Many followers of REF, especially around the Hays Inlet projects including the Ecopath, Green Army and Bushcare activities would realise that bird surveys have been conducted on a quarterly basis at the Silcock Street Reserve for the past four years. Incredibly, a 131 bird species have been observed in this important wetland remnant area. With 20 surveys completed by the South Pine Birder’s group, I thought it would be worthwhile joining in with one of their sessions at Kumbartcho House situated on the South Pine River at Albany Creek.
The survey is conducted on a monthly basis and so far, the group has identified over 150 bird species associated with the reserve. The bird tracks of Kumbartcho meander through forest, open pasture and riverine habitats and provide wonderful opportunities for people to get out exercise and take in some of nature’s gifts. On the day, many bird enthusiasts or “twitchers” as they are known gather in order to document the species seen on the day. Starting at 7.30 am, they make their way along the pathways, binoculars at the ready and their attention focused on the many bird calls resonating in the area.
There were the unmistakeable calls of the Eastern Whipbird and the Lewins Honeyeater as well as a number of aquatic birds in display including a Royal Spoonbill and Pacific Black Ducks. Along the reeds were the darting forms of wrens, honeyeaters and finches along with the sometimes more sedate (that is stationary) Striated Pardalote. In the end 66 species of birds were observed and 5 more heard. Perhaps the highlight of the day was the emergence of an Owlet Nightjar from its hollow.
The morning was about the chance to enjoy the local wildlife as well as enjoy the company of so many enthusiasts. The chance to share stories and make some personal observations about various birds was ongoing during the walk; and the morning tea afterwards provided the opportunity to collate all of the observations. Kumbartcho may be for the birds but is also for the birdwatchers!
For further information on bird surveys at Hays Inlet go to https://www.redenviroforum.org/bird-surveys.html
The survey is conducted on a monthly basis and so far, the group has identified over 150 bird species associated with the reserve. The bird tracks of Kumbartcho meander through forest, open pasture and riverine habitats and provide wonderful opportunities for people to get out exercise and take in some of nature’s gifts. On the day, many bird enthusiasts or “twitchers” as they are known gather in order to document the species seen on the day. Starting at 7.30 am, they make their way along the pathways, binoculars at the ready and their attention focused on the many bird calls resonating in the area.
There were the unmistakeable calls of the Eastern Whipbird and the Lewins Honeyeater as well as a number of aquatic birds in display including a Royal Spoonbill and Pacific Black Ducks. Along the reeds were the darting forms of wrens, honeyeaters and finches along with the sometimes more sedate (that is stationary) Striated Pardalote. In the end 66 species of birds were observed and 5 more heard. Perhaps the highlight of the day was the emergence of an Owlet Nightjar from its hollow.
The morning was about the chance to enjoy the local wildlife as well as enjoy the company of so many enthusiasts. The chance to share stories and make some personal observations about various birds was ongoing during the walk; and the morning tea afterwards provided the opportunity to collate all of the observations. Kumbartcho may be for the birds but is also for the birdwatchers!
For further information on bird surveys at Hays Inlet go to https://www.redenviroforum.org/bird-surveys.html
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