K2C Surveys

COG will continue with the K2C surveys that have been running since April 2010. The surveyed properties have healthy populations of many of the rarer woodland birds such as Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin and Speckled Warbler. We will be visiting the same sites to continue the monitoring and see if we can add to the property lists with spring-summer migrants. The surveys will be undertaken in ‘blitz’ fashion; that is, observers in small groups will visit a number of sites on one or more properties before regrouping for lunch and a sharing of the survey’s findings. Less experienced observers are welcome to join in the survey as each team will have at least one experienced observer. Anyone interested in participating is asked to contact Nicki Taws before Wednesday 4 April . Email:ntaws@bigpond.com or 0408 210736.

The spring K2C bird surveys were held on a gloomy, overcast morning with only intermittent mizzle to moisten the ground. The region received 20mm of rain the previous week providing some relief to the ongoing dry conditions.  A total of 94 bird species was observed across the 19 properties. A highlight was the sighting of a Pied Butcherbird on Clearview Road. We first recorded this species during the surveys in 2016 just south of the ACT border, then again in 2017 south of Michelago. Locals have noted a pair in residence at Baroona Road for some time now, and a group of 5-6 were recorded in early September this year. Another highlight was a Latham’s Snipe flushed from the edge of the large dam at Ingelara. This is the first record of this species during the surveys but dam edges are not a habitat we routinely survey. Latham’s Snipe has also been recorded from the Baroona Wetland, just north of Ingelara. Of the threatened species, Hooded Robin was the most common robin, found at 4 properties. Only 1 Scarlet and 1 Flame Robin were reported. Dusky Woodswallows were particularly abundant, found on 13 of the 19 properties. Brown Treecreeper was recorded on 7 properties, including 2 breeding records. Speckled Warbler was found on 5 properties. Diamond Firetail was a bit harder to find this time, only reported from 2 properties. There was one record of Varied Sittellas. Of the other uncommon woodland birds, Southern Whiteface was found on 3 properties, Restless Flycatcher on 2, and Jacky Winter, a rarely recorded species, on 2 properties including one building a nest. There was no honeyeater movement; in fact the White-naped Honeyeater was not recorded at all. Golden Whistlers were also absent. Several summer migrants which have been slow turning up in the region, including Leaden Flycatcher, Rufous Songlark and Sacred Kingfisher, were recorded, but we did not find any White-winged Triller or Dollarbird. Thank you once again to the landholders for access, COG volunteers for their expertise and Bush Heritage for hosting us and providing lunch. The next surveys will be 14 April 2019.

Nicki Taws