At a recent gathering at the Conservancy’s home in McLeans Ridges, a bird survey was conducted to understand the number of species that frequent the site.
In attendance on the day were Birdlife Australia representatives, including Rodney Falconer who kindly put together a report for Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy. Since preparation of the site began, we’ve been improving the wetland habitat on site, which is already home to a large number of species. Removed camphor laurel trunks have been placed in the dam for perching and shelter, rocks on site were positioned along the shore and invasive water hyacinth was removed at a community volunteer day. Already, the Comb-crested Jacanas (pictured above) have been making themselves at home, walking across lily pads without so much as breaking the surface using their long thin feet.
The report observed 46 species at the site on the morning of the survey, including an estimated 397 individual birds. These were split across several areas – the primary area of interest being the beautiful dam, which meanders across the valley floor to tributary ponds and marshland fringes. This area had the highest avian diversity thanks to various habitat types including tall and short grass flats and slopes, and rank grasses/graminoids with a few scattered trees.
In another area with a number of taller remnant trees, a mix of forest birds, such as grey fantails, silvereyes and red-browed finches were observed. Grassy swales below and cleared areas to the east of the dam were conspicuously hawked by tree martins and welcome swallows. Dead and living trees in this area were utilised for perches by both water birds such as cormorants, a black-shouldered kite and a variety of forest species.
In other areas of the site, large numbers of figbirds were observed flying about the trees and often feeding in nearby fruiting camphor laurels. Large flocks of topknot pigeons were sighted flying overhead, a common local feature at this time of the year when many native rainforest trees are in fruit.
