Download Perth Biodiversity Project #1

Bird surveys in selected
Perth metropolitan
reserves
A joint biodiversity
conservation project between
Birds Australia WA and the
Perth Biodiversity Project
C.A. Gole
August 2003
Birds Australia WA
167 Perry Lakes Drive
Floreat Park WA 6014
Tel: 08 9383 7749
Email: [email protected]
Perth Biodiversity Project
15 Altona Street
West Perth WA 6005
Tel: 9213 2047
Email: [email protected]
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Bird surveys in selected Perth
metropolitan reserves
A joint biodiversity conservation project
between Birds Australia WA and the Perth
Biodiversity Project
Part A: Main Report
C.A. Gole
August 2003
Photographs on Front Cover –The photos of the Splendid Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrubwren
were taken by Ray Edwards and photos of Harry Sandon Reserve were taken by Niel Adams. Many
thanks.
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The bird surveys project in selected Perth Metropolitan Region reserves was initiated
by staff from the Perth Biodiversity Project and developed in conjunction with Birds
Australia WA. The project was coordinated by Birds Australia WA project officer
Cheryl Gole and conducted with the assistance of a large number of volunteers.
Volunteer observers from Birds Australia WA undertook the bird surveys at all
project sites. The following people contributed time and expertise in this way: Eleanor
Adams, Niel Adams, George Agar, Pam Agar, Des Agnew, Pam Agnew, Max Bailey,
Wes Bancroft, Phyllis Bentley, John Blyth, Judy Blyth, Audrey Bolger, Mary
Bremner, Gary Brophy, Gisela Cannon, Lorraine Chyne, Richard Chyne, Kate Creed,
Sarah Crook, Tom Delaney, Karl Edwards, Carole Elliot, Stewart Ford, Rob Gilham,
Linda Glass, Cheryl Gole, Martin Gole, Ruth Greble, Julia Gross, Barbara Henderson,
David Henderson, Cora Keil, Nancy Kennedy, Sue Keogh, Dot Kingston, Sally Lake,
John Lauri, Romeny Lynch, Wynton Maddeford, Jodi Mansell-Fletcher, Susan
Margaret, Paul Marty, Rob Mather, Sue Mather, Dudley Maier, Brendan Metcalf,
Clive Napier, Wendy Napier, Brenda Newbey, Annette Park, Maurice O'Connor,
Alyson Paull, Edward Paull, Kellie Plant, Jane Prince, Eunice Pyper, Steve Reynolds,
Jeff Richardson, Jan Rogers, Chris Ros, Tom Spalding, John Stewart, Barbara
Stoneman, Trevor Stoneman, Sean Van Alphen, Dorothy Van Wees and Hank Van
Wees.
Steve Spiker and Syed Sohel designed the project's relational database as part
requirement towards a Masters Degree in Geographic Information Science at Curtin
University. Steve Spiker wrote the queries and continued to advise on database
maintenance and design and Kate Gole entered the project data. Greg Harewood
drafted successive versions of the site location and bird species distribution maps.
Remnant vegetation mapping was made possible by the use of Perth Bushland
Mapping 2001 data. This was made available by the Department of Agriculture and
the Department for Planning and Infrastructure. The Department of Land Information
supplied mapping information on local government boundaries. Assistance with the
provision of Bird Atlas survey data was given by Andrew Silcocks at the Birds
Australia national office in Melbourne. Staff at a number of local government offices
provided aerial maps of reserves and bird survey information from existing
management plans. Ryan Taylor (Perth Biodiversity Project) identified the relevant
vegetation complexes and local remnant vegetation numbers.
Michael Brooker and Andrew Huggett (CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems), John Dell
(Department of the Environment) and Kate Savage (Perth Biodiversity Project)
commented on a draft of the report. Members of the Birds Australia WA Conservation
and Research Committee commented on project development and design.
The bird surveys component of the Perth Biodiversity Project would not have been
possible without the participation, assistance and enthusiasm of so many people. To
all, I am most grateful.
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) is a local government initiative to establish and
improve the existing frameworks for biodiversity conservation in local natural areas
in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Local biodiversity areas consist of bushland and
other natural and revegetated areas outside Bush Forever and the Department of
Conservation and Land Management conservation estate.
Increasing urbanisation in the Perth Metropolitan Region has led to a process of
habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation of native vegetation. These broad
threatening processes have been followed by a well-documented local and regional
decline and extinction of bird species. Between July 2002 and May 2003, bird surveys
were undertaken by Birds Australia WA volunteers in selected reserves in the Perth
Metropolitan Region. The purpose of this ongoing component project of the PBP is to
undertake an inventory of the bird species of selected reserves vested in local councils
and, where possible, link bird species information with conservation and management
strategies. It also aims to help raise awareness of biodiversity conservation among
participating local governments. The project aimed to survey all sites for one year.
Thirty nine sites with a total area of more than 400 ha were surveyed by 68 observers.
Most sites (75%) were 10 ha in size or smaller; sites ranged in size from 0.74 ha to 70
ha. A total of 125 bird species was recorded for the project, of which 41 (33%) are
regarded as having conservation significance by Bush Forever. While more species,
and more significant species, were recorded in large reserves, wetlands and Darling
Range sites, significant bird species were recorded at almost all sites (95%). This
suggests that even small reserves on the Swan Coastal Plain have conservation value
for birds. The number of bird species recorded at individual reserves ranged from 61
for a medium-sized wetland reserve to 5 for a small, recently isolated bushland
remnant. The number of significant bird species recorded at individual reserves
ranged from 19 at a grazed wetland site with intact overstorey, relatively close to the
Darling Range, to zero for three small, isolated bushland remnants. The endangered
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo was recorded at nine sites, some of which are small,
isolated bushland remnants. The retention of these bushland remnants as corridors and
resources for mobile bird species such as Carnaby's Cockatoo is important for the
long-term survival of similarly mobile species on the Swan Coastal Plain.
For each site, a comprehensive list of bird species was compiled and management
recommendations were made to maintain or improve the conservation value of the
reserve for birds. Management recommendations included the necessity at a number
of sites for the staged removal of woody and other weeds that might provide habitat
for small insectivorous birds. The general principles mitigating the effects of local
threatening processes on urban bushland remain valid for birds.
The bird surveys project is an observation-based study identifying patterns in the
distribution of birds in some urban and peri-urban reserves. During the project, a
considerable body of bird survey data has been generated for a number of remnants
for which consistent and reliable survey data are otherwise not available. The results
provide a baseline against which future changes in bird species distributions might be
evaluated and show that the use of volunteer observers provides a cost-effective, valid
and reliable inventory of most birds in urban reserves.
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................................................................i
INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................1
METHODS ................................................................................................................2
RESULTS ..................................................................................................................7
Survey sites ............................................................................................................7
Surveys...................................................................................................................9
Bird species............................................................................................................9
Threatened species ...............................................................................................10
Other significant species ......................................................................................10
Breeding species ..................................................................................................11
DISCUSSION ..........................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION........................................................................................................14
REFERENCES ........................................................................................................15
APPENDICES .........................................................................................................19
Appendix 1: Project overview and survey instructions provided to observers
undertaking bird surveys for the Perth Biodiversity Project in the Perth
Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003..........................................................19
Appendix 2: Survey form provided to observers undertaking bird surveys for the
Perth Biodiversity Project ....................................................................................20
Appendix 3: Survey instructions provided to observers undertaking bird surveys
on Swan River foreshore sites surveyed for the Perth Biodiversity Project ........21
Appendix 4: Bird species recorded in surveys conducted for the Perth
Biodiversity Project July 2002-May 2003 in the Perth Metropolitan Region. ....22
Appendix 5: Site locations for significant bird species recorded in selected
reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region, July 2002-May 2003. ......................25
Part B: Site Reports ...................................................................................................29
i
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
List of Tables & Figures
Table 1: Summary of site information for local government sites
selected for bird surveys in the Perth Metropolitan Region July
2002-May 2003..……………………………………………………………..3
Table 2: The 15 most frequently recorded bird species in surveys of
selected remnants in the Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May
2003…………………………………………………………………………..9
Table 3: Summary of the three broad threatening processes to
biodiversity and examples of land use activities requiring
management by local government and community groups….………..13
Figure 1: Map showing Perth Biodiversity Project sites surveyed for
birds in the Perth Metropolitan Region in the period
July ‘02-May ’03……………………………………………………………..8
ii
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
INTRODUCTION
The Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) is a local government initiative to establish and
improve the existing frameworks for biodiversity conservation in local natural areas in
the Perth Metropolitan Region. Over a 25 year period, the project aims to assist the 30
metropolitan councils and their communities to protect and manage local biodiversity
areas in the Region within a secure conservation network and to plan for the
enhancement and establishment of ecological linkages between local and regional
biodiversity areas. Local biodiversity areas consist of bushland and other natural and
revegetated areas that exist outside Bush Forever sites (on the Swan Coastal Plain)
and the Department of Conservation and Land Management (DCLM) conservation
estate. The PBP is a partnership project between the Western Australian Local
Government Association, the Natural Heritage Trust, the Department of Planning and
Infrastructure and Perth's 30 local councils. The other major project partners are
Greening Western Australia, DCLM and Birds Australia Western Australia.
The bird surveys component of the PBP was initiated by PBP staff at the WA Local
Government Association and evolved in a process of consultation and collaboration
with Birds Australia WA. The purpose of this ongoing component project of the PBP
is to undertake an inventory of the bird species of selected reserves vested in local
councils and, where possible, link bird species information with management and
conservation strategies. It also aims to help raise awareness of biodiversity
conservation among participating councils.
In response to habitat clearing and increasing urbanisation, birds have declined on the
Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988; How & Dell, 1993). This process of
urban habitat loss and fragmentation and bird species extinction and decline is welldocumented, both in the Perth region and elsewhere (e.g., Jones, 1981; Serventy &
Recher, 1991; Keast, 1995; Sewell & Catterall, 1998). The most pessimistic of
accounts suggests that regional avifaunas are still in a process of decline and
extinction that will see human and urban commensal species benefiting while many
species are lost (Recher, 2002).
Urban remnants in the Perth region do, however, continue to support populations of
birds known to be declining (pers. obs.). Although the long-term viability of these
species in smaller, isolated bushland remnants is uncertain, there is some evidence
that small remnants have an important role to play in conservation. It has been shown
that while some bird species decline from smaller remnants, small patches can be
useful for other fauna (How & Dell, 2000). For example, a one-hectare remnant in
inner Perth was shown to support eight reptile, one frog and 23 bird species (Cooper,
1995). Detailed studies of the movements of birds across remnants on the Swan
Coastal Plain are lacking, although studies from elsewhere indicate that some groups
of birds are unlikely to move through urban areas (e.g. Catterall et al., 1991).
However, vegetation in the areas between urban reserves can assist in maintaining the
overall bird species diversity in urban areas (Melles et al., 2003).
Birds are useful targets for community-based survey programmes as they are
charismatic species that are relatively easily identified, reasonably abundant and
comparatively easy to survey. Research has shown that birds are constructed more
positively in the social sense than other taxa such as mammals, fish, invertebrates and
1
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
plants (Czech, et al., 1998), making them ideal iconic species for disseminating
information about biodiversity conservation.
In 2002, the PBP surveyed metropolitan councils to determine the capacity of local
government to conserve biodiversity. The report identified biodiversity plans and site
assessments as the most common means by which local government assigns priority
to the management of threatening processes to biodiversity (Perth Biodiversity
Project, 2002). It is hoped that appropriately detailed bird survey information will
increase the capacity of participating local governments to plan for biodiversity
conservation in remnants and to implement effective management strategies.
METHODS
In selecting reserves in which bird surveys would be undertaken, some preference was
given to reserves about which little was known by the local council or those that were
the target of local government conservation strategies funded under the PBP. As the
project focussed largely on sites of local, not regional, significance most project
reserves were not Bush Forever sites.
The sites were non-randomly selected for the surveys project by PBP staff, by request
from individual councils or, in several instances, by request from community groups.
Both bushland and wetland sites were included in the project. Some urban parkland
was included in the surveys either as a comparison with the bushland imbedded in it
or because local biodiversity conservation planning had identified the parkland as a
potential corridor for wildlife.
In planning the surveys, it was decided that a 12-month survey period for each site
would cover the four seasons of the year and allow a reasonable number of
opportunities to record cryptic bird species, visitors and regular migrants. It has been
shown that surveys undertaken by volunteer observers can be reliable indicators of
species richness and abundance (Saffer, 2002). A bird surveys coordinator was
appointed by Birds Australia WA, but all other aspects of the bird surveys component
of the project were conducted by volunteers. All sites were visited at least once by the
coordinator and a bird survey conducted by her at most sites.
As the capacity of Birds Australia WA to undertake intensive bird surveys is limited
by the availability of committed volunteer observers, a decision was made to survey
each site as often as was practicable. A minimum survey period for each site was four
seasonal surveys, however other possibilities were bimonthly or monthly surveys.
Sufficient observers were recruited to the project that monthly surveys were possible
for all but three sites (Table 1). For most sites, two sets of volunteers alternated on a
monthly basis. Observers were largely recruited from the membership of Birds
Australia WA, however some observers were also recruited from other parts of the
community. The level of expertise of observers varied from relative inexperience to
extensive experience. The project has no capacity to standardise the experience of
observers through extensive training. Bird surveys were conducted in selected
reserves after July 2002 and are ongoing. For the purposes of this report, data analysis
is restricted to the period ending 31 May, 2003. At the time of writing, no site had
surveys completed for a full year.
2
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Table 1: Summary of site information for local government sites selected for bird surveys in the Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003. The bird surveys project
site number is an arbitrary number corresponding to the site number in the project database. Total sites = 39.
16.0
X
6
monthly
61
10
2
10.4
X
5
monthly
56
7
3
2.8
X
5
monthly
31
5
5
1.3
X
6
monthly
21
1
Lightning Swamp Bushland
6
70.0
X
4
bimonthly
38
9
Gobba Lake
1
1.7
X
5
monthly
31
4
Maylands Peninsula
7
7.4
X
4
monthly
39
2
7
monthly
19
2
7
monthly
30
5
4
Berringa Park
Bardon Park
Hinds Reserve
Site name
City of Bayswater
Baigup Reserve
City of Gosnells
City of Joondalup
Total
significant
species
(Bush
Forever
dampland
Area (ha)
Local Government
Authority
Town of East Fremantle
Total bird
species
recorded
Total
bird.
surveys
Bird survey
project site
number
Wetland/
Survey
frequency
Locke Crescent Reserve
34
0.86
Jerrat Drive Foreshore
33
2.8
Hume Road Wildlife Reserve
10
3.3
5
monthly
14
0
Lots 1 & 2 Rushton Road
9
4.9
5
monthly
38
14
Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve
8
10.0
6
monthly
47
8
Cadogan Reserve
13
4.9
10
monthly
18
2
Chichester Park
11
1.34
10
monthly
17
0
Korella Park
15
2.5
10
monthly
22
4
Naturaliste
12
3.3
10
monthly
21
3
Trigometric
14
2.6
10
monthly
20
4
X
X
3
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Bird survey
project site
number
Area (ha)
Wetland/
Total
bird.
surveys
Survey
frequency
Total bird
species
recorded
Total
significant
species
(Bush
Forever)
Local Government
Authority
Site name
City of Melville
Ern Stapleton Reserve
21
0.74
6
monthly
13
0
Harry Sandon Park
20
4.3
6
monthly
20
3
Ken Hurst Park
22
52.4
9
monthly
36
10
Piney Lakes Reserve
16
31.9
X
8
monthly
54
13
Richard Lewis Park
18
5.1
X
6
monthly
26
7
Wal Hughes Reserve
19
1.5
6
monthly
15
1
Wireless Hill Park
17
35.2
8
monthly
33
9
Town of Mosman Park
Buckland Hill Reserve
35
6.3
9
monthly
21
5
Shire of SerpentineJarrahdale
City of Swan
Manjedal Brook
32
12.7
X
11
monthly
55
19
Noble Falls/Reserve 2146
26
50.5
X
10
monthly
48
18
Thorburn Park
23
2.0
X
9
monthly
42
5
West Swan Oval
24
6.8
10
monthly
37
8
Wandoo Heights
25
20.0
10
monthly
33
12
Unnamed Picnic Site, Toodyay
Road
Banks Reserve
27
Town of Vincent
dampland
2.5
X
10
monthly
30
9
38
3.5
X
5
monthly
27
1
Hyde Park
36
13.5
X
11
monthly
32
2
Mt Lawley foreshore
39
1.8
X
5
monthly
23
1
Smith's Lake
37
1.0
X
10
monthly
27
5
4
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Bird survey
project site
number
Area (ha)
Wetland/
Total
bird.
surveys
Survey
frequency
Total bird
species
recorded
Total
significant
species
(Bush
Forever)
Local Government
Authority
Site name
City of Wanneroo
Brighton Bushland
30
0.9
3
seasonal
5
1
Cassilda Park
31
4.02
4
seasonal
18
4
Kinsale Park
29
6.0
10
monthly
20
3
Paloma Park
28
5.8
10
monthly
11
1
Total bird
species all
sites = 125
Total
significant
bird species
all sites = 41
Total participating local
government authorities =
10
dampland
Total (ha) =
418.2
Mean (ha) =
10.72
Total
wetlands = 19
Total
surveys =
314
5
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
All observers were issued with a set of survey materials including background
information on the project and survey instructions (Appendix 1), site description, bird
survey forms (Appendix 2) and, where necessary, copies of aerial or street maps.
Where relevant, separate instructions were issued to observers for the Swan River
foreshore (Appendix 3). All forms and survey instructions were designed for the
project. To reduce or eliminate the problem of transcription errors, survey forms were
designed so that bird names were completed on the form, not ticked off an existing
list. Site location instructions included information on the boundaries of the site.
Particular instructions by local government staff were followed if a request were made
for sites to be delimited. Thus, the bushland areas of some urban parks might be
surveyed while parkland areas were not. Where such areas were separately surveyed
for birds, lists are separated in the site reports (Part B).
Observers were instructed to do bird surveys when birds were most likely to be active
and when conditions were most favourable, i.e., when the weather was not unduly hot,
cold, wet or windy. They were also instructed to take sufficient time to survey all
habitat types at the site. As sites varied considerably in size and accessibility, survey
duration was not determined in advance. Birds off the site were not recorded, and
those in flight over the site were not recorded as present unless they were 'using' the
site by foraging over it (e.g. Tree Martin and hovering raptors). Evidence of breeding
was recorded on the survey sheets. Breeding records were accepted as confirmed if
the observer recorded nest plus contents (eggs, chicks or brooding adult), runners
(downy waterbird chicks), downy dependent young near a nest, or repeated flights
with food into a hollow or burrow. Records were accepted as possible breeding
records if the observer recorded nest building or the feeding of dependent young with
no evidence of a nest. As nest searching is time-consuming and requires a degree of
skill and experience, breeding was recorded opportunistically.
The project aimed to record the presence and absence of species at each site. Counting
birds, especially bush birds, is known to be inaccurate, particularly when observers
are untrained (Recher, 1988). While observers were encouraged to count water birds,
there was no requirement to count bush birds. Project results thus include no measures
of relative abundance for bush birds except for frequency of occurrence data, recorded
as a percentage of the number of surveys per site. For water birds, site reports include
the highest number counted at any one time. However, not all observers counted water
birds, and these counts must be considered to be only approximate measures.
At Swan River foreshore sites, the riparian zone five metres below the high tide line
was arbitrarily accepted as the limit of the survey site. This eliminated the problem of
observers recording birds using the broader reaches of the river, but allowed for the
inclusion of mud flats, shallows and roosts such as logs and rocks which were
functionally a part of the survey site.
All observational data were scrutinised by the project officer for errors and reliability
and entered into a purpose-designed Microsoft Access relational database. Records
were later evaluated to determine if species were introduced, threatened, or considered
to be significant under the criteria established or adopted by Bush Forever.
Bush Forever has listed bird species of conservation significance on the Swan Coastal
Plain (Government of Western Australia, 2000). Birds listed are deemed to be
6
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
'significant' under one or more of four categories. Category 1 significant species are
those listed under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Category 2
species are those listed under international treaties on the Japan-Australia and ChinaAustralia Migratory Bird Agreements (JAMBA and CAMBA). Habitat specialists
with a reduced distribution on the Swan Coastal Plain are listed as Category 3 species,
and Category 4 bird species are wide-ranging species with a reduced distribution on
the Swan Coastal Plain. This PBP report follows the Bush Forever categorisation of
particular bird species as significant on the Swan Coastal Plain. It also adopts the
same criteria for the categorisation of bird species in the project's Darling Range sites.
Survey data have been compiled into comprehensive species lists for each survey site,
and are included here as individual site reports (Part B). Taxonomy and nomenclature
for all species follow Christidis and Boles (1994), except for the names used for
Short-billed and Long-billed Black-Cockatoos. In this report, the practice of naming
these two species as Carnaby's and Baudin's Black-Cockatoos is adopted.
Site reports (Part B) include a summary of bird survey data such as the number of
surveys, average survey duration, average number of observers per survey and survey
period. Information on site size, location and vegetation complex is also included.
Natural areas outside the DCLM estate, Bush Forever and Regional Parks have been
assigned a 'Local Natural Area Identification Number' (LNA ID number) by the PBP.
Only those natural areas that have been mapped for natural vegetation by the
Department of Agriculture at a scale of 1:20 000 have been assigned LNA numbers.
For the PBP, sites without LNA numbers are either Bush Forever sites, part of the
Regional Park system, or natural or revegetated areas where no native vegetation has
been mapped. For the purposes of this project and report, bird survey sites have been
assigned an arbitrary site number.
Relevant vegetation complex information has been included in individual site reports
(Part B). Each site has been assigned to a complex as delineated by Heddle and
summarised in Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia, 2000). Bird survey
sites sample 11 of the 26 vegetation complexes described for the Perth Metropolitan
Region. No attempt was made to undertake bird surveys in a sample of all vegetation
complexes in the Region.
RESULTS
Survey sites
A total of 39 sites vested in 10 local councils were surveyed for birds and the data
were analysed for this report. Information on new sites from other participating
councils included late in the reported survey period have not been included here. A
list of sites and participating local councils is included in Table 1. Figure 1 shows the
location of the survey sites in the Perth Metropolitan Region.
The focus on sites of local rather than regional significance is reflected in the
relatively small size of the survey sites selected for the project: while sites ranged
from 0.74 ha to 70 ha (mean = 10.72 in size, most sites (75%, n = 29) were 10 ha or
less in area and only 3 (7%) were larger than 50 ha). The total area surveyed for birds
was 418 ha.
7
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Fig. 1: Map showing Perth Biodiversity Project sites surveyed for birds in the Perth
Metropolitan Region in the period July 2002-May 2003.
8
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Surveys
A total of 68 observers contributed 314 surveys for the 39 sites. As sites were
recruited into the project at different times and as survey frequency was lower for
three sites, the numbers of surveys per site varies from 4 to 11 (Table 1).
Bird species
One hundred and twenty five bird species were recorded, of which 41 (33%) are
designated as significant under Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia,
2000). Appendix 4 provides a complete list of all bird species recorded in the project
and lists the common and scientific names of all species mentioned in the text. It also
notes any conservation category of significance in Bush Forever.
The fifteen most frequently recorded bird species are listed in Table 2. The species are
some of those that have benefited from urban expansion and habitat fragmentation on
the Swan Coastal Plain (Recher, in press), with two exceptions (White-cheeked
Honeyeater and New Holland Honeyeater). These exceptions are discussed in the
section Other Significant Species below.
The most commonly recorded
species are introduced or those
favouring urban habitats, including
parkland and constructed or highly
modified wetlands. They include the
Pacific Black Duck, Australian
Species
Number of
Ringneck, Spotted and Laughing
surveys in
Turtle-Dove, Willie Wagtail,
which
Australian Raven, Australian Magpie
recorded
and Welcome Swallow. Six species
Singing Honeyeater
218
are nectarivorous or partly so – these
Red Wattlebird
210
are Red Wattlebird, Silvereye, and
Brown Honeyeater
190
Australian Magpie
182
Singing, Brown, White-cheeked and
Australian Raven
177
New Holland Honeyeaters. The
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
169
latter list suggests that these species
Willie Wagtail
153
may respond positively to the kinds
Silvereye
135
of plantings in urban gardens and
Australian Ringneck
114
parks, although it is possible that
Magpie-lark
110
they may use bushland remnants for
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
99
Pacific Black Duck
93
breeding as well as feeding. Those
White-cheeked Honeyeater
89
species which have been most
New Holland Honeyeater
82
commonly recorded are also species
Welcome Swallow
82
that are highly visible. This may
contribute to a higher recording rate than less visible, and thus less easily recorded,
species.
Table 2: The 15 most frequently recorded bird
species in surveys of selected remnants in the
Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003,
ranked in order of frequency of occurrence.
Surveys n = 314. Key: * denotes introduced
species.
Eighty four of the species recorded in project sites are not regarded as significant in
conservation terms. These include nine introduced species and some, such as Yellowbilled Spoonbill and Galah, that have expanded into the Perth Metropolitan Region
since European colonisation (Storr & Johnstone, 1988). Some of the species recorded
but not regarded as having conservation significance might be considered as being
9
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
dependent on urban vegetation remnants for their long-term survival on the Swan
Coastal Plain. These include all four cuckoos (Pallid and Fan-tailed Cuckoo and
Horsfield's and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo), together with Spotted and Striated
Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail and White-winged
Triller. All of these species are insectivorous, a group of birds known to be vulnerable
to decline and extinction (How & Dell, 1993). Rufous Whistler is the only resident
insectivore in this group – other species are migrants, seasonal visitors or mobile
species whose presence in surveyed reserves might be under-recorded due to their
mobility or the seasonality of surveys in the project to date. Each habitat type is not
uniformly suitable for all bird species. Absence of a species might thus be due, for
example, to a naturally occurring absence of woodland overstorey. However, the
continued absence in a reserve of these species over a period of time might indicate
problems with the value of remnants for this group, or the degree of connectivity to
other reserves.
Threatened species
Two species recorded in the project surveys are listed as threatened under the
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) and the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. These are Baudin's Black-Cockatoo (vulnerable
under the EPBC) and Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (endangered under the EPBC).
Baudin's Cockatoo has only been positively recorded in one project site in the Darling
Range. White-tailed Black-Cockatoo, a generic descriptor referring to either species,
was recorded at two additional sites in or near the Darling Range. Baudin's Cockatoo
rarely or never frequents the northern and western sections of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Part of the population of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo over-summers on the Swan
Coastal Plain. The species is mobile and feeds largely on the seeds of introduced pines
and proteaceous plants. During the project, the Cockatoo was recorded at 9 sites, most
of these on the western and northern sections of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Other significant species
Bush Forever lists species protected under conservation acts or international treaties
together with those known to be extinct or in decline on the Swan Coastal Plain
(Government of Western Australia, 2000). A total of 41 bird species recorded for this
project are listed as significant in Bush Forever. Table 1 summarises the number of
significant species recorded at each site. Appendix 5 lists significant species by
location. Detailed species lists are also included in each site report (Part B).
Significant species were recorded from all but two survey sites (n sites = 37).
The Bush Forever list of significant species includes New Holland Honeyeater and
White-cheeked Honeyeater. Both these species are among the 15 most recorded
species for this project. Recher (in press) and Recher and Serventy (1991) found that
White-cheeked Honeyeater and most other nectar feeders increased in abundance on a
transect study in Kings Park between 1928 and 2002. The results of the PBP surveys
support these findings and suggest that the inclusion of New Holland Honeyeater and
White-cheeked Honeyeater on the Bush Forever list of significant bird species may
not be warranted. However, it is not known if suburban gardens support breeding
populations of these two honeyeaters, or if the two species of honeyeaters are
dependent on connected networks of bushland remnants for their long-term survival.
10
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Breeding species
The number of bird species recorded as breeding in project sites is low. Species
recorded as breeding are largely highly visible bushland or parkland species such as
Magpie-lark, Australian Magpie and Australian Raven and some waterbirds such as
grebes and ducks. Some sites have not yet been surveyed over the Spring breeding
period and this may influence the numbers of breeding records for the project.
DISCUSSION
A number of factors influence the numbers and types of bird species recorded in
surveys. Variations in the detectibility of some bird species affect recording rates for
those species. Under-recorded groups of species almost certainly include nocturnal
birds such as owls and frogmouths and secretive species such as crakes and rails but
may also include more cryptic species such as small insectivores in dense vegetation
(e.g., White-browed Scrubwren and fairy-wrens). Among observers involved in the
project, there was a considerable variation in skill and survey effort. In addition,
different observers sampled different sites at different times. This makes statistically
meaningful analysis of variations in species numbers and occurrence between sites
unreliable or impossible. Bird surveys are not yet complete for each site in the project
and the surveys for some reserves have not yet sampled all four seasons. This may
affect the bird species recorded – for example, seasonal migrants and visitors such as
cuckoos, Sacred Kingfisher and White-winged Triller. Lastly, the mobility of some
bird species may mean that they might not always be recorded during limited survey
periods.
Despite these apparent problems, site survey data adhere to what is known about the
status of birds in the Perth Metropolitan Region. This suggests that the use of
voluntary observers in the project provides a cost-effective, valid and reliable
inventory of most birds in urban reserves.
The number of breeding records is low, and no analysis of the breeding status of birds
in the project reserves is possible. Project records are presence-absence records only,
and it is beyond the scope of this study to ascertain the long-term viability of
populations of birds in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Thus, some bird species
currently recorded as present in some project sites may be in the process of declining
towards local or regional extinction. Only labour- and cost-intensive studies led by
researchers with specialist skills are capable of answering important questions about
the long-term viability of declining bird species in particular sites, and at a landscape
level on the Swan Coastal Plain.
It is, however, not advisable for local government land managers to wait until
ecologists provide answers to questions regarding bird population viability and
patterns of habitat use and movement in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Numbers of
significant bird species have been identified in remnant vegetation managed by local
councils, and tackling the threatening processes that undermine the long-term survival
of these populations is a critical part of the biodiversity conservation process for local
government. Some recommendations have been made in individual site reports in
Part B. Habitat loss, fragmentation and the progressive degradation of remnants
through weed invasion, inappropriate fire management, hydrological changes, high
levels of predation, and direct human interference are all processes that threaten the
conservation value of remnant vegetation in urban areas. While specific management
11
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
recommendations might be lacking for some reserves, the general principles of
mitigating the effects of threatening processes on urban bushland remain valid.
Loss of biodiversity can be attributed to three broad threatening processes – habitat
loss, fragmentation and degradation resulting from human management practices
(Ford et al., 2001; Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation
Council, 2001). Habitat loss occurs when part of a habitat is removed, such as the
understorey layer in a woodland. Habitat fragmentation is the dividing of once
continuous habitat by land use activities such as urban development and the building
of roads through bushland. Habitat degradation is the gradual loss of habitat quality
by processes such as weed invasion, disease and soil erosion.
It should be noted that threatening processes operate across a range of scales from
local (e.g., local reserve) through regional (e.g., Perth Metropolitan Region) to
ecoregional (e.g., southwest Western Australia). Local scale processes are best
managed by local government and community groups. Regional scale threats need to
be managed by local and State Government agencies (e.g., DCLM) in conjunction
with natural resource management groups such as the Swan Catchment Council.
Table 3 lists these three broad threatening processes together with examples of land
use activities requiring management action by local government and other local land
managers to protect biodiversity. Whilst none is specific to the management of
reserves for birds, all contribute to the loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat
in reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region.
12
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Table 3: Summary of the three broad threatening processes to biodiversity and examples of land use
activities requiring management by local government and community groups.
BROAD THREATENING
PROCESS
Habitat fragmentation
(dividing previously
continuous habitat)
Habitat loss through
reduction in habitat area
Habitat degradation within
patches or reserves
Habitat degradation between
patches or reserves
EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITY REQUIRING LOCAL
MANAGEMENT
x urban development
x service provision (power, sewerage, water, gas, roads)
x proliferating tracks (walk tracks, bicycle tracks, 4WD
tracks, fire access)
x Mowing around the edges of bushland (progressive
loss)
x Removing bushland for car parks, playgrounds, sports
areas, parks, service utilities such as water tanks
x Urban development
x Expansion of private gardens beyond property
boundaries into local bushland
x Erosion
x Weed control (removal of weeds used as habitat by
small birds and reptiles)
x Rubbish removal (reptile habitat)
x weeds
x disease, e.g. dieback Phytophthora cinnamomi
x grazing (incl. kangaroos)
x rubbish dumping
x unauthorised access (off-road vehicles, cubbies, horseriding)
x urban stormwater runoff
x inappropriate fire management
x 'tidying up' (removal of woody debris & leaf litter);
firewood collection
x removal of plants and soil, including illegal tree
killing/pruning
x loss of specific resources such as logs, rocks (various
causes)
x urban infill (removal of tree canopy; reduction of total
vegetation cover)
x widening roads
x removal of old and dead trees
x removal of street trees
x replacement local native trees/shrubs with exotics, nonlocal native plants, lawns
x removal of small habitat patches in parks, gardens etc
x trends/fashions in gardening (e.g. move from native
gardens to cottage gardens or lawn + palms)
x trends in block size/house design (shift from suburban
to fully urban landscapes) – no room for trees; simple
instead of complex gardens with multiple vegetation
layers
The timely and appropriate management of local reserves is critical for the long-term
conservation of biodiversity in local areas. While large reserves are important for the
long-term conservation of some bird species, perhaps particularly for sedentary
species with little or no capacity to disperse through surrounding urban landscapes,
small reserves are nonetheless important for the conservation of a range of taxa
including plants, reptiles and at least some birds. For example, research in agricultural
landscapes in southeastern Australia showed that relatively small remnant patches
13
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
contributed significantly to the species richness of birds (Fischer & Lindenmayer,
2002). The PBP bird survey sites are largely small - most (75%) are 10 ha in size or
smaller. The study has shown that number of birds known to be in decline on the
Swan Coastal Plain use many of these reserves. The reserves may have an important
role to play as ecological linkages and this is particularly the case with reserves on the
Swan Coastal Plain where habitat clearing and fragmentation has been most severe.
Remnants may also have an important role as breeding and feeding sites for birds
which otherwise utilise urban gardens and parks. Birds themselves may have
significant roles to play in the properly functioning ecosystem processes in reserves,
for example in their role in insect control, plant pollination and seed dispersal.
This bird surveys project is an observational study identifying patterns in the
distribution and presence of birds in some urban and peri-urban reserves.
Observation-based studies are able to delineate patterns of distribution and habitat
use, however experimental studies are needed to understand how and which processes
regulate these patterns. The processes or mechanisms underlying the presence or
absence of bird species in selected reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region cannot
be determined by this study. However, it is hoped that the bird survey data provided
by this project will encourage local councils to develop more mechanisms to protect
local natural areas against clearing, fragmentation, reduction in size and degradation,
and work effectively to increase their size and quality.
CONCLUSION
Conservation is as much about people as it is about species or knowledge of ecology
and ecosystems (Mascia et al., 2003). The importance and relevance of the
conservation of biodiversity is often promoted as something that occurs in wilderness
or in areas removed from urban people's everyday experience (Miller & Hobbs,
2002). We need to be able to build a greater appreciation of the natural environment
in people's own local reserves. Taxa such as birds are attractive to many people, and
local governments can build this interest into an appreciation for the conservation and
management of local biodiversity resources.
During this project, a considerable body of bird survey data has been generated for a
number of Perth metropolitan vegetation remnants for which consistent and reliable
survey data are otherwise not available. These surveys will continue for existing sites
and new sites will be recruited into the project. It is hoped that the results will provide
a useful management tool for local government authorities.
14
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
REFERENCES
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (2001). Review
of the national strategy for the conservation of Australia's biological diversity.
Canberra, Environment Australia.
ATA Environmental (2003). Ken Hurst Park environmental management plan 20032007: Version 1. Perth, City of Melville.
Brooker, M. (1995). Wildfire and its effects on the birds of the Darling Scarp. In
J. Harris (ed.), Burning Our Bushland: proceedings of a conference about fire
and urban bushland, p.p. 42-45. Perth, Urban Bushland Council.
Brooker, L, M. Brooker & P. Cale (1999). Animal dispersal in fragmented habitat:
measuring habitat connectivity, corridor use and dispersal mortality.
Conservation Ecology 3(1): 4.
[online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol3/iss1/art4
Cale, B. (2003). Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) recovery
plan 2000-2009. Draft. Perth, Department of Conservation and Land
Management.
Catterall, C. P., R. J. Green & D. N. Jones (1991). Habitat use by birds across a forestsuburb interface in Brisbane: implications for corridors. In Nature
Conservation 2: the role of corridors, eds. D. A. Saunders & R. J. Hobbs, p.p.
247-258. Chipping Norton, New South Wales, Surrey Beatty & Sons.
Christidis, L. & W. E. Boles (1994). The taxonomy and species of birds of Australia
and its territories. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union Monograph 2.
Melbourne, RAOU.
City of Melville (ND). Wireless Hill Park management plan. Perth, City of Melville.
Cooper, N. K. (1995). Vertebrate fauna in an isolated bushland reserve (No 18325) in
inner Perth. Western Australian Naturalist 20: 21-28.
Czech, B., P. R. Krausman & R. Borkhataria (1998). Social construction, political
power and the allocation of benefits to endangered species. Conservation
Biology 12: 1103-1112.
Dell, J. & N. K. Cooper (1992). Vertebrate fauna of Ken Hurst Park, City of Melville.
NP.
Dell, J. & R. How (1995). Faunal response to fire in urban bushland. In J. Harris (ed.),
Burning Our Bushland: proceedings of a conference about fire and urban
bushland, p.p. 35-41. Perth, Urban Bushland Council.
Ecoscape (1992). Piney Lakes Reserve concept plan. Perth, City of Melville.
15
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Ecoscape (1993). Jerrat Drive Foreshore rehabilitation plan. East Fremantle, Town
of East Fremantle.
Fischer, J. & D. B. Lindenmayer (2002). Small patches can be valuable for
biodiversity conservation: two case studies on birds in southeastern Australia.
Biological Conservation 106: 129-136.
Ford, H. A., G. W. Barrett, D. A. Saunders & H. F. Recher (2001). Why have birds in
the woodlands of southern Australia declined? Biological Conservation
97: 71-88.
Government of Western Australia (2000). Bush Forever. 4 Vols. Perth, Department of
Environmental Protection.
Grace, K., L. Taman, J. William & S. Dawson (2002). Lightning Swamp Bushland
management plan. Perth, City of Bayswater.
Harvey, M. S., J. Dell, R. A. How & J. M. Waldock (1997). Ground fauna of
bushland on the Ridge Hill Shelf and Pinjarra Plain landforms, Perth: report
to the Australian Heritage Commission. Perth, WA Museum & WA
Naturalists' Club.
Higgins, P. J. & J. M. Peter (2002). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and
Antarctic Birds. Vol. 6: Pardalotes to Shrike-thrushes. South Melbourne,
Oxford University Press.
Hoj-Hansen (2000). Locke Crescent Nature Reserve: draft management plan. NP.
How, R. & J. Dell (1993). Vertebrate fauna of the Perth metropolitan region:
consequences of a modified environment. In Hipkins, M. (ed)., Urban Bush
Management, p.p. 28-47. Perth, Australian Institute of Urban Studies.
How, R. & J. Dell (2000). Ground vertebrate fauna of Perth's vegetation remnants:
impact of 170 years of urbanization. Pacific Conservation Biology 6: 198-217.
Hyde, A. & O. Gear (ND). Wandoo Heights: the saving of a landscape 1960 to 1987.
Unpublished report to the City of Swan. Perth, City of Swan.
Jaensch, R. P. (1987). Waterbirds in the Swan-Canning Estuary. Swan River estuary,
ecology and management. Curtin University Environmental Studies Group
Report No. 1, ed. J. John. Perth, Curtin University.
Jones, D. N. (1981). Temporal changes in the suburban avifauna of an inland city.
Australian Wildlife Research 8: 109-118.
Keast, A. (1995). Habitat loss and species loss: the birds of Sydney 50 years ago and
now. Australian Zoologist 30: 3-24.
16
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Mascia, M. B., J. P. Brosius, T. A Dobson, B. C Forbes, L. Horowitz, M. A. McKean
& N. J. Turner (2003). Conservation and the social sciences. Conservation
Biology 17: 649-650.
Melles, S., S. Glenn & K. Martin (2003). Urban bird diversity and landscape
complexity: species-environment associations along a multiscale habitat
gradient. Conservation Ecology 7(1): 5.
[online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol7/iss1/art5
Meney, K. A. et al. (1994). Baigup Wetland Reserve Management Plan. Regeneration
Technology, Perth.
Meney, K. A. (1989). Management plan for the Maylands Foreshore Reserve
(Berringa Park: report to the City of Stirling. City of Stirling, Perth.
Miller, J. R. & R. J. Hobbs (2002). Conservation where people live and work.
Conservation Biology 16: 330-337.
Perth Biodiversity Project (2002). Capacity of Perth's local governments to conserve
biodiversity: survey analysis report 2002. Perth, Perth Biodiversity Project,
WA Local Government Association.
Recher, H. F. (in press). The Kings Park avifauna: keeping birds in the city.
Proceedings of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW, Urban Wildlife
Symposium.
Recher, H. F. (2002). The past, present and future of biodiversity conservation in
Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology 8: 8-11.
Recher, H. F. & D. L. Serventy (1991). Long term changes in the relative abundances
of birds in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia. Conservation Biology 5:
90-102.
Recher, H. F. (1988). Counting terrestrial birds: use and application of census
procedures in Australia. Australian Zoological Review 1: 25-45.
Saffer, V. M. (2002). Community involvement in the assessment of health of selected
remnants in south-western Australia. Part II: Volunteer surveys as a reliable
indicator of species richness and abundance. Western Australian Naturalist 23:
246-258.
Saunders, D. A. & J. A. Ingram (1995). Birds of southwestern Australia: an atlas of
changes in the distribution and abundance of the wheatbelt avifauna.
Chipping Norton, New South Wales, Surrey Beatty & Sons.
Serventy, D. L. & H. M. Whittell (1951). A handbook of the birds of Western
Australia. 2nd Ed. Perth, Paterson Brokensha.
17
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Sewell, S. R. & C. P. Catterall (1998). Bushland modification and styles of urban
development: their effects on birds in south-eastern Queensland. Wildlife
Research 25: 41-63.
Storr, G. M. & R. E. Johnstone (1988). Birds of the Swan Coastal Plain and adjacent
seas and islands. Records of the Western Australian Museum. Supplement No.
28. Perth, Western Australian Museum.
Street, M. (1995). Bull Creek Wetlands Management Plan. Perth, City of Melville.
Wooller, S. (1999). Attadale remnant bushland: survey of plants and birds. Perth,
Murdoch University.
18
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Project overview and survey instructions provided to observers
undertaking bird surveys for the Perth Biodiversity Project in the Perth
Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003.
Perth Biodiversity
Project Bird
Surveys
Project overview
The Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) is a Natural Heritage Trust-funded initiative of the WA Local
Government Association aiming to conserve biodiversity in sites vested in local government
authorities. Birds Australia WA is undertaking bird surveys in some of the sites funded for
conservation and management We aim, where possible, to provide monthly bird surveys so that
accurate bird lists can be provided to the relevant local councils. Where possible, we provide two sets
of observers per site, with observers doing surveys in alternate months (i.e. every two months). Bird
surveys will be undertaken until at least mid-2003.
Bird surveys submitted to the PBP will be entered in the Birds Australia Bird Atlas database, thus
contributing further to our knowledge of the birds of the Perth region.
Your role
You have nominated to do bird surveys in one or more PBP sites in the Perth metro or outer metro area.
You can help by
x Doing the survey in the middle of the month where possible;
x Liaising with the other site observers, or coordinator Cheryl Gole, if you are unable to
undertake a nominated survey;
x Completing survey forms and returning them promptly to Cheryl.
How to survey PBP sites
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Familiarise yourself with the site and its boundaries;
Do the survey early in the day or when the birds are most active (this may be later in winter
than in summer). Also, do the survey under favourable weather conditions – don’t survey
during extremes of weather such as very hot or cold, or wet and windy conditions;
Duration of survey: take as long as you need to ensure that you record the species present on
the site;
If the site is large, explore all habitat types. For example, if it is a mix of forest and heath, or
creekline and cleared paddock, make sure you include both habitats in the survey;
You do not need to count individual birds. However, if you feel it is important or relevant, you
may record the numbers in the comments column. For example, the numbers of corellas or
White-tailed Black-cockatoos using a site may be relevant;
If you are unable to positively identify a species, leave it off the list. However, you may add a
note in the comments section at the end if you wish. If you are unable to distinguish between
Carnaby’s and Baudin’s Cockatoos, record as White-tailed Black-cockatoo;
Birds in flight: record species as ‘in flight’ if they appear to be simply flying over the site.
However, if birds are using the air space above the site for foraging, then record the species as
present. For example, Tree Martins or a hovering raptor over the site would be recorded in the
‘present’ column;
Record evidence of breeding in the comments column (eg nest building, feeding young.).
Include numbers of eggs or chicks if possible;
Don’t include bird species which are off the site.
Comments on plant species or specific habitats used by bird species are useful to shire council
site managers. For example, you might notice that honeyeaters are feeding on particular plant
species. Include this information in the comments column for the relevant species.
Thank you for offering your time and expertise for the project – we greatly appreciate it
19
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Appendix 2: Survey form provided to observers undertaking bird surveys for the
Perth Biodiversity Project
Perth Biodiversity
Project Bird Survey
Form
Survey and site information
Site location name ………………………………… Council name …………………….....
Observer name ……………………………… Address ...………………........................
……………………………………… Phone …………………………..............................
Email…………………………………………………………………………………….....
Date of survey ………………….. Survey time: start …………... finish …………...…
Total time spent doing survey … hrs…..mins Number of people doing survey …… .
Wetland water levels …. Dry ….. below capacity …… at capacity ….. flooding
Mud/sandflats exposed …….
Bird Species
Bird Species
Present
9
In flight
over site
9
Breeding
9
Comments
(e.g. evidence of breeding;
numbers of birds; feeding)
Please record additional species overleaf
20
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Appendix 3: Survey instructions provided to observers undertaking bird surveys on
Swan River foreshore sites surveyed for the Perth Biodiversity Project
Perth
Biodiversity
Project Bird
Surveys
Swan River Foreshore – Survey Instructions
x The site you are surveying includes part of the Swan River foreshore. The foreshore of the
Swan River is to be included in the survey, and access to that side of the reserve is most easily
undertaken by walking along the foreshore (or parts of it) and recording the birds you see and
hear. For that reason, it is suggested that you do the survey at or within a couple of hours of
low tide (check the West Australian newspaper weather page for tide times).
x As this is a wetland area some of the vegetation is thick, and some areas are wet or
muddy. It is strongly suggested that you wear trousers and gumboots or old shoes. In winter,
some areas may be inundated and you may need to change your survey route.
x It is important that you don't include the whole width of the river in your survey! From
the high tide line, include birds you see in the first 5 metres – this should cover shallows, low
tide mudflats and roosting places such as logs etc. If a sandspit or other structure extends
further out into the river, include the whole structure in the survey. Please count the water
birds and include the counts on your survey sheet.
x Three species of crake and a species of rail are possible on the foreshore, largely in
muddy areas on the foreshore or lagoons where there is good cover within close retreating
distance. The birds are secretive and sometimes difficult to spot. However, they will
occasionally reward you with unexpectedly good views. In appropriate habitat areas,
approach and wait quietly, and scan the reed or rush edges with your binoculars. These are
important birds for us to record if they are present, so we would appreciate your efforts to
spend some time finding them if they are there. If you see one you can't accurately identify,
record on the survey sheet as 'unidentified crake'. A tip: they vary in size, and comparing
them to other birds nearby may give some assistance.
x Clamorous Reed-Warblers and Little Grassbirds may be present but may be difficult to
see. If you are not familiar with their calls, the relevant bird call cassette tape is available on
loan from the Birds Australia WA office at 77 Oceanic Drive, Floreat (open 9.30-12.30
Mon-Fri).
x Access is not good on all perimeters, so you will need to do some exploring to find the
best ways to survey the area. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore and find all the birds
that are present.
x Consider doing an occasional late afternoon/early evening survey, as some areas may be
used as roosting sites for waterbirds such as Ibis that fly in at that time of the day.
x These are rewarding places which most birdwatchers never visit. We hope you enjoy
them!
21
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Appendix 4: Bird species recorded in surveys conducted for the Perth Biodiversity
Project July 2002-May 2003 in the Perth Metropolitan Region.
Taxonomy and nomenclature follows Christidis & Boles (1994) except for the naming of Carnaby's
and Baudin's Black-Cockatoos. Significant species after Bush Forever (Government of Western
Australia, 2000).
Key: * denotes introduced species. Categories for significant bird species: 1 = species listed under the
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950; 2 = species listed under JAMBA/CAMBA agreements; 3 = habitat
specialists with a reduced distribution on the Swan Coastal Plain; 4 = wide-ranging species with
reduced populations on the Swan Coastal Plain. JAMBA/CAMBA = Japan-Australia Migratory Bird
Agreement and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. SCP=Swan Coastal Plain
Categories of
Common name
Scientific name
significance
Blue-billed Duck
Oxyura australis
3
Musk Duck
Biziura lobata
3
Black Swan
Cygnus atratus
Australian Shelduck
Tadorna tadornoides
Muscovy Duck*
Cairina moschata
Australian Wood Duck
Chenonetta jubata
Pacific Black Duck
Anas superciliosa
Australasian Shoveler
Anas rhynchotis
3
Grey Teal
Anas gracilis
Chestnut Teal
Anas castanea
Pink-eared Duck
Malacorhynchus membranaceus
3
Hardhead
Aythya australis
3
Australasian Grebe
Tachybaptus novaehollandiae
Hoary-headed Grebe
Poliocephalus poliocephalus
Darter
Anhinga melanogaster
Little Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax melanoleucos
Pied Cormorant
Phalacrocorax varius
Little Black Cormorant
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Great Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo
Australian Pelican
Pelecanus conspicillatus
White-faced Heron
Egretta novaehollandiae
White-necked Heron
Ardea pacifica
Great Egret
Ardea alba
Nankeen Night Heron
Nycticorax caledonicus
4
Australian White Ibis
Threskiornis molucca
Straw-necked Ibis
Threskiornis spinicollis
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Platalea flavipes
Osprey
Pandion haliaetus
Black-shouldered Kite
Elanus axillaris
Whistling Kite
Haliastur sphenurus
4
Swamp Harrier
Circus approximans
Brown Goshawk
Accipiter fasciatus
4
Collared Sparrowhawk
Accipiter cirrhocephalus
4
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Aquila audax
4
Little Eagle
Hieraaetus morphnoides
4
Australian Hobby
Falco longipennis
22
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Common name
Nankeen Kestrel
Buff-banded Rail
Baillon's Crake
Australian Spotted Crake
Spotless Crake
Purple Swamphen
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Painted Button-quail
Common Greenshank
Common Sandpiper
Black-winged Stilt
Black-fronted Dotterel
Red-kneed Dotterel
Silver Gull
Caspian Tern
Crested Tern
Rock Dove*
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Common Bronzewing
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Baudin's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Long-billed Corella*
Little Corella*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Regent Parrot
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Elegant Parrot
Pallid Cuckoo
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Southern Boobook
Laughing Kookaburra*
Sacred Kingfisher
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
Variegated Fairy-wren
Spotted Pardalote
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Scientific name
Falco cenchroides
Gallirallus philippensis
Porzana pusilla
Porzana fluminea
Porzana tabuensis
Porphyrio porphyrio
Gallinula tenebrosa
Fulica atra
Turnix varia
Tringa nebularia
Actitis hypoleucos
Himantopus himantopus
Elseyornis melanops
Erythrogonys cinctus
Larus novaehollandiae
Sterna caspia
Sterna bergii
Columba livia
Streptopelia senegalensis
Streptopelia chinensis
Phaps chalcoptera
Calyptorhynchus banksii
Calyptorhynchus latirostris
Calyptorhynchus baudinii
Cacatua roseicapilla
Cacatua tenuirostris
Cacatua sanguinea
Trichoglossus haematodus
Polytelis anthopeplus
Barnardius zonarius
Purpureicephalus spurius
Neophema elegans
Cuculus pallidus
Cacomantis flabelliformis
Chrysococcyx basalis
Chrysococcyx lucidus
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Dacelo novaeguineae
Todiramphus sanctus
Merops ornatus
Malurus splendens
Malurus lamberti
Pardalotus punctatus
Pardalotus striatus
Sericornis frontalis
Categories of
significance
3
4
2
2
2
3
locally extinct
1,4
1,4
3
3
3
23
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Common name
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Inland Thornbill
Western Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Yellow-throated Miner
Singing Honeyeater
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
Scientific name
Smicrornis brevirostris
Gerygone fusca
Acanthiza apicalis
Acanthiza inornata
Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Anthochaera carunculata
Anthochaera chrysoptera
Manorina flavigula
Lichenostomus virescens
Lichenostomus ornatus
Brown-headed Honeyeater
White-naped Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Scarlet Robin
Red-capped Robin
Varied Sittella
Golden Whistler
Rufous Whistler
Grey Shrike-thrush
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Black-faced Woodswallow
Dusky Woodswallow
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Grey Currawong
Australian Raven
Melithreptus brevirostris
Melithreptus lunatus
Lichmera indistincta
Phylidonyris novaehollandiae
Phylidonyris nigra
Phylidonyris melanops
Acanthorhynchus superciliosus
Petroica multicolor
Petroica goodenovii
Daphoenositta chrysoptera
Pachycephala pectoralis
Pachycephala rufiventris
Colluricincla harmonica
Grallina cyanoleuca
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Rhipidura leucophrys
Coracina novaehollandiae
Lalage sueurii
Artamus cinereus
Artamus cyanopterus
Cracticus torquatus
Gymnorhina tibicen
Strepera versicolor
Corvus coronoides
Red-eared Firetail
European Goldfinch*
Mistletoebird
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Little Grassbird
Silvereye
Stagonopleura oculata
Carduelis carduelis
Dicaeum hirundinaceum
Hirundo neoxena
Hirundo nigricans
Acrocephalus stentoreus
Megalurus gramineus
Zosterops lateralis
Total species = 125
Categories of
significance
3
3
3
3
4
4
3
Not listed: extinct
on SCP
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
Not listed: extinct
on SCP
Total
significant
species = 41
24
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Appendix 5: Site locations for significant bird species recorded in selected reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region, July 2002-May 2003.
Locke Crescent
Lightning Swamp
Korella Park
Kinsale Park
Jerrat Drive
X
Ken Hurst Park
Hyde Park
Hume Road
Hinds Reserve
Harry Sandon
Gobba Lake
Ern Stapleton
Chichester Park
Cassilda Park
Cadogan Reserve
Buckland Hill
Brighton Bushland
Berringa Park
X
X
3
Musk Duck
Australasian Shoveler
3
3
X
Hardhead
3
X
Nankeen Night Heron
4
Whistling Kite
Brown Goshawk
4
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Collared Sparrowhawk
4
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Little Eagle
4
4
Dusky Moorhen
3
Painted Button-quail
Common Greenshank
4
2
Common Sandpiper
2
X
2
3
locally
extinct
X
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Short-billed Black-Cockatoo
Bardon Park
Status
code
Blue-billed Duck
Red-kneed Dotterel
Common Bronzewing
Banks Reserve
Baigup Reserve
Common Name
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1,4
Long-billed Black-Cockatoo
1,4
25
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
X
3
3
X
X
X
X
X
Weebill
3
Inland Thornbill
Western Thornbill
3
3
X
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
3
X
Little Wattlebird
Yellow-throated Miner
4
4
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
3
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
4
4
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
4
Scarlet Robin
Varied Sittella
3
3
Golden Whistler
3
Grey Shrike-thrush
3
Black-faced Woodswallow
Dusky Woodswallow
4
4
4
Grey Currawong
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Locke Crescent
X
3
Lightning Swamp
Korella Park
Kinsale Park
Ken Hurst Park
Jerrat Drive
Hyde Park
Hume Road
Hinds Reserve
Harry Sandon
Gobba Lake
Ern Stapleton
Chichester Park
Cassilda Park
Cadogan Reserve
Buckland Hill
Status
code
Brighton Bushland
Berringa Park
Variegated Fairy-wren
White-browed Scrubwren
Bardon Park
Splendid Fairy-wren
Banks Reserve
Baigup Reserve
Common Name
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
26
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Total all reserves
Wireless Hill Park
West Swan Oval
Wandoo Heights
Wal Hughes
Unnamed, Picnic
Site, Toodyay Rd
Trigometric
Thorburn Park
Smith's Lake
Shreeve Road
Lots 1 & 2 Rushton
Rd
Richard Lewis
Piney Lakes
3
3
Hardhead
3
Nankeen Night Heron
Whistling Kite
4
4
Brown Goshawk
4
X
Collared Sparrowhawk
Wedge-tailed Eagle
4
4
X
Little Eagle
4
Dusky Moorhen
Painted Button-quail
3
4
Common Greenshank
2
Common Sandpiper
Red-kneed Dotterel
2
2
3
Paloma Park
Musk Duck
Australasian Shoveler
Variegated Fairy-wren
Noble Falls/Reserve
2146
3
3
locally
extinct
Naturaliste Park
1
Blue-billed Duck
Common Bronzewing
Red-tailed BlackCockatoo
Short-billed BlackCockatoo
Long-billed BlackCockatoo
Splendid Fairy-wren
Mt Lawley foreshore
Status
code
Maylands Peninsula
Manjedal Brook
Common Name
2
X
X
2
4
X
X
4
X
X
X
X
2
6
X
7
X
1
1
X
X
X
6
X
X
1
2
1
1
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
1
X
10
1,4
X
1,4
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
1
X
10
3
27
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
3
X
X
X
Varied Sittella
Golden Whistler
3
3
X
X
X
X
Grey Shrike-thrush
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Total all reserves
Scarlet Robin
X
X
X
Wireless Hill Park
4
X
X
West Swan Oval
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked
Honeyeater
Tawny-crowned
Honeyeater
X
X
Wandoo Heights
4
X
Wal Hughes
Yellow-throated Miner
Yellow-plumed
Honeyeater
X
Unnamed, Picnic
Site, Toodyay Rd
3
3
4
X
8
X
X
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Little Wattlebird
X
X
X
X
Western Thornbill
Black-faced
Woodswallow
Dusky Woodswallow
Grey Currawong
Trigometric
X
X
Thorburn Park
X
X
X
Smith's Lake
X
X
X
Shreeve Road
3
3
X
Lots 1 & 2 Rushton
Rd
X
X
Richard Lewis
X
Piney Lakes
3
Paloma Park
Noble Falls/Reserve
2146
Naturaliste Park
Weebill
Inland Thornbill
Mt Lawley foreshore
White-browed Scrubwren
Status
code
Maylands Peninsula
Manjedal Brook
Common Name
X
X
X
X
8
X
X
X
6
6
11
X
X
15
3
1
3
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
28
X
X
23
X
2
4
4
X
4
4
4
X
X
X
X
5
4
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
4
5
3
X
2
2
28
Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Bird surveys in selected Perth metropolitan
reserves
A joint biodiversity conservation project between
Birds Australia WA and the Perth Biodiversity
Project
Part B: Site Reports
C.A. Gole
August 2003
29
Site Name
Baigup Reserve
Local Government Authority
City of Bayswater
Site Location
Bayswater
31º55'57" S, 115º54'40" E
Vegetation Complex
Swan Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site
no.
313 (part)
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Black Swan
Australian Shelduck
Pacific Black Duck
Australasian Shoveler *
Grey Teal
Hardhead
Australasian Grebe
Hoary-headed Grebe
Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Australian Pelican
White-faced Heron
Great Egret
Australian White Ibis
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Black-shouldered Kite
Brown Goshawk
Collared Sparrowhawk
Buff-banded Rail
Baillon's Crake
Spotless Crake
Purple Swamphen
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Common Sandpiper
Black-winged Stilt
Black-fronted Dotterel
Red-kneed Dotterel
Silver Gull
Crested Tern
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 6
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 157 mins (range 100-205)
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Confirmed
Area (ha)
16 ha
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
1
8
33
4
31
2
7
3
4
3
1
1
2
2
1
11
2
5
1
3
7
5
19
1
7
5
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
50
33
100
50
67
83
17
83
17
100
67
33
33
83
100
50
83
67
33
17
17
50
17
17
100
100
100
33
67
67
17
67
33
83
50
33
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Western Gerygone
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
European Goldfinch*
Mistletoebird
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Little Grassbird
Silvereye
Total species = 61
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Possible
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
17
17
33
50
50
17
17
100
67
17
50
50
67
17
83
33
17
83
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
83
17
33
83
33
67
10
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 7 species
Management plan, 1994. (Meney, K, et al. , 1994). 80 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Management Plan
Of the 11 significant bird species recorded by Meney et al. (1994) and not recorded in the 2003 bird
surveys, it is possible that 10 are unlikely to occur at Baigup Reserve. Many bird species listed by
Meney et al may refer to historical records, records from a much wider geographical area, vagrants or
inaccurate observations. The list is thus not useful for the purposes of comparison.
Birds Australia Bird Atlas database:
Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS
A total of 61 bird species were recorded, of which 31 species are water-dependent. Of these, 5 are
significant species under Bush Forever. In addition, the presence of three species of crakes and rails
suggests that the Reserve may be regarded as important habitat for these species on the Swan River
(Jaensch, 1987). The most abundant water-dependent species are Pacific Black-Duck and Grey Teal.
Baigup may represent important habitat for some water-dependent species such as Buff-banded Rail
and crakes and the protection of tidal mudflats and marshes from clearance and disturbance is thus
important (Jaensch, 1987).
Thirty species of bush birds were recorded in the Reserve, including five introduced species. Five
species of bush birds are regarded as significant by Bush Forever, however the reserve does not appear
to be important for small, insectivorous species declining on the Swan Coastal Plain. It is likely that
this is because of existing habitat types rather than management regimes. The site has a relatively
diverse avifauna and is probably of some importance to waterbirds on the Swan River. The crakes,
Buff-banded Rail and most wading birds have been recorded on the southern-most of the two lagoons.
Maintenance of suitable mud flats is important to these species. The introduced aquatic weed Salvinia
molesta is a problem in the northernmost of the two lagoons, although periodic attempts are made by
the local council and the Friends of Baigup Reserve to remove it.
Site Name
Banks Reserve
Site Location
Mt Lawley
31º56'35"S,
Local Government Authority
Town of Vincent
Vegetation Complex
Vasse Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Tidal variation
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Pacific Black Duck
Hoary-headed Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
Pied Cormorant
Australian Pelican
Eurasian Coot
Silver Gull
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Little Corella*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Laughing Kookaburra*
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Mistletoebird
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 27
Area (ha)
3.5 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 5
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 56 mins (range 25-75)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
95
3
1
16
10
0
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
100
40
20
20
20
100
20
60
60
20
100
20
20
40
100
100
60
80
100
100
40
80
80
20
80
40
80
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
1
GENERAL COMMENTS
Banks Reserve is an urban park on the Swan River foreshore with isolated remnant Flooded Gum
Eucalyptus rudis trees. Some attempts are being made by the local council to use native plant species in
plantings for gardens. Of the seven water-dependent species recorded, none is significant under Bush
Forever. The most abundant of the water-dependent species is Pacific Black Duck. Of the twenty bush
bird species, five are introduced, and one is significant under Bush Forever. If the diversity and
structure of indigenous plant in planted areas is improved, and the size of planted areas is increased,
bush bird diversity may increase in the future.
Site Name
Bardon Park
Local Government Authority
City of Bayswater
Site Location
Maylands
31º56'09"S, 115º53'15"E
Vegetation Complex
Swan Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Musk Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Australian Pelican
Great Egret
Australian White Ibis
Osprey
Collared Sparrowhawk
Eurasian Coot
Silver Gull
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Laughing Kookaburra*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
European Goldfinch*
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Little Grassbird
Silvereye
Total species = 31
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Jan-April 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 5
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time:50 mins (range 45-55)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
1
11
2
1
1
3
12
4
0
Area (ha)
2.8ha
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
40
60
20
40
20
20
20
80
20
20
60
40
40
60
20
40
20
20
100
40
40
20
100
40
20
20
40
40
20
20
20
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
5
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
The section of Bardon Park surveyed for birds is the natural area south of the urban/foreshore park and
included the Swan River foreshore. The site is currently the focus of rehabilitation work by the local
council, including slashing of the bulrush Typha orientalis. Thirteen water-dependent species, the most
abundant of which is Pacific Black Duck, were recorded in the Park. It may be important for the
survival of bush birds and water-dependent species such as Clamorous Reed-warbler and Little
Grassbird at this site that the staged removal of woody weeds and Typha takes place.
Site Name
Berringa Park
Site Location
Maylands
31º56'19"S, 115º53'43"E
Local Government Authority
City of Bayswater
Vegetation Complex
Swan Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Tidal variation
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
314 (part)
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Musk Duck
Black Swan
Australian Shelduck
Pacific Black Duck
Grey Teal
Chestnut Teal
Hoary-headed Grebe
Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Australian Pelican
White-faced Heron
Australian White Ibis
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Osprey
Black-shouldered Kite
Whistling Kite
Swamp Harrier
Australian Hobby
Buff-banded Rail
Australian Spotted Crake
Purple Swamphen
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Common Greenshank
Black-winged Stilt
Silver Gull
Caspian Tern
Crested Tern
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Laughing Kookaburra*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Variegated Fairy-wren
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 5
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 119 mins (range 100-155)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
31
16
2
8
19
1
4
2
1
1
8
10
8
1
1
1
Confirmed
Area (ha)
10.4 ha
2
3
12
2
34
1
4
50
5
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
60
80
20
100
100
20
60
60
80
20
100
60
100
40
40
20
20
20
20
20
20
40
20
100
20
20
80
60
40
100
100
20
20
80
20
20
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Mistletoebird
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Little Grassbird
Silvereye
Total species = 56
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Confirmed
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
20
40
100
100
40
80
60
60
40
100
100
20
80
80
20
80
80
20
80
100
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
7
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 10 species
Management plan, 1989. (Meney, K., 1989); 34 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS
Berringa Park supports a relatively high diversity of bird species, including 28 water-dependent
species. A high number of Musk Duck (31) has been recorded sheltering in bays between rush beds at
high tide. At high tide, numbers of waterbirds, including Purple Swamphen and various species of
ducks, shelter in lagoons away from the river. Buff-banded Rail and Australian Spotted Crake have
been recorded using the mudflats between rush beds on the foreshore. It is likely that the numbers of
individual birds and species in the crakes and rails group is under-recorded and that Berringa Park may
represent important habitat for these species on the Swan River. Although the numbers of breeding
records in this project was very low, the rushland habitat of Berringa Park may provide nesting habitat
for secretive species such as crakes and rails. The protection of these tidal mudflats and marshes from
clearance and disturbance is important for the conservation of water-dependent species on the Swan
River (Jaensch, 1987).
Variegated Fairy-wren has been recorded in woody weeds and Melaleuca spp in the area between
parkland and the river. It is important for the survival of this species that weed removal is staged to
retain some thick vegetation at all times.
The removal of riverside trees by residents to enhance views of the river is a management issue in this
reserve. The trees are removed by cutting, poisoning and ringbarking. If the trend continues, the
suitability of the foreshore habitat for bird species such as Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail , which
require more complex vegetation types, may decline.
Site Name
Brighton Bushland
Site Location
Butler
31º39'13"S, 115º42'09"E
Local Government Authority
City of Wanneroo
Vegetation Complex
Cottesloe Complex – Central and\South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
10728
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Yellow-throated Miner
Magpie-lark
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Silvereye
Total species = 5
Area (ha)
2.7 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Sept-Dec 2002
Survey frequency: Seasonal
Total no. surveys: 3
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 25 mins (range20-30)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
100
67
67
100
33
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
1
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Brighton Bushland is a small, relatively isolated fragment of bushland threatened by weed incursions
and the deliberate removal of Grass Trees Xanthorrhoea preissei by earthmoving machinery. The core
area of bushland is 0.9 ha. With adjacent public open space and the drainage reserve, the total area of
the reserve is 2.7 ha. The bushland has been reserved in an area of new housing development, and is a
good example of a reserve which may be too small to adequately conserve area-sensitive and mobile
taxa such as birds. However, the number of surveys is low and it is possible that the reserve has some
use as a corridor.
Brighton Bushland features an extremely low diversity of birds and its conservation importance may be
largely restricted to its significance for other taxa. However, despite the low diversity of bird species,
Yellow-throated Miner appears to be resident in this reserve. While widespread and common in the
heavily-cleared and fragmented wheatbelt, it appears Yellow-throated Miner has declined markedly on
the Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988), and is now restricted to reserves such as Brighton
Bushland in the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan Region. It is common in Whiteman Park, a
large bushland remnant in the north-eastern metropolitan area (M. Brooker, pers. comm.). In the Perth
Biodiversity Project bird surveys, this species has been recorded on only three reserves.
Site Name
Buckland Hill Reserve
Site Location
Mosman Park
32º01'10"S, 115º45'15"E
Local Government Authority
Town of Mosman Park
Vegetation Complex
Cottesloe Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Black-shouldered Kite
Collared Sparrowhawk
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Variegated Fairy-wren
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Silvereye
Total species = 21
Area (ha)
6.3 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 9
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 64 mins (range 45-85)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
22
11
89
89
11
33
22
22
44
89
89
89
22
100
22
89
22
89
22
56
78
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
5
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Five bird species deemed to be significant under Bush Forever have been recorded at Buckland Hill
Reserve. These include Variegated Fairy-wren and the Endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo which
has been recorded in the reserve feeding on the flowers of Harsh Hakea Hakea prostrata. The staged
removal of the woody weed Victorian tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum, and replacement by a similar
vegetation structure, is important to retain habitat for fairy-wrens and other small birds requiring shelter
and nest sites.
Sites such as Buckland Hill Reserve may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing
food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine
plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth
Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet
uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as
Buckland Hill are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Site Name
Cadogan Reserve
Site Location
Kingsley
31º48'58"S, 115º48'08"E
Local Government Authority
City of Joondalup
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
8068
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Collared Sparrowhawk
Australian Hobby
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Long-billed Corella*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Yellow-throated Miner
Singing Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Total species = 18
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
4.9 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 39 mins (range 20-65)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
confirmed
confirmed
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
20
10
40
10
60
10
70
90
10
30
70
80
80
40
30
60
100
90
10
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
2
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Cadogan Reserve is characterised by a relatively low diversity of bird species. A total of 18 bush birds
have been recorded in the reserve, four of which are introduced. However, Yellow-throated Miner,
listed as significant under Bush Forever, is a breeding species in this reserve, and raptors such as
Collared Sparrowhawk and Australian Hobby have also been recorded. While widespread and common
in the heavily-cleared and fragmented wheatbelt, it appears Yellow-throated Miner has declined
markedly on the Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988), and is now restricted to reserves such
as Cadogan Reserve in the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan Region, although it is common
in Whiteman Park (M. Brooker, pers. comm.). In the Perth Biodiversity Project bird surveys, this
species has been recorded in only three reserves.
Site Name
Cassilda Park
Site Location
Two Rocks
31º30'07"S, 115º35'26"E
Local Government Authority
City of Wanneroo
Vegetation Complex
Quindalup Complex
Local Natural Area
ID no.
10922
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Southern Boobook
Sacred Kingfisher
Variegated Fairy-wren
White-browed Scrubwren
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Welcome Swallow
Silvereye
Total species = 18
Area (ha)
4.02 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Sept 2002-Mar 2003
Survey frequency: seasonal
Total no. surveys: 4
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 44 mins (range 25-60)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
75
100
25
25
50
50
75
100
75
100
25
50
25
50
25
75
75
100
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
4
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Cassilda Park is comprised of shrubland with some trees on the perimeter. Small significant bush birds
include the sedentary Variegated Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrubwren, both of which have
declined on the Swan Coastal Plain. Grey Fantail, a mobile species requiring more complex vegetation
structure than that provided in urban parks, has also been recorded. Maintenance of vegetation structure
is important to the long-term survival of small bush birds in parks such as this. Weed control, an
appropriate fire regime and planted local vegetation buffers on the margins are possible management
strategies for this reserve.
Site Name
Chichester Park
Site Location
Woodvale
31º47'18"S, 115º47'14"E
Local Government Authority
City of Joondalup
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
North Remnant
Australian Hobby
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Total species, north remnant =
16
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
confirmed
South Remnant
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Australian Ringneck
Rainbow Bee-eater
Red Wattlebird
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Total species, south remnant = 7
Total species, both remnants =
17
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Area (ha)
1.34 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 62 mins (range 20-100)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
10
20
30
80
50
50
80
20
10
30
30
10
10
30
70
50
1
0
10
50
10
70
30
10
20
0
0
1
0
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Chichester Park is comprised of parkland and two fragmented remnants of bushland. The northern
remnant is comprised of remnant woodland and Banksia overstorey. The southern remnant is
comprised largely of a Banksia overstorey. Both remnants and the parkland were separately surveyed
for birds to see if there were any differential use of habitats.
No bird species designated as significant under Bush Forever was recorded using Chichester Park. The
northern remnant showed the greater diversity of bird species, with more than twice the number
recorded using this area than used the southern remnant. An additional six bird species were recorded
in the parkland areas. These were Australian Shelduck, Long-billed Corella*, Galah, Laughing
Kookaburra*, Willie Wagtail and Silvereye. In general, the bird species recorded at Chichester Park are
those which characterise Perth's urban areas, including gardens. The remnants may have some
importance as corridors for mobile bird species such as Striated Pardalote and White-winged Triller.
Enlarging the remnants through planting programmes may enhance their habitat value for birds.
Site Name
Ern Stapleton Reserve
Site Location
Attadale
Local Government Authority
City of Melville
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
5176
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Tree Martin
Total species = 13
Area (ha)
0.74 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 6
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 25 mins (range 20-30)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
67
33
17
67
17
33
100
67
50
67
83
67
17
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
0
Other sources of bird survey information
Wooller (1999). 10 species.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS
A total of 13 bird species has been recorded in this reserve, none of which is significant under Bush
Forever. It is not known if this site is an important nesting site for birds utilising nearby gardens. It may
have some value as a corridor and for food resources for mobile species such as Red-capped Parrot and
Striated Pardalote which utilise remnant native vegetation.
Site Name
Gobba Lake
Site Location
31º55'33"S, 115º55'42"E
Local Government Authority
City of Bayswater
Vegetation Complex
Swan Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
6412
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Blue-billed Duck
Australian Shelduck
Pacific Black Duck
Grey Teal
Hardhead
Australasian Grebe
Darter
White-faced Heron
Nankeen Night Heron
Purple Swamphen
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Corella species
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Pallid Cuckoo
Rainbow Bee-eater
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Mistletoebird
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Silvereye
Total species = 31
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Jan-April 2003
Survey frequency: Monthly
Total no. surveys: 5
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 63 mins (range 30-90)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
1
2
10
2
5
6
1
1
2
4
8
0
Area (ha)
1.7 ha
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
20
20
80
20
80
100
40
20
20
80
60
100
100
20
40
20
20
40
20
20
100
60
20
60
40
40
40
20
60
60
40
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
4
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Gobba Lake is an old excavation site now filled with water. The lake, the immediate surrounds and the
adjacent parkland were surveyed for birds. Nearby wasteland/grassland areas were not included in the
survey site. All four significant species recorded at this site are water-dependent. These include Bluebilled Duck and Hardhead, both diving ducks preferring deeper water. Of the 13 water-dependent
species recorded at the site, the most abundant were Pacific Black Duck, Eurasian Coot and
Australasian Grebe.
The City of Bayswater plans to excavate part of the lake to allow for shallow water and thus increase
the habitat types for waterbirds. While the site is not currently important for small insectivorous birds,
the planting of local indigenous plants with floristic and structural diversity might allow for improved
habitat for this group of bird species. There is considerable scope for such planting in the vicinity of
Gobba Lake.
Site Name
Harry Sandon Park
Site Location
Attadale
32º01'40"S, 115º48'24"E
Local Government Authority
City of Melville
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
226
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Australian White Ibis
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Laughing Kookaburra*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Silvereye
Total species = 20
0
Area (ha)
4.3 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 6
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 56 mins (range 20-110)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
17
83
83
17
33
33
50
17
33
100
33
100
83
33
33
67
50
83
83
17
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
3
Other sources of bird survey information
Wooller (1999). 17 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Collared Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon. These are mobile species which may utilise the reserve at
various times.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Harry Sandon Park is a remnant Banksia woodland. Three significant species, including the endangered
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo were recorded in the Park. At least 5 Cockatoos were recorded on one
occasion in the Park, however there is anecdotal evidence from a local resident that the Cockatoos' use
of the reserve may be much greater. Sites such as Harry Sandon Park may form part of a valuable
network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the
Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos
over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the
pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the
Cockatoos that reserves such as Harry Sandon Park are not only retained, but also that native
vegetation is maintained in good condition.
The water-dependent species Australian White Ibis was recorded feeding on surrounding lawns. Of the
19 bush birds recorded in the Park, four are introduced.
Site Name
Hinds Reserve
Site Location
Bayswater
31º55'51"S, 115º54'59"E
Local Government Authority
City of Bayswater
Vegetation Complex
Swan Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Silver Gull
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Laughing Kookaburra
Rainbow Bee-eater
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 21
Area (ha)
1.3 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 6
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time:21 mins (range 15-30)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
33
83
50
17
17
17
17
67
67
83
100
17
33
33
83
17
67
33
33
17
33
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
1
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Hinds Reserve is a small reserve separated from the nearby Baigup Reserve by Garret Road and the
Garrett Road Bridge. The foreshore parkland was not surveyed for birds. During most of the survey
period, the creekline was dry or well below capacity, and the number of water-dependent species using
the Reserve was limited to one. At other times, the area might be utilised by other waterbirds. New
Holland Honeyeater was the only significant species utilising the Reserve during the survey period,
however Rufous Whistler, a species requiring more complex vegetation, was also recorded in the
Reserve.
The area consists of a creekline with associated vegetation, and some relatively open space with some
potential for regeneration of local native bushland plant species. With such replanting, the numbers of
bush birds using the reserve might increase. The site may have considerable value along the Swan
River foreshore as a corridor
Site Name
Hume Road Wildlife Reserve
Site Location
Thornlie
32º03'33"S, 115º57'36"E
Local Government Authority
City of Gosnells
Vegetation Complex
Southern River Complex
Local Natural Area
ID no.
4857
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Silvereye
Total species = 14
Area (ha)
3.3 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 5
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 49 mins (range 20-75)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
20
40
60
20
100
60
60
20
60
20
20
40
40
20
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
0
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Fourteen species of bush birds have been recorded at Hume Road Wildlife Reserve, of which none are
significant under Bush Forever. However, Striated Pardalote and Rufous Whistler utilise the Reserve,
suggesting that it has some importance for some bird species requiring remnant habitat to survive in
urban areas.
Site Name
Hyde Park
Site Location
Perth
31º56'16"S, 115º51'47"E
Local Government Authority
Town of Vincent
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex: Central and South
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Black Swan
Australian Shelduck
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Muscovy Duck*
Australasian Grebe
Hoary-headed Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Australian Pelican
Nankeen Night Heron
Australian White Ibis
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Purple Swamphen
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Silver Gull
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Corella species*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Laughing Kookaburra*
Sacred Kingfisher
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Total species = 32
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
13.5 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 11
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 33 mins (range 20-90)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
14
60
1
3
1
3
1
1
18
61
50
possible
confirmed
2
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 27 species.
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
55
73
100
100
9
27
9
36
55
73
9
45
9
9
100
100
100
82
82
18
100
9
9
9
45
73
55
45
82
27
91
18
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
2
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS
This urban park consists of highly modified wetlands and mature parkland vegetation with some
remnant Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata, Flooded Gum E. rudis and paperbark Melaleuca spp . Of the 32
bird species recorded within the survey period, two water-dependent species are considered significant
under Bush Forever. Eighteen water-dependent species have been recorded. Pacific Black Duck,
Eurasian Coot and Silver Gull are the most abundant of these species and have been recorded on each
survey. Observers recorded numbers of dead or dying waterbirds, suggesting that botulism may
continue to be a problem in the Park wetlands.
There is no evidence that the Park provides a corridor for mobile native vegetation-dependent species
such as Western Gerygone or Grey Fantail, although J. Dell (pers. comm.) has reported the use of the
Park by Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. No information is available on the numbers of cockatoos using the
Park, nor whether they were feeding. The eventual replacement of some of the introduced parkland
plant species with indigenous plant species, including trees, may increase the Park's habitat value for
mobile bush birds such as Little Wattlebird and other honeyeaters and insectivorous birds such as
Western Gerygone.
Site Name
Jerrat Drive Foreshore
Site Location
East Fremantle
32º01'41"S, 115º46'16"E
Local Government Authority
Town of East Fremantle
Vegetation Complex
Cottesloe Complex – Central and South
Wetland levels during survey period
Tidal variation
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Black Swan
Pacific Black Duck
Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Great Cormorant
White-faced Heron
Nankeen Night Heron
Black-shouldered Kite
Common Sandpiper
Silver Gull
Caspian Tern
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Corella species*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Laughing Kookaburra*
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Total species =30
Other sources of bird survey information
Ecoscape (1993). 16 species.
0
Area (ha)
2.8 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 7
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 59 mins (range 45-65)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
43
100
14
86
14
14
43
14
57
29
100
14
86
29
43
29
14
14
100
100
29
29
29
57
86
29
43
43
71
29
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
5
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS
Of the 30 bird species recorded at the Jerrat Drive Foreshore, 12 are water-dependent. Two of these,
Nankeen Night Heron and Common Sandpiper are significant species.
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has also been recorded using the reserve, but there is no information on the
numbers of birds or usage. Sites such as the Jerrat Drive Foreshore may form part of a valuable
network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the
Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos
over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the
pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the
Cockatoos that reserves such as Jerrat Drive are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is
maintained in good condition.
The removal of riverside trees by residents to enhance views of the river is a management issue in this
reserve. The trees are removed by poisoning or ringbarking. If the trend continues, the suitability of the
foreshore habitat for mobile bird species such as Striated Pardalote, which may require more complex
vegetation types, may decline.
Site Name
Ken Hurst Park
Site Location
Leeming
32º04'50"S, 115º52'58"E
Local Government Authority
City of Melville
Vegetation Complex
Bassendean Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
245
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Osprey
Brown Goshawk
Australian Hobby
Rock Dove*
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Common Bronzewing
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
Striated Pardalote
Western Gerygone
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Scarlet Robin
Varied Sittella
Rufous Whistler
Grey Shrike-thrush
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
52.4 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Dec 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 9
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 147 mins (range 85-180)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
11
11
11
33
78
22
67
22
44
11
56
33
11
89
11
56
89
44
100
89
44
89
33
11
11
100
22
78
22
89
44
89
89
89
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Welcome Swallow
Silvereye
Total species = 36
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
22
89
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
10
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 3 surveys, 16 species
Dell & Cooper (1992): 36 species
ATA Environmental (2003). 61 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Whistling Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Painted Button-quail, Australian
Owlet-nightjar, Weebill, Western Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Little Wattlebird, Black-faced
Woodswallow.
Some of these are mobile species which may use the reserve at various times. These are Whistling Kite,
Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Weebill, Little Wattlebird and Black-faced
Woodswallow. Two species – Painted Button-quail and Australian Owlet-nightjar – are often recorded
opportunistically by observers, and may still be present. The absence of the thornbills, both Western
and Yellow-rumped, may be due to local extinction or local movements through contiguous bushland
(Jandakot Airport and John Carroll Park). In some cases, survey data may refer to historical data or to
data for a larger geographical area.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Ken Hurst Park is the second largest of the reserves surveyed for birds for the Perth Biodiversity
Project. Although the number of species recorded is not high (30), 10 species - 28% - of the bush bird
species recorded are significant under Bush Forever. These include resident species such as Common
Bronzewing, Splendid Fairy-wren, Grey Shrike-thrush and Scarlet Robin now declining on the Swan
Coastal Plain. Ken Hurst Park is the only Swan Coastal Plain site in this project where Grey Shrikethrush was recorded. Significant birds also include more mobile species such as Carnaby's BlackCockatoo, and some of the honeyeaters such as Little Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater and Whitecheeked Honeyeater. Varied Sittella has a large home range and may be locally confined to Ken Hurst
and adjacent bushland.
A flock of at least 100 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has been recorded feeding on Banksia spp in the
Park. Sites such as Ken Hurst Park may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing
food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine
plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth
Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet
uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Ken
Hurst Park are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Ken Hurst Park is part of a contiguous area of bushland which includes Jandakot Airport and John
Connell Reserve. The most immediate threat to the obvious faunal conservation values of the Park is
likely to be habitat fragmentation and degradation through the planned extension of Roe Highway
through the heart of the Park. It is highly improbable that small, insectivorous birds such as Fairywrens will able to traverse the highway and easement (Brooker, Brooker & Cale, 1999).
Site Name
Kinsale Park
Site Location
Mindarie
31º40'56"S, 115º41'59"E
Local Government Authority
City of Wanneroo
Vegetation Complex
Cottesloe Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
10069
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Nankeen Kestrel
Rock Dove*
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Australian Ringneck
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Western Gerygone
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Silvereye
Species total = 20
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
6 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Sept 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 50 mins (range 30-65)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Possible
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
10
10
90
10
10
10
20
20
30
90
30
20
50
10
10
50
20
40
30
60
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
3
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Most of Kinsale Park was burnt during the survey period in January 2003. The Park is adjacent to other
bushland which remained unburnt. Such fire mosaics are critical for the long-term conservation value
of bushland remnants on the Swan Coastal Plain, in particular for the survival of small insectivorous
species such as White-browed Scrubwren which inhabit dense vegetation (Brooker, 1995; Dell & How,
1995). White-browed Scrubwren was recorded early in the survey period and has not been recorded
since the fire of January 2003. Assuming that this species has moved to nearby unburnt vegetation, the
maintenance of unburnt vegetation in the area is likely to be necessary to the long-term survival of this
species in this area. It is probable that the fire affected the total number of species which might
otherwise have been recorded using this reserve on a periodic basis.
Of the 20 bird species recorded in the Park, three are considered significant under Bush Forever,
including White-browed Scrubwren, a species now declining on the Swan Coastal Plain. Mobile bird
species such as Striated Pardalote and Western Gerygone, which may require more complex habitat for
long-term survival have also been recorded in the Park. In addition to appropriate fire regimes, weed
control to maintain vegetation structure and floristic diversity is important to maintain the conservation
value of Kinsale Park.
Site Name
Korella Park
Site Location
Mullaloo
31º46'44"S, 115º4'18"E
Local Government Authority
City of Joondalup
Vegetation Complex
Quindalup Complex
Local Natural Area
ID no.
8678
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Straw-necked Ibis
Australian Hobby
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 22
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
2.5 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 33 mins (range 20-45)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Possible
Possible
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
10
10
100
20
10
10
10
10
70
10
90
70
30
20
60
80
20
50
40
50
40
60
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
4
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Korella Park consists largely of shrubland which is actively managed for restricted access and weed
control by the Friends of Korella Park. Four species of birds using Korella Park are considered to be
significant. These include three species of honeyeaters – Little Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater
and White-cheeked Honeyeater. There was one record of a pair of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo using the
Park, although the birds' use of the Park was not recorded. Sites such as Korella Park may form part of
a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-
Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food
resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future
staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the
survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Korella Park are not only retained, but also that native
vegetation is maintained in good condition.
It would appear that Korella Park might provide useful ephemeral resources for mobile bird species
such as honeyeaters and the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. Ongoing vegetation protection and
enhancement measures would maintain and might increase this value to locally mobile species.
Site Name
Lightning Swamp Bushland
Site Location
Noranda
Local Government Authority
City of Bayswater
Vegetation Complex
Bassendean Complex – Central and South
Wetland levels during survey period
Wetland/dampland dry; drain below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
307
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Pacific Black Duck
Great Egret
Swamp Harrier
Brown Goshawk
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Corella species
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Elegant Parrot
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
Striated Pardalote
Western Gerygone
Inland Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Black-faced Woodswallow
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Confirmed
Possible
Area (ha)
70 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003
Survey frequency: bimonthly
Total no. surveys: 4
Average no. observers: 4
Average survey time: 150 mins (range 140-165)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
3
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
25
25
25
25
75
100
50
25
50
50
50
25
25
25
75
100
25
50
75
50
100
100
25
100
50
50
75
50
50
75
75
25
25
100
100
50
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 38
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
75
75
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
9
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 54 species
Management plan, 2002. (Grace et al. , 2002). 86 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Bird Atlas database:
Hardhead, Collared Sparrowhawk, Little Eagle, Varied Sittella, Little Wattlebird. These are mobile
species or species using ephemeral resources and might be expected to occur periodically on the site.
Management plan: while some bird species were recorded during period of writing the Plan, the plan
also refers to bird species expected to occur over wider geographical area, some of which would no
longer occur at or even near Lightning Swamp. The list is thus not useful for the purposes of
comparison.
GENERAL COMMENT
The wetland/dampland areas of this reserve were dry during the survey period; some water was
retained in the drain dissecting the reserve. Only three species (<8%) recorded in the survey period
were water-dependent species. Thus, no comment can be made on the importance of this reserve for
waterbirds.
Of the 35 bush birds recorded at Lightning Swamp, 25% (9 species) are regarded as significant under
Bush Forever. These include sedentary species such as Splendid Fairy-wren, Inland Thornbill and
Yellow-rumped Thornbill, together with mobile species such as Brown Goshawk, Carnaby's BlackCockatoo, New Holland, White-cheeked and Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters, and Black-faced
Woodswallow. Other birds recorded at the site and probably dependent on remnant native vegetation
for long-term survival are Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail.
Although some species (e.g. Grey Shrike-thrush, Scarlet Robin) have not been recorded in the reserve,
this relatively large (70 ha) reserve has significant conservation values for bush birds on the Swan
Coastal Plain.
The endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has been recorded at this site, although no information is
available on the numbers of birds or usage of the reserve. Sites such as Lightning Swamp Bushland
may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile
Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food
resource for Carnaby's Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the
future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for
the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Lightning Swamp Bushland are not only retained,
but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Site Name
Locke Crescent Nature Reserve
Site Location
East Fremantle
32º01'49"S, 115º46'07"E
Local Government Authority
Town of East Fremantle
Vegetation Complex
Cottesloe Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
5062
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Black-shouldered Kite
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Corella species*
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Laughing Kookaburra
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Total species = 19 species
Area (ha)
0.86 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 7
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 44 mins (range 30-55)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
14
86
14
14
14
43
14
14
100
100
57
29
29
29
14
14
71
29
14
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
2
Other sources of bird survey information
Hoj-Hansen (2000). 25 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS
A small number of bush bird species (19) has been recorded at this small, isolated reserve. Two
species, both honeyeaters, are significant under Bush Forever, and may rely on ephemeral resources
provided by small reserves such as Locke Crescent. Maintenance and improvement of vegetation
quality and structure through weed control and limiting access are important to reserves of this size.
Site Name
Manjedal Brook
Site Location
Whitby
32º17'14"S, 116º00'01"E
Local Government Authority
Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale
Vegetation Complex
Forrestfield Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
White-faced Heron
White-necked Heron
Brown Goshawk
Collared Sparrowhawk
Rock Dove*
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Common Bronzewing
Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Corella species
Galah
Regent Parrot
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra*
Sacred Kingfisher
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
Spotted Pardalote
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Inland Thornbill
Western Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
White-naped Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
12.7 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: July 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 11
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time:146 mins (range 130-170)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
4
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
45
27
27
9
9
18
9
18
55
18
9
9
64
9
100
100
9
18
100
45
18
64
36
64
36
82
100
82
9
100
91
100
9
64
100
18
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Scarlet Robin
Red-capped Robin
Varied Sittella
Golden Whistler
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Dusky Woodswallow
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Mistletoebird
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 55
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
18
55
27
9
27
100
18
100
91
91
18
18
18
100
100
18
18
36
91
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
19
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: nil surveys
Database of WA Birds: nil surveys
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Of the 55 bird species recorded at Manjedal Brook, only four (7%) are water-dependent species.
Despite its size, only 12.5 ha, the reserve recorded the highest number of species significant under
Bush Forever. More than one third (37%) of the bush birds recorded at this site are significant. These
include Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, species no longer extant on most
of the Swan Coastal Plain. Sedentary species of significance include Splendid Fairy-wren, Whitebrowed Scrubwren, Inland, Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, and Scarlet Robin. Golden
Whistler may be sedentary or display movements from the Darling Range to the Swan Coastal Plain in
winter (Higgins & Peter, 2002). At Manjedal Brook, the Golden Whistler was recorded in Winter
(August), suggesting the site may be important for the movement of birds from the Darling Range.
More mobile significant species include White-naped Honeyeater, Varied Sittella and Dusky
Woodswallow. Most of these species were otherwise only recorded for the project in the Darling
Range. Other species probably dependent on remnant vegetation for long-term survival include the
migratory Horsfield's Cuckoo and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, and locally mobile species such as Western
Gerygone, Weebill, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail.
The endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has been recorded at this site, although no information is
available on the numbers of birds or usage of the reserve. Sites such as Manjedal Brook may form part
of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Cockatoo on and
near the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for
Carnaby's Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future
staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the
survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Manjedal Brook are not only retained, but also that
native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Despite the weedy understorey, this reserve clearly benefits from an intact overstorey and its proximity
to the Darling Range, where bird species now in serious decline on the Swan Coastal Plain are still
present in reasonable numbers. Management issues for this important reserve include ongoing weed
control and the maintenance of effective corridors with other vegetation remnants.
Site Name
Maylands Peninsula
Site Location
Maylands
31º57'03"S, 115º54'41"E
Local Government Authority
City of Bayswater
Vegetation Complex
Swan Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Black Swan
Australian Shelduck
Pacific Black Duck
Grey Teal
Hoary-headed Grebe
Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Australian Pelican
White-faced Heron
Great Egret
Australian White Ibis
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Black-shouldered Kite
Collared Sparrowhawk
Buff-banded Rail
Purple Swamphen
Eurasian Coot
Black-winged Stilt
Silver Gull
Caspian Tern
Crested Tern
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Breeding on
survey site
Area (ha)
7.4ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 4
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 109 mins (range 90-120)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
2
20
34
2
3
2
2
7
4
1
6
6
1
3
3
6
6
10
1
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
25
100
100
100
50
100
50
50
25
100
100
25
100
75
50
25
50
75
100
75
75
25
25
50
100
25
25
75
100
100
100
75
100
25
25
25
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
Breeding on
survey site
* denotes introduced species
Mistletoebird
Little Grassbird
Silvereye
Total species = 39
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
50
25
25
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
2
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
The area surveyed for birds includes the Swan River foreshore and the areas of rushes, samphire flats
and lagoons nearby.
Of the 39 species recorded for the Maylands Peninsula site, over half (22) are water-dependent. The
most abundant waterbird species are Grey Teal and Pacific Black Duck. Buff-banded Rail have also
been recorded at the site. The conservation of natural areas of rushes and samphires on the Swan River
is important for the conservation of crakes and rails (Jaensch, 1987). The presence of Buff-banded Rail
suggests that the Reserve may be regarded as important habitat for this species on the Swan River. As
the site is difficult to survey, species of crakes may be present but not recorded.
The site supports a reasonable diversity of waterbirds, but appears to be less important for bush birds.
The major conservation and management issue for the Maylands Peninsula samphire flats is the
protection of its wetland habitats against degradation by weeds and uncontrolled access, and its longterm protection against clearing for urban development.
Site Name
Mount Lawley Foreshore
Site Location
Mount Lawley
31º56'29"S, 115º52'56"E
Local Government Authority
Town of Vincent
Vegetation Complex
Swan Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Pacific Black Duck
Hoary-headed Grebe
Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Pied Cormorant
Eurasian Coot
Silver Gull
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Laughing Kookaburra*
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 23
Area (ha)
1.8 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 5
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 34 mins (range 20-45)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
10
1
5
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
100
20
20
20
20
60
20
40
40
20
20
20
20
100
100
40
20
40
40
40
60
20
40
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
1
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
This small site is adjacent to Banks Reserve on the Swan River foreshore, and forms part of a
continuous strip of remnant foreshore vegetation. Seven of the 23 bird species recorded in the area are
water-dependent, although the number of surveys is still low and this number may be expected to rise.
Major threats to the conservation value of this area are the fragmentation of habitat from the planned
cycleway through the foreshore area, and weeds. The site is unlikely to be significant for bush birds,
but does represent a habitat type now largely lost on the Swan River. As it forms part of a continuous
vegetation link on the River foreshore, it may act as a corridor for mobile species. The corridor values
of an adjacent site are threatened by the cutting of riverside trees by residents to enhance views of the
river. If this trend continues, the corridor potential of sites such as the Mount Lawley foreshore will be
diminished. Planting to increase the diversity of plant species and structure may increase the value of
this site for bush birds.
Site Name
Naturaliste Park
Site Location
Illuka
31º44'31"S, 115º43'56"E
Local Government Authority
City of Joondalup
Vegetation Complex
Cottesloe Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
9294
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Silver Gull
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Australian Ringneck
Sacred Kingfisher
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Yellow-throated Miner
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Silvereye
Total species = 21
Area (ha)
3.3 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 31 mins (range 20-45)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
10
90
20
30
10
10
90
90
50
80
80
100
10
10
10
10
60
10
30
10
90
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
3
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENT
One third (7) of the bird species recorded at Naturaliste Park are in the honeyeater family
(Meliphagidae). This number includes three considered significant under Bush Forever: Yellowthroated Miner, New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. While widespread and
common in the heavily-cleared and fragmented wheatbelt, it appears Yellow-throated Miner has
declined markedly on the Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988), and is now restricted to
reserves such as Cadogan Reserve in the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan Region. In the
Perth Biodiversity Project bird surveys, this species has been recorded in only three reserves.
This reserve may be too small to support small, resident, insectivorous species such as the declining
White-winged Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrub-wren which often inhabit
coastal scrubs. The reserve may provide a useful corridor for some honeyeater species moving through
coastal and near-coastal habitats. Weed control, and control of unauthorised access are management
issues in this reserve.
Site Name
Noble Falls/Reserve 2146
Site Location
Gidgegannup
31º46'02"S, 116º13'55"E
Local Government Authority
City of Swan
Vegetation Complex
Murray 2
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Darling Range
Regional Park
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Grey Teal
Little Pied Cormorant
White-faced Heron
Black-shouldered Kite
Little Eagle
Common Bronzewing
White-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Pallid Cuckoo
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra
Sacred Kingfisher
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Western Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Yellow-plumed Honeyeater
White-naped Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Scarlet Robin
Red-capped Robin
Varied Sittella
Golden Whistler
Rufous Whistler
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
possible
confirmed
Area (ha)
50.5 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 118 mins (range 60-180)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
40
60
20
20
20
10
10
60
10
40
100
90
10
10
90
30
40
70
50
20
50
100
50
40
50
40
10
30
80
100
50
10
20
30
60
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Grey Shrike-thrush
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Black-faced Woodswallow
Dusky Woodswallow
Australian Magpie
Grey Currawong
Australian Raven
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 48
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
confirmed
3
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
70
20
70
40
30
10
10
10
70
10
70
20
40
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
18
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 3 surveys, 20 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS
This reserve is situated in the Darling Range, beyond the limit of the Perth Metropolitan Region. Many
of the significant species recorded at this reserve are still relatively common in the Darling Range,
although they have undergone extensive range retraction or extinction on the Swan Coastal Plain. Of
the 44 bush birds recorded at Noble Falls/Reserve 2146, >38% are considered significant under Bush
Forever. Significant sedentary species include Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren,
Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbills; Scarlet Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Currawong.
More mobile significant species which might use the reserve on a more periodic basis include Yellowplumed and White-naped Honeyeater, both of which are extinct or almost so on the Swan Coastal
Plain, and have declined in range and abundance in the wheatbelt (Saunders & Ingram 1995). Whitetailed Black-Cockatoo records for the site may refer to either Carnaby's or Baudin's Black-Cockatoo,
both of which are mobile species considered to be significant.
The range of significant bird species in this reserve means it has a useful role in the conservation of
birds now declining or extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain. Management issues for the reserve include
controlling access by relatively large numbers of visitors and weed control along Wooroloo Brook.
Some weed control for the invasive environmental weed Watsonia spp is already being undertaken by
the Shire of Swan.
Site Name
Paloma Park
Site Location
Marangaroo
31º49'56"S, 115º51'02"E
Local Government Authority
City of Wanneroo
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Rainbow Lorikeet
Australian Ringneck
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Total species = 11
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
5.8 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 40 mins (range 25-60)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Possible
Possible
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
10
10
10
70
50
50
10
20
30
80
20
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
2
X
1
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
The vegetation structure in this small isolated reserve is an intact overstorey and a relatively low
understorey in good condition. A low number of bird species was recorded in the Park, one of them
(New Holland Honeyeater) significant under Bush Forever. There is no evidence that this reserve
provides a corridor for more mobile species such as Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail that may
require more complex vegetation for long-term survival. However, this may reflect the existing
vegetation structure which may be naturally largely unsuitable for many insectivorous birds requiring
complex understorey. A planting programme to increase vegetation structure may not be appropriate
for this remnant.
Management issues at the reserve include weed control, track access and rubbish removal.
Site Name
Piney Lakes Reserve
Site Location
Winthrop
32º02'59"S, 115º50'14"E
Local Government Authority
City of Melville
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
339
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Bushland
Black Swan
Pacific Black Duck
Australasian Shoveler
Grey Teal
Hardhead
Australasian Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Australian Pelican
White-faced Heron
Great Egret
Australian White Ibis
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Whistling Kite
Brown Goshawk
Eurasian Coot
Common Greenshank
Black-winged Stilt
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
White-browed Scrubwren
Western Gerygone
Western Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
Bushland 31.9 ha
Parkland 30 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: bushland 8, parkland 7
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time:
Bushland: 106 mins (range 75-120)
Parkland: 64 mins (range 15-120)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
11
confirmed
1
1
6
6
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
13
63
13
38
25
25
13
13
25
13
38
25
25
13
13
13
88
13
38
88
88
13
25
25
38
25
38
88
25
13
13
88
100
13
100
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Silvereye
Total species =50
Parkland
Black Swan
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Hardhead
Australasian Grebe
Hoary-headed Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
White-faced Heron
Eurasian Coot
Black-fronted Dotterel
Silver Gull
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Silvereye
Total species = 26
Site total species = 54
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
75
63
75
13
13
63
75
13
25
100
100
75
38
25
100
1
confirmed
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
13
14
14
86
57
86
14
43
14
86
43
14
14
14
43
71
57
71
29
100
86
71
57
71
29
29
29
X
X
X
1
3
Site total
breeding
species = 2
Total site = 13
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 17 surveys, 57 sp.
Database of WA Birds: 25 surveys, 77 species
Ecoscape (1992). 61 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Birds Australia Bird Atlas database:
Collared Sparrowhawk, Dusky Moorhen, Inland Thornbill.
Database of WA Birds:
Musk Duck, Little Eagle, Weebill, Inland Thornbill
Ecoscape (1992):
Musk Duck, Collared Sparrowhawk, Little Eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Inland Thornbill, Varied Sittella.
Of the seven significant bird species recorded elsewhere and not recorded in the PBP surveys, six are
considered mobile and may utilise the site at various times. Inland Thornbill is considered sedentary or
resident (Higgins & Peter, 2002). Its disappearance from Piney Lakes Reserve may represent local
extinction.
GENERAL COMMENTS
The bushland and parkland areas of this reserve were separately surveyed for birds. Both landscaped
and natural areas include wetlands.
Of the thirteen significant bird species recorded at Piney Lakes Reserve, 10 were only recorded in the
bushland areas. These included small, resident, insectivorous declining species such as Splendid Fairywren, White-browed Scrubwren and Western Thornbill. Only three significant species were recorded in
the landscaped areas of the reserve: these were Hardhead, a species of diving duck favouring deeper
water, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, a small insectivore using bushland and open areas New Holland
Honeyeater. Four bird species were recorded only in the parkland/landscaped areas, and not in the
natural wetland. These were Australian Wood Duck, Hoary-headed Grebe, Black-fronted Dotterel and
Silver Gull.
Piney Lakes Reserve represents important habitat for some bird species now declining on the Swan
Coastal Plain. As bushland takes up only half the available space in the reserve, areas near natural
habitats may offer opportunities for plantings acting as buffers or increasing the habitat available for
declining bushbirds.
Site Name
Richard Lewis Park
Site Location
Leeming
32º02'58"S, 115º51'37"E
Local Government Authority
City of Melville
Vegetation Complex
Bassendean Complex – Central and South
Wetland levels during survey period
Dry
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
338 (part)
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Red-capped Parrot
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Weebill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 26
0
Area (ha)
5.1 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 6
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 72 mins (range 35-105)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
67
83
17
33
17
83
50
17
17
33
67
17
100
83
83
33
17
17
17
67
33
50
83
33
17
100
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
7
Other sources of bird survey information
Street (1995).
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Records in Street (1995) for the Bull Creek Wetlands refer to a wider geographical area and thus are
not considered here.
GENERAL COMMENTS
This small reserve is a dampland with a high number of significant bird species relative to its size.
Three small, resident, insectivorous bird species known to be in decline on the Swan Coastal Plain
were recorded in the Park. These are Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren and Yellowrumped Thornbill. Weebill has also been recorded in the reserve. This small, canopy feeder has only
been recorded in eight of the 39 project sites. In this reserve, it is likely to be dependent on Flooded
Gum Eucalyptus rudis for its continued presence in the Park. Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail have
also been recorded in the reserve. All these species may be dependent on vegetation remnants for longterm survival on the Swan Coastal Plain.
At Richard Lewis Park there is some possibility for additional plantings to extend the core habitat areas
beyond the existing habitat boundaries. These would provide a buffer or additional habitat for some of
the small bushbird species inhabiting this reserve.
Site Name
Rushton Road, Lots 1 & 2
Site Location
Martin
32º03'49"S, 116º01'18"E
Local Government Authority
City of Gosnells
Vegetation Complex
Southern River Complex
Local Natural Area
ID no.
4636
Darling Range
Regional Park
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Common Bronzewing
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Laughing Kookaburra*
Splendid Fairy-wren
Spotted Pardalote
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Western Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Scarlet Robin
Varied Sittella
Rufous Whistler
Grey Shrike-thrush
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
4.9 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 4
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 120 mins (range 90-155)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
25
50
25
25
25
75
75
50
50
25
100
25
100
75
50
25
100
25
25
75
25
75
75
50
25
75
50
100
25
75
50
50
25
25
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Red-eared Firetail
Mistletoebird
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 38
0
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
50
100
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
14
Other sources of bird survey information
Harvey et al. (1997)
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Records in Harvey et al., (1997) for the Ridge Hill Shelf refer to a wider geographical area and thus are
not considered here.
GENERAL COMMENTS
This Darling Range foothills site is contiguous with large tracts of bushland, including the adjacent
Ellis Brook Reserve. Two of the site boundaries are difficult to determine.
Of a total of 36 bush bird species recorded at Rushton Road during the current surveys, 14 (39%) are
considered significant under Bush Forever. These include resident species such as Common
Bronzewing, Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbills,
Scarlet Robin , Grey Shrike-thrush and Red-eared Firetail. Red-eared Firetail is extinct on the Swan
Coastal Plain and in the Perth Metropolitan Region is now restricted to the Darling Range (How &
Dell, 1993; Storr & Johnstone, 1988). More mobile significant species recorded at the site include
Wedge-tailed Eagle and Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. Varied Sittella has a large home range and would
utilise adjacent bushland as well as this site.
Although the Rushton Road site is small, its connectedness with extensive areas of bushland in the
Darling Range contributes to the high degree of bird diversity. Maintaining the degree of connectivity
between this site and bushland nearby is important to the long-term conservation of significant bird
species in this area. Some rehabilitation of disturbed areas is possible and might further contribute to
the conservation value of this site.
Site Name
Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve
Site Location
Canning Vale
32º05'04"S, 115º56'31"E
Local Government Authority
City of Gosnells
Vegetation Complex
Southern River Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Constructed wetland: below and at capacity.
Dampland: dry to below capacity
Local Natural Area
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
ID no.
4636
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Constructed Wetland
Australian Shelduck
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Grey Teal
Australasian Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
White-faced Heron
Great Egret
Australian White Ibis
Straw-necked Ibis
Black-shouldered Kite
Spotless Crake
Purple Swamphen
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Black-winged Stilt
Black-fronted Dotterel
Common Bronzewing
Willie Wagtail
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Total species, constructed
wetland = 21
Bushland/Dampland
Australian Wood Duck
Purple Swamphen
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Laughing Kookaburra*
Splendid Fairy-wren
Striated Pardalote
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Confirmed
Area (ha)
10 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 6
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time:
Constructed wetland: 17 mins (range 5-20)
Bushland/dampland: 86 mins (range 65-150)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
30
10
2
6
1
1
3
2
13
1
4
12
2
2
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
17
83
83
17
83
67
17
50
17
33
50
17
17
33
17
83
17
33
33
17
33
1
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
2
2
2
17
17
50
67
17
50
17
17
17
33
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
White-browed Scrubwren
Western Gerygone
Inland Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Black-faced Woodswallow
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Silvereye
Total species
bushland/dampland = 30
Total species, complete site = 47
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
17
50
67
33
50
67
50
100
33
67
100
67
33
33
50
100
33
50
17
83
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
0
6
1
Site = 8
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve consists of a natural bushland/dampland area together with two
constructed wetlands and adjacent parkland. The natural and landscaped areas were separately
surveyed for birds. During the survey period the bushland/dampland areas were dry or well below
capacity. In wet periods, waterbird use of the dampland may substantially increase the species diversity
of this area. Overall, the bird species diversity at this site is relatively high, although there is little
overlap in species diversity between the natural bushland/dampland and the constructed wetland.
Nineteen of the 21 bird species recorded in the constructed wetland are water-dependent species. The
most abundant of these were Australian Wood Duck, Straw-necked Ibis, Pacific Black Duck and
Eurasian Coot, all species benefiting from parkland wetlands in urban areas.
A total of eight species at the Shreeve Road reserve are significant under Bush Forever. Seven are bush
birds while one is a water-dependent species. These include small, resident insectivores known to be in
decline on the Swan Coastal Plain such as Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Inland
Thornbill and Yellow-rumped Thornbill. Other significant species include Common Bronzewing, New
Holland Honeyeater and Black-faced Woodswallow. Spotless Crake was recorded at one of the
constructed wetlands.
The site is being actively managed for conservation, with a purpose-designed, newly planted,
constructed streamline acting as a buffer between an adjacent housing development and the reserve.
While the number of bushbirds recorded at the constructed wetland is extremely low (2 species), this
number might increase if more complex plantings were undertaken at the margins of the constructed
wetland.
Site Name
Smith's Lake
Site Location
North Perth
Local Government Authority
Town of Vincent
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Black Swan
Australian Shelduck
Pacific Black Duck
Grey Teal
Hardhead
Australasian Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Australian Pelican
Nankeen Night Heron
Australian White Ibis
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Sacred Kingfisher
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Total species = 27
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
confirmed
Area (ha)
1 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: July 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 26 mins (range 20-40)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
1
2
1
2
1
3
3
6
36
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
80
80
100
10
40
80
40
20
20
10
20
90
100
80
30
50
10
80
100
50
30
20
10
100
10
100
30
1
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 33 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Little Wattlebird. This is a mobile species which may use the site periodically.
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
5
GENERAL COMMENTS
This site consists of a reconstructed wetland with surrounding planted vegetation and adjacent
parkland. Smith's Lake is an old rubbish tip replanted over time with native, although not local native,
plant species. More recently, plantings of indigenous rushes and sedges has taken place. Three of the
five significant bird species on the reserve are water-dependent species. These include Hardhead, a
diving duck preferring deeper water, Dusky Moorhen and Nankeen Night Heron. The most abundant
waterbird was Eurasian Coot.
Significant bush birds were New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. There is no
evidence, despite a considerable number of surveys, that the site is used as a corridor by mobile species
such as Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail that may require more complex
vegetation on the Swan Coastal Plain. There is some potential for increased plantings of indigenous
trees and understorey in parkland areas near the lake. Such plantings might increase the corridor value
of this reserve for mobile species of birds.
Site Name
Smith's Lake
Site Location
North Perth
Local Government Authority
Town of Vincent
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Black Swan
Australian Shelduck
Pacific Black Duck
Grey Teal
Hardhead
Australasian Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Australian Pelican
Nankeen Night Heron
Australian White Ibis
Dusky Moorhen
Eurasian Coot
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Sacred Kingfisher
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Tree Martin
Total species = 27
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
confirmed
Area (ha)
1 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: July 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 26 mins (range 20-40)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
1
2
1
2
1
3
3
6
36
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
80
80
100
10
40
80
40
20
20
10
20
90
100
80
30
50
10
80
100
50
30
20
10
100
10
100
30
1
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 33 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Little Wattlebird. This is a mobile species which may use the site periodically.
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
5
GENERAL COMMENTS
This site consists of a reconstructed wetland with surrounding planted vegetation and adjacent
parkland. Smith's Lake is an old rubbish tip replanted over time with native, although not local native,
plant species. More recently, plantings of indigenous rushes and sedges has taken place. Three of the
five significant bird species on the reserve are water-dependent species. These include Hardhead, a
diving duck preferring deeper water, Dusky Moorhen and Nankeen Night Heron. The most abundant
waterbird was Eurasian Coot.
Significant bush birds were New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. There is no
evidence, despite a considerable number of surveys, that the site is used as a corridor by mobile species
such as Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail that may require more complex
vegetation on the Swan Coastal Plain. There is some potential for increased plantings of indigenous
trees and understorey in parkland areas near the lake. Such plantings might increase the corridor value
of this reserve for mobile species of birds.
Site Name
Thorburn Park
Site Location
Beechboro
31º51'51"S, 115º56'51"E
Local Government Authority
City of Swan
Vegetation Complex
Southern River Complex
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
305 (part)
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Australian Shelduck
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Australasian Grebe
Little Pied Cormorant
White-faced Heron
Australian White Ibis
Straw-necked Ibis
Purple Swamphen
Eurasian Coot
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra*
Sacred Kingfisher
Rainbow Bee-eater
Striated Pardalote
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Red-capped Robin
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
White-winged Triller
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
2 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Sept 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 9
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 98 mins (range 65-120)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
1
27
9
1
2
1
30
1
6
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
11
89
56
56
67
22
89
11
33
33
100
56
44
78
78
11
22
11
11
67
11
67
78
89
11
78
78
11
11
11
11
89
67
100
56
22
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Clamorous Reed-Warbler
Silvereye
Total species = 42
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
6
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
67
89
78
67
22
89
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
5
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENT
Thorburn Park consists of a remnant wetland of the Bennett Brook system together with a
reconstructed wetland and associated parkland. The wetlands and western end of the parkland were
surveyed for birds. The wetland had been burnt in 2002 before the survey period. During the survey
period, both wetlands were below capacity.
Of the 42 bird species recorded at Thorburn Park, 11 are water-dependent. None of these is significant
under Bush Forever. The most abundant waterbirds were Australian White Ibis and Australian Wood
Duck, both species which adapt well to urban wetlands.
Five bush bird species considered significant under Bush Forever were recorded at Thorburn Park.
These include Weebill, a canopy feeder utilising the Flooded Gum Eucalyptus rudis in the wetland,
Yellow-rumped Thornbill, and three species of honeyeaters. Other species utilising the more complex
vegetation in this site include Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail.
There is considerable potential to increase the vegetation complexity at the edges of the parkland to
increase habitat connectivity.
Site Name
Trigometric Reserve
Site Location
Duncraig
31º50'35"S, 115º46'12"E
Local Government Authority
City of Joondalup
Vegetation Complex
Cottesloe Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
7677
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Welcome Swallow
Silvereye
Total species = 20
Area (ha)
2.6 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 35 mins (range 20-55)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
0
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
90
50
10
40
40
10
50
30
80
40
30
90
20
10
10
20
80
70
50
20
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
4
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
Of the four significant recorded during the survey period, three were honeyeaters and the fourth the
endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. A pair was recorded as feeding in the Reserve, although the
plant species was not identified. Sites such as Trigometric Reserve may form part of a valuable
network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the
Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos
over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the
pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the
Cockatoos that reserves such as Trigometric Reserve are not only retained, but also that native
vegetation is maintained in good condition. As this site is a coastal shrubland remnant, woodland bird
species cannot be expected to utilise the site.
Management issues in Trigometric Reserve include encroachment by domestic gardens into the
Reserve bushland and weed control.
Site Name
Unnamed Picnic Site, Toodyay
Road
Site Location
Red Hill
Local Government Authority
City of Swan
Vegetation Complex
Dwellingup 2
Wetland levels during survey period
Below capacity
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Common Bronzewing
Long-billed Black-Cockatoo
Rainbow Lorikeet
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Laughing Kookaburra*
Sacred Kingfisher
Splendid Fairy-wren
Striated Pardalote
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Inland Thornbill
Western Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Golden Whistler
Rufous Whistler
Grey Shrike-thrush
Grey Fantail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Mistletoebird
Silvereye
Species total = 30
Area (ha)
2.5 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 37 mins (range 30-50)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
1
0
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
10
10
10
10
10
60
10
20
10
40
40
40
60
30
10
20
30
40
50
50
10
10
30
10
40
10
30
60
10
20
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
GENERAL COMMENTS
Only two bird species at this Darling Range site are water-dependent. Almost one third of the bush bird
species recorded at the site are considered significant under Bush Forever. These include Splendid
Fairy-wren, Weebill, three species of thornbill, Golden Whistler and Grey Shrike-thrush. The site is
adjacent to large tracts of contiguous bushland. During the survey period, some considerable effort was
expended by the Shire of Swan in reducing the amounts of rubbish, and limiting the potential for future
rubbish dumping. This should limit the potential for future outbreaks of weeds from the dumping of
garden refuse.
The maintenance of the connectivity of this site with nearby bushland is important for the conservation
of bushbird species utilising the site.
Site Name
Wal Hughes Reserve
Site Location
Attadale
Local Government Authority
City of Melville
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
5100
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Galah
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Laughing Kookaburra*
Striated Pardalote
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Total species = 15
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Area (ha)
1.5 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 6
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 28 mins (range 20-40)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
possible
1
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
17
33
17
17
17
33
17
17
17
83
50
67
33
50
17
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
1
Other sources of bird survey information
Wooller, 1999. 10 species.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Nil
GENERAL COMMENT
This small reserve is characterised by a low species diversity of birds, however it is utilised by the
endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. A flock of eight birds has been recorded using the reserve,
although there is no record of activity or plant species utilised. Sites such as Wal Hughes Reserve may
form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's
Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food
resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future
staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the
survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Wal Hughes Reserve are not only retained, but also that
native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Site Name
Wandoo Heights
Site Location
Red Hill
31º48'38"S, 116º03'32"E
Local Government Authority
City of Swan
Vegetation Complex
Darling Scarp
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Common Bronzewing
Galah
Australian Ringneck
Pallid Cuckoo
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Splendid Fairy-wren
Striated Pardalote
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Inland Thornbill
Western Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown-headed Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Scarlet Robin
Golden Whistler
Rufous Whistler
Grey Shrike-thrush
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Australian Magpie
Grey Currawong
Australian Raven
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 33
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
0
Area (ha)
20 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 85 mins (range 50-150)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
30
40
50
10
10
10
30
10
60
80
50
100
10
40
50
10
40
10
60
30
20
10
30
30
30
40
30
60
30
10
70
10
70
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
12
Other sources of bird survey information
Hyde, A. & O. Gear (ND): 29 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
The Restless Flycatcher record is unconfirmed. White-tailed Black-Cockatoos referred to in this list
may be Carnaby's or Baudin's Black-Cockatoo. Both species are mobile and may utilise the site
periodically.
GENERAL COMMENTS
More than one third (36%) of the species recorded at Wandoo Heights is considered significant by
Bush Forever on the Swan Coastal Plain. This Darling Range site shows the same relatively high
species diversity in bush birds as other Darling Range sites in the project. Significant species include
Common Bronzewing, Splendid Fairy-wren, three thornbills, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Scarlet
Robin, Golden Whistler ,Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Currawong. Brown-headed Honeyeater is now
extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain, although it may never have been common there and Grey
Currawong is now largely extinct on the Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988). Mobile and/or migratory
species recorded at Wandoo Heights which require more complex vegetation include the three cuckoos,
Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail.
The large number of significant species recorded at this site is likely to be due to the size of the site, the
excellent condition of the vegetation and the degree of connectivity with nearby bushland in the
Darling Range. Maintenance of connectivity and measures such as weed control and appropriate fire
regimes are relevant management techniques for this site.
Site Name
West Swan Oval
Site Location
West Swan
31º48'36"S, 115º59'54"E
Local Government Authority
City of Swan
Vegetation Complex
Southern River Complex
Local Natural Area
ID no.
Not mapped
Bush Forever Site no.
N/A
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Australian Wood Duck
Pacific Black Duck
Brown Goshawk
Collared Sparrowhawk
Nankeen Kestrel
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Common Bronzewing
Corella species
Galah
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Pallid Cuckoo
Laughing Kookaburra
Sacred Kingfisher
Rainbow Bee-eater
Striated Pardalote
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Mistletoebird
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
possible
possible
Area (ha)
6.8 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 10
Average no. observers: 2
Average survey time: 87 mins (range 45-162)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
2
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
10
10
10
10
10
10
70
10
10
30
90
30
20
10
20
20
30
10
80
20
70
50
80
20
30
30
70
50
20
10
50
30
60
80
20
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 37
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
2
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
20
80
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
8
Other sources of bird survey information
Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS
This site comprises remnant Banksia woodland with adjacent parkland. The woodland and parkland
were both surveyed for birds.
Two species of ducks, both known to nest in tree hollows, were recorded in the bushland. Eight species
of birds recorded at the Oval are considered significant under Bush Forever. With the exception of
Common Bronzewing and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, these are mobile species, suggesting that the
bushland is a useful corridor.
Management strategies such as weed and dieback control, both identified by the local council, could
increase the conservation value of this reserve. Limiting access from the adjacent fire station and
reducing the numbers of periodic fires are also important management strategies. There is potential for
planting on the margins to buffer the remnant from nearby semi-rural areas. Extensive planting could
be undertaken on the playing field if this under-utilised recreation site were designated a conservation
area.
Site Name
Wireless Hill Park
Site Location
Ardross
32º01'53"S, 115º49'36"E
Local Government Authority
City of Melville
Vegetation Complex
Karrakatta Complex – Central and South
Local Natural Area
ID no.
N/A
Bush Forever Site no.
336
Bird species recorded in survey
period
* denotes introduced species
Painted Button-quail
Silver Gull
Rock Dove*
Laughing Turtle-Dove*
Spotted Turtle-Dove*
Common Bronzewing
Galah
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo
Rainbow Lorikeet*
Australian Ringneck
Red-capped Parrot
Laughing Kookaburra*
Rainbow Bee-eater
Western Gerygone
Inland Thornbill
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Singing Honeyeater
Brown Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
White-cheeked Honeyeater
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater
Western Spinebill
Varied Sittella
Rufous Whistler
Magpie-lark
Willie Wagtail
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Grey Butcherbird
Australian Magpie
Australian Raven
Tree Martin
Silvereye
Total species = 33
Breeding
recorded on
survey site
confirmed
confirmed
possible
3
Area (ha)
35.2 ha
Bird Survey Information
Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003
Survey frequency: monthly
Total no. surveys: 8
Average no. observers: 1
Average survey time: 86 mins (range 50-120)
Maximum
number
recorded
(waterbirds)
Frequency of
occurrence
(% of
surveys)
13
13
38
100
38
13
13
25
38
63
88
25
50
13
38
100
63
88
100
25
50
13
13
13
25
50
75
75
50
100
88
38
13
Significant
species (Bush
Forever)
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
9
Other sources of bird survey information
Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 11 surveys, 29 species
Database of WA Birds: 2 surveys, 25 species
City of Melville (ND): 43 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources
Birds Australia Bird Atlas database:
Whistling Kite, Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Database of WA Birds: White-naped Honeyeater
City of Melville, ND: Collared Sparrowhawk, Yellow-rumped Thornbill. The Brown-headed
Honeyeater records in this report are a highly unlikely occurrence and may refer to White-naped
Honeyeater.
Two of these species (Whistling Kite and Collared Sparrowhawk) are mobile species and may
periodically utilise the site. While generally regarded as sedentary, Yellow-rumped Thornbill may be
locally mobile, and may utilise the site at times. However, it is also possible that the species is now
locally extinct. White-naped Honeyeater is a mobile species now uncommon to rare on the Swan
Coastal Plain.
GENERAL COMMENTS
Three sedentary species regarded as significant under Bush Forever have been recorded in Wireless
Hill Park. These are Painted Button-quail, Common Bronzewing and Inland Thornbill. Painted Buttonquail is now patchily distributed in larger remnants on Swan Coastal Plain: the Wireless Hill record
represents the only record for this species in this project. .Mobile species recorded at Wireless Hill Park
and regarded as significant under Bush Forever are Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, 4 honeyeaters,
including Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, and Varied Sittella. Remnant-dependent species recorded on
the site are Western Gerygone and Rufous Whistler.
One 'small flock' of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo was recorded in trees on the site. There is no record of
their use of the vegetation. Sites such as Wireless Hill Park may form part of a valuable network of
habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan
Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos oversummering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at
Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that
reserves such as Wireless Hill Park are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained
in good condition.