6 July bird survey

A cold start with frost on Carpark/Saltwater grassed area. It was a disappointing tally regarding ducks with only Chestnut Teal stepping forward and all other frequently seen species being absent. Sightings recorded on eBird, however during June show that all the usual duck species and one Australasian Grebe were recorded recently in the park by several observers.

A big plus was the sighting of two Buff-banded Rails today. Other notable sightings over June were a Black Kite, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and four Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.

Noisy Minors were seen on the big Island in the Fresh Water Lake today – something that has not been noticed before. This is an important observation, which possibly indicates these birds are establishing themselves within the park. This will be to the detriment of most of the smaller birds that occur in the park, such as White-plumed Honeyeaters, Superb Fairy-wrens and Spotted Pardalotes just to name three.

As H5N1 bird flu has arrived in Australia, we must be vigilant in the future if we encounter sick or dead birds in the park. Currently the advice is, avoid, record and report any dead or sick birds or other wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. I am raising this issue after Ursula found what appears to be a dead young duck (not sure what species) on 17 June.

Authorities have already confirmed H5N1 detections in 7 seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. While there is no evidence of any mass mortality or wildlife transmission from these sea birds, it is now becoming clear this deadly virus will establish in Australia – more a matter of when, not if.

For species like the black swan — which lack some immune genes to fight viral infections the consequences could be devastating.