Bird Observations - Results for 2016

Background

Since 2008, at least ten bird walks have been conducted each year in locations selected as being representative of bird habitats along Kedron Brook. This project aims to accumulate data on bird life along the Brook; specifically those variations in birds species noted together with their distribution.

Links to Home and to other years

General details of 2016 observations to date

Details of the locations and general arrangements for each walk are available in the yearly programs. Link to the program for 2016 here.

Wahminda Grove and Maureen Lawrence Park - 7 February 2016

Six observers met up for this bird walk (including two from the Wahminda Grove Bush Care Group) on a fine morning with some cloud. A total of thirty-eight species was observed, seen and/or heard.

Of special interest was the sitghting of a Pacific Baza feeding two young and a Pale-headed Rosella with a juvenile. It was great to see the small flocks of Double-barred Finches and Red-browed Finches. At one point, we were surrounded by a large number of White-browed Scrubwrens flitting all about us; oblivious to our presence.

Bob Cassimaty Park, Thomset Park and Arbor Park - 6 March 2016

We met in Cassimaty Park on a fine morning with just a hint of coolness. A total of only 26 species was sighted and/or heard.

Although sited in a representative location on the Brook, the 'count' here is usually amongst the lowest for a survey; possibly influenced by the relatively thin areas of forest cover there. Looking back over the records, the survey species counts vary from lowest of 26 in 2008 to the highest of 39 in 2015. A stroll through the 'Summary of results from past surveys' in the 2008 to 2015 observation pages gives more details.

Grange Forest Park - 3 April 2016

We gathered on a pleasant sunny morning and were immediately rewarded by a large flock of Rainbow and Scaly-breasted Lorikeets feasting in the abundant flowers of a large African Tulip tree. Of special interest was the sighting of an Eastern Yellow Robin by two of our members. It was good to see increased numbers of 'little' birds in quite large flocks; including Chestnut-breasted Mannikins, Red-backed Fairy-wrens, Red-browed Finches and Double-barred Finches.

There were lots of seeding grasses around. This probably accounts for the increased numbers of birds of the smaller species observed. A young Channel-billed Cuckoo was seen flying into a tree and we all were able to get a good view of it. We recorded thirty-nine species for the morning.

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Pony Club Bend, Mitchelton, and Teralba Park - 8 May 2016

Nine observers met at Pony Club Bend on a fine cool morning. A total of thirty-six species was seen and/or heard.

Masked Lapwings were well represented on the sporting fields at Teralba Park with some seeming to be nesting. Many Eastern Whipbirds were heard calling but proved elusive to the naked eye. There were good numbers of both Pacific Black Ducks and Dusky Moorhens in the Brook which still had a good flow of clear, clean water.

Nudgee Waterhole, and Nudgee Beach - 5 June 2016

Three birders met together at the Nudgee Waterhole on a cold, blustery and wild weather morning following a day of torrential rain that had seen much flooding along the brook. Whilst there were some good sightings at the waterhole, there was little to see at the boat ramp (part of our walking area was fenced off due to construction work). At the beach end of Nudgee Road, the tide was just beginning to recede and no new species for the morning were recorded there.

In all, we had thirty-three species recorded: the three highlights being the Great Egret - so close we could see the green line behind the eye without binoculars, the Brahminy Kite which flew in and posed on a branch to give us a good view, and the single Pelican which made a grand, most excellent landing at the waterhole. There were also many Eurasian Coots, Dusky Moorhens and Australasian Grebes and a solitary Royal Spoonbill. As we walked to the cars, a very large flock of Little Black Cormorants landed on the waterhole. In view of the bleak conditions, we felt very satisfied with our sightings.

Zion Hill, Nundah and Kedron Brook Wetlands - 3 July 2016

Seven observers braved a crisp but sunny morning to conduct this survey and gained the reward of sighting a total of fifty-three species.  We were thrilled with the sighting of a Varied Triller  within the maturing bushcare planting area at Albert Bishop Park.  This was our first find of this species for the nine years of this project along Kedron Brook. Hopefully, with the ongoing plantings occurring in the park, it will not be the last.

The birds of prey were very prevelant over the Nundah Lakes area, and  included Black-shouldered Kites, White-bellied Sea Eagles and Brahminy Kites.  There was an extremely large flock of Black-winged Stilts on an island edge in the lake which was very full after the recent heavy rains. On the walk back, it was good to see a pair of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos nesting in a tree hollow.

Cedar Creek - 7 August 2016

Eight observers met on a cool but sunny morning to conduct these bird observations. Both Golden and Rufous Whistlers were present including males, females and juveniles. Many Striated pardalotes were seen, giving everyone excellent views of their colourful markings. A Little Pied Cormorant seemed to be taking an interest in us, following us as we walked up the creek.

It was interesting to see our very first Eastern Spinebill at this site as it is known to move down from the
ranges in winter months. A Rose Robin was seen near the bridge at the Southern end of our walk.

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Kalinga Park, Cresey St Wetlands and Benelong Park - 4 September 2016

Ten birders embarked on the birding survey of Kalinga Park, Cressy St. Wetlands and Benelong Park on a fine cool 'Fathers Day' morning. It was an interesting outing with forty-eight species positively identified and two that were very challenging. One was a 'Falcon sp.' that had us guessing, the other a high flying flock of possibly Topknot Pigeons that were so high a positive id. was out of the question. However, of the forty-eight known species, we were surprised by an exotic escapee: an Indian Ring Neck Parakeet.

There were good numbers of water birds in the wetlands, including a Royal Spoonbill, Maned Ducks, Pacific Black Ducks, Hardheads, Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants. On our return journey through Benalong Park, a pair of Long Billed Corellas were seen preening themselves. At the bridge at the Eastern end of Kalinga Park we spotted the Striated Heron (grey form). An enjoyable outing indeed.

Bellbird Grove - 9 October 2016

Eight enthusiasts met in the carpark at Bellbird Grove on Sunday and were immediately greeted by a pair of Channel-billed Cuckoos being harassed by Noisy Miners.  We saw these birds a number of times as we moved up and down the creek.

Also on hand to greet us in the flat area near the toilet block was a pair of Bush-stone Curlews.  One appeared to be nesting and the other was standing nearby. An Australian King Parrot put in an appearance high on a branch in full sun, but flew off as the photographer was about to take a snap.
It was nice to see a number of Whipbirds at various locations along the creek.  Also of interest were the Little Shrike Thrushes which gave us good viewing.

Grinstead Park and Sparkes Hill - 6 November 2016

Seven observers met in the carpark on a sunny morning, to be greeted by several screeching Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. Investigation found that a large male Brushtail Possum was being harrassed by the cockatoos.  No matter where the possum tried to hide, the raucous screeming cockatoos found him and pecked at his head and tail.  It was noted that the possum had a nasty gash on the top of his head.  There were no nesting sites in the tree but the Cockatoos were very determinatively attempting to get rid of the possum.  No doubt he won't be staying out once dawn breaks ever again.

Thirty-six species were seen and/or heard, including a pair of Pacific Bazzas.  They hovered overhead giving excellent views of their wings and underparts and then obligingly landed in a nearby tree; allowing good observations to take place by us. A Buff-banded Rail was sighted taking a drink then running for cover, while a female Rufous Whistler sat still by allowing for a good observation.

Detailed results for 2016

Results of birds observed on each walk may be linked from this table as the outcomes of any completed studies for this year become available.

Date	Link to	Description
07/02/2016	pdf file	Wahminda Grove - Maureen Lawrence Park
06/03/2016	pdf file	Bob Cassimaty, Thomsett and Arbor Parks, Ferny Grove
03/04/2016	pdf file	Grange Forest Park
08/05/2016	pdf file	Pony Club Bend, Mitchelton, and Teralba Park
05/06/2016	pdf file	Nudgee Waterhole Reserve through to Nudgee Beach
03/07/2016	pdf file	Zion Hill, Nundah, and Kedron Brook Wetlands
07/08/2016	pdf file	Cedar Creek, Upper Kedron
04/09/2016	pdf file	Kalinga Park - Cressey St. Wetlands
09/10/2016	pdf file	Bellbird Grove, Brisbane Forest Park
06/11/2016	pdf file	Grinstead Park and Sparkes Hill Reserve
04/12/2016	pdf file	Upper Kedron

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Additional walks

Occasionally, we go birding outside our normal set areas along the Kedron Brook Catchment. See this section on the 2015 page for past records here.

During a late afternoon walk along Cedar Creek at Upper Kedron on 22 February 2016, a pair of Brown Cuckoo-Doves were observed. This was the first time since the start of our casual walks in this area from 2015.

As happened last year, a get-together of birders at Upper Kedron was held on 4 December to keep up our knowledge of bird life in this area of expanding households and diminishing forest areas. Rather surprising was that the group ended up with forty-three species of birds observed between 7.00am and 8.30 am. Most of these were in a small area that was originally farmland but with a favourable group of both tall and medium sized trees. Given the rapid removal of trees found closer to the out-growing housing area, it is obvious suitable habitat will be under threat soon.

Contact

Bird lovers are always welcome on our walks but note the special precautions above to ensure happy birding. Factors such as weather and availability of leadership mean that some outings may need to be changed at relatively short notice. Please contact Outing Coordinator, Jenny Ivin, on phone 3851 0160 or for further information.