For the third time in four years COG ventured out to the Taylors Creek catchment on the east side of Lake George to conduct an atlassing survey. The survey has been designed to provide an inventory of the Landcare group area, and to monitor the birds of specific habitats such as remnant woodlands and tree plantings. The survey also provides COG with a snapshot of this area which is otherwise rarely visited by birdwatchers and it affords us a wonderful opportunity for access to private land. Surveys were conducted on 6 properties with additional sightings made along roadsides and homestead gardens.
The first bird survey of the Taylors Creek area in October 2004 ended in torrential rain, while the 2006 survey was held during a hot, dry autumn spell. The 2008 spring survey was held in warm and eventually windy conditions. The total of 86 bird species for the morning was similar to totals for the previous surveys (89 in 2004, 82 in 2006).
Some highlights for the morning included a group of three Latham’s Snipe, two sightings of Diamond Firetail, several records of Southern Whiteface, several White-fronted Chat sightings, Stubble Quail calling at a couple of sites, and a Satin Flycatcher in one of the Brittle Gum remnants. On the first of the dams surveyed, nearly 300 waterfowl were counted, with over 200 of these being Hardhead. Ten species were recorded breeding, including Black Swan with three different nests, and two separate records for Southern Whiteface. Interestingly, no woodswallows or robins were recorded, raptors were sparse and the dams were too full for shorebirds around the edges.
A definite highlight of the morning is always the post-survey barbeque provided by the Landcare group at one of the properties of the area. Thankyou to everyone who participated and to the Landcare group for hosting us again.
Nicki Taws