It was a glorious autumn day with fine and mild conditions for the 15th survey (ending three years of surveys). The local drought conditions were reflected in very low dam levels and desiccated grasses and shrubs - the driest I have seen in the 13 years I have been visiting Mulligans. The large dam for example was more than half dry although there were still Shoveler, Grey Teal and several other species there, and a Whistling Kite doing the rounds. Noticeable were large numbers of Grey Fantails, 25 in one group, and more than usual numbers of Scarlet Robins. Seven Little Corellas flew over the reserve heading north. Of interest were two Fairy Martins with Welcome Swallows, rather late for the former to be around. Red-capped Robins were recorded at two sites, a male near the usual place by the shearing shed ruin and a female on the NE side of the reserve a kilometre away - this species, usually found further west in drier areas, has been recorded regularly for more than three years now. On the migrants' front, a few Western Gerygones, Noisy Friarbirds and Rufous Whistlers were calling, a small party of Rainbow Bee-eaters flew high overhead, and a few honeyeaters were observed moving through. A big thankyou to the dedicated team of regulars who have helped me with the surveys over the past three years and consumed much mud cake in the process!
Jenny Bounds