Survey finds 75 bird species

Friends of Drouin Trees conducted bird surveys of streets, parks, wetlands and nearby bush areas of Drouin recently.

Fourteen sites were surveyed and 75 species of birds were recorded in Drouin throughout April – a remarkable result for an urban area its size.

Several species were recorded as ‘firsts’ for the Friends of Drouin’s Trees’ records, including Weebill, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet and Swamp Harrier.

White-plumed Honeyeaters were seen at several sites and many of the little ‘bush birds’ – Brown Thornbill, Eastern Yellow Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush - appear to be maintaining their numbers in and around Drouin.

It was a little concerning that Little Corella numbers seem to be increasing considerably, placing growing pressures on tree hollows for other native species.

Also concerning was that Crimson Rosella numbers were down, perhaps in response to the rising population of Corellas.

Drouin’s wetland areas are little hotspots for birds and it would seem reasonable to speculate that the range of wetland species and numbers might well be greater if the off-lead dog and free-range cat populations were more under control.

Drouin’s considerable tree cover and outstanding wetlands afford invaluable habitat to a broad range of birdlife.

The Friends of Drouin’s Trees will conduct another bird survey in October when hopefully some of the Spring and Summer migrants have started to arrive.