News Item - Bird observations 2012

Birding group point their binoculars at nearby
finches at Grange Forest Park (3 July 2011)

Background

Birding activities were first carried out in 2008 as part of a comprehensive series of studies of bird life 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 along the same lines as the original year.

Details of all the observations taken for 2008, 2009 and 2010 are given in 'News Item - Birds Observations 2010'. Details of the observations for 2011 are available in 'News Item - Birds Observations 2011'.

Two young Pale-faced Herons disturbed
at Grinstead Park (6 November 2011 )

Although we have a number of catchment members that are experienced birders, the leadership of Dawn Muir of 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.

Program details for 2012 are available from a small file (PDF, 16 KB). Interested persons should check the latest home page news section to keep up to date on any changes.

General precautions to be used during these surveys

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 has been opportunity for new keen birders to join and learn the ropes on all of our outings.

Birders should bring their own personal food and water requirements and sun and 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. Clothes and footwear should be chosen to suit these conditions, where possible. Traveling through natural flora and fauna habitats is usually of relatively low risk (compared with the risk of crossing busy roads) but skin irritations from harmful plants or tick bites can occasionally concern sensitive individuals.

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Details of observations to date

Juvenile Purple Swamphen near Keith Boden
Wetlands, Wavell Heights (5 February 2012)

Kalinga Park, Keith Boden Wetlands and Benelong Park - 5 February 2012

We were lucky that the weather had cleared for us on Sunday 5 February, because there had been very heavy rain and considerable flooding along the brook in the previous week. The ground was still very wet underfoot, and the damage caused by the extreme volumes of water were very apparent.  There had been some quite severe scouring along both banks of the brook at Kalinga Park with some trees uprooted and others in a quite precarious position.

As a result of the wet weather, small birds such as wrens, Silvereyes and pardalotes were noticeably absent.  On the other hand, there were quite large numbers of Masked Lapwing and Common Mynahs.  Seven Little Pied Cormorants were seen at the Keith Boden Wetlands at Cressy St., Wavell Heights, including one observed sitting on a nest.  Corellas were only observed flying over and no Rails were seen, there being very little ‘bank’ left for them to walk on.  It was good to see a couple of baby Purple Swamp Hens at the wetlands and pleasing that the resident pair of Bush Stone Curlews were still on the hill at Kalinga Park.

A pair of Tawny Frogmouths sheltering from the
rain in a tree in Grange Forest (4 March 2012)

Grange Forest Park - 4 March 2012

We drove to Grange Forest Park on an overcast gloomy morning, ready to cancel the activity. However, the cloud lifted (although it didn’t go away) and a few hardy souls decided to proceed with the survey.

Despite the difficult conditions, thirty-nine species were observed and of special note was the sighting of several ‘little’ birds, desparately seeking sustenance in the wet vegetation. We saw Double-barred Finches, Silvereyes, Red-backed and Variegated Fairy Wrens, White-browed Scrub Wrens and Tawny Grassbirds. It was interesting to see a very young Olive-backed Oriole and a female Rufous Fantail.Just as we were returning to the cars, the clouds lowered and the threatening rain reappeared. However, we were finished, so it didn’t matter anymore!

Detailed results

Results may be linked from this table as the results of any completed studies become available.

Contact

Bird lovers are always welcome on our walks. 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.