Superb
Lyrebird survey at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
20 June 2009
The sixth annual survey of the
Superb Lyrebird was run under cloudy and foggy conditions. Sixteen COG members
met at the gates of the Reserve at 8.30 am and were soon dispersed to the five
main walking trails, Gibraltar Rocks, Devil's Gap, Fishing Gap, Ashbrook and
Camel Back.
There were 19-20 individuals
recorded within the Reserve with an addition 3 birds recorded east of the
Reserve. This compares with 6, 14, 12, 12 and 19 from the previous surveys
within the Reserve. Of these, 9-10 were reported from Camel Back and 5 from
Ashbrook again confirming the birds' preference for the wetter eastern facing
slopes.
During the survey 30 bird
species were recorded with the highest number (14) from the Fishing Gap and
Gibraltar Rocks trails. Interesting observations included Wedge-tailed Eagle,
Grey Butcherbird, Grey Fantail, Grey Currawong and a single Scarlet Robin. As
usual White- eared Honeyeaters were very vocal throughout the Reserve.
Many thanks to the
participants and the staff at Tidbinbilla for again allowing us early access
into the Reserve.
