Bird studies 2010

Dawn Muir indicates how a
rampant native vine has
reduced the observable bird
species in a section of Grange
Forest Park on 6 June 2010

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 studies in 2009 and now 2010 along the same lines as the previous years.

Details of all the studies for 2008 and 2009 are given in a table, 'Table 1 KBCB_WPSQ Results of Bird Studies 2008 - 2009, Summary of study dates, location codes, actual locations and conditions'. This is a small pdf file that can be downloaded here. Each study location code consists of an acronym of the location name together with a four numeral bit that represents the month and year. Thus, Code "KP-0108" represents Kalinga Park area specifically as conducted in January 2008.

Table 1 can be used to obtain these location codes to assist the interpretation of Tables 2 and 3, respectively covering the 2008 and 2009 studies. The latter two tables give the common names of the bird species observed for each study together with the total number of species observed at each study and the total number of the actual studies at which that species was observed for that year. You'll see the common names of the species observed at each study as indicated by the numeral "1" symbol in the relevant columns. Totals at the bottom of each study indicate the total number of different species observed for that outing (at least one bird per species observed). Totals to the right of the table sum up the number of occasions that at least one bird of a given species was observed.

Over the two years of bird studies, the number of bird species observed varied from 11 up to 53 per outing depending upon the overall timing, month and variety of habitat at the location. Overall, we observed 123 and 90 different bird species respectively over the 2008 and 2009 studies conducted. Taken over the two years, we actually observed 138 different species, a consequence of the fact that not all bird species were observed in both periods. But we’ll need many more years of study records before we can confidently determine any significant trends from our data.

Brown Honeyeater calling
in the sunshine

Although we have a number of catchment 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 outings and particularly in their recording. Contributions from Esther Townsend have also been most appreciated. Valuable contributions by Leanne Bowden & Greg Miller, WPSQ Brisbane Branch with past reports of their walks within the catchment are gratefully acknowledged.

Program for 2010

Program details for this year are available from a small file (PDF, 15 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 Outings Coordinator, , or Dawn Muir, so that they can take you into account for the day of the outings.

Details of observations (Being added after each outing in 2010)

The first sightings originally planned for Sunday 7 February had to be re-scheduled to 14 February due to heavy rainfall. The morning of the 14th at Grinstead Park was sunny though the previous rains had produced a strong water flow along the Brook. Leader Dawn Muir, assisted by Esther Townsend, together with six other birders enjoyed the morning sunshine and came up with a total of 43 species of birds observed. The diversity of habitats in this area was an important factor contributing to the number of interesting observations enjoyed. The rare finding of an Australasian Bittern was unexpected for our region. Sighted on a dead branch of a tree, the bird was dive-bombed by Noisy Minors supported by Magpie-larks and a single Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. A Grey Goshawk stalking from a Eucalypt near the bat colony was given a similar turnaway by the Noisy Minors.

Spangled Drongo in shade with
characteristic reddish eye and
' V-cut '  tail.

Bellbird Grove on 7 March was sunny and a most pleasant morning for our group of four after we dodged a quartet of German Shepherd dogs on their regular parkland walk. We only observed 32 species of birds; the morning being a light-on for the smaller birds.

On the morning of 11 April, a very heavy fog lay across Brisbane. When we first arrived at Pony Club Bend, we had some doubts about the number of birds we would see in such conditions.However, we persisted and were joined by Dawn Muir, Ian Ferrier, Helen Moriarty, Harold Charles and our granddaughter, Madison. Although there were fewer smaller birds visible, we were rewarded by the sight of a Stirated Pardalote and observed 31 species.

It was a chilly morning in bright sunshine as we set off to Wahminda Park at 7:30 am, 9 May (Yes! Mothers Day). Charles and I were joined by Esther Townsend and Anne Ellerman for the survey. It was good to have Anne with us as she is a regular volunteer at Wahminda and was able to show us some locations where she has had good sightings. Although it was a bright morning, the chill in the air seemed to keep the smaller birds in their ‘beds’.  We did have a very special sighting of a female Rose Robin which was the first we've seen at the location.

We had another sighting being carried out by Dawn Muir coincident with the Wahminda Park walk on 9 May. Only 27 species were observed, no doubt the result of much damage caused by flooding earlier this year along Cedar Creek and Kedron Brook in this area. Significant erosion and fast flowing water had removed a great deal of past grasses and low weeds such as lantana along the creek banks. Arbor Park had also had much of the guinea grass and lantana removed by BCC staff as part of the regeneration of the remnant native forest. This would have diminished the natural habitat for a number of smaller birds observed on past sightings.

On 4 July, it was fine at Kalinga Park and remained quite a cool morning through to the end of the walk in Benelong Park. We noticed four Bush Stone-curlews on the tree-covered hill above the children's playground area in Kalinga Park. They were still there when we returned at the end of our walk, but had moved deeper into cover. Several Straw-necked Ibis were seen, including some with pale uncoloured neck feathers. Twenty-seven Masked Lapwings were observed in Shaw Park, and it was here we later saw the huge flock of Little Corellas. Two Long Billed Corellas were clearly visible amongst the flock. We observed a very determined Noisy Miner chasing a Striated Pardalote from tree to tree. The Keith Boden Wetland (Cressy Street) was looking under stress with many of the water birds being fed by locals. We saw bread and wild bird-mix being used by local families to feed them.

Top

Detailed results

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

Pacific Black Duck chicks look for their parents
at Pony Club Bend, Mitchelton in August 2009

General requirements

These outings 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 outings.

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 outings 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 outings may need to be changed at relatively short notice. Please contact Outing Coordinator, Jenny Ivin, on phone 3851 0160 or for further information.

JI/CI  13/07/2010