7th Winter Survey

Superb Lyrebird survey at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Saturday 19 June 2010

The seventh annual survey of the Superb Lyrebird, designed to provide an index of population numbers since the 2003 bushfires, was run under cool, windy and misty conditions.

Thirteen COG members and friends met at the car park of the Reserve at 8.30 am and were soon dispatched to the five main walking trails: Gibraltar Rocks, Devil’s Gap, Fishing Gap, Ashbrook and Camel Back. Since the introduction of fees, over the weekends the gates to the Reserve now open at 7.30 am.

Taking a minimum count, 20 individuals were recorded within the Reserve, compared with 6, 14, 12, 12, 19 and 19-20 in previous years. There now appears to be a trend emerging with numbers having plateaued since the 2008 survey and with a continuing preference for the wetter, eastern facing slopes. There was a minimum of 12 individuals reported from Camel Back and four reported from Ashbrook.

During the survey, 30 bird species were recorded, similar to last year, with the highest number of species from Gibraltar Rocks (16) and Devil’s Gap (16). The White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill, Striated Thornbill and Superb Lyrebird were reported from all trails with the White-eared Honeyeater being the most vocal species. Interesting observations included the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Satin Bowerbird, Grey Currawong and New Holland Honeyeater. Both Scarlet and Flame Robins were reported.

Many thanks to the participants and to the relevant authorities for waiving the entry fee.