Kathy and I undertook the September Woodland Survey in south Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve on a perfect Canberra spring day – about 20 degrees, sunny and still (no rain, unfortunately!). The first observation of note was the erection of a stylish new advice and information booth for the reserve since our last visit, featuring maps of the reserve and Helen Fitzgerald’s excellent Grasslands and Grassy Woodlands poster.
The difference between this survey and that carried out in June was quite marked, not least of all the temperature – birds were both prolific and vocal. There were many returning migrants present, including Grey Fantails, Noisy Friarbirds, Rufous Whistlers and Olive-backed Orioles; but probably the most vocal and widespread were Western and White-throated Gerygones, both of which were observed/heard at and/or between the 9 survey sites. Having just returned from Western Australia, where we saw and heard the western sub-species of Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca fusca, the difference between the two calls was quite apparent, that of the west being a much slower call cf. “our” Western Gerygone G.f.exsul. Other birding highlights for the day were Speckled Warbler, White-winged Triller, 2 Little Corellas, Mistletoebirds, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, several Pallid Cuckoos calling, a Wedge-tailed Eagle and all five local Thornbills – Buff-rumped, Brown, Striated, Yellow-rumped and Yellow.
Unfortunately the lone Brown Treecreeper (probably the last in the entire Mulligan’s Flat/Goorooyarroo Reserves, as reported by Jenny Bounds in the July Gang-gang), was not located. All told, there were 51 species recorded for the day.
Non-birding highlights included a beautiful Bearded Dragon enjoying the morning sun, and a Jacky Lizard that was busy escaping the attention of two Pied Currawongs.
David Cook