News Item - Birds Survey 2009

Dawn Muir (left) leading the bird observation group
at Kalinga Park in 2008

Background

Birding activities were carried out in 2008 as part of a comprehensive series of studies of birdlife to be conducted along the Brook . Such recorded observations conducted over time allow evaluation of the health and biodiversity of wildlife throughout the catchment. For this reason,our Branch executive decided we should continue a similar series of bird study in 2009 along the same lines as the previous year.

Although we have a number of network members that are experienced birders, the leadership of Dawn Muir, Birds Queensland, has been vital. She is especially appreciated through the injection of her valuable experience in the conduct of these studies and particularly in their recording. Valuable contributions by Leanne Bowden & Greg Miller, WPSQ Brisbane Branch with past reports of their walks within the catchment are gratefully acknowledged.

Program for 2009

Program details for this year are available from a small file (PDF, 18 KB). The program details in this file will be modified over this year as interactions with other programs affecting volunteers become known. Interested persons should also always check the latest home page news section to keep up to date. People wanting to join in, should contact the Study Coordinator, or Dawn Muir, so that they can take you into account for the day of the studies.

Brown Honeyeater calling
in the sunshine

Details of studies

On Sunday, 3 May, it was a cool but sunny autumn morning when Charles and Jenny met up with Dawn Muir and Esther Townsend at Grange Forest Park. A total of 41 species were recorded with some notable inclusions. As this area is in Ester’s ‘backyard’ so to speak, she was able to direct our attention to a number of areas known to have particular birds most of the time. We saw two mannikins which was very interesting; both sightings very clear and the obliging birds remained long enough for their salient features to be observed, discussed and recorded. They were the Nutmeg Mannikin and the Chestnut Breasted Mannikin. We had a good bit of a chase around through the scrub after sighting a large-looking bird of prey. Finally, it was seen to be Collared Sparrowhawk. Just as we were about to pack up for the morning, a most obliging White Bellied Sea Eagle visited and was included in our list. This relatively large remnant forest was wonderful to explore and includes a wide range of vegetation that explained the variety of birdlife noted.

On Sunday, 17 April, Charles and Jenny Ivin met up with Dawn Muir on a pleasant sunny morning at Kalinga Park. Despite the noise and dust prevailing in the area from the works being carried out for the Northern Busway, over 30 species were seen. The highlight of the day was the sighting of a Bush Hen, easily identified by Dawn, but a first for Charles and Jenny. Fig birds were around in quite large numbers and it was good to see the Striated Pardalotes were coping well. It will be interesting to re-study this area once all the infrastructure work activity has ceased and the area
re-vegetated.

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On Sunday 7 June, at 7:30 am on a comfortable sunny winter morning, Dawn Muir, Esther Townsend and Charles Ivin started at Cassimarty Park. A severe flood late in May followed by rainly periods meant that the going was soft and tending muddy along the creek banks. The recent floods down both Cedar Creek and the Brook had peaked at very high levels and much debris (branches and small logs) was scattered up to the highwater mark. Most undergrowth along the watercourses had been cleared by the rush of the waters. Adequate lantana remained along the Brook above flood level for small groups of red-backed wrens and other small birds to look happy. The total of 35 species of birds bagged was satisfying, especially since at 9 am, a wild wind front burst upon the group as they returned towards the car park. Intentions to include Brook Park in the study were scuttled as a heavy downpour began and the group headed for home.

Stirated Pardalope close to its
nest near Nundah

On Sunday 5 July, Dawn Muir, Charles and Jenny, Melissa Burrows, Esther Townsend and Rob Robbie met at the Grinstead Park carpark. The day started up with a quite ‘KOOL’ morning, though with wall to wall blue skies, but ended heavily overcast and threatening. However, over 40 species were recorded and some interesting sightings were made. Many Scarlet Honey Eaters were sighted; their brilliant colour catching the eye as they zoomed from tree to tree. There were a good number of females too. A number of Rufus Whistlers were seen and heard; obligingly posing for us all to have a good view. A pair of Rainbow Bee Eaters gave an excellent display of their insect gathering, showing their colours off to advantage. Yellow-faced Honey Eaters joined us later and a juvenile Grey Whistler entertained.

On 16 August, we had excellent weather conditions, although a little cool at the start of the morning. Dawn Muir led our group consisting of Helen Moriarty, Ian Ferrier, Neville Pickert, Brian Gillard and Charles and myself. It was especially interesting to see the development of the Pony Club Bend ‘patch’ and we couldn’t but admire the work which has taken place there over the last 12 years.  What a wonderful location it will be in years to come as the plantings grow and provide habitat for even more birds and wild life.  A great effort there. We saw a good variety of birds, some we’ve recorded in other studies and a few ‘newies’.  The Fan-tailed Cuckoo was a good sighting as was the Rufus Whistler (sighted even though he wasn’t whistling).  The robust health of the area was marked by the largish population of wrens present in the excellent habitat of the original plantings.

The 6.30am start on 6 September was a little early as Zion Hill area was still quite shady. The bush care group here has done some really splendid work, a real credit to this small crew. As we moved along the Schulz Canal we were glad we’d started early as it began to get quite hot in the sunny areas. We were rewarded with a sighting of a Buff Banded Rail – which we observed struggling to get across the bike path between the multitudes of bikers. Fortunately after a few attempts it reached safety of the long grass on the other side of the pathway. Of special interest was the finding of a good location from which to observe the Nundah Lake (UBD Map 121 Ref D20). We drove around the roundabout then off the road where there was plenty of room for up to half a dozen cars. Next time we visit this area, it will be with telescopes, because there’s a clear view of the lake and we’d be able to observe without causing any disturbance. Some big trucks seem to use this area to off load their trailers and despite what must sometimes be a loud and noisy area it was here we observed the Golden-headed Cisticola. We’ll do this area in a more suitable time to see some waders in 2010.

Our 6.30am start on 18 October was just right for this area as the sun was well up over the many tall trees. We were most impressed to see what has been achieved through Wahminda Grove since the terrific flooding of May and June this year. It was interesting to watch a White Faced Heron work its way up and down the creek, the first time being chased by some Noisy Miners. There were a few good sightings of Channel-Billed Cuckoos flying overhead and along the creek. A splash of colour showed some King Parrots using the area too. We extended the walk into Maureen Lawrence Park and were rewarded with the sighting of a Pacific Bazza landing in a tall tree near by. A few minutes later it was joined by its mate and we watched them as they inserted extra sticks into their nest. The nest was quite well camouflaged under a leafy cover, although as far as we could see, it was being constructed along a large bough, which we felt looked a bit precarious. We intend going back in a couple of weeks to see whether this nesting pair will successfully raise a chick.

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The following table provides links to the results of any completed studies.

Detailed results

Wet Tawny Frogmouth near
Everton Park after rainy period.
(Photo: Neil Fordyce)

General requirements

These studies need to be carried out in small groups to reduce disturbance of, often, quiet elusive birds. It takes members of reasonable experience to be able to observe and identify birds correctly. However, there is opportunity for new keen birders to join and learn the ropes on all of our studies.

Bring your own personal food and water requirements. It is a good idea to have sun and insect protection (hat, skin protection, sunscreen and insect repellant). Although most studies are conducted along made paths, sometimes it is necessary to move carefully into bushland to more closely observe bird movements. Therefore, clothes and footwear should be chosen to suit these conditions, where possible. Travelling through natural flora and fauna habitats usually is of relatively low risk (compared with the risk of crossing busy roads) but skin irritations from harmful plants or tick bites may occasionally concern sensitive individuals.

Contact

Factors such as weather and availability of leadership mean that some studies may need to be changed at relatively short notice. Please contact Study Coordinator, Jenny Ivin, on phone 3851 0160 or for further information.

JI/CI 13/12/2009