rounds 1 and 2 survey reports - birdlife · due to janine kinloch and kate savage who weathered the...

Bird surveys in

selected Perth

metropolitan reserves:

Rounds 1 and 2 survey

reports

C.A. Gole

November 2004

A joint biodiversity conservation

project between Birds Australia WA

and the Perth Biodiversity Project

Birds Australia WA

167 Perry Lakes Drive

Floreat Park WA 6014

Tel: 9383 7749

Email: [email protected]

Perth Biodiversity Project

WA Local Government Association

15 Altona Street

West Perth WA 6005

Tel: 9321 5055

Email: [email protected]

Bird surveys in selected Perth


Rounds 1 and 2 survey reports

PART A: MAIN REPORT

C.A. Gole

November 2004

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The bird surveys project in selected Perth Metropolitan Region reserves was initiated

by staff from the Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) and developed in conjunction with

Birds Australia WA. The project was managed by Birds Australia WA project officer

Cheryl Gole. Surveys were conducted with the assistance of a large number of

volunteers.

PBP staff at the WA Local Government Association participated in policy discussions

related to the direction of the project and coordinated the nominations for survey sites

from Local Government Authorities. They also provided assistance with GIS,

mapping and the identification of vegetation complexes. I thank Andrew Del Marco,

Janine Kinloch, Carla Myles, Kate Savage and Ryan Taylor for enthusiasm and

camaraderie, as well as professional help and technical expertise. Particular thanks are

due to Janine Kinloch and Kate Savage who weathered the process of report

production and site selection with good humour. Janine Kinloch drew the maps for

this report.

This is largely a volunteer project. Volunteer observers –mostly, but not solely, 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, Barry Angas, Molly Angas, Mary

Avery, Norm Avery, Max Bailey, Wes Bancroft, Jay Barnett, Phyllis Bentley, John

Blyth, Judy Blyth, Audrey Bolger, Mary Bremner, Michael Brooker, Gary Brophy,

Gisela Cannon, Elaine Christie, Lorraine Chyne, Richard Chyne, Kate Creed, Sarah

Crook, Rob Davis, Alma De Rebeira, Perry De Rebeira, Tom Delaney, Virginia

DeWolfe, Ron Dibbens, Dan Dowsett, Suzanne Dowsett, Karl Edwards, Carole Elliot,

Stuart Ford, David Garlick, Sylvia Garlick, Rob Gilham, Pauline Gill, Robin Gill,

Cheryl Gole, Martin Gole, Ruth Greble, Julia Gross, John Hansen, Graeme Hart,

Barbara Henderson, David Henderson, Stuart Houghton, David James, Bill Johnson,

Ruby Johnson, Cora Keil, Nancy Kennedy, Sue Keogh, Liz King, Richard King, Dot

Kingston, Henny Knight, Martin Knight, members of the Kwinana-Rockingham-

Mandurah Branch of the WA Naturalists’ Club (John Alexander, Ingrid Boeck, Libby

Burgess, Ann Goodale, Bob Goodale, Giles Hartford, Diana Hitchen, Andrew

Motherwell, Ken Stevens, Larraine Stevens, Gordon Tozer & Joan Willson), Sally

Lake, Dudley Maier, John Lauri, Romeny Lynch, Judith MacKinnon, Wynton

Maddeford, John Male, Jodi Mansell-Fletcher, Barbara Manson, Susan Margaret, Paul

Marty, Rob Mather, Sue Mather, Sian Mawson, Myles Menz, Brendan Metcalf, Des

Moran, Irene Morcombe, Michael Morcombe, Clive Napier, Wendy Napier, Brenda

Newbey, Annette Park, Alyson Paull, Edward Paull, Kath Peggs, Kellie Plant, Jane

Prince, Eunice Pyper, Steve Reynolds, Jeff Richardson, Jan Rogers, Chris Ros,

Marion Shaw, Marcus Singor, Tom Spalding, Helen Start, John Start, John Stewart,

Stella Stewart Wynne, Ted Stewart Wynne, Mike Stone, Barbara Stoneman, Trevor

Stoneman, Sean Tomlinson, Sean Van Alphen, Dorothy Van Wees, Hank Van Wees,

Mary Vaughan, Beryl Walker, Debbie Walker and Jennifer Wilcox. The bird surveys

form the basis of this project: for ongoing commitment and reliable and willing help, I

extend gratitude and warm thanks to you all.

A number of people provided volunteer assistance with database design and trouble-

shooting. For these tasks, thanks are due to Steve Spiker, Syed Sohel and Neil

Mosley. Kate Gole and Cheryl Gole entered the data. In the Birds Australia national

office in Melbourne, Andrew Silcocks extracted Perth Metropolitan Region data from

the national Bird Atlas database. The WA group of Birds Australia provided access to

the WA Group database of Western Australian birds. These reports would not be

possible without appropriate data management, and thanks are due to all for this

assistance.

Staff at local government offices provided assistance with reserve maps and relevant

management plans and documents, and took us into the field to discuss sites and

survey boundaries. John Dell (Department of the Environment) discussed the status of

some bird species and provided copies of relevant reports. The Birds Australia WA

Group Conservation and Research Committee provided a forum for discussion and

problem-solving. John Blyth and Jill Pryde (WA Threatened Species and

Communities Unit) provided current information on threatened species and ecological

communities. Susan Tingay drew the Yellow-rumped Thornbill. Ray Edwards

provided the cover photograph of the Splendid Fairy-wren and Eleanor and Niel

Adams took the photographs of the Thysanotis sp., Ledger Road Reserve and the

birdwatchers.

To all, my thanks.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The purpose of the bird surveys component of the Perth Biodiversity Project is to undertake

an inventory of the bird species of selected reserves vested in local governments in the Perth

Metropolitan Region. It also aims, where possible, to link bird survey information with

management and conservation strategies and to help raise awareness of local biodiversity

assets among participating councils.

Two rounds of bird surveys have been conducted over the period 2002-2004. This report

provides a summary of overall project results and detailed site reports for each of the sites

surveyed in this two year period. Surveys for the two rounds were complete by September

2004.

A total of 78 sites from 74 local government reserves has been surveyed for birds. Sites

ranged in size from 0.78 ha to 84 ha and covered a range of habitat types, including bushland,

wetlands, riparian and coastal areas. Each site was surveyed for one year. Most reserves were

surveyed monthly: of the 78 sites in the project, only three have been surveyed at bimonthly

or seasonal intervals. Bird surveys were undertaken by volunteer observers, largely – but not

wholly – members of Birds Australia WA. Most surveys were conducted by individual

birdwatchers or small groups of observers who alternated bimonthly over the survey period.

One hundred and thirty two volunteers have contributed 932 surveys in Rounds One and Two

of this project. A total of 145 bird species were recorded, of which 54 (37%) are considered to

be significant in conservation terms. The ten most commonly recorded bird species are habitat

generalists that favour urban expansion and garden and parkland plantings. Two cockatoo

species currently listed as threatened under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, and a third

that is nominated for listing, have been recorded at significant numbers of local government

reserves. Half (27) of the significant species recorded are non-passerine (non-perching) birds

such as water birds, raptors, pigeons and parrots. The remaining 27 significant species

recorded in local reserves are passerine (perching or songbirds) species. These include

declining small insectivorous species such as fairy-wrens, robins, thornbills and whistlers,

together with honeyeaters, woodswallows and some larger birds such as Grey Currawong.

For each site, a comprehensive bird species list and summary of bird survey information has

been compiled and formatted into printed and electronic form. In addition, full survey data

and metadata files will be available to local governments in electronic form.

During the project, a considerable body of bird survey information has been generated for a

number of local government reserves in 21 Local Government Authorities. This information

will be freely available to local government, bird observers, community groups and

government and non-government agencies and provides useful baseline information on one

valuable component of local reserve fauna. Due to support from local government and

observers, the project will continue in 2005 into a third round of surveys of new sites. The

project demonstrates the enormous commitment that volunteers are prepared to make towards

biodiversity conservation.

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART A: MAIN REPORT

Table Of Contents .............................................................................................1

Introduction .....................................................................................................3

Methods..........................................................................................................3

Results ...........................................................................................................4

Sites and Surveys ...................................................................................................................4

Bird Species ...........................................................................................................................6

Threatened Bird Species ........................................................................................................8

Other Significant Species .....................................................................................................10

Breeding Bird Species..........................................................................................................12

Discussion .....................................................................................................13

Conclusion ....................................................................................................13

References.....................................................................................................14

PART B: SITE REPORTS .......................................................................22

Key To Categories Of Significance .....................................................................................22

3

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

(CALM) conservation estate. The PBP is a partnership project between the Western

Australian Local Government Association, Perth's 30 local councils and a number of other

agencies and non-government organisations, including Birds Australia WA.

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.

Bird surveys for local government reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region commenced in

2002 and are ongoing. In August 2003, the progress of the project to date was reported, and

included preliminary site reports on sites being surveyed at that time (Gole, 2003). Here, this

report provides complete site reports for all local government reserves surveyed in Rounds

One and Two of the bird surveys project to date. The intention of this report is largely to

provide comprehensive site reports to local government, observers and others. More detailed

survey data and metadata will be provided to each Local Government Authority in electronic

form. It is not the intention of this report to provide detailed statistical analysis of survey

results.

METHODS

Following the success of Round One surveys, a second round of surveys by volunteer

observers commenced in October 2003. Bird survey methods have remained consistent

throughout the project and are reported in detail in the first report (Gole, 2003). Minor

changes were made to bird survey forms for the second round.

Round Two surveys differed only in that all sites were to be surveyed monthly, the

coordinator did not undertake to do a bird survey at each site, and all surveys commenced in

the same month (Oct 2003) for completion in the same month (September 2004). In site

reports, Local Natural Area (LNA) numbers have been replaced by Natural Area ID numbers.

Bush Forever site numbers and the utilisation of Bush Forever’s categories of significance for

birds on the Swan Coastal Plain have remained constant.

Prior to Round Two, local governments were asked to nominate local reserves to be surveyed

for birds. A total of 75 sites was nominated. Within each local government, these were ranked

by importance for local government and by the numbers of bird surveys available for each site

in existing Birds Australia bird survey databases. There was also an attempt to increase the

geographic range and size of reserves being surveyed. In Round Two, only unsurveyed or

under-surveyed sites were accepted for survey.

Individual site reports remain comparable with those reported and printed in August 2003.

Bird survey data from Rounds One and Two have been compiled into comprehensive species

lists for bird species recorded at each survey site and are included here in alphabetical order as

4

individual site reports (Part B). Site reports (Part B) include a summary of bird survey data

such as the number of surveys and start and finish dates. Information on site size (in hectares),

location and vegetation complex is also included. 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 Natural Area ID numbers. For the purposes of this project and report, bird

survey sites have been assigned an arbitrary site number. As with Round one, 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 information includes a complete bird species list, maximum numbers of

waterbirds recorded (where this information is available), frequency of occurrence in relation

to the number of surveys for each site, and categories of significance for relevant species.

Nomenclature and taxonomy follow Christidis and Boles (1994), with the exception of

Carnaby’s (Short-billed) and Baudin’s (Long-billed) Black-Cockatoos, for which Western

Australian common usage is followed. Comments include a brief analysis of survey results for

each reserve, together with comments on future management where possible.

RESULTS

SITES AND SURVEYS

Of thirty councils in the Perth Metropolitan Region, twenty one nominated local reserves for

bird surveys and participated in Rounds One and Two of the project. Appendix 1 lists sites by

Local Government Authority and provides summary comparative information for total

numbers of bird species, water dependent species, breeding records and species of

significance. Figures 1 and 2 show the location of survey sites for Rounds One and Two in the

Perth Metropolitan Area.

A total of 78 separate sites from 74 reserves has been surveyed for birds, most of these on a

monthly basis for a total of one year. Four reserves were divided into two sites for survey

purposes. These are Chichester Park, Piney Lakes Reserve, Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve

and Success Hill Reserve. For each of these, separate bird species lists and survey data are

provided in the relevant site reports, but species numbers for the whole reserve are also

included.

Variable numbers of surveys across reserves have resulted from observers being unable to

complete the full number of surveys allocated, or completing additional surveys. All surveys,

regardless of the number already provided to the project, have been entered in the project

database, an MS Access relational database purpose-designed for this project. Results have

been extracted, collated and formatted, and site reports with a complete bird species list for

each reserve are presented in Part B.

A total of 132 volunteer observers have contributed 932 bird surveys in Rounds One and Two

of the project to date. A small number of incidental records has been included where

additional bird species have been recorded in reserves outside survey times. Incidental records

are included with species lists but not in survey totals.

5

Figure 1: Bird survey sites in Local Government Authority areas in the Perth Metropolitan Region

2002-2004. 78 sites in 74 reserves were surveyed over this period. Figure 2 (over page) shows detail in

the inner metropolitan area.

6

Figure 2: Bird survey sites in Local Government Authority areas in the inner Perth Metropolitan

Region 2002-2004.

BIRD SPECIES

One hundred and forty five bird species have been recorded, of which 54 (37%) are

considered significant using Bush Forever’s criteria of significance (Government of Western

Australia, 2000). This is an increase of 25 species from August 2003 when the survey data

were last reported, and probably reflects the greater geographic spread of surveys and

7

generally larger reserve size in Round Two. In Round One, the median size of reserves was

4.9ha (range 0.74-70ha); by Round Two, this had increased to 11.75ha (range 1.0-84ha).

Appendix 2 lists all bird species recorded in project sites in 2002-2004, together with the total

number of sites at which each species has been recorded.

The ten most widespread and commonly recorded bird species are listed in Table 1. All of

these species are those that have benefited from urban expansion and habitat fragmentation on

the Swan Coastal Plain (Recher, 2004). They include an introduced species (Laughing Turtle-

Dove) and habitat generalists, including a number of honeyeaters, that are favoured by urban

garden and parkland plantings.

Table 1: The ten most commonly recorded bird species in surveys of local government reserves, 2002-

2004, ranked in order of occurrence in project survey sites. * = introduced species.

Common Name

Numberof sites at which recorded

Brown Honeyeater 77

Australian Magpie 76

Red Wattlebird 76

Australian Raven 76

Singing Honeyeater 75

Australian Ringneck 69

Magpie-lark 69

Laughing Turtle-Dove* 67

Silvereye 66

Galah 65

Some of these species have been recorded at almost all sites during the project period. Figure

3 shows the distribution of Brown Honeyeater, a habitat generalist favouring urban gardens,

parks and remnants, and recorded in all but one site.

8

Figure 3: Distribution of Brown Honeyeater in relation to bird survey sites in Local Government

Authority reserves, 2002-2004.

THREATENED BIRD SPECIES

Two species recorded in the project surveys are currently listed as threatened under the WA

State Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and Commonwealth Environmental Protection and

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC). These are Baudin's Black-Cockatoo and

Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo has been nominated for a higher

9

category of threat (from Vulnerable to Endangered: J. Blyth, pers. comm). A third, Forest

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo, has been nominated for a change of listing under the Wildlife

Conservation Act 1950 (from Priority 3 to Vulnerable: J. Blyth, pers. comm.).. In anticipation

of that probability, this report has adopted the appropriate category of significance for Red-

tailed Black-Cockatoo (see relevant site reports, Part B).

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, geographically the most widespread of the three threatened

cockatoos in the Perth Metropolitan Region, has been recorded at 26 sites in the project

period, most of these on the Swan Coastal Plain. Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo was recorded at

four sites, all in or nearby the Darling Range. Due to identification difficulties, there have

been additional records for White-tailed Black-Cockatoos where the birds could not be

identified to species level. Figure 4 shows the distribution of the cockatoos in relation to

survey sites in the Perth Metropolitan Region.

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos were recorded at 12 sites in the Darling Range and southern

Swan Coastal Plain: there are no project records for this species north of Gooseberry Hill in

the Darling Range, or Banjup on the Swan Coastal Plain.

A fourth species, Peregrine Falcon, is listed as other ‘Specially Protected Fauna’. This species

has been recorded at five project sites, three of these on the Swan River Foreshore.

10

Figure 4: The distribution of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo and Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo in relation to

bird surveys in Local Government Authority reserves, 2002-2004.

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. Fifty four species

categorised as significant using these criteria have been recorded in project sites. These

include a highly significant population, probably breeding, of Western Yellow Robin at

11

Rockingham. This species is now largely extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain. Some species

known to be in decline are now largely restricted to the Darling Range and southern parts of

the Swan Coastal Plain, where there currently remains sufficient habitat to support them.

Figure 5 shows the distribution of Golden Whistler, a species recorded in 13 of the 78 project

sites. More widespread and more commonly recorded significant species include small

insectivores such as Splendid Fairy-wren, recorded at 31 project sites, but absent from small,

isolated bushland reserves.

12

Figure 5: The distribution of Golden Whistler in relation to bird survey sites in Local Government

Authority reserves, 2002-2004.

BREEDING BIRD SPECIES

The number of breeding species recorded within the project remains low. Species recorded as

breeding are largely highly visible bushland or parkland species such as Australian Magpie,

Australian Raven and some waterbirds, particularly ducks and grebes. The paucity of

breeding records reflects the learned specialist skills required in order to find nesting birds

and a lack of suvey time to commit to this task.

13

DISCUSSION

Site survey results for local government reserves in this project largely support what is known

about the distribution and status of bird species in the Perth Metropolitan Region (Storr &

Johnstone, 1988; How & Dell, 1993; Western Australian Government, 2000). The results

show that local government reserves support a large range of bird species, many of them

significant in conservation terms. Some of these species are relatively mobile and may be

migratory or seasonal visitors: these birds require networks of adequately conserved and

appropriately managed remnants in order to survive. Other bird species are more sedentary,

some wholly so, and the management issues for these species are more difficult. Often, the

requirement is for a focus on not only maintaining the quality of particular remnants through

appropriate management, but also of maintaining habitat links to enable movement between

remnants. In the face of continuing urban development, the maintenance or creation of

vegetation corridors, and maintaining the existence of large areas of bushland remains a

considerable challenge for local government. This project provides survey information that

will encourage local governments to see the challenge as worthwhile.

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

During this project , a considerable body of bird survey data has been generated for a number

of local Perth metropolitan bushland and wetland reserves for which consistent and reliable

survey information is otherwise largely not available. The provision of these survey results to

local councils with useful baseline information on one valuable component of local reserve

fauna. For local governments and communities, this information is essential when developing

reserve management and conservation strategies.

This project has successfully demonstrated that large numbers of competent observers can be

efficiently organised to undertake reliable bird surveys over substantial periods of time. This

survey work represents enormous commitment on the part of volunteers and provides a

valuable contribution towards biodiversity conservation activities in the Perth Metropolitan

Region. As observers are willing to continue, and local governments find the surveys a

valuable source of information on their local reserves, the survey project will continue into a

third round, commencing early in 2005.

14

REFERENCES

ATA Environmental (2003). Ken Hurst Park environmental management plan 2003-2007:

Version 1. Perth, City of Melville.

Bowman Bishaw Gorham (1998). Denis De Young Reserve, Banjup: environmental

management plan. Bibra Lake, City of Cockburn.

Cale, B. (2003). Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) recovery plan 2000-

2009. Draft. Perth, Department of Conservation and Land Management.

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 Armadale (2000). Bob Blackburn bushland management plan. Armadale, City of

Armadale.

City of Melville (ND). Wireless Hill Park management plan. Melville, City of Melville.

Cooper, N. K., J. Dell & M. A. Cowan. The vertebrate fauna of Bennett Brook and Success

Hill Reserve, Caversham. Western Australian Naturalist 22: 179-190.

Dell, J. & N. K. Cooper (1992). Vertebrate fauna of Ken Hurst Park, City of Melville. NP.

Ecologia (1996). Freshwater Drive Public Open Space: environmental management plan.

Bibra Lake, City of Cockburn.

Ecoscape (1992). Piney Lakes Reserve concept plan. Perth, City of Melville.

Ecoscape (1993). Jerrat Drive Foreshore rehabilitation plan. East Fremantle, Town of East

Fremantle.

Gole, C. A. (2003). Bird surveys in selected Perth metropolitan reserves. Perth, Birds

Australia WA & Perth Biodiversity Project.

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 remnants 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.

15

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.

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.

Recher, H. F. (2004). The Kings Park avifauna: keeping birds in the city. In D. Lunney & S.

Burgin, eds., Urban Wildlife: more than meets the eye, p.p. 8-20. Mosman, NSW,

Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

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.

Turpin, M.C (1991). Notes on the fauna of a remnant bushland in Victoria Park. Western

Australian Naturalist 18: 233-244.

Street, M. (1995). Bull Creek Wetlands Management Plan. Perth, City of Melville.

Van Delft, R. (1999). Bennett Brook bird survey November 1994 to January 1995. In

Pearson, K & Tedeschi, C. Bennett Brook baseline study of flora and fauna.

Bassendean, Success Hill Action Group.

Wooller, S. (1999). Attadale remnant bushland: survey of plants and birds. Perth, Murdoch

University.

16

Appendix 1: numbers of bird surveys and bird species totals, by Local Government Authority (LGA). Incidental records have been excluded from survey numbers.

Significant bird species categories follow those in Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia, 2000). Numbers of breeding records include both confirmed and possible

records.

Site ID No.

LGA Reserve Name Wetland/

dampland Total

surveys Total bird species

Total water dependent

species

Total breeding species

Total significant

bird species

43 Bob Blackburn Reserve 13 30 0 2 10

44Armadale

Warwick Savage Reserve 12 42 0 1 22

45 Success Hill Reserve Conservation Zone 13 31 0 0 6

46Bassendean

Success Hill Reserve Management Zone X 13 43 8 2 8

47 Clifton Buffer 11 33 0 1 9

48 Rubbish Tip Bushland X 12 38 0 3 10

49

Canning

McDowell Street Bushlands 12 30 0 1 1

50 Denis De Young Reserve X 12 58 0 1 22

51 Freshwater Drive Public Open Space X 12 31 4 3 4

52

Cockburn

Coogee Beach Reserve X 12 34 7 4 8

53 Cottesloe Public Open Space 12 21 0 0 3

54Cottesloe

Mudurup Rocks and South Cottesloe Foreshore X 11 28 11 2 3

1 Gobba Lake X 15 43 20 2 6

2 Berringa Park X 12 64 33 4 9

3 Bardon Park X 15 41 18 0 7

4 Baigup Reserve X 12 66 33 6 10

5 Hinds Reserve X 12 28 8 0 1

6 Lightning Swamp X 9 58 13 8 12

7

Bayswater

Maylands Peninsula X 10 50 25 4 4

17

Site ID No.


dampland Total



species


Total significant

bird species

33 Jarret Drive Foreshore X 11 37 12 0 6

34East Fremantle

Locke Crescent Reserve 11 21 0 0 3

8 Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve: Bushland and Dampland X 12 39 5 2 8

40 Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve: Constructed Wetland X 12 27 18 2 2

9 Lots 1 & 2 Rushton Road 12 50 0 3 20

10 Hume Road Wildlife Reserve 12 22 0 2 3

55 Empire Way Reserve X 12 24 3 7 1

56

Gosnells

Pioneer Park Riparian Reserve X 12 43 7 12 9

11 Chichester Park: North 12 16 0 1 0

42 Chichester Park: South 12 7 0 1 0

12 Naturaliste Park 12 21 1 0 3

13 Cadogan Reserve 12 18 0 2 2

14 Trigometric Reserve 12 23 0 0 4

15

Joondalup

Korella Park 12 23 0 0 4

57 Ledger Road Reserve X 13 49 4 1 20

58 Hartfield Park East 12 45 1 2 12

59

Kalamunda

Hartfield Park West 12 32 0 2 6

60 Long Swamp X 10 43 11 1 8

61 Wildflower Reserve 12 36 0 4 11

62

Kwinana

Banksia Road Bushland 12 46 0 4 14

18

Site ID No.


dampland Total



species


Total significant

bird species

16 Piney Lakes Reserve: Bushland X 12 55 19 4 13

41 Piney Lakes Reserve: Parkland X 12 31 13 0 3

17 Wireless Hill Park 13 35 0 11 10

18 Richard Lewis Reserve X 12 31 1 3 8

19 Wal Hughes Reserve 11 19 0 3 2

20 Harry Sandon Reserve 11 25 0 0 4

21 Ern Stapleton Reserve 11 15 0 3 0

22 Ken Hurst Park 14 41 0 3 10

63

Melville

Bullcreek Wetlands X 8 30 2 3 3

35 Mosman Park Buckland Hill 8 22 0 0 5

64 Binbrook Park 11 32 2 1 9

65 Jarrah Creek Reserve X 14 25 1 2 9

66

Mundaring

Hovea Conservation Reserve 11 41 1 4 18

67 Baldivis Nature Reserve 11 43 2 4 12

68 Karnup Nature Reserve and Tramway Reserve 16 49 3 4 17

69

Rockingham

Tamworth Hill Swamp X 11 47 2 4 15

32 Manjedal Brook X 12 56 4 0 19

70 Brickwood Reserve X 12 55 3 7 18

71

Serpentine -Jarrahdale

Serpentine Sports Reserve X 12 46 5 8 12

72 Goss Avenue Bushland 11 19 1 1 1

73 Waterford Foreshore Conservation Reserve X 12 66 33 9 12

74

South Perth

Cloisters Reserve X 11 22 9 0 1

19

Site ID No.


dampland Total



species


Total significant

bird species

23 Thorburn Park X 12 42 11 7 5

24 West Swan Oval 13 38 2 2 8

25 Wandoo Heights 12 38 0 0 13

26 Noble Falls/Reserve 2146 X 12 53 5 3 20

27 Unnamed Picnic Site, Toodyay Rd X 12 34 3 0 11

75 Burley Park 13 47 1 3 20

76 Chequers Golf Club North Section 13 46 2 3 17

77

Swan

Jess Road Bushland 13 25 0 0 9

28 Paloma Park 12 12 0 2 1

29 Kinsale Park 12 20 0 1 3

30 Honeymyrtle Park ( formerly Brighton Bushland) 4 7 0 0 2

31

Wanneroo

Cassilda Park 5 21 0 0 4

78 Victoria Park Hillview Street Bushland 12 16 0 0 3

36 Hyde Park X 13 33 18 2 2

37 Smith's Lake X 12 29 13 1 5

38 Banks Reserve X 17 37 12 0 4

39

Vincent

Mt Lawley Foreshore X 17 29 12 0 1

20

Appendix 2: Bird species recorded in bird surveys in local government reserves 2002-2004, including

the total number of sites at which each species has been recorded. Total number of sites = 78. Records

of birds in flight over sites have been excluded from the data. Taxonomy and nomenclature after

Christidis & Boles (1994), with the exception of Carnaby’s (Short-billed) and Baudin’s (Long-billed)

Black-Cockatoos.

Key: * = introduced species.

Common Name

Sites in which

recorded (No.)

Stubble Quail 1

Blue-billed Duck 2

Musk Duck 6

Black Swan 11

Australian Shelduck 17

Australian Wood Duck 27

Muscovy Duck* 2

Pacific Black Duck 36

Australasian Shoveler 2

Grey Teal 13

Chestnut Teal 1

Hardhead 7

Australasian Grebe 14

Hoary-headed Grebe 8

Great Crested Grebe 1

Darter 12

Little Pied Cormorant 24

Pied Cormorant 8

Little Black Cormorant 15

Great Cormorant 9

Australian Pelican 13

White-faced Heron 25

Eastern Reef Egret 1

White-necked Heron 1

Great Egret 9

Nankeen Night Heron 6

Australian White Ibis 16

Straw-necked Ibis 3

Yellow-billed Spoonbill 9

Osprey 6

Black-shouldered Kite 17

Square-tailed Kite 2

Whistling Kite 7

Swamp Harrier 3

Brown Goshawk 17

Collared Sparrowhawk 16

Wedge-tailed Eagle 3

Little Eagle 8

Brown Falcon 1

Australian Hobby 15

Peregrine Falcon 5

Nankeen Kestrel 15

Common Name

Sites in which

recorded (No.)

Buff-banded Rail 5

Baillon's Crake 1

Australian Spotted Crake 1

Spotless Crake 3

Purple Swamphen 11

Dusky Moorhen 9

Eurasian Coot 18

Painted Button-quail 4

Common Greenshank 3

Common Sandpiper 3

Great Knot 1

Pied Oystercatcher 1

Black-winged Stilt 8

Black-fronted Dotterel 10

Red-kneed Dotterel 1

Pacific Gull 1

Silver Gull 16

Caspian Tern 10

Crested Tern 5

Fairy Tern 1

Rock Dove 15

Laughing Turtle-Dove* 67

Spotted Turtle-Dove* 44

Common Bronzewing 32

Brush Bronzewing 1

Crested Pigeon 7

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 12

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo 26

Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo 4

White-tailed Black-Cockatoo species 13

Galah 65

Long-billed Corella* 2

Little Corella* 3

Corella species 14

Rainbow Lorikeet* 49

Purple-crowned Lorikeet 1

Regent Parrot 7

Western Rosella 4


Red-capped Parrot 48

Elegant Parrot 7

Pallid Cuckoo 17

21

Common Name

Sites in which

recorded (No.)

Fan-tailed Cuckoo 12

Black-eared Cuckoo 1

Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 12

Shining Bronze-Cuckoo 17

Southern Boobook 3

Tawny Frogmouth 2

Laughing Kookaburra* 53

Sacred Kingfisher 30

Rainbow Bee-eater 50

Splendid Fairy-wren 31

Variegated Fairy-wren 3

Red-winged Fairy-wren 2

Spotted Pardalote 16

Striated Pardalote 63

White-browed Scrubwren 20

Weebill 26

Western Gerygone 50

Inland Thornbill 29

Western Thornbill 24

Yellow-rumped Thornbill 41

Red Wattlebird 76

Little Wattlebird 43

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 1

Yellow-throated Miner 3


Yellow-plumed Honeyeater 2

Brown-headed Honeyeater 1

White-naped Honeyeater 8

Brown Honeyeater 77

New Holland Honeyeater 59

White-cheeked Honeyeater 49

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater 7

Western Spinebill 28

Scarlet Robin 24

Red-capped Robin 8

Western Yellow Robin 3

White-breasted Robin 1

Varied Sittella 9

Golden Whistler 13

Rufous Whistler 48

Grey Shrike-thrush 20

Restless Flycatcher 1

Magpie-lark 69

Grey Fantail 49

Willie Wagtail 65

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 64

White-winged Triller 14

Black-faced Woodswallow 15

Dusky Woodswallow 10

Common Name

Sites in which

recorded (No.)

Grey Butcherbird 49

Australian Magpie 78

Grey Currawong 9

Australian Raven 76

Richard's Pipit 2

Red-eared Firetail 1

European Goldfinch* 4

Mistletoebird 18

Welcome Swallow 56

Tree Martin 56

Clamorous Reed-Warbler 12

Little Grassbird 6

Silvereye 66

Total bird species, all sites = 145

Totalproject sites =

78

22

Bird surveys in selected Perth


Rounds 1 and 2 survey reports

PART B: SITE REPORTS

C.A. Gole

November 2004

Significant Birds of the Perth Metropolitan Region

Bush Forever has listed bird species protected under conservation acts or international

treaties, together with those known to be declining or extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain

(Government of Western Australia, 2000). Because the Perth Biodiversity Project includes the

Darling Range portion of the Perth Metropolitan Region, this project has extended the Bush

Forever concept of species’ significance to include those species when they occur in the

Darling Range. In addition, where species are not listed by Bush Forever but are deemed

otherwise to be of significance, they have been listed as significant within this report.

KEY TO CATEGORIES OF SIGNIFICANCE

Category 1 Bird species listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.

Category 2 Bird species listed on the Japan- and China Australia Migratory Bird

Agreements (JAMBA & CAMBA)

Category 3 Bird species that are habitat specialists with a reduced distribution on the

Swan Coastal Plain.

Category 4 Bird species that are wide-ranging with reduced populations on the Swan

Coastal Plain, or are locally extinct.

Category R4 Bird species listed under the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected

Fauna) Notice 1999.

23

Site Name

Baigup Reserve

Site Location

Bayswater

Local Government Authority

City of Bayswater

Area (ha)

10.4

Vegetation Complex

Swan Complex

Natural Area ID no:

10221

Bush Forever Site no:

313 (part)

Bird Survey Information

Survey period reported: Jan2003-Dec 2003

Survey frequency: monthly

Total no. surveys: 12

Frequency of

occurrence

Bird species recorded in survey

period

* denotes introduced species

Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number

recorded (water dependent

species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Blue-billed Duck 2 1 8 Category 3

Black Swan 1 3 25

Australian Shelduck 8 2 17

Pacific Black Duck Confirmed 33 11 92

Australasian Shoveler 4 3 25

Grey Teal 31 8 67

Hardhead 3 6 50 Category 3

Australasian Grebe Confirmed 7 7 58

Hoary-headed Grebe 3 1 8

Darter 6 12 100

Little Pied Cormorant 3 7 58

Little Black Cormorant 1 2 17

Great Cormorant 1 2 17

Australian Pelican 7 8 67

White-faced Heron 2 9 75

Great Egret 1 5 42

Australian White Ibis 11 8 67

Yellow-billed Spoonbill 4 8 67

Black-shouldered Kite 1 6 50

Brown Goshawk 1 8 Category 4

Collared Sparrowhawk 2 17 Category 4

Buff-banded Rail Confirmed 5 4 33

Baillon's Crake 1 1 8

Spotless Crake 3 1 8

Purple Swamphen Confirmed 7 10 83

Dusky Moorhen 5 10 83 Category 3

Eurasian Coot 19 11 92

Common Sandpiper 1 2 17 Category 2

Black-winged Stilt 7 4 33

Black-fronted Dotterel 5 4 33

Red-kneed Dotterel 1 8 Category 2

Silver Gull 7 58

Caspian Tern 1 8

Crested Tern 2 17

Laughing Turtle-Dove* 11 92

Spotted Turtle-Dove* 6 50

Galah 2 17

Rainbow Lorikeet* 4 33

24

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Ringneck 2 17

Fan-tailed Cuckoo 1 8

Laughing Kookaburra 5 42

Sacred Kingfisher 1 8

Rainbow Bee-eater 4 33

Striated Pardalote 1 8

Western Gerygone 5 42

Red Wattlebird 3 25

Little Wattlebird 1 8 Category 4

Singing Honeyeater 11 92

Brown Honeyeater 10 83

New Holland Honeyeater 3 25 Category 4

White-cheeked Honeyeater 6 50 Category 5

Rufous Whistler 9 75

Magpie-lark 7 58

Grey Fantail 3 25

Willie Wagtail 10 83

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 3 25

White-winged Triller Possible 1 8

Australian Magpie 9 75

Australian Raven 10 83

European Goldfinch* 3 25

Mistletoebird Possible 4 33

Welcome Swallow 11 92

Tree Martin 7 58

Clamorous Reed-Warbler 8 67

Little Grassbird 6 50

Silvereye 11 92

Total species = 66

Total

species = 6

Total

surveys

= 12

Total

species = 10

Observers: Max Bailey, Phyllis Bentley, Kate Creed, Ruth Greble, Annette Park.

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 66 bird species were recorded, of which 33 species are water-dependent. Of these, 5 are

significant species under Bush Forever. In addition, the presence of three species of crakes and rails,

one of which is confirmed to be breeding at the Reserve, suggests that Baigup Reserve may be regarded

as important habitat for these species on the Swan River (Jaensch, 1987). The most abundant water-

25

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 three 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. More recently, the presence of acid

sulphate soils in the Reserve has halted restoration and rehabilitation work for an indefinite period.

26

Site Name

Baldivis Nature Reserve

Site Location

Baldivis Local Government Authority

City of Rockingham Area (ha)

13.75ha

Vegetation Complex

Karrakatta Complex – Central and South

Natural Area ID no:

2961 Bush Forever Site no:

N/A


Survey period reported: Oct 2003-Sept 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Pacific Black Duck 1 1 9

Whistling Kite 3 27 Category 4


Common Bronzewing Possible 6 55 Category 3

Crested Pigeon 1 9

Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 1 9 Category 1,4

Galah 8 73

Little Corella* 2 18

Corella species* (not identified to

species level) 1 9

Regent Parrot 3 27

Australian Ringneck Possible 10 91

Red-capped Parrot 8 73


Shining Bronze-Cuckoo 1 9

Laughing Kookaburra* 11 100


Splendid Fairy-wren 5 45 Category 3


Weebill 8 73 Category 3


Inland Thornbill 3 27 Category 3

Western Thornbill 4 36 Category 3

Yellow-rumped Thornbill 3 27 Category 3

Red Wattlebird 10 91



Western Spinebill 3 27

Scarlet Robin Possible 2 18 Category 3

Red-capped Robin 1 9

Golden Whistler 6 55 Category 3


Grey Shrike-thrush 2 18 Category 3

Magpie-lark 6 55

Grey Fantail 10 91

Willie Wagtail 6 55


27

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Black-faced Woodswallow 1 9 Category 4

Grey Butcherbird Possible 2 18




Tree Martin 2 18

Silvereye 8 73

Total = 43 Total = 4 Total = 12

Observers: Kath Peggs, Mary Vaughan; members of the Kwinana-Rockingham-Mandurah branch of

the WA Naturalists’ Club: John Alexander, Ingrid Boeck, Libby Burgess, Ann Goodale, Bob Goodale,

Giles Hartford, Diana Hitchen, Andrew Motherwell, Ken Stevens, Larraine Stevens, Gordon Tozer &

Joan Willson.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

This reserve is comprised largely of Banksia woodland. It is adjacent to the local school and has

vegetation links with the Tramway Reserve, a relatively narrow but long linear reserve running through

much of this area.

A total of 43 species has been recorded at Baldivis Nature Reserve and more than one quarter of these

is significant. Most of these are small or relatively small insectivores that have been recorded a number

of times and are presumably resident in the local bushland. They include species in decline on the Swan

Coastal Plain such as Splendid Fairy-wren, three thornbills, Scarlet Robin, Golden Whistler and Grey

Shrike-thrush. In addition, a number of more mobile significant species have also been recorded in the

Reserve. These include a raptor, Whistling Kite, Common Bronzewing, Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and

Black Woodswallow.

The Reserve has a good diversity of bushbirds and provides important habitat in this area. It is

important that the bushland is managed sensitively for human access and fire frequency, to maintain

those habitat values for the future.

28

Site Name

Banks Reserve

Site Location

Mount Lawley Local Government Authority

Town of Vincent Area (ha)

3.5ha

Vegetation Complex

Vasse Complex

Natural Area ID no:

Not mapped Bush Forever Site no:

N/A


Survey period reported: Feb 2003-Sept 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Wood Duck 10 3 18



Darter 1 2 12


Pied Cormorant 1 2 12

Little Black Cormorant 1 6




Peregrine Falcon 1 6

Category

4,R4


Silver Gull 10 9 94

Caspian Tern 2 12



Galah 1 12

Little Corella* 1 6











Magpie-lark 16 6





Mistletoebird 1 12


Tree Martin 3 12

Silvereye 9 100

29

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Total = 37 species Total = 0 18 Total = 4

Observers: Lorraine Chyne, Richard Chyne, Sally Lake, Dudley Maier.


Nil known


N/A

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 12 water-dependent species recorded, none is significant under Bush

Forever. The most abundant of the water-dependent species is Pacific Black Duck. Of the 25 bush bird

species, five are introduced, and four are significant under Bush Forever. The latter include two raptors

(Peregrine Falcon and Whistling Kite) and two mobile honeyeaters (New Holland and White-cheeked

Honeyeaters). Peregrine Falcon is listed by CALM as ‘Specially Protected Fauna’. 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. This may also increase the value of the reserve for birds

of prey and mobile remnant dependent species using the Swan River foreshore as a corridor.

30

Site Name

Banksia Road Bushland

Site Location

Wellard Local Government Authority

City of Kwinana Area (ha)

25ha

Vegetation Complex

Bassendean Complex – Central and South

Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Stubble Quail 1 8

Nankeen Kestrel 3 25

Painted Button-quail 1 8 Category 4


Common Bronzewing 9 75 Category 3

Crested Pigeon 8 67


Galah 1 8

Regent Parrot 1 8



Elegant Parrot 2 17

Pallid Cuckoo 1 8

Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 1 8

Southern Boobook 1 8



Rainbow Bee-eater Possible 1 8






Red Wattlebird 8 67


Singing Honeyeater Possible 8 67

Brown Honeyeater Possible 8 67




Scarlet Robin 4 33 Category 3


Rufous Whistler Possible 5 42


Magpie-lark 3 25

Grey Fantail 8 67

Willie Wagtail 4 33


31

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Dusky Woodswallow 1 8 Category 4

Grey Butcherbird 3 25



Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin 3 25

Silvereye 3 25

Total = 46 species Total = 4 Total = 15

Observers: Tom Delaney, Ron Dibbens, John Lauri.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 24 bird species.


Little Eagle. This is a mobile raptor which may only opportunistically be surveyed during short survey

times, and may utilise the reserve periodically.

GENERAL COMMENTS

The Banksia Road Bushland site is dominated by Banksia woodland and includes some open space in

the local rifle range. The bushland section of the reserve was surveyed for birds.

A relatively high number of bird species (46) was recorded in this Reserve. Of these 14 (>32%) is

significant under Bush Forever. These include a number of relatively sedentary species such as

Common Bronzewing and Painted Button-quail, and declining insectivorous species such as Splendid

Fairy-wren, three thornbills, Scarlet Robin, Golden Whistler and Grey Shrike-thrush. More mobile

significant species recorded during the survey period include Little Wattlebird, New Holland

Honeyeater and two species of woodswallows. Banksia Road Bushland appears to provide habitat for

residential and mobile species and it is important for their long-term survival that links with other

nearby bushland is retained and the quality of the vegetation within the reserve is preserved or

improved.

During the survey period, much of this reserve was burnt. This may have resulted in the relatively low

frequency of occurrence for some bird species. It is likely that bird species will move in and out of fire

mosaics, as long as the fire regime is such that vegetation retains appropriate habitat.

32

Site Name

Bardon Park

Site Location

Maylands Local Government Authority

City of Bayswater Area (ha)

2.8ha

Vegetation Complex

Vasse Complex; Karrakatta Complex – Central and

South

Natural Area ID no:


314 (part)


Survey period reported: Jan 2003-Mar 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Musk Duck 8 4 27 Category 3


Australasian Grebe 1 1 7

Darter 2 2 13




Great Egret 1 2 13


Yellow-billed Spoonbill 1 7

Osprey 1 7

Black-shouldered Kite 1 7



Category 4,

R4

Buff-banded Rail 1 1 7

Dusky Moorhen 1 7 Category 3


Silver Gull 4 5 33

Caspian Tern 1 2 13








Red Wattlebird 3 20











33

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Tree Martin 4 27

Clamorous Reed-Warbler 1 6 40

Little Grassbird 4 2 13

Silvereye 6 40

Total species = 41 Total = 0

Total

surveys

= 15

Total = 7

Observers: Susan Margaret, Barbara Stoneman, Trevor Stoneman.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

The section of Bardon Park surveyed for birds is the natural area south of the urban/foreshore park,

including the Swan River foreshore. Landscaped parkland and ornamental ponds were not surveyed for

birds. A total of 41 species, of which 18 (>43%) are water-dependent, have been recorded at the park.

Seven significant bird species, including Peregrine Falcon, a species listed by CALM as ‘Specially

Protected Fauna’ have been recorded, together with three mobile species of honeyeaters. Only one

significant species, Dusky Moorhen, is water-dependent.

The section of Bardon Park surveyed for birds has been the focus of rehabilitation work by the local

council, including slashing of the bulrush Typha orientalis. Eighteen water-dependent species, the most

abundant of which is Pacific Black Duck, were recorded in the Park. It is likely that Bardon Park

provides a useful corridor for mobile bird species, including remnant-dependent species such as

Western Gerygone.

34

Site Name

Berringa Park

Site Location



10.4ha

Vegetation Complex

Swan Complex

Natural Area ID no:


314 (part)


Survey period reported:


Total no. surveys:

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Black Swan 16 6 50



Grey Teal Confirmed 26 6 50

Chestnut Teal 1 8



Darter 8 6 50


Pied Cormorant 1 8





Great Egret 1 4 33



Osprey 1 2 17



Swamp Harrier 1 3 25



Australian Hobby 2 17


Australian Spotted Crake 3 1 8




Common Greenshank 1 1 8 Category 2



Silver Gull 50 7 58

Caspian Tern 9 7 58

Crested Tern 1 3 25



35

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Galah 1 8


Laughing Kookaburra* 1 8 67


Variegated Fairy-wren 1 8 Category 3


Red Wattlebird 4 33






Magpie-lark 6 50

Grey Fantail 3 25



White-winged Triller 1 8



Mistletoebird 3 25

European Goldfinch 1 8


Tree Martin 8 67

Clamorous Reed-Warbler Confirmed 2 5 42


Silvereye 12 100

Total species = 65 5 Total = 9

Observers: Des Agnew, Pam Agnew, John Blyth, Judy Blyth, Cheryl Gole, Martin Gole.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 10 species

Management plan, 1989. (Meney, K., 1989): 34 species


Nil

GENERAL COMMENTS

Berringa Park supports a relatively high diversity of bird species, including 33 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.

36

The removal of riverside trees by residents to enhance views of the river continues to be 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 some bird species requiring more complex

vegetation types may decline.

37

Site Name

Binbrook Park

Site Location

Darlington


Shire of Mundaring

Area (ha)

7.4ha

Vegetation Complex

Murray 2 Complex

Natural Area ID no:

10641


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Shelduck 1 9

Australian Wood Duck Possible 1 9


Rock Dove* 1 9


Short-billed Black-Cockatoo 1 9 Category 1,4

White-tailed Black-Cockatoo (not

identified to species level) 2 18 Category 1,4

Galah 10 91

Western Rosella 1 9 Category 4






Spotted Pardalote 3 27






Red Wattlebird 8 73




Magpie-lark 7 64

Grey Fantail 5 45





Tree Martin 1 9

Silvereye 9 82


Observers: Alma De Rebeira, Perry De Rebeira, Liz King, Richard King.


Nil known.

38


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

This Darling Range reserve is largely surrounded by low density, peri-urban housing with a high

degree of vegetation cover. Binbrook Park is a relatively steep, rocky site with an overstorey of Jarrah

Eucalyptus marginatum, Marri Corymbia calophylla, and E. wandoo.

A total of 32 bird species was recorded at Binbrook Park within the survey period. Of these, nine are

significant under Bush Forever. These include the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, a mobile

species utilising both the Swan Coastal Plain and the Darling Range part of the Perth Metropolitan

Region. On two occasions, due to the difficulties of identification, White-tailed Black-Cockatoos were

recorded in the Reserve, but not identified to species level. These may be Carnaby’s or Baudin’s Black-

Cockatoo. In this region, the latter is largely restricted to Darling Range or near-Darling Range sites.

Other bird species of significance include Western Rosella, a parrot species almost extinct on the Swan

Coastal Plain and now largely restricted, in the Perth Metropolitan Region, to the Darling Range.

Management issues for this reserve include the maintenance of vegetation cover, and the control of

access from the nearby bridle path and walking trail.

39

Site Name

Bob Blackburn Reserve

Site Location

Selville Grove Local Government Authority

City of Armadale Area (ha)

4.6ha

Vegetation Complex

Guildford Complex; Forrestfield Complex

Natural Area ID no:


62





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Common Bronzewing 2 15 Category 1,4


Galah 10 77


Australian Ringneck Confirmed 11 85







Red Wattlebird 8 62

Little Wattlebird Confirmed 11 85 Category 4


White-naped Honeyeater 1 8 Category 4




Rufous Whistler 1 8

Magpie-lark 5 38





Mistletoebird 1 8

Tree Martin 2 15

Silvereye 9 69


Observers: Graeme Hart, Helen Start, John Start.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 2 surveys, 18 species.

City of Armadale (2000): 6 surveys, 15 species.

40


Nil

GENERAL COMMENTS

One third (10) of the 30 bird species recorded during the survey period for Bob Blackburn Reserve are

significant under Bush Forever. Significant species include mobile species such as White-naped, New

Holland and White-cheeked Honeyeaters, Little Wattlebird, Dusky Woodswallow and Collared

Sparrowhawk together with more sedentary species such as Yellow-rumped and Western Thornbills.

Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, a priority species now nominated for a higher category of

threatened species listing (J. Blyth, pers. comm.) has been recorded twice in the reserve. Although

small (4.6ha), Bob Blackburn has sufficient vegetation links to support the movement of mobile bird

species through the area.

Management issues for the reserve include weed control and appropriate fire regimes to maintain the

diverse floristics and vegetation structure of the reserve, and sensitive urban development to maintain

the effective networks of native vegetation in the general area.

41

Site Name

Brickwood Reserve

Site Location

ByfordLocal Government Authority

Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale Area (ha)

44.9ha

Vegetation Complex

Guildford Complex; Forrestfield Complex

Natural Area ID no:


321





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Pacific Black Duck 1 8


Little Eagle 3 25 Category 4

Peregrine Falcon 2 1 8

Category 4,

R4


Painted Button-quail 4 1 8 Category 4

Rock Dove* 4 33



Crested Pigeon 1 8


Baudin's (Long-billed) Black-

Cockatoo 25 1 8 Category 1,4

Galah 11 92


species level) 1 8


Red-capped Parrot Possible 11 92

Elegant Parrot 1 8

Pallid Cuckoo 2 17









Western Gerygone Possible 11 92


Yellow-rumped Thornbill Possible 5 42 Category 3

Red Wattlebird 7 58




42

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)







Magpie-lark 9 75

Grey Fantail 9 75

Willie Wagtail 9 75



Black-faced Woodswallow Possible 3 25 Category 4



Australian Magpie Confirmed 10 83


Richard's Pipit 1 8


Tree Martin 2 17

Silvereye 11 92


Observers: David James, Judith MacKinnon, Irene Morcombe, Michael Morcombe.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 21 species.

Harvey et al., (1997): 33 species.


Harvey et al.: Carnaby’s (Short-billed) Black-Cockatoo, Western Rosella, Varied Sittella. The absence

of Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo and Varied Sittella may be the result of local movements of these species

at non-survey periods. While the absence of Western Rosella from the Perth Biodiversity Project

surveys may also be due to this cause, it may also be due to further range retraction, and thus local

extinction, of this declining species on the Swan Coastal Plain.

GENERAL COMMENTS

This irregularly shaped remnant is largely dominated by winter-wet dampland with a patchy overstorey

of Marri Corymbia calophylla together with some Banksia woodland on slightly higher ground. All but

three of the 55 bird species recorded in the Reserve are bushland birds. Water dependent species

recorded at Brickwood Reserve were low in number and none is significant in conservation terms.

Of the 55 species recorded, 18 (almost one third) are significant. These species include three raptors,

including Peregrine Falcon, a species listed as ‘Specially Protected Fauna’ by CALM, and two

threatened species of cockatoos. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, a mobile species now nominated for a

higher degree of threat was recorded on 5 occasions, suggesting that it regularly utilises local bushland.

Other significant species include a number of small insectivores, including Splendid Fairy-wren, three

thornbills, Scarlet Robin, Golden Whistler and Grey Shrike-thrush. More mobile significant

honeyeaters and woodswallows were also recorded. The variety of species utilising this reserve

suggests that it has conservation significance in this area.

43

Site Name

Honeymyrtle Park

(formerly Brighton Bushland) Site Location

Butler Local Government Authority

City of Wanneroo Area (ha)

0.9ha

Vegetation Complex

Cottesloe Complex – Central and South

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Sept 2002-Aug 2003

Survey frequency: seasonal


Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Carnaby’s (Short-billed) Black-

Cockatoo Incidental

record N/A Category 1,4

Yellow-throated Miner 3 75 Category 4


Magpie-lark 2 50



Silvereye 1 25


Observers: Gisela Cannon


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Since surveys commenced, this reserve (formerly named Brighton Bushland) has been renamed

Honeymyrtle Park. During the survey period, the vegetation extent within the reserve was reduced from

2.7ha to 0.9ha by clearing for continued urban development. The remaining vegetation is protected to

conserve part of an endangered Threatened Ecological Community, the Melaleuca heugelii and M.

systena shrubland, a community restricted to limestone tips and ridge slopes. The Banksia woodland

present during the first part of the survey period was completely cleared. Approximately 40% of the

remaining vegetation is highly modified; threats to the floristic community include inappropriate fire

regimes, weeds and feral animals (J. Pryde, pers. comm.).

Honeymyrtle Park is an extremely small, relatively isolated fragment of bushland which is probably 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. The endangered Carnaby’s

Black-Cockatoo has been reported feeding on Dryandra spp. in the reserve (A. Stubber, pers. comm.).

The number of birds was small, no more than six individuals. It is possible that this species uses the

Reserve periodically for food sources. This local reserve features an extremely low diversity of birds

and its conservation importance may be largely restricted to its significance for other taxa. In the first

part of the survey period, Yellow-throated Miner was recorded on all surveys, but has disappeared from

the Park since the Banksia woodland was cleared. The total number of bird surveys for this reserve was

low and it is possible that mobile bird species such as honeyeaters may utilise Honeymyrtle Park on

occasion.

44

Site Name

Buckland Hill

Site Location

Mosman Park Local Government Authority

Town of Mosman Park Area (ha)

6.3ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: July 2002- Aug 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)






Cockatoo 1 10 Category 1,4

Galah 4 40





Red Wattlebird 8 80





Magpie-lark 3 30

Willie Wagtail 9 90





Silvereye 8 80


Observers: Linda Glass, Brenda Newbey, Steve Reynolds.


Nil known


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 removal

in stages of the woody weed Victorian tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum, and replacement by a

45

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.

46

Site Name

Bullcreek Wetlands

Site Location

Bullcreek


City of Melville

Area (ha)

10ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

7908


338 (part)


Survey period reported: Oct 2003-Aug 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


White-faced Heron 1 13





Galah 3 38









Yellow-rumped Thornbill Confirmed 4 50 Category 3





Magpie-lark 2 25

Grey Fantail 5 63

Willie Wagtail Confirmed 7 88






Tree Martin 2 25

Silvereye Possible 7 88


Observers: Gary Brophy, Clive Napier, Wendy Napier.


Nil known.


N/A

47

GENERAL COMMENTS

A total of 30 bird species was recorded in the Bullcreek Wetlands site over the site period. Of these, a

relatively low number (3) is significant under Bush Forever. However, a number of other species

recorded in the reserve are remnant dependent: these include Sacred Kingfisher, Western Gerygone and

Grey Fantail. Given the links that the Bullcreek Wetlands reserve has with other nearby wetland

vegetation, the sensitive management of this reserve for weed control and revegetation might increase

the bird species diversity.

During the survey period, the creek retained running water, however the number of water-dependent

bird species recorded in the reserve was low, and the reserve may not provide important habitat for

water-dependent species.

48

Site Name

Burley Park

Site Location

Bullsbrook Local Government Authority

Shire of Swan Area (ha)

19ha

Vegetation Complex

Mogumber Complex – South

Natural Area ID no:


86 (part)


Survey period reported: Oct 2003-Oct 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Wood Duck Possible 1 8


Wedge-tailed Eagle 1 8 Category 4




Galah 5 38

Purple-crowned Lorikeet 1 8 Category 4#



Pallid Cuckoo 1 8

Black-eared Cuckoo 3 23













Red Wattlebird 4 31




New Holland Honeyeater Confirmed 12 92 Category 4





Varied Sittella 4 31 Category 3



Grey Fantail Confirmed 6 46

Willie Wagtail 2 15

49

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Grey Currawong 1 8 Category 4


Mistletoebird 5 38

Tree Martin 7 54

Silvereye 8 62


#: Purple-Crowned Lorikeet is not listed as significant by Bush Forever. As it is now only rarely recorded on the Swan Coastal

Plain, yet was regarded by Storr and Johnstone (1988) as relatively common, it is here regarded as significant.

Observers: Eleanor Adams, Niel Adams, Mary Bremner, Rob Mather, Sue Mather, Stella Stewart

Wynne.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Burley Park is a 19 ha remnant of bushland, part of which is listed under Bush Forever. One of the non-

Bush Forever sections contains a possible Threatened Ecological Community. If this is the case, the

City of Swan will apply to have the whole site listed by Bush Forever. The whole site is currently

managed for conservation.

A relatively large number of species utilised Burley Park and were recorded during the survey period.

Of these, 20 are significant, including Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, recorded five times. A number of

other mobile significant species such as raptors, honeyeaters and woodswallows were also recorded and

the only project record for Purple-crowned Lorikeet, a small blossom-nomad parrot, was for this

reserve. More sedentary significant species include Splendid Fairy-wren, three thornbills, Scarlet

Robin, Varied Sittella, Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Currawong.

Maintaining local vegetation links and controlling access by trail bikes etc are conservation and

management issues for this reserve.

50

Site Name

Cadogan Reserve

Site Location

Kingsley Local Government Authority

City of Joondalup Area (ha)

4.9ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Aug 2002-July 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Galah 8 67

Long-billed Corella* 1 8

Corella species (not identified to

species level) 1 8





Red Wattlebird 9 75

Yellow-throated Miner Confirmed 10 83 Category 4


Magpie-lark 4 33



Australian Raven Confirmed 11 92

Welcome Swallow 1 8

Total = 18 species Total = 2

Observers: Tom Delaney, John Lauri, Paul Marty.


Nil known


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

51

in Whiteman Park (M. Brooker, pers. comm.). In the Perth Biodiversity Project bird surveys, this

species has been recorded in only three reserves.

52

Site Name

Cassilda Park

Site Location

Two Rocks Local Government Authority


4.02ha

Vegetation Complex

Quindalup Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A



Survey frequency: seasonal


Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Galah 6 120





White-browed Scrubwren 3 60 Category 3

Weebill 1 20

Red Wattlebird 3 60





Magpie-lark 3 60

Grey Fantail 2 40

Willie Wagtail 2 40





Silvereye 6 120


Observers: Gisela Cannon.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTSCassilda Park is a small, relatively isolated reserve 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 to protect existing habitat are possible management strategies for this reserve.

53

Site Name

Chequers Golf Club North

Site Location

Bullsbrook


Shire of Swan

Area (ha)

43.5ha

Vegetation Complex

Beermullah Complex; Reagan Complex.

Natural Area ID no:

17085


292 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)






Carnaby's (Short-billed) Black-




Pallid Cuckoo 2 15






Striated Pardalote Confirmed 4 31






Red Wattlebird 6 46


Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater 2 15





Tawny-crowned Honeyeater 1 8 Category 4



Red-capped Robin Possible 4 31



Restless Flycatcher 1 8 Category 3

Grey Fantail 7 54

Willie Wagtail 4 31


54

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)







Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin Confirmed 2 15

Silvereye 3 23



Wynne.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 14 species.


Emu. This is a relatively mobile species now uncommon to rare on most of the Swan Coastal Plain. It

is not possible to know if the species is utilising other areas of local bushland, or its absence in the

Perth Biodiversity Project surveys represents local extinction.

GENERAL COMMENTS

The northern section of Chequers Golf Club is a Bush Forever site vested in the crown, but managed by

the City of Swan for conservation purposes. This section was surveyed for birds. It is comprised largely

of Banksia woodland. Banksia deaths in the reserve have been attributed to drought, as the reserve is

considered to be largely free from Dieback Phytophthora cinnamomi (G. MacKinnon, pers. comm.).

Of the 46 bird species recorded here, 17 (>37%) are significant. These include the mobile species

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, recorded in the reserve a number of times. The species is known to breed

in the Chittering area: Networks of remnant Banksia woodland in the Bullsbrook area provide valuable

feeding habitat for this endangered species. The only project record for Restless Flycatcher, a species

now seldom recorded on the Swan Coastal Plain, was from this reserve. The reserve appears to provide

valuable habitat for a number of relatively sedentary insectivorous species. Splendid Fairy-wren,

Inland, Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Scarlet Robin and Grey Shrike-thrush were all

recorded here.

55

Site Name

Chichester Park

Site Location

Woodvale


City of Joondalup

Area (ha)

1.34

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

13109 & 13173


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

North Remnant



Galah 3 25




Red Wattlebird 9 75



Magpie-lark Confirmed 4 33

Willie Wagtail 3 25






Total, North Remnant = 16 Total = 1 Total = 0

South Remnant




Red Wattlebird Possible 9 75




Total, South Remnant = 7 Total =1 Total = 0 Total = 0

Total species, complete site = 17 Total = 2

Total,

complete

site = 1

Total,

complete

site = 0

Observers: Max Bailey, Kate Creed, Paul Marty.


Nil known

56


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Chichester Park is comprised of parkland and two small, 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 and corridor value for

birds.

57

Site Name

Clifton Buffer

Site Location

Canning Vale


City of Gosnells

Area (ha)

13.05ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

7255


389 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)






Galah 5 45





Splendid Fairy-wren Possible 7 64 Category 3














Magpie-lark 4 36

Grey Fantail 6 55

Willie Wagtail 7 64






Tree Martin 1 9

Silvereye 9 82


Observers: Bob Gilham, Sue Keogh, Sian Mawson.

58


Nil known


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Clifton Buffer consists of a 13.5ha linear remnant which grades to a single row of remnant trees along a

road verge. Most bird species were recorded within the wider part of the remnant. The reserve supports

a reasonable diversity of bushbirds, including a number (>27%) considered significant under Bush

Forever. These include Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, a mobile endangered species utilising Banksia

woodland remnants on the Swan Coastal Plain. The retention of remnants such as Clifton Buffer is

important for the long-term survival of this non-breeding population.

Significant bird species recorded in the reserve also include small insectivores such as Splendid Fairy-

wren, White-browed Scrubwren and Inland, Yellow-rumped and Western Thornbills. As the frequency

of occurrence of all but the Fairy-wrens is low (1-3 records from 11 surveys), this suggests that these

species may also utilise other bushland nearby. The retention of all linking local vegetation will be

important to the long-term survival of these small bushbirds known to be in decline on the Swan

Coastal Plain. Other management issues for the reserve include appropriate fire regimes and weed

control to maintain floristic and structural vegetation diversity. Rubbish dumping was also evident

during the survey period.

59

Site Name

Cloisters Reserve

Site Location

Salter Point


City of South Perth

Area (ha)

2.83ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

8559


227 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Darter 1 1 9






Silver Gull 17 7 64



Galah 1 9

Red Wattlebird 5 45



Willie Wagtail 1 9




Welcome Swallow 1 9

Silvereye 2 18


Observers: Barry Angus, Molly Angus, Des Moran.




Common Sandpiper. This species is relatively mobile and present in low numbers along the Swan

River foreshore. Its absence may reflect timing of surveys in relation to tides, etc.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Cloisters Reserve is a relatively small reserve actively managed for conservation by the City of South

Perth. Access includes a concrete footpath/cycle path During the project period part of the remnant

vegetation was fenced for protection. Relatively low numbers of bird species have been recorded here,

however these numbers may increase if the vegetation protection and rehabilitation measures provide

additional habitat. Forty percent of bird species recorded are water-dependent. Foreshore habitat in this

reserve is relatively limited for these species, although some riparian vegetation persists.

60

Site Name

Coogee Beach

Site Location

Coogee Local Government Authority

City of Cockburn Area (ha)

14ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


341 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Great Knot 1 1 8 Category 2

Pied Oystercatcher 2 2 17

Silver Gull 150 12 100

Crested Tern 6 3 25

Rock Dove* 4 33

Laughing Turtle-Dove* Confirmed 11 92



Galah 4 33













Magpie-lark Possible 9 75

Grey Fantail 6 50

Willie Wagtail 9 75






Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 8 67


Observers: Audrey Bolger, John Male, Brenda Newbey.

61


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

The Coogee Beach reserve is part of the Woodman Point Bush Forever site. The area includes a

caravan park, however only the dunal areas, remnant shrubland and foreshore were surveyed for birds.

The area appears to be more significant for bushbirds than for water-dependent species. Of the 34 bird

species recorded within the survey period, 7 (>20%) were water-dependent, including a single

recording of a single Great Knot, a migratory shorebird protected under the JAMBA/CAMBA treaties.

Six bushbirds recorded at Coogee Beach are significant under Bush Forever criteria. These include

three small insectivores that require remnant vegetation to survive on the Swan Coastal Plain. These are

Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren and Inland Thornbill. Two mobile honeyeaters utilising

the reserve are also significant under Bush Forever’s criteria. Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, a mobile

endangered species, was also recorded within the reserve, although the numbers of birds is not known.

A management plan is currently being written for Coogee Beach, and the City of Cockburn is

undertaking revegetation and other vegetation restoration activities. The Reserve is worthy of a

continued focus for its conservation values.

62

Site Name

Cottesloe Public Open Space

Site Location

Cottesloe Local Government Authority

Town of Cottesloe Area (ha)

1.1ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: July 2003-June 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Galah 1 8

Rainbow Lorikeet 1 8










Magpie-lark 2 17

Willie Wagtail 4 33




Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin 3 25

Silvereye 2 17


Observers: John Lauri, Barbara Stoneman, Trevor Stoneman.


Nil known.


N/A.

GENERAL COMMENTS

The avifauna of this small (1.1ha) reserve is characterised by mobile honeyeaters and bird species

utilising open spaces and habitat. Of the 21 species recorded, three are significant under Bush Forever’s

criteria: these are Little Wattlebird and New Holland and White-cheeked Honeyeaters, all species likely

to benefit from the non-local plantings of nectar-producing grevilleas in the reserve. Despite a focus on

checks for nesting or nesting attempts, no breeding was recorded during the survey period. The

Cottesloe Public Open Space is adjacent to the golf course, and considerable scope exists for extending

63

plantings of local native species in order to extend and buffer the existing remnant vegetation. Such

rehabilitation work might provide additional habitat for birds in the local area.

64

Site Name

Denis De Young Reserve

Site Location

Banjup Local Government Authority

City of Cockburn Area (ha)

84ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


344 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Brown Falcon 2 17 Category 4






Crested Pigeon 4 33




Galah 3 25




Elegant Parrot 7 58

Pallid Cuckoo 3 25



Tawny Frogmouth 1 8










Western Thornbill Possible 5 42 Category 3


Red Wattlebird 8 67





65

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)









Magpie-lark 5 42

Grey Fantail 6 50








Richard's Pipit 2 17


Tree Martin 8 67

Silvereye 12 100


Observers: George Agar, Pam Agar, Elaine Christie, Virginia DeWolfe, Bob Gilham, Bill Johnson,

Ruby Johnson, Sue Keogh, Barbara Manson, Rob Mather, Sue Mather, Clive Napier, Wendy Napier,

Tom Spalding.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 17 bird species.

Bowman Bishaw Gorham (1998): 68 species.


Birds Australia Atlas database: nil.

As the bird species listed in Bowman Bishaw Gorham refer not to survey data but to species that might

potentially occur in the Reserve, no comparison is made here.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Denis De Young Reserve is the largest (84ha) of the sites surveyed for birds in this project to date. It is

comprised of Banksia woodland and an ephemeral wetland/dampland that was largely dry during the

survey period. The Reserve is actively managed for conservation by the City of Cockburn:

management measures include the relocation of the Pony Club to adjacent land, removal of large

quantities of rubbish and Dieback Phytophthora cinnamomi control measures. As part of the latter, bird

observers were issued with chemicals to treat footware when moving out of mapped Dieback zones.

This Reserve is a significant remnant on the Swan Coastal Plain, both in terms of its size and the

diversity of birds recorded during the survey period. Many significant species were recorded on

multiple occasions, suggesting that many sedentary species are resident in the Reserve. Fifty eight

species of birds were recorded in the survey area, with 22 (38%) of these considered significant by

Bush Forever criteria.

Significant bird species recorded include 8 species of non-passerines (non-perching birds): these

included four species of raptors and Painted Button-quail, a declining species only recorded in this

project in larger areas of bushland. Two cockatoos listed under threatened species legislation were also

recorded in Denis De Young Reserve. Sedentary significant bird species included Grey Shrike-thrush

66

and a number of small, insectivorous species such as Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrub-wren,

three thornbills and Scarlet Robin. Mobile significant species utilising the Reserve included Tawny-

crowned Honeyeater. Golden Whistler, a species now largely confined in the Perth Metropolitan

Region to the Darling Range and the southern part of the Swan Coastal Plain, was also recorded.

No water-dependent species were recorded during the survey period. In wet periods, the bird species

list for the Denis De Young Reserve might be expected to increase. From these surveys, it is not

possible to judge if the Reserve might provide significant ephemeral habitat for waterbirds.

67

Site Name

Empire Way Reserve

Site Location

Thornlie Local Government Authority

City of Gosnells Area (ha)

3.7ha

Vegetation Complex

Southern River Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)






Galah Possible 9 75




Red Wattlebird Confirmed 7 58




Rufous Whistler 1 8


Grey Fantail 2 17

Willie Wagtail Confirmed 6 50

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Possible 4 33




Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 3 25


Observers: Dan Dowsett, Suzanne Dowsett, Beryl Walker, Debbie Walker.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Empire Way is a small (3.7ha) isolated remnant consisting mostly of dryland vegetation with a Jarrah

Eucalyptus marginatum and Marri Corymbia calophylla overstorey. There is a small amount of

wetland/dampland vegetation dominated by an overstorey of Flooded Gum E. rudis and Swamp

Paperbark Melaleuca rhaphiophylla. A small creek, largely reconstructed as a drain, bisects part of the

68

reserve, and carries water for much of the year. Although the reserve as a whole also comprises

parkland and playing grounds, only the bushland remnant areas were surveyed for birds.

A total of 24 bird species, three of them water-dependent, were recorded at Empire Way Reserve

during the survey period. Only one of these – the mobile honeyeater Little Wattlebird – is considered

significant under Bush Forever’s criteria. However, seven species of birds were breeding, or possibly

bred, within the Reserve, during the survey period. This suggests that Empire Way Reserve offers

important nesting habitat for some birds in this urban area. Occasional records for remnant dependent

species such as Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail also suggest that the Reserve has value as a corridor

for birds moving through urban landscapes.

69

Site Name

Ern Stapleton Reserve

Site Location

Attadale Local Government Authority

City of Melville Area (ha)

0.74ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Dec 2002-Nov 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Galah 2 18










Australian Magpie Possible 9 82


Tree Martin 3 27


Observers: Eleanor Adams, Niel Adams, Romeny Lynch, Jane Prince.


Wooller (1999): 10 species.


Nil

GENERAL COMMENTS

A total of 15 bird species has been recorded in this reserve, none of which is significant under Bush

Forever. It is possible that it is a 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.

70

Site Name

Freshwater Drive Public Open Space

Site Location

Atwell


City of Cockburn

Area (ha)

4.4ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Nankeen Night Heron 1 1 8 Category 4


Laughing Turtle-Dove* Possible 2 15

Galah 1 8


Regent Parrot 1 8



Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Incidental

record N/A

Tawny Frogmouth Incidental

record N/A




Western Thornbill Incidental

record N/A Category 3





Rufous Whistler 1 8


Grey Fantail 4 31

Willie Wagtail 6 46






Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 10 77


Observers: David James, Marion Shaw.


Ecologia (1996): 105 species.

71


The bird species listed by Ecologia for this Reserve refer to species which may potentially occur in the

bushland rather than survey data. Many of these species are unlikely to occur in the general area, and

the list is thus not useful for the purpose of comparison.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Freshwater Drive Public Open Space is a small (4.4ha) reserve comprised of both wetland/dampland

and dryland (primarily Banksia woodland) overstorey. During the survey period, 31 species of birds

were recorded, a high number for a small reserve in an urban area.

Significant species included one water dependent species - Nankeen Night Heron – and three

bushbirds. Two of these are small, insectivorous thornbills declining on the Swan Coastal Plain. The

third, New Holland Honeyeater, is a mobile species likely to utilise many types of vegetation. Water

levels were low and only two species of waterbirds were recorded in the survey period. In wetter

periods, the number of waterbirds utilising the reserve is likely to increase.

Management issues relate to the maintenance of the current vegetation structure as well as diversity, to

maintain habitat values for bird species.

72

Site Name

Gobba Lake

Site Location

Bayswater Local Government Authority


1.7 ha

Vegetation Complex

Swan Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Jan 2003-Mar 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding

on survey

site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.( number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Blue-billed Duck 2 6 40 Category 3


Black Swan 2 2 13




Grey Teal 2 1 7



Darter 1 3 20



Great Egret 2 4 27

Nankeen Night Heron 1 1 7 Category 4



Purple Swamphen 3 13 87






Cockatoo 1 7

Category 1,4

Galah 2 13


species level) 2 13



Pallid Cuckoo 1 7



Red Wattlebird 6 40



Magpie-lark 8 53




73

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding

on survey

site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.( number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Mistletoebird 1 7


Tree Martin 5 33



Silvereye 5 33

Total species = 43 species 2 Total =

15 Total = 6

Observers: Susan Margaret, Barbara Stoneman, Trevor Stoneman.


Nil known


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. Five of the six significant species recorded at this site are water-dependent. These include

Musk Duck, and Blue-billed Duck and Hardhead, both diving ducks preferring deeper water. The

endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, a mobile species on the Swan Coastal Plain, was recorded

once, although the numbers of birds present is not known. Almost half of the bird species recorded at

Gobba Lake are water dependent: of the 20 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. During the latter part of the survey period, the southern edge of the lake was completely

excavated for a small housing development and all fringing vegetation in that area was removed. The

effect of this development on birds using Gobba Lake is unknown.

74

Site Name

Goss Avenue Bushland

Site Location

Manning Local Government Authority

City of South Perth Area (ha)

3.82ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Galah 1 9









Magpie-lark 3 27

Grey Fantail 1 9

Willie Wagtail 8 73






Observers: Barry Angus, Molly Angus, Des Moran.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

This small isolated reserve features a relatively small diversity of bird species. The most commonly

recorded species are generalist honeyeaters, the introduced Laughing Turtle-Dove and Willie Wagtail,

all species benefiting from open areas and urbanisation. However, there is some use of the Bushland by

Rainbow Bee-eater, New Holland Honeyeater and Grey Fantail, suggesting that the reserve has value

as a stepping stone in the urban network of remnant vegetation.

Management activities to enhance the conservation value of the Goss Avenue Bushland is already

underway by the City of Perth. The reserve has a current management plan.

75

Site Name

Harry Sandon Park

Site Location



4.3ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


226





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian White Ibis 2 18





Galah 3 27











Rufous Whistler 1 9

Magpie-lark 4 36

Willie Wagtail 4 36




Welcome Swallow 1 9

Tree Martin 1 9

Silvereye 1 9

Total = 25 species Total =0 Total = 4

Observers: Eleanor Adams, Niel Adams, Romeny Lynch, Jane Prince.


Wooller (1999): 17 species


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. Four significant species, including the endangered

Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo were recorded in the Park. At least 5 Cockatoos were recorded on one

76

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. A sensitive management issue for this small

reserve is the number of cubbies built within the bushland: during the survey period, three cubbies were

evident.

77

Site Name

Hartfield Park

Site Location

Forrestfield Local Government Authority

Shire of Kalamunda Area (ha)

East: 32.88ha

West: 20.59ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

East = 8918

West = 8867


320





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Hartfield Park East

Australian Wood Duck 1 8



Category 4,

R4

Rock Dove* Possible 3 25




Galah 2 17




Pallid Cuckoo 1 8

















White-cheeked Honeyeater 10 83





Magpie-lark 6 50

Grey Fantail 7 58

78

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Willie Wagtail 4 33








Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 4 33


Hartfield Park West






Galah 2 17







Red Wattlebird 7 58



White-cheeked Honeyeater Possible 6 50 Category 3



Rufous Whistler 1 8

Magpie-lark 7 58

Grey Fantail 2 17

Willie Wagtail 4 33







Mistletoebird 2 17


Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 5 42


Total species, complete site = 48

species

Total,

complete

site =

Total,

complete

site = 14

Observers: Michael Brooker, Mike Stone.

79


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 5 surveys, 22 species (no differentiation between East and

West sections of the Reserve).

Harvey et. al., (1997): 27 species.


Bird Atlas database: Varied Sittella; Carnaby’s (Short-billed) Black-Cockatoo. Sittellas may be locally

mobile and utilise the reserve at non-survey periods.

Harvey et. al.: nil.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Hartfield Park is designated as one reserve by the Shire of Kalamunda, however it is fragmented by a

major arterial highway, the Tonkin Highway, and, for the purposes of these bird surveys, was treated as

two different sites. Although the terminology is not strictly accurate, the ‘East’ section of the Reserve is

that section bounded by Tonkin Highway, Hawtin Road and the golf course. The ‘West’ section is the

smaller section of the Reserve bounded by Tonkin Highway and Hawtin Road, and accessed via Bruce

Road.

This Bush Forever site includes a Threatened Ecological Community, ‘Banksia attenuata woodlands

over species rich dense shrublands’ together with patchy Jarrah Eucalyptus marginatum and Marri

Corymbia calophylla overstorey. It also includes dampland vegetation. The vegetation is threatened by

Dieback Phytophthora cinnamomi, inappropriate fire regimes and incursions by vehicles from some of

the margins. Some attempts are being made to halt vehicle incursions. A new housing development

adjacent to the West portion of Hartfield Park has removed some nearby native vegetation and may

pose additional management problems.

A total of 48 bird species, including 14 significant species, was recorded at Hartfield Park during the

survey period. The greatest diversity, and the highest number of significant species, was recorded in the

East section. Three species of raptors are significant, including Peregrine Falcon, a species designated

‘Specially Protected Fauna’ by CALM. The number of records for small insectivorous species such as

Splendid Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrubwren are low, suggesting that these species may utilise

other adjacent vegetation: maintaining future physical links with adjacent vegetation may thus be

important for these species. Yellow-rumped Thornbill was recorded breeding within the Park. Mobile

species of significance include the raptors, several honeyeaters and Black-faced Woodswallow, an

aerial feeder now in decline on the Swan Coastal Plain and dependent on remnant vegetation for its

regional survival. During this survey period, Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo periodically visited the reserve

in the late afternoons outside survey times (M. Stone, pers. comm.).

80

Site Name

Hillview Bushland

Site Location

East Victoria Park Local Government Authority

Town of Victoria Park Area (ha)

1.0ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)











Magpie-lark 2 17




Welcome Swallow 1 8

Silvereye 6 50


Observers: Jay Barnett.


Turpin (1991): 8 species.


Nil.

GENERAL COMMENTS

This extremely small (1ha) and isolated remnant has boundaries with two busy urban roads and other

urban infrastructure. Despite these disturbances, it has a relatively high profile in the local community,

and of the 16 bird species recorded in the survey period, three are significant under Bush Forever.

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo has been reported feeding on Candlestick Banksia Banksia attenuata. New

Holland and White-cheeked Honeyeater were also reported feeding on native vegetation in the reserve.

The retention of networks of Banksia woodland remnants may be important for the future survival of

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Appropriate management of this reserve to

ensure the long-term viability of its natural vegetation will be important.

81

Site Name

Hinds Reserve

Site Location

Bayswater Local Government Authority


1.3ha

Vegetation Complex

Swan Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Jan 2003-Dec 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Darter 1 1 8



Eurasian Coot 1 1 8

Silver Gull 6 50

Caspian Tern 1 8













Magpie-lark 6 50






Tree Martin 3 25

Silvereye 3 25


Total

surveys

= 12

Total = 1

Observers: Max Bailey, Phyllis Bentley, Kate Creed, Ruth Greble, Annette Park.


Nil known.


N/A

82

GENERAL COMMENTS

Hinds Reserve is a small reserve separated from the nearby Baigup Reserve by the Garret Road Bridge.

Twenty eight species of birds were recorded within the Reserve. Most waterbirds were recorded on the

foreshore, not in the remnant bushland/creekline. New Holland Honeyeater was the only significant

species recorded using the Reserve, however Rufous Whistler, a species requiring remnant vegetation,

was recorded in the Reserve. Some planting of native plant species has been undertaken in this small

remnant bushland and, while small, it seems likely that it will be utilised as a corridor by bushbirds

using the Swan River habitats.

83

Site Name

Hovea Conservation Reserve

Site Location

Hovea Local Government Authority

Shire of Mundaring Area (ha)

22.8ha

Vegetation Complex

Murray 2 Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Square-tailed Kite 1 9 Category 4





Galah Possible 7 64














Inland Thornbill Confirmed 6 55 Category 3



Red Wattlebird 7 64








Western Yellow Robin 2 18 Category 3




Magpie-lark 1 9



84

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Silvereye 8 73


Observers: Dot Kingston, Henny Knight, Martin Knight, Alyson Paull, Edward Paull, Eunice Pyper,

Jan Rogers, Stella Stewart Wynne, Ted Stewart Wynne.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

This Darling Range site is adjacent to state forest and rural housing, and dominated by an overstorey of

Jarrah-Marri forest. Some small, old areas of disturbance have previously been planted with non-local

native plant species. Vehicle access into the reserve has been blocked, and the number of management

threats to the Reserve appears to be relatively small.

A total of 41 species of birds was recorded at the Hovea Conservation Park during the survey period.

Of these, 18 (~44%) are significant under Bush Forever. Relatively mobile significant species recorded

in the reserve include Red and White-tailed Black-Cockatoos, Western Rosella, Square-tailed Kite and

four species of honeyeaters (Little Wattlebird and White-naped, New Holland and White-cheeked

Honeyeaters). More sedentary species include a number of insectivores: Splendid Fairy-wren, three

species of thornbills, two species of robins, Golden Whistler and Grey Shrike-thrush. The relatively

large number of significant bird species recorded here suggests that this site benefits from its location

within a large extent of natural vegetation.

85

Site Name

Hume Road Wildlife Reserve

Site Location

Thornlie Local Government Authority


3.3ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Feb 2003-Jan 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



White-tailed Black-Cockatoo 1 8 Category 1,4

Galah 3 25





Striated Pardalote Possible 2 17






Rufous Whistler 1 8

Magpie-lark 8 67

Willie Wagtail 1 8





Silvereye 2 17

Total = 22 species Total

species = 2

Total

surveys

= 12 Total = 4

Observers: Karl Edwards, Carole Elliot, Chris Ros.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Twenty one species of bush birds have been recorded at Hume Road Wildlife Reserve, of which four

are significant under Bush Forever. In addition, Striated Pardalote and Rufous Whistler utilise the

Reserve, suggesting that the Reserve has some importance for some mobile bird species requiring

remnant habitat to survive in urban areas. Two bird species, Striated Pardalote and Red Wattlebird,

86

may breed in the Reserve. The generic White-tailed Black-Cockatoo recorded at this Reserve may refer

to Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo or Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo, both mobile significant species. Baudin’s

Cockatoo is restricted to the Darling Range or nearby areas. It is not known whether the Hume Road

reserve is regularly visited by White-tailed Black-Cockatoos. Sites such as Hume Road Wildlife

Reserve may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for

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 Hume Road Wildlife Reserve are not

only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.

87

Site Name

Hyde Park

Site Location

Perth Local Government Authority


13.5ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Black Swan 2 7 54


Muscovy Duck* 3 2 15




Hoary-headed Grebe 1 8




Nankeen Night Heron 1 8 Category 4


Yellow-billed Spoonbill 1 8

Purple Swamphen 1 8







species level) 3 23

Rainbow Lorikeet* 60 13 100




Red Wattlebird 6 46



Magpie-lark 5 38




Richard's Pipit 1 8



Observers: Max Bailey, Jodi Mansell-Fletcher.

88




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. During the survey period, 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.

89

Site Name

Jarrah Creek Reserve

Site Location

Sawyers Valley Local Government Authority

Shire of Mundaring Area (ha)

2.5ha

Vegetation Complex

Yarragil 1 Complex

Natural Area ID no:

10891; 10899 Bush Forever Site no:

N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Galah 9 64
















Magpie-lark 6 43

Grey Fantail 3 21




Silvereye 4 29


Observers: David Garlick, Sylvia Garlick, Pauline Gill, Robin Gill.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

This small Darling Range site is situated within the townsite of Sawyers Valley, close to a major

arterial highway. Bisected by a winter-wet creek and some associated dampland, it is dominated by an

90

overstorey of Jarrah Eucalyptus marginatum and Marri Corymbia calophylla. There are considerable

weed incursions into the Reserve: in some areas the understorey is dominated by the environmental

weed Watsonia. The reserve also has considerable traffic by pedestrians and children from the adjacent

school.

Despite these disturbances, 25 species of birds were recorded during the survey period, nine of them

significant under Bush Forever. There is evidence from chewed Marri nuts on the ground that the

White-tailed Black-Cockatoos recorded at the Reserve may be Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo, a threatened

species now nominated for a higher degree of endangerment under threatened species legislation (J.

Blyth, pers. comm.). White-naped Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin and Grey Currawong were also recorded

within the reserve. These records suggest that Jarrah Creek Reserve provides valuable habitat,

particularly corridor habitat, and that it is worthy of management to eradicate some of the weed

problems that greatly diminish the habitat value of the understorey, particularly for small birds.

91

Site Name

Jerrat Drive Foreshore

Site Location

East Fremantle Local Government Authority

Town of East Fremantle Area (ha)

2.8ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Nov 2002-Oct 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Black Swan 4 36


Darter 1 3 27




Great Cormorant 1 9






Caspian Tern 1 9




Galah 1 9

Corella species* (not recorded to

species level) 6 55












Magpie-lark 6 55

Willie Wagtail 9 82






92

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Tree Martin 1 9

Silvereye 1 9


Observers: Audrey Bolger.


Ecoscape (1993): 16 species.


Nil

GENERAL COMMENTS

Of the 37 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.

93

Site Name

Jess Road Bushland

Site Location

Bullsbrook Local Government Authority

Shire of Swan Area (ha)

3.2ha

Vegetation Complex

Yalanbee 6 Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Oct 2003-Oct 2--4



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Short-billed Black-Cockatoo 2 1 8 Category 1,4

Galah 1 8










Red Wattlebird 4 31











Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 1 8



Wynne.


Nil known.


N/A

94

GENERAL COMMENTS

This small (3.2ha) reserve is comprised of Jarrah Eucalyptus marginatum and Marri Corymbia calophylla overstorey over heath on sandy soils. The vegetation is in good condition. The site is

managed for conservation and is fully fenced from peri-urban housing.

More than one third (36%) of the bird species recorded here are significant. They include mobile

species such as the endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo and more sedentary species such as Scarlet

Robin. There are low numbers of records for some of these species, suggesting that Jess Road Bushland

is used by birds in conjunction with other bushland nearby. This reserve is too small to provide

adequate habitat for a range of bird species over a long period of time. A critical part of long-term

conservation measures for Jess Road Bushland includes maintaining vegetation links with nearby

bushland.

95

Site Name

Karnup Nature Reserve and Tramway Reserve

Site Location

Karnup


City of Rockingham

Area (ha)

11.5ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


376 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Shelduck Possible 1 6


Pacific Black Duck Possible 1 1 6



Nankeen Kestrel 1 6



Brush Bronzewing 1 6 Category 3




Galah 6 38

Little Corella* 15 1 6

Regent Parrot 7 44





















Western Yellow Robin Possible 2 7 44 Category 3


96

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Willie Wagtail 1 6








Tree Martin 4 25

Silvereye 11 69

Total = 49 species Total =4 Total = 17

Observers: Kath Peggs, Mary Vaughan; members of the Kwinana-Rockingham-Mandurah branch of

the WA Naturalists’ Club: John Alexander, Ingrid Boeck, Libby Burgess, Ann Goodale, Bob Goodale,

Giles Hartford, Diana Hitchen, Andrew Motherwell, Ken Stevens, Larraine Stevens, Gordon Tozer &

Joan Willson.




Nil.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Karnup Nature Reserve and Tramway Reserve is situated in a semi-rural area that retains good

vegetation links and a relatively high degree of vegetation cover. Most of the vegetation in the reserve

is Banksia woodland and open Jarrah forest in good condition. Karnup Nature Reserve is actively

managed for conservation by the local community and features signed access paths to limit

inappropriate access.

Although the reserve is not large (11.5ha) a relatively large number of bird species has been recorded

there during the survey period. Some species recorded are particularly significant. One of the few

populations of Western Yellow Robin on the Swan Coastal Plain survives in this district and the

species has been recorded at Karnup Nature Reserves 7 times during the survey period. Adults feeding

a dependent young were recorded in the reserve, suggesting that the species may breed in or near this

site.

Brush Bronzewing was also recorded in this reserve. This confirmed record is unusual on the Swan

Coastal Plain, as the species is now regarded as extinct in this area. It is not known if the individual

recorded here was a wild bird or an aviary escapee. Other significant species recorded include a number

of small insectivores such as thornbills and Splendid Fairy-wren and Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo.

The maintenance of direct links with large nearby remnants is an important consideration in managing

this reserve for the survival of Western Yellow Robin. In addition, appropriate fire regimes are

necessary to maintain the vegetation structure, including litter, that is necessary.

97

Site Name

Ken Hurst Park

Site Location

LeemingLocal Government Authority


52.4ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

7645 & 7591 Bush Forever Site no:

245


Survey period reported: Dec 2002-Oct 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Osprey 1 7




Rock Dove* 5 36



Common Bronzewing 11 79



Galah Possible 7 50






















Magpie-lark 9 64

Grey Fantail 4 29





98

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Tree Martin 2 14

Silvereye 12 86


Observers: George Agar, Pam Agar, Wes Bancroft, Stuart Ford, Bob Gilham, Sue Keogh.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 3 surveys, 16 species

Dell & Cooper (1992): 36 species

ATA Environmental (2003): 61 species


Whistling Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Painted Button-quail, Australian

Owlet-nightjar, Weebill, Western Thornbill, 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 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 Western Thornbill may be due to local

extinction or local movements through contiguous bushland (Jandakot Airport and John Carroll Park).

In some cases, other published survey data may refer to historical data or to data for a larger

geographical area.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Ken Hurst Park is one of the largest of the reserves surveyed for birds for the Perth Biodiversity

Project. Ten of the 41 species recorded in the reserve in this period 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.. Significant birds also include more

mobile species such as Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, and some of the honeyeaters such as Little

Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked 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 Fairy-

wrens will able to traverse the highway and easement (Brooker, Brooker & Cale, 1999).

99

Site Name

Kinsale Park

Site Location

Mindarie Local Government Authority


6 ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Nankeen Kestrel 1 8

Rock Dove* 1 8


Galah 1 8










Magpie-lark 2 17

Willie Wagtail 1 8





Silvereye 7 58


Observers: Max Bailey, Kate Creed, Cora Keil.


Nil known.


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 in Kinsale Parkand 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

100

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.

101

Site Name

Korella Park

Site Location

Mullaloo Local Government Authority


2.5ha

Vegetation Complex

Quindalup Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Straw-necked Ibis 1 8


Rock Dove* 1 8





Galah 2 17









Magpie-lark 6 50

Willie Wagtail 9 75





Tree Martin 4 33

Silvereye 8 67


Observers: Tom Delaney, Cora Keil, John Lauri.


Nil known


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Korella Park is a small reserve consisting largely of shrubland. It 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

102

Black-Cockatoo using the Park, although the birds' use of the reserve 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.

103

Site Name

Ledger Road Reserve

Site Location

Gooseberry Hill Local Government Authority

Shire of Kalamunda Area (ha)

40.9ha

Vegetation Complex

Dwellingup 2 Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Nov 2002-Jan 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Rock Dove* 1 8




Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 7 2 15 Category 1,4

Galah 6 46


Cockatoo Incidental


Baudin’s (Long-billed) Black-

Cockatoo Incidental

record N/A Category 1.4








Red-winged Fairy-wren 1 8 Category 3





Western Gerygone Confirmed 11 85













104

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Grey Fantail 12 92







Mistletoebird 8 62


Tree Martin 5 38

Silvereye 11 85

Total =51 species Total = 1 Total =22

Observers: Cheryl Gole, Martin Gole.




Painted Button-quail.

GENERAL COMMENTS

This Darling Range reserve is adjacent to the Kalamunda National Park and is thus part of a large

expanse of native vegetation. Much of the site is modified, some of it highly so, by a range of historical

landuse practices. These include legal rubbish dumping, scalping topsoil for gravel removal and clay

soil mining. Despite this, the vegetation cover within the Reserve is almost complete and the Shire of

Kalamunda, together with the Friends of Ledger Road Reserve, have undertaken a variety of

rehabilitation measures, including the total removal of rubbish, and revegetation of the former rubbish

dump. Continued management issues at the Reserve include ongoing weed control, infection with

Jarrah Dieback Phytophthora cinnamomi and illegal track access by off-road vehicles. The Reserve is

also a designated off-leash dog exercise area. The vegetation consists largely of dryland forest

dominated by a Jarrah Eucalyptus marginatum and Marri Corymbia calophylla overstorey. Some small

areas have been revegetated in the past with non-local native plants. The old clay mining pit retains

permanent water and is vegetated with some riparian plants, however its use by waterbirds is sporadic

and the number of individuals is low.

Despite its landuse history, this Reserve provides habitat for a relatively large number of significant

species. Of the 51 bird species recorded within the survey period, 22 (43%) are significant using Bush

Forever’s criteria. Significant bird species recorded within the Reserve include four parrots (including

three species of cockatoos listed under threatened species legislation), and a high number of small,

insectivorous birds such as Scrubwrens, robins, Fairy-wrens and thornbills, that are declining or extinct

on the Swan Coastal Plain. A number of larger insectivores, including Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-

thrush and Grey Currawong, are also significant under Bush Forever’s criteria.

The relatively high diversity of birds utilising this site suggests that the restoration work being

undertaken by the Shire of Kalamunda is justified. The conservation status of the Reserve might be

enhanced by shifting the off-leash dog exercise area to parkland, or a local reserve less important for

the conservation of birds.

105

Site Name

Lightning Swamp Bushland

Site Location

Noranda Local Government Authority


70ha

Vegetation Complex

Bassendean Complex – Central and South; Southern

River Complex

Natural Area ID no:


307


Survey period reported: Jan 2003-Jan 2004

Survey frequency: bimonthly


Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Grey Teal 1 2 22


Australasian Grebe Possible 5 2 22

Little Pied Cormorant Confirmed 3 2 22

Little Black Cormorant Confirmed 1 11


Great Egret 2 2 22



Swamp Harrier 1 11





Eurasian Coot Possible 1 1 11






Galah 4 44


species level) 1 11




Elegant Parrot 1 11

Pallid Cuckoo 1 11

Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo 1 11



Rainbow Bee-eater Confirmed 2 22





106

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Red Wattlebird 6 67









Magpie-lark 6 67

Grey Fantail 4 44

Willie Wagtail 8 89







Tree Martin 7 78

Silvereye 7 78

Total = 58 species Total = 8 Total =12

Observers: Julia Gross, Eunice Pyper, Jeff Richardson, John Stewart.



Grace et al., 2002: 86 species


Bird Atlas database:

Collared Sparrowhawk, Little Eagle, Varied Sittella. These are mobile species 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 with these surveys.

GENERAL COMMENTS

During the period covered by this survey, 25 water-dependent species utilised the reserve. Two species

(Little Pied Cormorant and Little Black Cormorant) were confirmed as breeding at Lightning Swamp

Bushland reserve and a further two water dependent species possibly bred there during the survey

period. It is likely that the use of the Reserve by water-dependent species is more extensive than these

limited surveys were able to show. Of the bush birds recorded at Lightning Swamp, 11 species are

regarded as significant under Bush Forever. These include sedentary species such as Splendid Fairy-

wren and Inland, Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, together with mobile species such as Brown

Goshawk, Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, 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. This relatively large (70 ha) remnant has significant conservation values for bush

birds on the Swan Coastal Plain. The endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has been recorded at this

107

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.

108

Site Name

Locke Crescent Nature Reserve

Site Location

East Fremantle Local Government Authority

Town of East Fremantle Area (ha)

0.86ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Galah 3 27


species level)










Magpie-lark 2 18

Willie Wagtail 1 9





Welcome Swallow 1 9


Observers: Audrey Bolger.


Hoj-Hansen (2000): 25 species


Nil

GENERAL COMMENTS

Twenty one species of bush bird species have been recorded at this small, isolated reserve. Three

species, all mobile honeyeaters, are significant under Bush Forever, and may rely on ephemeral

resources provided by small reserves such as Locke Crescent Nature Reserve. Maintenance and

improvement of vegetation quality and structure through weed control and limiting access are

important to reserves of this size.

109

Site Name

Long Swamp

Site Location

Hope Valley Local Government Authority

City of Kwinana Area (ha)

12ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Black Swan 2 2 2




Grey Teal 3 3 2




Whistling Kite 1 Category 4



Laughing Turtle-Dove* Possible 4

Common Bronzewing 2 Category 3

Crested Pigeon 3

Galah 3

Rainbow Lorikeet* 1


Red-capped Parrot 6

Elegant Parrot 1

Laughing Kookaburra* 3

Rainbow Bee-eater 2

Splendid Fairy-wren 10 Category 3

Striated Pardalote 3

White-browed Scrubwren 4 Category 3

Weebill 1 Category 3

Western Gerygone 9

Inland Thornbill 4 Category 3

Red Wattlebird 6


Brown Honeyeater 5

Rufous Whistler 5

Grey Shrike-thrush 2 Category 3

Magpie-lark 1

Grey Fantail 8

Willie Wagtail 5

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 7

Grey Butcherbird 8

Australian Magpie 3

110

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Raven 6

Welcome Swallow 3

Tree Martin 2

Silvereye 6


Observers: Max Bailey, Kate Creed, Robert Davis, Jennifer Wilcox.




Little Eagle, Scarlet Robin. Little Eagle is a mobile raptor that may periodically utilise sites such as

Long Swamp. The absence of Scarlet Robin from Long Swamp may mean that the bird was dispersing

from elsewhere and was recorded while passing through the southern part of the remnant. However, its

disappearance may also be the result of local extinction.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Only the Long Swamp wetland and the southern part of the bushland remnant vested in the City of

Kwinana was surveyed for birds in this project. This southern section of the Long Swamp wetland and

associated dryland vegetation is a partly degraded site threatened by weed incursions, rubbish dumping

and vehicle access problems, particularly those related to trail bikes, and appears to have a landuse

history that includes grazing and partial clearing. Nonetheless, 43 species of birds have been recorded

here, 11 of them water dependent. One water dependent species, Musk Duck, is significant under Bush

Forever. Seven bushbirds are significant: these include five insectivorous species that are in decline on

the Swan Coastal Plain and rely on remnant vegetation for regional survival. These are Splendid Fairy-

wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Weebill, Inland Thornbill and Grey Shrike-thrush. Common

Bronzewing and Whistling Kite have also been recorded in the reserve.

The wetland was dry during part of the survey period and supported relatively small numbers of

waterbirds. As ephemeral wetlands vary greatly in their year to year use by waterbirds, at other periods,

Long Swamp may support larger numbers and a greater diversity of these species. .

Despite its landuse history, Long Swamp appears to support a diversity of significant bushbirds and a

diversity of water-dependent bird species. The site is worthy of conservation and rehabilitation work

that focus on weed control, revegetation, rubbish removal and increased value within the local

community. It is important for the survival of small, resident insectivorous birds that weed removal

activities do not remove all weedy understorey at once, and that these are replaced by local native

vegetation with a similar understorey structure.

111

Site Name

Manjedal Brook

Site Location

Whitby Local Government Authority


12.7ha

Vegetation Complex

Forrestfield Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: July 2002-June 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




White-necked Heron 1 8



Rock Dove* 1 8





White -tailed Black-Cockatoo (not


Galah 8 67


species level) 1 8

Regent Parrot 1 8




















Yellow-plumed Honeyeater 1 8 Category 3

White-naped Honeyeater 8 67

112

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)









Magpie-lark 2 17

Grey Fantail 12 100








Mistletoebird 2 17


Tree Martin 4 33

Silvereye 11 92


Observers: George Agar, Pam Agar, Barbara Henderson, David Henderson.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: nil surveys

Database of WA Birds: nil surveys


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Of the 57 bird species recorded at Manjedal Brook, only four (7%) are water-dependent species.

Despite its size, only 12.5 ha, the reserve has recorded a very high number of species significant under

Bush Forever. More than one third (>33%) of the bush birds recorded at this site are significant. These

include Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, species extinct or only present on

the southern part of the Swan Coastal Plain. Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo is currently being

nominated for a higher level of threat under threatened species legislation (J. Blyth, pers. comm.).

Sedentary species of significance include Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed 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. 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

113

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. White-tailed Black-Cockatoo records for the reserve

have not been identified to species level. Given the proximity of this site to the Darling Range, it is

possible that Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo also utilises this reserve. Like Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo,

Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo is also being nominated for a higher category of threat under threatened

species legislation.

Despite the weedy understorey, this significant 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.

114

Site Name

Maylands Peninsula

Site Location



7.4ha

Vegetation Complex

Swan Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Feb 23003-Dec 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Black Swan 7 3 30






Darter 4 8 80



Great Cormorant 1 10



Great Egret 2 3 30





Buff-banded Rail Confirmed 5 5 50





Black-fronted Dotterel Confirmed 2 3 30

Silver Gull 20 7 70

Caspian Tern 1 1 10

Crested Tern 1 1 10



Galah 3 30



Pallid Cuckoo 2 20



Red Wattlebird 7 70




115

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Magpie-lark 7 70

Grey Fantail 1 10





Mistletoebird 2 20


Tree Martin 5 50

Little Grassbird 4 6 60

Silvereye 1 10


Observers: Tom Delaney, John Stewart.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

The area surveyed for birds includes the Swan River foreshore and the areas of rushes, samphire flats

and lagoons nearby. During the survey period, excavation work to enlarge and clear water channels

was carried out in the reserve area. The effect on birds of this work is unknown.

Of the 50 species recorded for the Maylands Peninsula site, over half (25) are water-dependent. The

most abundant waterbird species are Grey Teal and Pacific Black Duck. Buff-banded Rail have been

recorded breeding 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, and three species of bushbirds considered to be

significant under Bush Forever. It is likely that the reserve constitutes important corridor habitat for

birds moving along the Swan River and its foreshore. 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 long-term protection against clearing for urban development.

116

Site Name

McDowell Street Bushlands

Site Location

Welshpool Local Government Authority

City of Canning Area (ha)

10.0ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


424


Survey period reported: Oct 2003-Setp 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Rock Dove* 2 17



Galah 2 17




Pallid Cuckoo 2 17













Grey Fantail 4 33






Mistletoebird 1 8


Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 7 58


Observers: Sian Mawson, Marcus Singor.


Nil known


N/A

117

GENERAL COMMENTS

This Bush Forever site is comprised of four separate bushland remnants fragmented by Welshpool and

Orrong Roads and McDowell Street. Most of the vegetation is Banksia woodland, however one very

small remnant is comprised of wetland/dampland vegetation with a Flooded Gum Eucalyptus rudis and

Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca rhaphiophylla overstorey. The four remnants were surveyed for birds as

one unit.

A total of 30 species of birds was recorded in the McDowell Street Bushlands. Of these, none was

water-dependent and only one (Yellow-rumped Thornbill) is considered significant under Bush

Forever. Yellow-rumped Thornbill is a small insectivore requiring remnant vegetation and open habitat

to survive on the Swan Coastal Plain. During the survey period, this species was also recorded just

outside the survey area, suggesting that it was also utilising adjacent bushland. A number of remnant

dependent birds such as Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail were also recorded. The

records suggest that the bushland remnants may have importance for birds as a corridor.

A number of threats pose management challenges for these bushland remnants. Apart from the

fragmentation by arterial roads, the bushland is further fragmented by proliferating tracks, some of

which appear to be used by four wheel drive vehicles and trail bikes. All remnants are littered with

rubbish, both from illegal dumping and from wind-blown rubbish from passing vehicles. The taking of

logs, presumably for firewood, was noted during the survey period. Lastly, appropriate fire regimes and

weed control are management issues for the reserve. The bollarding of vulnerable areas to prevent

illegal vehicle access and clearing of rubbish are important management strategies for the long-term

survival and habitat value of these remnants. Signage to encourage the community to view the

remnants as bushland worthy of conservation, rather than as public dumping space, might also have

some value.

118

Site Name

Mount Lawley Foreshore

Site Location

Mount Lawley Local Government Authority


1.8ha

Vegetation Complex

Vasse Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Feb 2003-Sept 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Silver Gull 2 5 29

Caspian Tern 1 6






Red Wattlebird 5 29




Magpie-lark 1 6

Willie Wagtail 8 47





Tree Martin 3 18

Silvereye 4 24


Observers: Lorraine Chyne, Richard Chyne, Sally Lake, Dudley Maier.


Nil known


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. Twelve of the 29 bird species recorded in the area are

water-dependent. A Water Rat Hydromys chrysogaster was observed in reeds during a survey of this

site.

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 highly significant for bush

119

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 has the potential to act as a corridor for mobile

bird 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 and weed control to increase the diversity of

plant species and structure may increase the value of this site for bush birds.

120

Site Name

Mudurup Rocks &

South Cottesloe Foreshore

Site Location

Cottesloe


Town of Cottesloe

Area (ha)

10.95

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Great Cormorant 1 10


Eastern Reef Egret 1 10

Osprey 1 10


Pacific Gull Incidental

record N/A

Not listed Bush

Forever, known

decliner

Silver Gull 10 100

Caspian Tern 4 40

Crested Tern 4 40

Rock Dove* 3 30


Long-billed Corella* 1 10



Red Wattlebird 3 30



New Holland Honeyeater Possible 2 20 Category 4


Magpie-lark 2 20

Willie Wagtail 8 80




Tree Martin 1 10


Observers: Stuart Houghton, Myles Menz.


Nil known.

121


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

The Mudurup Rocks and South Cottesloe Foreshore survey site includes the area between the Cottesloe

groin near the surf club, and the groin opposite Beach St in Cottesloe. The survey area included both

groins, the foreshore to the low tide line, the natural vegetation near the surf club, and the dunal area

along the foreshore between Marine Parade and the sea. It included Mudurup Rocks. Most of the dunal

areas and Mudurup Rocks are fenced to protect the vegetation, as the area is being actively managed

for conservation. The surf club and the main part of Cottesloe Beach were excluded from the survey

area.

Of the 28 bird species recorded within this reserve, 11 are water-dependent. These include an incidental

record for Pacific Gull, a species not listed by Bush Forever, but known to be in decline in the Swan

coastal region and thus regarded by this project as significant. Seventeen bushbirds were recorded

within the survey area, four of these known to be introduced. Two mobile species of honeyeater, listed

as significant under Bush Forever criteria, were recorded: these were New Holland and White-cheeked

Honeyeater.

These results may not reflect the diversity of birds that may utilise this site periodically throughout the

day. Surveys were relatively short, many undertaken during the late afternoon when human

interference levels might have been high. Longer surveys, or a longer survey period might increase the

species list of water-dependent birds for this reserve. It is not yet known whether the active vegetation

restoration work being undertaken in this reserve will result in increased usage of the remnant

vegetation by birds. The over-riding management challenge for coastal sites of this kind remains the

management of access by people at a popular outdoor recreation site.

122

Site Name

Naturaliste Park

Site Location

Illuka Local Government Authority


3.3ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Silver Gull 1 8


Galah 2 17






Yellow-throated Miner 7 58 Category 4





Magpie-lark 2 17

Willie Wagtail 2 17





Welcome Swallow 1 8

Silvereye 10 83




Nil known


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: Yellow-

throated Miner, Little Wattlebird 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 and Naturaliste Park 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.

123

Site Name

Noble Falls/Reserve 2146

Site Location

Gidgegannup Local Government Authority

City of Swan Area (ha)

50.5ha

Vegetation Complex

Murray 2 Complex; Dwellingup 4 Complex

Natural Area ID no:

13790; 13935; 13943;

14080


N/A

Bird Survey Information+




Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Wood Duck Possible 1 6 50


Grey Teal 2 17






White-tailed Black-Cockatoo 3 25 Category 1,4

Galah 4 33



Pallid Cuckoo 2 17












Red Wattlebird 6 50



Yellow-plumed Honeyeater 2 17 Category 3











124

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Magpie-lark 2 17

Grey Fantail 7 58

Willie Wagtail 4 33



Black-faced Woodswallow Possible 1 8 Category 4





Mistletoebird 1 8

Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin 2 17

Silvereye 5 42


Observers: Mary Bremner, Rob Mather, Sue Mather.




Nil

GENERAL COMMENTS

These two reserves, surveyed as one site for this project, are situated in the Darling Range, beyond the

limit of the Perth Metropolitan Region. The Noble Falls reserve is bisected by Wooroloo Brook and

part of the area not surveyed for birds is a popular picnic site. The upland portion of the two reserves is

dominated by a Jarrah Eucalyptus marginatum, Marri Corymbia calophylla and Wandoo E. wandoo overstorey.

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 48 bush birds recorded at Noble Falls/Reserve 2146, >40% 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 Yellow-plumed 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). White-tailed Black-Cockatoo records for the site may refer to either Carnaby's or Baudin's

Black-Cockatoo. The former is listed as Endangered under the Environmental Protection Biodiversity

Conservation 1999 act; Baudin’s Cockatoo has been nominated for similar listing (J. Blyth, P.

Mawson, pers. Comm.).

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.

125

Site Name

Paloma Park

Site Location

Marangaroo Local Government Authority


5.8ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)








Magpie-lark 3 25






Observers: Max Bailey; Kate Creed; Cora Keil.


Nil known.


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 is probably not

appropriate for this remnant.

Management issues at the reserve include weed control, track access and rubbish removal.

126

Site Name

Piney Lakes Reserve

Site Location

Winthrop Local Government Authority


Bushland 31.9ha

Parkland 30ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


339





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Bushland

Black Swan 1 8


Australasian Shoveler 1 8 Category 3

Grey Teal 3 25

Hardhead 2 17 Category 3


Little Pied Cormorant 2 17

Pied Cormorant 1 8


Australian Pelican 1 8


Great Egret 2 17






Common Greenshank 1 8 Category 2






Galah 6 50














127

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Brown Honeyeater Confirmed 9 75






Grey Fantail 1 8

Willie Wagtail 7 58







Tree Martin 3 25


Silvereye 10 83

Total = 55 Total =3 Total =13

Parkland

Black Swan 2 2 17




Australasian Grebe 7 58



Pied Cormorant 1 8


Eurasian Coot 7 58

Black-fronted Dotterel 3 25

Silver Gull 1 8







Red Wattlebird 8 67




Magpie-lark 11 92

Willie Wagtail 9 75





Tree Martin 2 17

128

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Silvereye 3 25

Total = 31 Total = 3


Total,

complete

site =

Total

species,

complete

site = 13

Observers: Gary Brophy, Clive Napier, Wendy Napier, Kellie Plant.



Database of WA Birds: 25 surveys, 77 species

Ecoscape (1992): 61 species


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 (landscaped) 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 Fairy-wren, 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 utilising both bushland and open habitats such as parkland, and 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.

Records for White-tailed Black-Cockatoo for this reserve were assumed to be Carnaby’s Black-

Cockatoo because of the range of this cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Sites such as Piney Lakes

may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for this mobile

species. 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 Piney Lakes are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good

condition. Piney Lakes Reserve represents important habitat for some bird species now declining on the

Swan Coastal Plain. As remnant 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 species of bushbirds.

129

Site Name

Pioneer Park Riparian Reserve

Site Location

Gosnells Local Government Authority


10ha

Vegetation Complex

Swan Complex

Natural Area ID no:


246 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Muscovy Duck* 2 17







Eurasian Coot 1 1 8

Rock Dove* 1 8





Galah Confirmed 3 25

Rainbow Lorikeet* Possible 6 50


Australian Ringneck Confirmed 10 83





Sacred Kingfisher Confirmed 3 25















Grey Fantail 10 83

Willie Wagtail 9 75

130

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)







Total = 43species Total = 12 Total = 9

Observers: Dan Dowsett, Suzanne Dowsett, Beryl Walker, Debbie Walker.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Pioneer Park Riparian Reserve comprises remnant vegetation along both sides of a one kilometre

stretch of the Canning River. The vegetation is dominated by a Flooded Gum Eucalyptus rudis and

Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca rhaphiophylla overstorey. The Park is the target of active conservation

and rehabilitation measures by the City of Gosnells, with considerable work already undertaken in

weed control and revegetation. The aim is to improve the habitat value of both the bushland and

waterway for a variety of taxa, including birds. The adjacent parkland and ornamental ponds in the City

of Gosnells gardens were not surveyed for birds.

A total of 43 species, 8 (>18%) of them water-dependent, were recorded utilising the Riparian Park

Reserve during the survey period. One water-dependent species, Dusky Moorhen, is significant under

Bush Forever’s criteria. The seven species of significant bushbirds include two thornbills, two mobile

honeyeaters, and Weebill, a small canopy-feeding insectivore now limited by clearing for urban

development. Western Rosella, a species now largely confined in the Perth Metropolitan Region to the

Darling Range, was also recorded in the Reserve. Remnant dependent species such as Spotted

Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail were also recorded. In addition, a

relatively high number of species was recorded as breeding, or possibly breeding, within the reserve.

This included a high proportion (7 of 12) of obligate hollow nesters, suggesting that the Flooded Gum

overstorey provides important nesting habitat for a number of species. White-tailed Black-Cockatoos,

recorded in the reserve on two occasions, were not identified to species level. Given the location of

Pioneer Park, these may be Carnaby’s or Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo or both. Both species are listed

under threatened species legislation. Carnaby’s Cockatoo is the more mobile species of the two,

requiring networks of habitat on the Swan Coastal Plain in order to persist in this region in the non-

breeding season. Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo is being nominated for a higher category of threat, due to

probable declines in population (J. Blyth, pers. comm.).

The number of bird species recorded at the Pioneer Park Riparian Reserve suggests that this Reserve

provides important habitat for birds along this stretch of the Canning River. Once new and existing

revegetated areas have matured, the understorey may provide habitat for a growing number of small,

insectivorous birds that could colonise the area using riparian vegetation as a corridor.

131

Site Name

Richard Lewis Park

Site Location

LeemingLocal Government Authority


5.1ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


338 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Nankeen Kestrel 1 8



Galah 1 8










Red Wattlebird 9 75




New Holland Honeyeater Possible 10 83 Category 4



Magpie-lark 4 33

Grey Fantail 3 25

Willie Wagtail 7 58





Tree Martin 1 8



Observers: Eleanor Adams, Niel Adams, Bob Gilham, Sue Keogh, Jan Rogers.


Street (1995).

132


Records in Street (1995) for the Bull Creek Wetlands refer to a wider geographical area and thus are

not considered here.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Thirty one species of birds have been recorded at Richard Lewis Park during the survey period. 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 Yellow-rumped

Thornbill. Weebill has also been recorded in the reserve. This small, canopy feeder is relatively

uncommon in Swan Coastal Plain reserves in this project. 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 long-term 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 for the Park and additional

habitat for some of the small bushbird species inhabiting this reserve.

133

Site Name

Rubbish Tip Bushland

Site Location

Canning Vale Local Government Authority


12.09ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


388 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Black-shouldered Kite Possible 3 25


Nankeen Kestrel 1 8

Rock Dove* 1 8









Elegant Parrot 1 8

















Magpie-lark 8 67

Grey Fantail 3 25

Willie Wagtail 6 50

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Possible 8 67




Mistletoebird 1 8

134

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Silvereye 10 83


Observers: George Agar, Pam Agar, Jay Barnett.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Rubbish Tip Bushland is a Bush Forever site with high conservation value for the City of Canning.

Bird surveys for the reserve will be used for a future management plan. The site comprises remnant

vegetation (12.09ha), an old rubbish tip which has now closed, and a waste transfer and mulching

facility. The site is fenced and there is no public access. Only the bushland remnant was surveyed for

birds.

Remnant vegetation consists of Banksia woodland and a heathland/dampland vegetation community. A

total of 38 species was recorded, of which 10 (>26%) is considered significant under Bush Forever.

Significant species include Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo: a flock of approximately 200 birds was

recorded feeding in Banksia woodland during one of the surveys. The combined Banksia woodlands in

this area (including Ken Hurst Park and Jandakot Airport bushland) are likely to be important for the

long-term survival of the cockatoo in this part of its non-breeding range (Cale 2003).

Other significant bird species recorded in Rubbish Tip Bushland include several small insectivores:

Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren and Western Thornbill. Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, a

mobile species that appears to be largely dependent on larger remnants on the Swan Coastal Plain, was

also recorded.

This bushland remnant is in good condition and appears to be significant for birds. It is worthy of

considerable conservation efforts, but a number of threats pose management issues for the reserve.

These include partial clearing through incursions into bushland edges by machinery and large

quantities of rubbish. Appropriate fire regimes are also a management issue. Although general access

by the public is denied, this reserve might benefit from community interest, and the profile of the

reserve might increase if it were appropriately named as a reserve.

135

Site Name

Rushton Road, Lots 1 & 2

Site Location

Martin Local Government Authority


4.9ha

Vegetation Complex

Forrestfield Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Feb 2003-Dec 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Nankeen Kestrel 1 8






Galah 6 50



Pallid Cuckoo 1 8










Weebill Confirmed 7 58 Category 3



Western Thornbill Possible 7 58 Category 3


Red Wattlebird 6 50







Scarlet Robin Confirmed 1 8 Category 3





136

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Magpie-lark 2 17

Grey Fantail 12 100

Willie Wagtail 2 17







Red-eared Firetail 2 17 Category 3

Mistletoebird 3 25

Tree Martin 7 58

Silvereye 12 100


Observers: Brendan Metcalf, Sean Van Alphen.


Harvey et al. (1997)


Records in Harvey et al., (1997) for the Ridge Hill Shelf refer to a wider geographical area and thus are

not considered in direct comparison here.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Although the site is officially small, this Darling Range foothills site is contiguous with large tracts of

bushland, including the adjacent Ellis Brook Reserve.

Of a total of 50 bush bird species recorded at Rushton Road during the current surveys, 20 (38%) 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 the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. Varied Sittella has a large home

range and would utilise adjacent bushland as well as this site. A number of remnant dependent mobile

species such as cuckoos and White-winged Triller also utilise 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 and high numbers of significant species.

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 long term conservation value of this site.

137

Site Name

Serpentine Sports Reserve

Site Location

Serpentine Local Government Authority


12ha

Vegetation Complex

Guildford Complex

Natural Area ID no:


375 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)






Black-fronted Dotterel 1 8


Common Bronzewing Confirmed 8 67 Category 3

Crested Pigeon 2 17




Baudin's (Long-billed) Black-




Galah 6 50

Regent Parrot 2 17



Pallid Cuckoo 4 33













Little Wattlebird 7 58





138

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Magpie-lark 3 25


Willie Wagtail 2 17





Tree Martin 5 42

Silvereye 10 83

Total =46 species Total = 8 Total = 12

Observers: Wynton Maddeford, Judith MacKinnon, Irene Morcombe, Michael Morcombe.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

This reserve is also known as the Paul Robinson Reserve. The bushland remnant is patchy and

irregularly shaped but in good condition in some areas. The site includes a dam. Vegetation includes

Jarrah-Marri forest with some sandplain heath. Only the bushland areas, not the adjacent sports oval,

were surveyed for birds.

A total of 46 bird species were recorded in the Reserve, including five water-dependent species. None

of the water-dependent species is significant in conservation terms. Red-tailed Black-Cockatoos, a

species now nominated for a higher threatened species listing was recorded 8 times. White-tailed Black

Cockatoos (Carnaby’s and Baudin’s) also utilise the reserve. A number of mobile honeyeaters such as

Little Wattlebird and New Holland and White-cheeked Honeyeaters and small sedentary insectivores

such as Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren and Scarlet Robin were also recorded.

Small insectivores such as fairy-wrens and scrubwrens require areas of lower, relatively dense

vegetation for nesting habitat and cover. It is important for the long-term survival of these species that

sufficient cover of this structure survives. Management of the reserve could usefully be directed

towards this aim.

139

Site Name

Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve

Site Location

Canning Vale


City of Gosnells

Area (ha)

10ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Jan 2003-Dec 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Constructed Wetland




Grey Teal 3 5 42





Great Egret 1 8


Straw-necked Ibis 13 3 25




Dusky Moorhen 1 8 Category 3





Common Bronzewing Incidental

record N/A Category 3



Magpie-lark 1 8

Willie Wagtail 2 17


Tree Martin 1 8

Clamorous Reed-Warbler 2 4 33

Total species, constructed

wetland = 27 Total = 2

Total = 2

Bushland/dampland





140

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Galah 3 25



Pallid Cuckoo 2 17










Red Wattlebird 8 67






Magpie-lark 10 83

Grey Fantail 11 92

Willie Wagtail 9 75







Tree Martin 7 58


Silvereye 11 92

Total species

bushland/dampland = 40 Total = 2 Total =8


Total

species,

complete

site = 4

Total

species,

complete

site = 10

Observers: Brendan Metcalf, Sean Van Alphen.




Nankeen Night Heron. This largely crepuscular/nocturnal species is almost certainly under-recorded in

surveys. In addition, it is likely to move between wetlands as resources increase or diminish so it may

not have been present at the reserve during the survey period. It is not known if this species was

recorded within the landscaped wetland or bushland section of the Shreeve Road Reserve.

141

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 natural bushland/dampland area was variously dry or under

water, but few water dependent species were recorded. The constructed wetland area recorded the

highest species diversity for water dependent species. Overall, the bird species diversity at the Shreeve

Road Wetland Reserve is relatively high, although there is little overlap in species diversity between

the natural bushland/dampland and the constructed wetland. Eighteen of the 25 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 10 species at the Shreeve Road reserve is significant under Bush Forever. There was no

overlap in significant species recorded at the constructed wetland and the natural bushland/dampland.

Two significant species (Common Bronzewing and Dusky Moorhen) were recorded in the constructed

wetland/parkland area. A number of 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 were recorded in the natural bushland. Other significant species recorded in that area

include New Holland Honeyeater and Black-faced Woodswallow. Spotless Crake was recorded at one

of the constructed wetlands. A number of mobile remnant dependent species, including two species of

cuckoo, Western Gerygone, Grey Fantail and Rufous Whistler, were recorded in the bushland.

Generally, the site appears to offer important habitat for some bird species in this area.

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 very low (5 species), this number

might increase if more complex plantings of local native plants were undertaken at the margins of the

constructed wetland. Urban development and clearing in the proximity of the Reserve will further

isolate this relatively small bushland remnant, and may in the future cause the loss of some sedentary

bird species.

142

Site Name

Smiths Lake

Site Location

North Perth Local Government Authority


1ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: July 2002-July 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Black Swan 2 9 75



Grey Teal 1 8





















Magpie-lark 1 8




Tree Martin 3 25


Observers: Max Bailey.




Little Wattlebird. This is a mobile species which may use the site periodically.

143

GENERAL COMMENTS

This site consists of a reconstructed wetland with surrounding planted vegetation and adjacent

parkland. Smiths Lake is an old rubbish tip replanted over time with native, although not solely 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 recorded at Smiths Lake are 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.

144

Site Name

Success Hill Reserve

Site Location

BassendeanLocal Government Authority

Town of Bassendean Area (ha)

5.76

Vegetation Complex

Guildford Complex

Natural Area ID no:


305 (part)


Survey period reported: May 2003-May 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Conservation Zone


Galah 3 23


species level) 1 8












Red Wattlebird 8 62






Magpie-lark 4 31

Grey Fantail 5 38

Willie Wagtail 4 31





Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin 2 15

Silvereye 11 85

Total, conservation zone = 31

species

Total = 0

Total = 6

Management Zone



145

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Pacific Black Duck Possible 6 12 92

Grey Teal 2 2 15

Darter 1 7 54


Brown Goshawk 1 2 15 Category 4

Nankeen Kestrel 1 8





Cockatoo Incidental


Galah 3 23



Pallid Cuckoo 1 8


















Rufous Whistler 1 8

Magpie-lark 1 8

Grey Fantail 10 77

Willie Wagtail 2 15






Silvereye 12 92

Total, Management Zone = 43 Total = 2 Total = 8

Total, complete site = 74 species

Total,

complete

site = 2

species

Total,

complete

site = 11

species

Observers: Nancy Kennedy, Maurice O’Connor, Dorothy Van Wees, Hank Van Wees.

146


Van Delft (1999).

Cooper et. al. (1999).


Bird species records in Van Delft (1999) and Cooper et. al. (1999) refer to a greater geographic area

(the Bennett Brook area from the Swan River to Benara Road) and are thus not considered here.

GENERAL COMMENTS

This small (5.76ha) reserve is comprised of remnant banksia woodland and Swan River foreshore

vegetation dominated by an overstorey of Flooded Gum Eucalyptus rudis. At the request of the Town

of Bassendean, the survey area was divided into two zones, the Conservation Zone comprised largely

of Banksia woodland together with some dampland vegetation and the Management Zone, comprising

a foreshore escarpment/gully area being targeted by the council for weed removal. These management

zones were separated physically only by a path, however the intention for the Town of Bassendean was

to differentiate between bird species utilising each of these zones. The parkland in the Success Hill

Reserve was not surveyed for birds. During the survey period, a considerable amount of weedy

vegetation, mostly woody weeds, was removed from the Management Zone.

Overall, there are few differences in bird species survey data from the two management zones in

Success Hill Reserve and those that appear may relate more to habitat differences than to differences in

management. The Management Zone recorded 42 bird species, of which 8 (19%) are water dependent.

None of the water dependent species utilising this section of the Swan River foreshore is regarded as

significant under Bush Forever. Similar numbers of bush birds (31 species) were recorded in the

Conservation Zone.

Eleven species of birds recorded overall in Success Hill Reserve are considered significant. Of these,

three were common to both zones: these were Splendid Fairy-wren, Weebill and Yellow-rumped

Thornbill. Overall, a total of 74 bird species was recorded in the Reserve, one of the highest counts for

any reserve in the survey project. Of these, only 8 species (~10%) is water dependent, suggesting that

Success Hill Reserve has considerable habitat and corridor value for bush birds on the Swan River.

Management issues within this reserve include the necessity for clearing by stages of weedy plant

species so that sufficient thick, low vegetation remains for significant species such as Splendid Fairy-

wren and White-browed Scrubwren to survive. The possible development of the adjacent Pyrton site

may have implications for some of these insectivorous bird species currently utilising thick vegetation

in the Success Hill and Pyrton sites. Appropriate fire regimes and conservation-sensitive public access

are also management issues of note.

147

Site Name

Tamworth Hill Swamp

Site Location

Baldivis Local Government Authority

City of Rockingham Area (ha)

40ha

Vegetation Complex

Cottesloe Complex – Central and South; Karrakatta

Complex – Central and South

Natural Area ID no:


356 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Swamp Harrier 1 9





Rock Dove* 4 36


Crested Pigeon 3 27


Galah 8 73


species level) 3 27

Regent Parrot 6 55



Elegant Parrot 1 9

Fan-tailed Cuckoo Confirmed 1 9


Laughing Kookaburra* Possible 8 73
















Magpie-lark 8 73

148

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Grey Fantail 10 91

Willie Wagtail 6 55






Welcome Swallow 1 9

Tree Martin Confirmed 3 27

Silvereye 10 91


Observers: Barbara Henderson, David Henderson, Myles Menz, Sean Tomlinson.


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Tamworth Hill Swamp is a wetland reserve consisting of dense wetland vegetation and areas of open

dry upland forest. The perimeter of much of the reserve is extremely weedy and weed control and

revegetation measures are planned by the City of Rockingham. Although the wetland can carry open

water, it was below capacity during the survey period and only one water-dependent species was

recorded. In wetter periods, the bird species list for this reserve is likely to increase .

Access to all parts of the site for accurate observations is extremely difficult and it is possible that some

bird species were under-recorded or not recorded. Nonetheless, 47 species were recorded during the

survey period, almost one third of which are significant. These include a number of small insectivorous

species that favour dense vegetation. The only breeding record in the project for Fan-tailed Cuckoo was

obtained from this reserve. Although the host species was not accurately determined, it is likely to be

Splendid Fairy-wren. Mobile species of significance recorded here include two raptors, two cockatoos

and several honeyeaters.

Considerable potential exists at this site for the natural vegetation to be extensively buffered against

weeds and other threats from nearby open areas. Access may be a future problem if housing areas

continue to expand nearby.

149

Site Name

Thorburn Park

Site Location

Beechboro Local Government Authority


2ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Australian Shelduck Confirmed 6 1 8







Straw-necked Ibis 1 1 8





Galah 5 42











Red Wattlebird Confirmed 11 92









Grey Fantail 9 75






150

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Silvereye 10 83


Observers: Alyson Paull, Edward Paull, Dorothy Van Wees, Hank Van Wees.


Nil known


N/A

GENERAL COMMENT

Thorburn Park consists of a winter-wet wetland in the Bennett Brook system together with a

reconstructed wetland and associated parkland. The natural wetland is dominated by a Flooded Gum

Eucalyptus rudis and Swamp Paperbark Melaleuca rhaphiophylla overstorey. 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 remnant dependent species utilising

the more complex vegetation in this site include Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous

Whistler, Red-capped Robin, White-winged Triller and Grey Fantail.

There is considerable potential to increase the vegetation complexity at the edges of the parkland to

increase habitat area and habitat connectivity. The long-term plan for this reserve is to restore

connectivity within the Bennett Brook system.

151

Site Name

Trigometric Reserve

Site Location

Duncraig Local Government Authority


2.6ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Cockatoo 1 8

Category 1,4

Galah 1 8


species level) 1 8




Red Wattlebird 6 50






Magpie-lark 2 17

Willie Wagtail 1 8






Silvereye 2 17




Nil known


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Of the four significant bird species recorded in this small reserve 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

152

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.

153

Site Name

Unnamed Picnic Site, Toodyay Road

Site Location

Red Hill


City of Swan

Area (ha)

2.5ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Common Bronzewing 1 8

Baudin’s (Long-billed) Black-















Red Wattlebird 3 25










Grey Fantail 6 50




Mistletoebird 2 17

Silvereye 3 25

Total =34 species Total = 0 Total = 11

154



Nil known


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

Although this Darling Range site includes an old clay pit holding permanent water, only two bird

species recorded in this reserve are water-dependent. The reserve is much more significant for the

conservation of bush birds. Almost one third of the bush bird species recorded at the site are considered

significant under Bush Forever. These include the threatened Baudin’s Black-Cockatoo, 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. Naming this site might contribute to a greater value being placed on the reserve by the

general community.

The maintenance of the connectivity of this site with nearby bushland is important for the conservation

of bush bird species utilising the site.

155

Site Name

Wal Hughes Reserve

Site Location



1.5ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Dec 2002-Oct 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Cockatoo 1 9

Category 1,4

Galah 5 45

Rainbow Lorikeet* Confirmed 4 36




Striated Pardalote Possible 1 9

Red Wattlebird 9 82




Rufous Whistler 1 9

Magpie-lark 1 9

Willie Wagtail 1 9




Total species = 19 Total = 3 Total = 2

Observers: Eleanor Adams, Niel Adams, Romeny Lynch, Jane Prince, Jan Rogers.


Wooller, 1999: 10 species.


Nil

GENERAL COMMENT

Nineteen species of bush birds, including the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo utilised this

reserve during the survey period. Sites such as Wal Hughes Reserve may form part of a valuable

network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal

Plain. 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. The Reserve is

also utilised by remnant dependent species such as Rufous Whistler, which may utilise similar reserves

to move through urban areas. During the survey period, one of the three artificial nestboxes installed in

the reserve was colonised by feral bees. A second was in use by a pair of Australian Ringnecks.

156

Site Name

Wandoo Heights

Site Location

Red Hill Local Government Authority


20ha

Vegetation Complex

Darling Scarp Complex; Forrestfield Complex;

Guildford Complex; Helena 2 Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)




Galah 3 25


Pallid Cuckoo 1 8















Red Wattlebird 2 17


Brown-headed Honeyeater 1 8 Category 3








Magpie-lark 3 25

Grey Fantail 5 42

Willie Wagtail 3 25



Grey Currawong 1 8


157

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 8 67

Total species = 38 Total = 0 Total = 13



Hyde, A. & O. Gear (ND): 29 species


The Restless Flycatcher record is unconfirmed.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Wandoo Heights is freehold land owned by the City of Swan and managed for conservation. More than

one third (34%) of the species recorded at this reserve 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, the

endangered Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo, Splendid Fairy-wren, three thornbills, Brown-headed

Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin, Golden Whistler ,Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Currawong. Brown-headed

Honeyeater is probably at edge of range at this location: although not listed as significant under Bush

Forever, it is here considered significant by reason of its decline within the Western Australian

wheatbelt (Saunders & Ingram 1995). 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 and are likely to be remnant dependent include the three cuckoos, Western

Gerygone, Rufous Whistler 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 conservation sensitive weed control

and appropriate fire regimes are relevant management techniques for this site.

158

Site Name

Warwick Savage Park

Site Location

Armadale Local Government Authority

City of Armadale Area (ha)

11ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


N/A





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Square-tailed Kite 3 25 Category 4





Long-billed Black-Cockatoo 1 8 Category 1,4

White-tailed Black-Cockatoo

species (not identified to species

level) 3 25 Category 1,4

Galah 7 58








Red-winged Fairy-wren 1 8 Category 3





Western Gerygone Confirmed 8 67



Red Wattlebird 7 58






Western Yellow Robin 6 50 Category 3

White-breasted Robin 1 8 Category 3





Grey Fantail 12 100

159

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Tree Martin 1 8

Silvereye 10 83


Observers: Mary Avery, Norm Avery, Helen Start, John Start.


Nil known

GENERAL COMMENTS

Although relatively small (11ha), this Darling Range reserve is part of a much larger area of contiguous

vegetation. Approximately 2/3 of the site was burnt early in the survey period (December 2003).

Despite this, the number of significant bird species recorded within Warwick Savage Park is high

(>51% of species total). This reflects the condition and structure of the vegetation together with

contiguity of the vegetation with adjacent sites.

Many of the 22 significant species recorded at Warwick Savage Park were recorded on a number of

occasions, suggesting that these bird species were resident either on the reserve or in nearby areas.

Significant species include at least two, but possibly three, cockatoos listed under threatened species

legislation and a number of small, insectivorous birds such as Fairy-wrens and robins in decline on the

Swan Coastal Plain.

Management issues for this significant reserve include appropriate fire regimes to maintain the

floristics and vegetation structure of the site and protection against clearing of vegetation in nearby

sites to mitigate against fragmentation and isolation. As Darling Range reserves have a role to play in

maintaining populations of birds otherwise in decline in the Swan Region, this has implications for

long-term planning for urban and peri-urban expansion.

160

Site Name

Waterford Foreshore Conservation Reserve

Site Location

Waterford


City of South Perth

Area (ha)

6.83ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:


333 (part)


Survey period reported: Oct 2003-Setp 2004



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)


Black Swan 2 4 33




Grey Teal 6 6 50




Great Crested Grebe 1 1 8

Darter 10 10 83





Great Egret 1 4 33

Nankeen Night Heron Incidental

record n/a Category 4



Osprey Possible 1 3 25







Category 4,

R4





Common Greenshank 2 2 17 Category 2

Black-winged Stilt Confirmed 15 5 42

Black-fronted Dotterel Confirmed 3 1 8

Silver Gull 7 58

Caspian Tern 2 8 67

161

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Fairy Tern 1 8





Galah 1 8















Magpie-lark 9 75

Grey Fantail 10 83





Mistletoebird 1 8


Tree Martin 10 83


Little Grassbird Possible 9 75

Silvereye 11 92


Observers: Lorraine Chyne, Richard Chyne, John Hansen.


Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 2 surveys.


Due to the difficulty of accurately determining survey site limits in this foreshore area, other survey

data are not considered here for comparison.

GENERAL COMMENTS

Waterford Foreshore Conservation Reserve is located on the Swan River. The vegetation is comprised

of rushland areas in tidal mudflats, lagoons and marshes, grading into riparian overstorey of Flooded

Gum Eucalyptus rudis. A management plan is used to guide conservation and management of the

Reserve. Nearby parkland and landscaped wetlands were not surveyed for birds.

Access to all areas of this reserve for bird survey purposes was particularly difficult and the observers

expended considerable effort and time undertaking surveys. On occasion, the movement of tides made

conditions changeable even during a single survey period. Water dependent birds – individuals as well

as species – may have been under-counted. Nonetheless, the project surveys represent a comprehensive

162

record and observers recorded 66 species of birds within the Reserve, one of the highest species totals

for any project site. Of these, half (33 species) are water-dependent. These include five significant

species ( Musk Duck, Hardhead, Nankeen Heron, Dusky Moorhen and Common Greenshank). Ospreys

attempted were recorded in breeding displays and using an old nest, however the breeding attempt was

unsuccessful. Buff-banded Rail appears to be resident and breeds on the site. Crakes were not recorded

but may occur here. Waterford Foreshore Conservation Reserve contains important riparian habitat on

the Swan River: the protection of these tidal mudflats and marshes from clearance and disturbance is

important for the conservation of water-dependent species on the river (Jaensch, 1987).

Of the 33 bushbirds recorded on the reserve, 9 are significant. Most of these species are mobile, and

include four species of raptors. Peregrine Falcon is listed as ‘Specially Protected Fauna’. Up to 40

Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo were recorded using the reserve.

163

Site Name

West Swan Oval

Site Location

West Swan Local Government Authority


6.8ha

Vegetation Complex

Southern River Complex; Swan Complex

Natural Area ID no:


N/A


Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Aug 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)





Nankeen Kestrel 1 8




Galah 6 46


species level) 1 8




Pallid Cuckoo 2 15








Red Wattlebird 9 69

Little Wattlebird Possible 5 38 Category 4






Magpie-lark 8 62

Grey Fantail 4 31

Willie Wagtail 2 15





Mistletoebird 2 15

164

Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Tree Martin 3 23

Silvereye 9 69


Observers: Dot Kingston, Alyson Paull, Edward Paull.


Nil known


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 provides useful corridor habitat. A number of other bird species known to be remnant

dependent utilise the reserve: these include Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail.

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.

165

Site Name

Wildflower Reserve

Site Location

Orelia


City of Kwinana

Area (ha)

18ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

4500


272 (part)





Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)

Nankeen Kestrel 1 8



Galah 1 8


Red-capped Parrot Confirmed 4 33


Sacred Kingfisher Confirmed 1 8



















Magpie-lark 4 33

Grey Fantail 5 42

Willie Wagtail 2 17




Grey Currawong Possible 6 50 Category 3


Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin 1 8

Total = 36 species Total= 4 Total = 11

Observers: Tom Delaney, Ron Dibbens, John Lauri.

166


Nil known.


N/A

GENERAL COMMENTS

The vegetation in Wildflower Reserve is dominated by a Jarrah-Banksia overstorey. One boundary of

the Reserve adjoins a housing area and facilities have been made available in the Reserve for

community access: a concrete walkway and lookout tower are features of the public facilities within the

reserve.

A total of 36 bird species was recorded within Wildflower Reserve during the survey period. Of these,

a relatively high proportion (11; >30%) is significant under Bush Forever. The latter includes Grey

Currawong, a species now largely extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain and apparently surviving around

the southwest part of the Perth Metropolitan Region. The species is possibly breeding within

Wildflower Reserve.

Other bird species of significance that were recorded include a number of insectivores: these are

Splendid Fairy-wren, Weebill, three thornbill species, Scarlet Robin and Grey Shrike-thrush.

Wildflower Reserve is contiguous with relatively large areas of nearby vegetation, including The

Spectacles. The low frequency of occurrence for some of these species suggests that they may be

locally mobile across the boundaries of the Reserve. If this is so, then it is important that physical links

with adjacent native vegetation are maintained in the future.

167

Site Name

Wireless Hill Park

Site Location

Ardross


City of Melville

Area (ha)

35.2ha

Vegetation Complex


Natural Area ID no:

8260


336


Survey period reported: Nov 2002 – Oct 2003



Frequency of

occurrence


period


Breeding on

survey site

Maximum

number


species only)

No.(number

surveys in

which

recorded)

% of

surveys

Significant

species

(Bush

Forever)



Silver Gull 1 8

Rock Dove* 5 38

Laughing Turtle-Dove* Possible 12 92





Galah 2 15





Rainbow Bee-eater Confirmed 5 38





Little Wattlebird Confirmed 8 62 Category 4




White-cheeked Honeyeater Possible 8 62 Category 4





Magpie-lark 7 54

Willie Wagtail 6 46




Australian Raven Possible 11 85

Welcome Swallow 1 8

Tree Martin 4 31



168

Observers: Wynton Maddeford, Tom Spalding.



Database of WA Birds: 2 surveys, 25 species.

City of Melville (ND): 43 species.


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

A total of 35 bushbirds, ten of which are significant, has been recorded at Wireless Hill Park. Three

sedentary species regarded as significant under Bush Forever have been recorded in the reserve. These

are Painted Button-quail, Common Bronzewing and Inland Thornbill. Painted Button-quail is now

patchily distributed in larger remnants on Swan Coastal Plain. .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.

The endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has also been recorded at this reserve. 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 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 Wireless Hill Park are not only

retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.

rounds 1 and 2 survey reports - birdlife · due to janine kinloch and kate savage who weathered the...

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