Sixteen people, the large majority non-members, joined me on a warm but calm morning on this bird walk for the public held as part of Parks Week. My expectations for unusual sightings were not too high as the NW end of Cooleman Ridge has been quieter than for the past few years, but very soon we observed at least six Tree Martins circling, inspecting hollows and also alighting on dead branches, allowing good views of their diagnostic head colour. This species has been largely absent since the 2003 fires, and was spotted while we were admiring the nest of the Magpie-lark in which young were being fed. This was another new discovery, and the size of the mud nest could be compared with that of the nearby White-winged Chough's from which young had been recently fledged. Good views were also obtained of a pair of Red-rumped Parrots, firstly exchanging food and then drinking at the edge of the dam.
We moved along a couple of hundred metres until we came upon our first Dusky Woodswallow. These proved to be quite common in one spot of about 100 metre radius, where we watched two nests being built, and it appears the loose colony of about eight birds will breed here this year as opposed to about 400 metres south of here in 2007. A Sacred Kingfisher was first heard and then briefly perched on a dead branch above us, before being mobbed off by a variety of birds; again this was a first observation here for this spring. Also at this time we watched a very dark Wedge-tailed Eagle spiralling overhead, and followed a Nankeen Kestrel circling quite high.
After moving several hundred metres further we made a collective decision not to attempt to complete the circular 2.7 km Nature Trail walk but to return to the spot where several species had been briefly seen, hopefully to allow the whole group to get better views. Being patient, keeping reasonably still and allowing the birds to come to us, plus the benefit of 17 pairs of eyes, paid off handsomely with eventually four Diamond Firetail being recorded, with lovely views of them perched on dead branches but in particular as they fed on the ground close in front of us, together with two Southern Whiteface. Nearby was a pair of Yellow-rumped Thornbills building a nest in a dead mistletoe, and also a female Rufous Whistler feeding among some regrowth. Unfortunately the male, despite being very vocal, was less willing to be admired. Also, the three Double-barred Finches seen by several of the party earlier could not be relocated. This species is also uncommon on Cooleman Ridge, but had been seen near here recently.
Altogether, about 35 species were seen, with good views being obtained of most by the whole group, including of the more common species appropriate for beginners’ walks. It was a good illustration of what can be achieved even with a largish group, some without binoculars, if you are prepared to be patient, even when the habitat doesn't look that inviting. A thoroughly enjoyable morning for all, with appetites whetted for more bird watching, and some potential COG members.
Jack Holland