It is well regarded that birds are wonderful indicators of environmental health and observed changes in birdlife (species mix, population sizes, breeding behaviours etc) can mark the changes to those ecosystems that support the birds.
The bird monitoring effort for Coal Point
aims to support the various on-ground restoration works (regeneration,
revegetation) as well as add to the knowledge and skills of the local
community. Over time the benefits of monitoring long-term changes in habitat
and the effect of these changes on the birds will help us understand the nature
of the area as well as improving the way we restore and care for the land.
Two years ago a preliminary report was
written to satisfy a requirement of the project funding. That report included
discussion on the first three rounds of surveys and offered some direction for
future investigation. This report now confirms several aspects of the nature of
Coal Point and argues for various priorities with regards the ongoing
restoration of the natural areas.
The first official survey (Summer Survey)
was carried out 15th January 2013 over the 7 established survey sites and a
subsequent 11 rounds of seasonal surveys have followed.
Common at all Sites
The species seen frequently at all sites
are Rainbow Lorikeet, Noisy Miner, Grey Butcherbird and Australian Magpie; this
was quickly established at the beginning of the surveys and has on every
occasion since been confirmed. Next on the list of most frequently reported are
Laughing Kookaburra and Australian Raven that appear at all but one site each
followed by Pied Currawong that misses from regular sightings at only two
sites.
Common at Southern Tip
Four of the commonly recorded species are
mostly encountered at the southern tip of Coal Point in Stansfield and
Threlkeld Reserves. The Little Pied Cormorant is regularly sighted along the
shoreline of the lake, a feature not seen at any of the other project sites.
Three hollow nesting types, Sulphur- crested Cockatoo, Eastern Rosella and
Dollarbird appear to prefer this area over the others. Note that Eastern
Rosella does also occur commonly at isolated Norumba Reserve.
Common around Carey Bay
Naturally there are several common birds
that prefer the wetland habitat of Carey Bay; White-faced Heron, Superb
Fairy-wren, Yellow Thornbill, Willie Wagtail, Magpie Lark and Welcome Swallows
are regularly encountered here. The Satin Bowerbird that keeps its bower here
is a permanent fixture but does well dining out on the fruit trees in
neighbouring back yards.
Including its two satellite reserves,
Norumba and Burnage, the remnants of Carey Bay are all completely surrounded by
a built environment. The borders of these three reserves are made up of roads,
housing and parkland. Taking advantage of this situation we find Spotted Dove,
Crested Pigeon, Galah and Little Corella being regularly recorded at these
sites. It should be noted that a revegetation exercise (native plantings) that
eventually will provide a link between Carey Bay Wetland, Norumba Reserve and
the remnant at the end of Hampton Street is a planned component of the project.
Common along West Ridge
In keeping with the healthy bushland found
along West Ridge, small bush birds such as Spotted Pardalote, Yellow-faced
Honeyeater, Golden Whistler and Grey Fantail are most frequently recorded here.
The original view that these sites had the most species rich vegetation and
strongest ecosystems is confirmed by this aspect. Also in its favour for
diversity of avian fauna is the depth and low edge to area ratio of the West
Ridge central parts. This core area is less frequented by Noisy Miners that
patrol the edges of the forest throughout the study area and constantly drive
smaller and less aggressive birds away.
Conclusion
Over the course of three years, these bird
surveys have produced a strong data set that when analysed tell many stories.
This report is based on several of these stories selected for their relevance
to the project and our general understanding of the Coal Point environment.
No comments:
Post a Comment