I had heard a recent report by Mark Mallone, of the Tempe Birdos, of a Satin Bowerbird that he had seen at Gough Whitlam Park on the Cooks River at Tempe. I had been home most of the day, but thought a bike ride along the river may be worthwhile to see if I could spot the bird.
I enjoyed a nice ride along the river and passed through Gough Whitlam Park but could not spot any Bowerbirds. On my ride, I did spot a few Australasian Darters –
This one, near Illawarra Road, has a bit of plastic or similar stuck to its beak. It seemed to be in some distress trying to get it off.
I think some others that had seen it had called WIRES to see if they could help.
The second Darter was near Tempe.
Riding back towards home, I was fortunate to run into Mark who was making his way to the park to check the status of the Bowerbird. I returned with him and he showed me the best place to see the bird and also its bower.
The Satin Bowerbird appears to be an immature male. It has built a bower on the island in the billabong section of Gough Whitlam Park. Its hard to see the bower however. Binoculars are handy to see a few blue items.
Nearby were a few Australasian Figbirds. Here is one –
And a pair of Olive-backed Orioles. Here is one –
On my way home I checked the status of the pair of nesting Tawny Frogmouths near Younger Avenue. There seems to be no change.
Many thanks to Mark for letting me know about the Bowerbird. Its the first one I have seen in my local area.