Blue mountains, lithgow & oBeron

Bird trail

let the Birds of the Blue mountainswelcome you to our regionAll you need is a pair of binoculars (lightweight 8 x 40 or 10 x 40), a Field Guide and a good pair of walking shoes.

The Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Region has the most accessible bushland in Australia.A large variety of bird habitats with a high species diversity (over 250 species) can be accessed via hundreds of kilometres of well constructed walking tracks. These tracks pass through bush that has been protected for over 100 years and the birds that live near them are used to people passing by. The Greater Blue Mountains is listed as an important bird area on the Register of Birdlife International.

If you are standing or sitting quietly, having a picnic, a rest or admiring the view some of our birds may come and look at you. A few of our most inquisitive species are the Grey Shrike-thrush, the Rockwarbler (Origma) and the Eastern Yellow Robin. If you walk slowly along the walking tracks the Bassian Thrush will sometimes run ahead of you.

Many of our bird species are happy for you to watch them from only a few metres away, if you are standing quietly near their feeding and watering places. These tolerant species include Thornbills, Silvereyes, Scrubwrens, Parrots, Magpies, Honeyeaters, Treecreepers and Fantails.

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Birdwatching experiencesTake your time and nature may reward you with seeing:

Up to eight different species of colourful parrot in one day including Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella and the Australian King-Parrot.

Up to 100 white Sulphur-crested Cockatoos whooshing over the escarpment at Wentworth Falls at dusk and noisily choosing their roosting trees for the night.

Thousands of honeyeaters migrating northwards in Autumn over the cliff tops of the Jamison Valley.

Large flocks of one of our biggest birds, the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, eerily calling as they fly slowly across a valley.

The comical behaviour of a family of White- winged Choughs in the Megalong Valley.

A ‘mixed species feeding flock’ of up to twelve different species of insect eating birds moving through the bush together.

Up to nine species of Honeyeater feasting on the heathland banksias.

listen for Bird callsYou will hear many more birds than you see. Some of the most characteristic bird sounds of the Region are:

Male Superb Lyrebirds calling for females and mimicking the other species of the area during the Winter.

The sharp cracks of Eastern Whipbirds from dense thickets of vegetation.

Several species of Cuckoo, including the Channel-billed Cuckoo and Eastern Koel, calling loudly through the Summer.

The constant squawks of Red Wattlebirds during Autumn and Winter.

An excited chorus of dozens of Currawongs.

The morning songs of Magpies, one of the most beautiful sounds of the Australian bush.

The magnificent songs of the Pied Butcherbird in the Capertee Valley .

The high-pitched sound of the Musk Duck at Lake Wallace, Wallerawang

look for Bird signsLook for signs of where birds have been, for example: Lyrebird dancing mounds and scratched areas where they have been feeding — chewed up Banksia cones dropped by Black-Cockatoos — Owl and Currawong regurgitated pellets — strips of bark and wood hanging off branches where Black-Cockatoos have fed on wood grubs — tracks in the sand — dust bathing areas — moulted feathers — bird bones — obvious nests like the mud nests of Magpie-larks (Peewees) and Choughs — the stick nests of Currawongs and Magpies — the camouflaged nests of Honeyeaters and Flycatchers — Satin Bowerbird bowers surrounded by their collections of blue treasures.

experience the seasonal changesIt is ideal to visit our Region at least four times during a year to experience the dramatic seasonal changes in our bird communities. Some of the events of the year are:

AutumnTree Martins, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, White-naped Honeyeaters, Spotted Pardalotes and Tasmanian Silvereyes migrate northwards. Rose Robins,

Bassian Thrushes and Brown Gerygones come out of the gullies and feed in open forest areas and lawns and ovals. Red-browed Finches, Currawongs and Bowerbirds form flocks.

WinterLyrebirds, New Holland Honeyeaters, Powerful Owls, Wedge-tailed Eagles and many other species breed. Night calls include Southern Boobook and Powerful Owl, Tawny Frogmouths and Masked Lapwings.

SpringMany migrating birds return from Queensland and New Guinea. Satin Bowerbird display and mating season. Cuckoos arrive. Kookaburra calls increase. Concentration of Honeyeaters in the flowering banksias.

SummerCuckoos call loudly, their young are being fed by their hosts. Many juvenile birds disperse from their breeding places. Nectar feeding birds congregate on Banksia serrata trees. Mixed species feeding flocks begin to form in late summer.

Bird listFor an extensive list of birds in the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon Region ask at one of the local Visitor Information Centres or visit our website:

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Hassans WallsSoaring high above Lithgow is Hassans Walls Reserve which can be entered from both Doctors Gap Road and from Main Street. Hassans Walls Lookout is one of the most spectacular lookouts in the Region with views over the Hartley Valley, the Blue Mountains and down the valley of the Cox’s River towards Wollongong.

(GPS: 33°29’17”S 150°9’44”E) Walk Time: 2hrs (Braceys Lookout)Grade: EasyDistance: 7km return

Look For: Fan-tailed cuckoos, Rufous Fantails, Common Bronzewing, Red Wattlebirds and a variety of Honeyeaters.

Lake Wallace, Wallerawang Travel west on the Great Western Highway towards Bathurst and look for the Lake Wallace turn on the right 10km past Lithgow. Over 110 species of birds have been recorded at Lake Wallace. Built in the 1970s the lake provides water to the nearby Wallerawang Power Station one of the oldest coal-fired power stations in NSW. Quiet roads can be followed around the picnic area and past the Sailing Club to view waterbirds.

(GPS: 33°24’50”S 150°04’26”E) Walk Time: 0.5-1hrGrade: EasyDistance: 0.5-2km return

Look for: Great Crested Grebe, Musk Duck, Australasian Darter, Little Black and Great Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Australian Reed-Warbler, Red-browed Finch, Superb Fairy-Wren, Little Grassbird. In Summer: Black-winged Stilts, Blackfronted Dotterel, Lathams Snipe, Australian Spotted Crake. In Winter: Diamond Firetail and Flame Robin are colourful sights

Lithgow Ponds(Map available at Lithgow Visitor Information Centre)

Not everyone’s idea of a great place to hang out, but for waterbird lovers, the Lithgow ponds provide one of the best places to view up to seven different species of Ducks at any one time. Be mindful that the road to the sewerage ponds also leads to the waste facility so park well off the road and stay outside the sewerage pond fence.

(GPS: 33°28’33”S 150°08’23”E) Look for: Australasian Shoveler, Pink-eared Duck, Hardhead and the rare Blue-billed Duck. The ponds also have a resident flock of Australian White Ibis.

Regent Honeyeater Tablelands Way David Stowe

Capertee and The Capertee Valley The Capertee Valley is listed as an Important Bird Area on the Register of Birdlife International with some 236 birds having been recorded. Just past Lithgow turn left, off the Great Western Highway to Mudgee and follow the Castlereagh Highway to the village of Capertee then turn right towards Glen Davis and Glen Alice. Most of the valley is private property so please DO NOT TRESPASS. Good birding can be had along the road side. Park well off to the side of the road and watch for traffic. As most of the roads in the Capertee Valley are unsealed, drive according to the road conditions. Check conditions at the Lithgow Visitors Information Centre, especially after rain. The best way to see the birds of the Capertee Valley is to join a guided tour or stay in one of the local birdwatchers’ lodges.

(GPS: 33°06’00”S 150°13’56”E)

In the Capertee woodlands

Look for: Red-rumped Parrot, Hooded Robin, White-browed Babbler, Crested Shrike-tit, Brown Treecreeper, Diamond Firetail, Dusky Woodswallow and many Honeyeaters including Black-chinned, Striped and the endangered Regent Honeyeater.

Glen DavisThe camp ground in Glen Davis is an excellent bird-watching spot.

Look for: Brown Treecreepers, White-browed Babblers, Peaceful Doves, Speckled Warblers, Dusky Woodswallows.

Glen Alice Wander through the woodland around the community hall and behind the church.

Look for: Crested Shrike-tit, White-winged Chough, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Sacred Kingfisher, White-browed and Grey-crowned Babblers, Little and Musk Lorikeets. In Spring and Summer look for the Rainbow Bee-eater.

Superb LyrebirdJill Dark

OberonJenolan CavesThe World Heritage listed Jenolan Caves are open to the public with eleven caves open daily for inspection.

Many walks surround the Caves and the Blue Lake. A popular birdwatchers’ walk is the Jenolan River Trail (between the Grand Arch and the Old Hydroelectric Power Station). Return same way. The track traverses riverside and open forest environments.

(GPS: 33°49’16”S 150°01’10”E) Walk Time: 1.5 hrsGrade: EasyDistance: 2.5 km return

Look for: Rockwarbler, Spotted Quail-thrush, Flame and Scarlet Robin, Superb Lyrebird, Satin Flycatcher (Summer). Sooty Owl can sometimes be heard at night.

Kanangra Walls Kanangra Walls is a 28km drive from Jenolan Caves (23 kms unsealed)There is a camping area at Boyd River on the way. From the carpark at Kanangra Walls there is a track to the top of the plateau through heathland, open forest and escarpment environments.

(GPS: 33°59’19”S 150°06’31”E) Walk Time: 1.5hrsGrade: MediumDistance: 2km return

Look for: Flame and Scarlet Robin, Satin Flycatcher, White-eared Honeyeater, Spotted Quail-thrush. Kanangra Tops walk look for Wedge-tailed Eagle, Rockwarbler.

The Tablelands Way, find your way and TW are trademarks of Oberon Council and are used with permission of Oberon Council, NSW Australia.

Think before you Trek...

It is highly recommended that you prepare for your bird watching experience by obtaining advice, maps, field guides and a comprehensive bird list from local Visitor Information Centres.

Always be prepared when going on a bushwalk. Please note that this brochure is not a definitive Bushwalking Guide.

Common BronzewingChris Todd

Blue Mountains Bird Observers Our sincere thanks to the Blue Mountains Bird Observers for their co-operation in supplying bird information and walks for this brochure. Blue Mountains Bird Observers run regular field excursions and are happy to assist with questions about birding in the Region and welcome reports on any unusual bird sightings. www.bmbo.org.au P: 4751 3770 or 4758 7061

GlenbrookBlue Mountains National Park From Great Western Highway follow signs to Euroka Road and the National Park entrance (fees apply for cars).

Euroka Clearing If driving, follow signs along a sealed road (approximately 5km) through open forest on sandstone, then open forest on shale to a volcanic valley with scattered Blue Gums. If walking, follow signposted track from first bend in road above Glenbrook Creek. Picnic area and camping at Euroka. Optional extra easy 2km round walk leads through bush along a creek to Nepean River. Return along the same track or via Bennetts Ridge to Euroka (1.5hrs).

(GPS: 33°47’53” S 150°37’05”E) Walk Time: (From Park entrance to Euroka and return) 2hrs Grade: MediumDistance: 2.5km each way

Look for: Eastern Rosella, Satin Bowerbird, Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Spotted Quail–thrush, Bell Miner, Superb Lyrebird. In Summer: Dollarbird, Rockwarbler.

Gang–gang Cockatoo. Jill Dark

SpringwoodBirdwood GullyAccess is from Bednal Road or Boland Avenue. A 2.5km walking track passes through open forest along ridges then drops into wetter forest along a creek.

(GPS: 33°41’52”S 150°33’47”E) Walk Time: 1.5hrsGrade: EasyDistance: 2.5km circuit

Look for: Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Varied Sittella, Australian King-Parrot, Red-browed Treecreeper, Superb Lyrebird, Black-faced Monarch (Summer).

Fairy DellThe walking track leaves from Springwood Avenue opposite the southern parking area behind Springwood shops and is easily accessible by public transport. This is a shaded wet forest walk. Return same way. Access to longer walks to Lawson Lookout or Magdala Gully and beyond will require preparation and maps.

(GPS: 33°41’59”S 150°33’55”E) Walk Time: 0.5hrsGrade: EasyDistance: 0.5km each way

Look for: White-headed Pigeon, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Large-billed Scrubwren. In Summer: Black-faced Monarch, Rufous Fantail, Eastern Koel.

WinmaleeBlue Gum Swamp Take Hawkesbury Road from Great Western Highway and turn left at the traffic lights at Whitecross Road. Park at the end of Whitecross Road. The 8km circular walking track follows open forest along Shaws Ridge and drops down to tall open forest along Blue Gum Swamp Creek. Some steep sections.

(GPS: 33°39’52”S 150°36’40”E) Walk Time: 4hrsGrade: MediumDistance: 8km circuit

Look for: On Shaws Ridge — Spotted Quail-thrush, Yellow-tufted and White-eared Honeyeater. In the valley look for Powerful Owl, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Pilotbird, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Red-browed Treecreeper, Scarlet Honeyeater, 3 species of Scrubwren, Superb Lyrebird.

WoodfordMurphys GlenFrom Woodford Station follow Bedford Road, approximately 5km. The unsealed section of road and firetrail are often very rough and best suited for 4WD only. Picnic and camping area. Tall open forest of Blue Gum, Turpentine and Angophora trees with shrubby understorey.

(GPS: 33°46’08”S 150°29’22”E) Walk time: At picnic groundGrade: EasyDistance: 0km

Look for: Rose Robin, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Pilotbird, Superb Lyrebird, Brown Gerygone, Red-browed Treecreeper, Black-faced Monarch, Satin Bowerbird, Bassian Thrush.

Transit of Venus Turn off Great Western Highway at Woodford Avenue, then left into Weroona Avenue and right into Woodbury Street. The walking track leaves from the end of Woodbury Street and passes through open forest down to wetter forest and swamps, waterfalls and a creek.

(GPS: 33°43’40”S 150°28’21”E) Walk Time: 2.5hrsGrade: MediumDistance: 3km return

Look for: Little Wattlebird, Beautiful Firetail, Brown Gerygone, Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Pilotbird, Rose Robin.

LawsonDantes GlenFollow the dirt road beyond Lawson Swimming Pool, approximately 500m. The track leaves from a car park at the end of the road. Where the track forks, turn left and follow some steep sections to Dantes Glen and the warm temperate rainforest dominated by Coachwood and Sassafras trees. At the end of the Glen, take the steep track on the right to the top. A longer circuit can be taken via the Empire Pass (additional 2.5km). A map is suggested as there are many tracks in the area.

(GPS: 33°42’48”S 150°25’35”E) Walk Time: 1hrGrade: MediumDistance: 1km circuit

Look for: Yellow-throated, White-browed and Large-billed Scrubwrens, Rockwarbler, Lewin’s Honeyeater. In Summer: Black-faced Monarch, Rufous Fantail.

Wentworth FallsKings TablelandTurn off Great Western Highway onto Tableland Road. Turn right off Tableland Road on Hordern Road. Turn left at the end of Hordern Road and park at Flat Rock, or, go right and walk to Rocket Point returning same way. This is mostly heathland with some open forest. Many other tracks lead from Tableland Road. Look for Glossy Black-Cockatoos around Sunset Rock at the back of the old Queen Victoria Hospital.

(GPS: 33°45’40”S 150°22’25”E) Walk Time: 1hrGrade: EasyDistance: 1.5km return

Look for: Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Beautiful Firetail, Rockwarbler, Crescent Honeyeater, Dusky Woodswallow, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Gang-gang Cockatoo, Chestnut-rumped Heathwren.

Glossy Black–Cockatoo (female) Jill Dark

Wentworth Falls LakeThis is a popular picnic area. Both water and open forest birds can be seen around the Lake.

Water birds here are usually common species such as Pacific Black Duck, Eurasian Coot and Little Pied Cormorant. Occasionally other species such as Hardheads or Hoary-headed Grebes and Black Swan can be seen.

(GPS: 33°42’21”S 150°22’05”E) Walk Time: 0.5hrsGrade: EasyDistance: 1km circuit

Look for: Varied Sittella, Grey Currawong. In Summer: Tree Martin, Eastern Koel, White-winged Triller.

Darwins Walk Start at Wilson Park. This historic track passes through hanging swamps and open forests and ends at the edge of the Blue Mountains National Park with spectacular views of the valley. This walk is named after Charles Darwin who visited the area in 1836. Return the same way or continue on for cliff top or valley walks in National Park.

(GPS: 33°42’41”S 150°22’25.1”E) Walk Time: 1.5hrsGrade: EasyDistance: 2.5km one way

Look for: Rockwarbler, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Yellow-faced and White-naped Honeyeaters in Autumn.

Glossy Black–Cockatoo (pair) Jill Dark

Leura to Katoomba Prince Henry Cliff WalkStart at Gordon Falls picnic area, end of Lone Pine Avenue, Leura. Proceed to Leura Cascades (1.5km, 1hr) and return same way or continue to Echo Point (additional 2km). There are a few flights of steps. A variety of habitats including escarpments, open forest, hanging swamps and creeks.

(GPS: Gordon Falls 33° 43’ 32.7” S 150° 19’ 55.4”E) Walk Time: (to Echo Point) 2hrsGrade: MediumDistance: 3.5km one way

Look for: Glossy Black-Cockatoo, Superb Lyrebird, Crescent Honeyeater, Rockwarbler, Peregrine Falcon

KatoombaScenic Railway and Boardwalk There is easy access to the rainforest via Scenic Railway (fees apply) or via Furbers Steps (extra 30 mins). The boardwalk is fully accessible and is one of the best places to see and hear Superb Lyrebirds.

(GPS: 33°43’44”S 150°18’03”E) Walk Time: 45minsGrade: EasyDistance: 2.2km circuit

Look for: Superb Lyrebird, Wonga Pigeon, Rose Robin, Satin Bowerbird, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Rufous Fantail (Summer), Brown Gerygone.

Minnihaha FallsTurn into Station Street off Great Western Highway at the traffic lights and follow the signs. Park at the picnic area and follow the walking tracks to the Falls (steep and rough) or the fire trail which branches off to the right of this track.

(GPS: 33°41’13”S 150°19’33”E) Walk Time: (to base of Falls) 1.5 hrsGrade: MediumDistance: 2.5km return

Look for: Tree Martin, Scarlet Robin, Satin Flycatcher (Summer), Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Grey Currawong.

BlackheathEvans LookoutTurn off Great Western Highway into Evans Lookout Road and drive to parking area at the end. From here tracks go down into the Grose Valley, Grand Canyon and along the clifftops to Govetts Leap. The Grand Canyon walk goes through rainforest and open forest habitats.

(GPS: 33°38’48”S 150°19’31”E) Grand Canyon Walk Time: 3.5hrsGrade: MediumDistance: 5.5km circuit

Look for: Superb Lyrebird, Rockwarbler, Pilotbird, Glossy Black-Cockatoo.

Popes Glen and Braeside WalkStart at Memorial Park, Blackheath. The track follows Popes Glen Creek to the edge of the valley. Return from here back to Memorial Park or continue along the cliff tops to join the Braeside walk and then follow the streets back to Memorial Park. The tracks go through open forest, hanging swamp and riverside environments. Migrating Yellow-faced and White-naped Honeyeaters can be seen in Autumn.

(GPS: 33°39’35”S 150°15’06”E) Walk Time: 4hrsGrade: MediumDistance: 8km circuit

Look for: Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, White-throated Treecreeper, Silvereye, Grey Shrike-thrush, New Holland Honeyeater, Rufous Fantail (Summer) Yellow-faced and White-naped Honeyeaters.

Shipley Plateau From Great Western Highway turn at the lights and go over the level crossing. Turn left into Station Street then right into Shipley Road. Follow a winding road to art gallery and take right fork to Mt Blackheath. Take next left (dirt), pass 3 properties and stop at parking space on left alongside a fence. Walking track is through a gate.

(GPS: 33°39’35”S 150°15’06”E)

Look for: Wedge-tailed Eagle, Flame and Scarlet Robin, Crescent Honeyeater, Tree Martin, Yellow-tufted and Brown-headed Honeyeater, Grey Currawong.

Megalong Valley

Coachwood Glen From Blackheath Station turn into Shipley Road and follow signs down to Megalong Valley. Coachwood Glen car park is on left. This is the easiest rainforest access in the Mountains. A 600m circular walking track winds through the rainforest.

(GPS: 33°39’45”S 150°16’16”E) Walk Time: 1hrGrade: MediumDistance: 0.6km circuit

Look for: Black-faced Monarch, Rufous

Fantail (Summer), Brown Gerygone, Bassian Thrush, Rose Robin, Yellow-throated Scrubwren. Tall eucalypt forest here is good for Red-browed Treecreeper and possibly Powerful Owl. Megalong Tea Rooms usually has White-winged Choughs in the garden.

New Holland Honeyeater Chris Todd

Old Ford Reserve, Megalong Valley Camping is allowed at this picturesque camping and picnic area alongside Megalong Creek at Old Ford Reserve. The Megalong Valley is mostly granite country with habitats that include open forests, riverside habitats and open pastures. The Valley has bird species that are not found on the cliff tops.

(GPS: 33°43’53”S 150°14’07”E) Walk Time: Bird watching at picnic/campsite Grade: On Site Distance: On site

Look for: Buff-rumped and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Jacky Winter, Flame and Scarlet Robin, White-eared Honeyeater, White-winged Chough, Eastern Rosella, Diamond Firetail.

Mt VictoriaFairy Bower Turn off Great Western Highway next to the historic Toll Bar House. The track leaves from the picnic area about 200m to the southeast. This is an easy walk in a semi-rainforest gully. Go down to the second track junction and return same way or up the Junction Track to Mt Piddington (steep climb).

(GPS: 33°35’44”S 150°15’44”E) Walk Time: 1hrGrade: EasyDistance: 1km return

Look for: Red-browed Treecreeper, Pilotbird, Satin Flycatcher (Summer), Superb Lyrebird.

Mt Wilson Cathedral of FernsA beautiful example of warm-temperate rainforest on basalt with an easy 500m walk.

(GPS: 33°30’03”S 150°23’26”E) Walk Time: 0.5hrsGrade: EasyDistance: 500m return

Look for: Superb Lyrebird, Black-faced Monarch (Summer), Golden Whistler, Bassian Thrush, Wonga Pigeon, Brown Cuckoo-Dove, Gang-gang Cockatoo.

Mount Tomah The cool climate Mount Tomah Botanic Garden with over 5,000 species of plants is home to more than 180 bird species. Garden opens daily at 10am.

(GPS: 33°54’09”S 150°42’06”E)

LithgowThis information is provided courtesy of The Tablelands Way Experience and Lithgow Tourism.

The Lithgow area provides some of the most rewarding birding experiences in Australia. From Hampton in the south to Capertee Valley in the north, you can find many different bird species including raptors such as Eagles and Kites soaring overhead, water birds on farm dams, in streams and on lakes and tiny birds hiding in shrubs and bushes. While many birds remain in the same area enjoying the same ecosystems throughout the year, different seasons and weather conditions can bring a myriad of different birds. Call at the Lithgow Visitor Information Centre for information on more walks and bird sites in the Wolgan Valley and Newnes.

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