We had a fantastic time during May performing bird surveys on our nine year 1 project sites. We had our expert Dan Florance along to positively identify the bird species found during each 20 min survey.

At most of the sites we had the landholder as well as another participant taking part in the surveys. This way we all had a chance to learn more via visiting other sites and also a chance to hone those bird ID skills by taking part in a couple of surveys.

Even though we surveyed in May we identified Superb Parrots on 5 of the 9 sites surveyed which was fantastic news. It seems these birds are spending more of the year hanging around the Cowra area than ever before.

Another special find was Grey Crowned Babblers on one of the sites. Reports from a knowlegable neighbor indicates that Grey Crowned Babblers haven’t been seen on these farms in many years. All the work that these project sites along with previous works to improve habitat and enhance Box Gum Grassy Woodlands appear to be making a difference not just for the Woodlands but also those animals that rely on it to survive.

Some other notible species identified were :-

• Nankeen Kestral
• Noisy Miners
• Red Wattlebird
• Southern Boobook
• Pied Butcherbird
• Crested Pigeon
• Australian Wood Duck
• Black Kite

We also managed to get slightly distracted on one site by a gorgeous little Stone Gecko who stole the show from the birds. There is a picture of him/her in the slideshow below.

If you have a patch of ‘bush’ on your farm we highly recommend taking a little time out from all the jobs and spending a bit of time walking around in there. It is so special to have a patch of wildness and it is so important for the survival of Box Gum Grassy Woodlands in the future. Every patch is important!!

Don’t forget you can contact us midlachlanlandcare@gmail.com to find out how you can get involved in this project.