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. 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 by Wednesday 6 April. Email: ntaws@bigpond.com or ph.0408 210736.

Autumn is always an exciting time to be birdwatching in the region with the mass movement of many species from summer to winter habitats. The honeyeater migration was a highlight of the K2C bird surveys held in very mild dry conditions. The largest number of honeyeaters recorded at a site was 600 passing through over the 20 minute period, the majority being Yellow-faced Honeyeaters with an estimated 25% White-naped Honeyeaters. The migration was most evident in the Michelago area, but small flocks were recorded at sites from Williamsdale down to Bredbo. Other honeyeaters moving included small groups of Red Wattlebirds and one group of Noisy Friarbirds.

Ravens also congregate in large numbers at this time of year, particularly Little Ravens, and several groups of 100 or more birds were seen. Other autumn movements include the appearance in the lowlands of the Flame Robin (recorded at one site) and Golden Whistlers (several sites). At the same time, late-departing summer migrants were still enjoying the warm days including Dusky Woodswallow (up to 40 at two sites), Grey Fantail, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and Rufous Songlark skulking quietly in the grasslands.

Threatened species were in encouragingly good numbers particularly Scarlet Robin (12 properties), Hooded Robin (6), Brown Treecreeper (9), Diamond Firetail (7 sites including more than 12 birds at one site), Speckled Warbler (3), Varied Sittella (1), and Gang-gang Cockatoo(2 sites, including a flock of 25 at one site).

The K2C bird surveys are in their 7^th year. We thank the landholders for their ongoing interest, the many COG volunteers who contribute their time, and Bush Heritage Australia for their support. The next surveys will be on Sunday 9 October.