Bird lovers share in outing
MEMBERS of the Toowoomba Bird Observers recently met up at Glen Lomond Park in Middle Ridge for their monthly group outing.
With a range of experience it was another great opportunity to share knowledge, enjoy the local birds and build friendships.
Toowoomba Bird Observers member Sacha Dyson-Holland said it was a beautiful day with clear sky and no wind.
“As we started it took a while for the birds to start to show themselves but as we got further along the track three species of Honeyeaters were seen – the Lewin’s, Yellow-faced, and White-naped,” Sacha said.
“Then came Red Wattlebirds and Satin Bowerbirds and smaller birds including male and female Golden Whistlers, Eastern Yellow Robins, Grey Fantails and Striated and Spotted Pardalotes were observed.
“A few members felt they had seen Silvereyes and after a bit of searching a group of them were seen just off the track. It was noted that these were the Tasmanian subspecies having migrated north for winter.
“As we got towards the end of the walk, a swarm of European honey bees was found alongside the track just hanging in a small tree.”
Other birds seen during the walk included the Grey Shrikethrush, King Parrot, Rainbow Lorikeet, Pale-headed Rosella, Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Eastern Spinebill, Pied Currawong, Pied Butcherbird, Laughing Kookaburra, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Varied Triller, Galah and Noisy Friarbird.
The beautiful call of the male and female Eastern Whipbird was heard but as is often the case they kept themselves well hidden.
After the walk the group joined other local environmental groups at Duggan Park for an Open Day and launch of the “Plants of Duggan Park” book put together by Greg Spearritt and dedicated to the many volunteers of the Friends of the Escarpment Parks.
If you are interested in enjoying the local birds with The Toowoomba Bird Observers, information and details about outings can be found at www.facebook.com/ toowoombabirdobservers/ or contact 4633 0553.