Eleven other COG members spent this weekend with me enjoying John and Michelle’s excellent hospitality at the Boali Ski Lodge in delightful early autumn weather while observing the birds that occur in Australia’s highest country.
While the altitude restricts many birds as they do not venture this high, close to 40 species were recorded. Of the two specials that can be found close to Thredbo Village, Olive Whistlers were particularly abundant and co-operative (as was the case in January), with all participants getting very good views as they often emerged out of the vegetation. Perhaps with the fire damage this normally cryptic species has moved into more open habitat, usually not favoured, and is thus easier to observe than usual. Pink Robins proved more elusive. We were very fortunate to have Jean Whatman, who first recorded them there over 20 years ago and has observed many nests and territories since that time, to show us the best spots where to find them. However, despite searching the ti-tree gullies very carefully, we only managed to find a total of two males, and just a single female, and, with many of the participants only getting brief views or missing out altogether. This may have been due to it being towards the end of the breeding season after which they disperse to areas unknown, but presumably at lower altitude.
Particularly conspicuous and plentiful, however, were Flame Robins, with a conservative estimate of several hundred birds mainly on the lower slopes close to the village. This species is well known to favour recently burnt areas and were often seen together in loose clumps, with the vast majority (>95%) of them in brown plumage, indicative of a good breeding season. It certainly was very encouraging to see this declining species in such numbers, and would appear to assure of at least its short term future. It will be interesting to see if this is reflected in higher numbers in the ACT close to Canberra this winter.
Compared with Kosiblitz survey in March 2003, within 2 months of the fires, many of species seeming to then be using the unburnt areas as temporary refuge were not present. One new bird was added to the list, Australia’s most widespread bird according to the recent Atlas the Willie Wagtail was seen close to the parking area at Dead Horse Gap, round about the 1500 m contour, further proof of its great adaptability. Several other birds seen on Kosciblitz surveys but not on the NSW NPWS Checklist of birds occurring above 1500 m in Kosciuszko National Park were also confirmed, namely the Southern Boobook, Laughing Kookaburra, Pilotbird and Eastern Yellow Robin.
All in all a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend, with good food and very comfortable centrally situated accommodation. Participants really enjoyed the variety of walks on offer even though there were times when few birds or different species were seen, such as on the alpine areas which have a very restricted bird list. It was agreed there is a place for fully accommodated comparatively more expensive trips on COG’s calendar, and I will be looking at including further such outings in future programs.
Jack Holland