This survey marked the end of 10 years of the woodland project surveys at the reserve, quite an achievement. It would not have been possible without the contribution of around 20 COG members who have helped me with the surveys over this time. In particular, a core group of regulars which includes Bruce Lindenmayer, Martyn Moffat, and Kay and Horst Hahne, who were there with me on the very first survey in June 1995 - thanks everyone for your commitment. On the recent survey, three new surveyors, Tom Green, Adam Leavesley and Debbie Saunders assisted, along with Bruce, Martyn, Jack Holland, Steve Holliday, Pauline Wicksteed, Peter Roberts, Alan Ford and Sue Lashko.
The dry seasonal conditions were evident on this survey with dam levels very low and grasses very shrivelled. 46 species of birds were recorded. Interesting sightings of a Wedge-tailed Eagle (I later saw a bird probably the same one over the Gooroo Reserve next door), two sightings of Varied Sittella, several pairs of Scarlet Robin, a Fan-tailed Cuckoo and a Crested Shrike-tit. Only one small group of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and a group of Red Wattlebirds moving through on migration were seen. Most of the other birds were seen in mixed flocks moving through. The species mix and number of species is very similar to the March survey last year. It is good to see that fox baiting has now been commenced in the reserve.
Surveys for remainder of 2004 will be Sunday 27 June, Sunday 26 September and Sunday 28 November - volunteers note your diaries. I promise I will have mud cake (and maybe champagne) for the June survey to really celebrate the 10 year milestone.
Jenny Bounds