Hi all
There are some great birds around in the foothills of the mountains at
the moment, with a lot of activity around recent rain and the current
blossoming of bloodwoods and ironbarks in some areas. Musk Lorikeets
have moved into the Kurrajong area in good numbers, with groups of 3-10
frequently passing high overhead (we have relatively few trees in flower
in our local area). Rainbows are in their highest numbers since this
species' status changed locally from irregular visitor to resident about
2 years back. Also had my first local record of a Scaly-breasted
Lorikeet.
Common Bronzewings appear to have finished nesting with 2 pairs moving
around the garden with dependent young but no active nests seen. In
addition to these and the other usual pigeons and doves, a White-headed
Pigeon was the first in the garden for more than a year.
Nearby Mill Road was very birdy on Sun morning. Picked up a soaked and
storm-battered female King Parrot off the roadside, now recovering at
the local WIRES carer's home in Grose Vale. My first local record of
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, with 3 very vocal birds near the Pony Club.
Another local first here was breeding Black-faced Monarchs, with 2
juveniles being attended to by parents. There was also a Rufous Fantail,
Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo, Grey Goshawk, Brown Cuckoo-dove, both
whistlers and Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos with juveniles - the latter
have also reappeared in family parties this week after their traditional
summer scarcity.
Bushell's Lagoon remains largely similar to last week - very few ducks
with only Blacks and a few Grey Teal seen. The large flock of Little
Black Cormorants is still present and up to almost 200, quite a sight in
tight swimming formation. Raptors included WB Sea Eagle, Little Falcon,
Whistling Kite x 2. Family of 6 Brown Quail still showing well in
constant panic at the crest of the hill before the track dips down to
the lagoon off Blacktown Road - hard to understand why these birds spend
so much time out in the open in total terror and panic when there is so
much cover available (perhaps its in their nature to be permanently
terrified), but its certainly entertaining.
Eric Finley
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