Mudlarks – Cooks River Birds Survey – 14 November 2023

I joined the Mudlarks for their monthly bird survey along the Cooks River. As usual, the group met at the Lang St Bridge at 7 am (7:30 am during the non-daylight saving period). This month the group was surveying upstream – on the loop up to the Boat Harbour, then across to Cup and Saucer Creek Wetlands and then back on that bank.

While gathering on the bridge, we heard the raucous call of a Channel-billed Cuckoo. It was flying down with a flock of Rainbow Lorikeets.

Looking upstream, we could see an Australasian Darter –

And then we spotted a rather unusual bird for the Cooks River, a White-plumed Honeyeater. It was one of a pair.

That was a good start! Slowly walking downstream, we saw a Magpie Lark with an almost finished nest –

And a Little Pied Cormorant.

Here is one of the Galahs feeding on the grass seeds.

And we could hear the call of a Grey Butcherbird. It was perched on one of the lights.

We then checked out the local Tawny Frogmouth family in Ewen Park. The female –

And the male, still on the nest, with a young chick.

A few more birds from the river –

Magpie Lark

Chestnut Teal

Willie Wagtail

Rainbow Lorikeets

At the Boat Harbour, we soon spotted the Tawny Frogmouth family –

There was a Great Cormorant perched on the boom.

And a Little Black Cormorant hunting in the river.

Then we continued to the Cup and Saucer Creek Wetlands.

Pacific Black Duck

Chestnut Teals

Australian Swamphen

And then in the middle pond, we spotted a Buff-banded Rail. I think this is the first one I have seen on this part of the Cooks River.

Heading back downstream on the south bank, we heard the distinctive call of an Olive-backed Oriole and soon located the bird.

Further downstream we spotted a pair of Pacific Koels –

Then we crossed the Lang St Bridge and walked back to the picnic tables in Ewen Park for morning tea. While we there, we watched this young Magpie being fed –

After the survey, I accompanied Simin, Sue and Valerie, who had all been on the survey, for another walk up the river to see the Tawny Frogmouths again.

The chick was more active at Ewen Park –