Kalinga Park to Keith Bowden Wetlands, Sunday 1st February 2026
Six keen birders gathered at 6:30am on a beautiful, fine morning in car park at Kalinga Park. Kedron Brook had flow, but we had a definite sense of ‘green drought’ – need for rain we are regularly promised that often does not seem to eventuate. The Brook was in reasonable condition, but small creek off it was very smelly, and in some places cluttered plastic bottles. It was largely unapproachable because undergrowth on its banks was impenetrable.
We observed a total of 29 species, well down on 36 species last year. Overall, there was a sense of concern at low bird and species numbers, except several which seem to be thriving (lorikeets, noisy miners and little corellas). Some species were noticeably absent (bush stone curlew, lapwings).
We farewell leadership of Peter Blackmore great appreciation for job he has done over recent years. I’ve stepped into role, but it is definitely a team effort. Esther Townsend and Rachael Williams busily recorded sightings; Elizabeth Mackenzie took photos and entered the
species list into eBird photos (some of which are included below) and we all reflected on our memories of last year and changes we observed.
Kalinga Park is very pretty, and heavily used by cyclists, dog walkers, sports teams and happy people.
The Keith Boden Wetlands are deeply in need of attention by Council to give them dredging/deepening, and apparently this is going to happen. The birds will appreciate it.
Our next bird walk is on Sunday 1 March, meeting at 7.00am, at Cedar Creek. Meet in Upper Kedron Road near small playground just east of, but next to road bridge over Cedar Creek before Hogarth Road. (https://maps.app.goo.gl/WKq41TreSXMTvQiA7 ). We’ll start along Nelson Place parkland on Northside of Upper Kedron Road, then follow around bike-walkway circuit on Southside, around Cedar Creek, up-stream of road bridge.
Happy birding!
Anne Tennock
