian corridor along Buffalo Creek and I saw BG try to catch a Red-whiskered Bulbul too. I believe there is a resident BG, and I hope the pair will breed in the reserve.

On a nice morning (8:30-10:00 is best) you can easily pick up Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, New Holland HE, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Spotted Pardalote, Crimson Rosella, King Parrot, Eastern Whipbird, both types of Fairy-Wren, Lewins HE and at the moment Rose Robin.The pair of Rose Robins have remained here since May and they are quite easy to find.

Signs of Spring are certinaly showing. Pairs of Rosella and Lorikeets are checking out nesting hollows and I saw a Cuckoo in the reserve recently (bar-breasted species, unsure if Shining or Horsfields).

Even in Winter the Field of Mars is proving to be a good source of birdlife and my survey list keeps on growing, 55 species have been recorded in the reserve so far. For those of you who would like to check it out; the reserve can be reached by either Westminister Rd or Cressy Rd Gladesville.

Max.
Sydney...
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