On the 9th Nov, it was a busy, windy Sunday morning at the AIS. We had to rendezvous by spotting people with binoculars!
The AIS is Noisy Miner territory, so it was interesting to note a change to Noisy Miner alarm call as the birds flew viciously at a dog that displeased them.
Not any distinct Superb Parrot calls, so we headed off on a tour of the precinct. It is interesting to take the off-track route.
The AIS vegetation is about 45 years old, so there are mature stands of trees and shrubs. On the mounds, there were assorted local eucalyptus species, and we saw an extensive meat ant nest about 4 metres long.
River Sheaoaks (Casaurina Cunninghamiana) were in the watercourses and it was encouraging to observe the Moss soil crust that was extensive in the upper level of the drainage channels. These were surrounded by Bottlebrushes (Callistemon sp), Paperbarks (Melaleuca sp) and Black Cypress (Callitris endlicheri).
We headed north along the recreational path where there were more wide-open spaces, and a more degraded environment, being Blackberry and Briar rose infested – but the birds seemed happy tweeting away in the bushes, and the rabbits were hopping about as if they owned the place.
We then passed a stand of Ribbon Gum/ Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), and followed the path downstream to two of the earlier ‘Healthy Waterway’ ponds – even more tweeting in the bushes, and as well as hearing lots of its loud singing, we did get a sighting of the Australian Reed Warbler!
The waterbirds, including 2 families of Eurasian Coote with 1 – 2 fluffy chicks, and a sudden fly-over of 3 White faced herons, showed how this small constructed micro-habitat has paid dividends. There was also a distinct meat ant trail here that was 10 cm wide. 45 years of busy ants leaves a mark!
Then we headed into the more impoverished environment of a mowed grassy area. However, it did highlight the big old dead tree with a bleached white trunk. This was shared by a few pairs of Red-rumped Parrots, lots of Common Starlings, some Galahs, a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and a White Ibis. So much easier to see the bird interactions that occurred!
The weather turned windy and eventually rained, so our morning tea was shortened. People headed off home, and I went inside to look at the World Boccia Championships.
Soon after, the sun came out and there was a distinctive “carrack currack” call and three superb parrots flew over the carpark. When I suggested the AIS walk for the Field Natters, I did comment that the best way to see the parrots might be to go to the AIS cafe and just sit on the lawns, or near the carpark and just wait for them to fly by with a “currack currack”!
More information about Polytelis swainsonii: The genus Polytelis (literally translates into “magnificent”) consists of three species of long-tailed parrot endemic to Australia. Molecular studies place the genus within Polytelini. These species, Superb Parrot, Princess Parrot and Regent Parrot, all have swift flight, on swept wings and have long slim tails.
The Birds of Canberra Gardens in 2019 documented the Superb Parrot as an uncommon visitor to Canberra, which is on the South eastern edge of its natural range. However, in recent years, it has been appearing regularly, particularly in Belconnen. It is officially declared vulnerable in the ACT. (See online information for up-to-date sightings.)
However, I have been observing them on their flight path up and over our street in the north east part of our suburb, Page. They swoop overhead, morning and night, to and from Lake Ginninderra, where they feed on the blossom of the eucalyptus, and then go back to West Belconnen, where they nest. Over the decades they have increased and now seem to be here all year round. They are appreciating the varied habitat that the Bush Capital can provide.
BIRD LIST
Australian Raven
Australian Magpie
Australia Reed Warbler
Australian Wood Duck family, including nearly-matured young
Australasian Grebe
Common Myna
Common Starling
Crested Pigeon
Crimson Rosella
Double bar Finch
Eastern Rosella
Eurasian Coot 2 families with fluffy ducklings
Galah
Grey Butcherbird
Little Pied Cormorant
Magpie-lark
Masked Lapwing
Noisy Miner
Rainbow Lorikeet
Pied Currawong
Red-browed Finch
Red-rumped Parrot
Red Wattlebird
Rock Dove
Silvereye
Striated Pardalote
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
Spotted Dove
Superb Fairy-wren
Superb Parrot
Weebill
Welcome Swallow
White-faced Heron
White Ibis
VEGETATION Now 45 years old.
River Sheaoak (Casaurina Cunninghamiana) in watercourse
Moss soil crust extensive in drainage channels
Bottlebrush (Callistemon sp)
Paperbark (Melaleuca sp)
Black Cypress (Callitris endlicheri)
Ribbon Gum/ Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis)
Blackberry
Briar Rose
OTHER
Rabbits
– Cec Sutton