24 November 2018
Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers; Species count: 47
Eighteen members gathered in damp overcast conditions at Pound bend carpark where a noisy gathering of Rainbow Lorikeets and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos were proclaiming their presence.
Walking upstream along the river track a pair of Sacred Kingfishers perched in dead trees on the opposite bank, while several small bushbirds, including Eastern Yellow Robins and White-browed Scrubwrens, were foraging beside the track.
The poor light, due to the drizzly weather, made it challenging to identify small birds high up in the canopy.
A few waterbirds were seen on the river including Pacific Black Duck and Dusky Moorhen while a juvenile White-faced Heron was seen perched in the usual nesting tree.
A large mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos were relaxing on the paddock at the far end of the track and as the members started to walk up the hill a family group of four Tawny Frogmouths was spotted in a nearby tree (see photo above).
A sad sight was that of a young, only partially fledged, Eastern Rosella on the muddy track. A person from the Wildlife Rescue who was telephoned assured us this was normal behaviour as rosellas leave the nest before they can fly and have to teach themselves. Sadly this one looked very frail and his chance of survival did not look good.
At the top of the hill an Olive-backed Oriole called lustily from a nearby tree while a Common Bronzewing and a group of White-winged Choughs were feeding on a grassy paddock.
Making our way back to the river track, a pair of Spotted Pardalotes was soon seen repeatedly flying in and out of a hole in the bank beneath a foot bridge. They were so immersed in their activity that they ignored the observers and close up (rear) views of these beautiful little birds were obtained.
The weather improved around lunchtime and members had to closely guard their sandwiches from some very enterprising Australian Magpies! A short walk was then taken to look at the famous tunnel which was in full spate after the recent rains. A total of 42 species were recorded for Pound Bend.
Eight members then opted to drive to the 100 Acres Reserve in Park Orchards for a second short walk and were well rewarded. Near the Green Dam an adult Tawny Frogmouth was on a nest with two very small fluffy chicks and nearby a young Grey Butcherbird was seen near its nesting tree.
Down near the Tadpole Dam there was much bird activity. No doubt the sunshine had brought out some insects for them to eat. A Satin Flycatcher was heard and this was located near the Low Track and soon afterwards a group of Varied Sitellas were seen feeding on the bark of a tree. Both of these species were ‘lifers’ for most of the beginners. A family group of Eastern Spinebills and a close up view of an Eastern Yellow Robin concluded an excellent session with 27 species recorded in less than an hour, 5 of these being different to those at Pound Bend, giving a combined total of 47 for the day.
View the complete bird list: BM Nov 2018 Bird List Pound Bend and 100 Acres
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