The Booyong Flora Reserve in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is part of the one percent that remains of what once was the “Big Scrub”, extending from Lismore to Byron Bay. A short visit to this island of rainforest resulted in sightings of Golden Whistlers, Grey Shrike-thrush, Brown Greygone, Large-billed Scrubwren and a White-bellied Sea-Eagle.
Large-billed Scrubwren at Booyong Flora Reserve
Large-billed Srcubwren
The “Big Scrub” of New South Wales once extended over 75,000 hectares of rich volcanic soils emanating from the ancient Mount Warning volcano; to Lismore, Ballina and on to Byron Bay. Ninety nine per cent of the Big Scrub’s lowland subtopical rainforest has been cleared with only tiny remnants remaining. The Booyong Flora Reserve is one of these, a 16 hectare reminder of the previously luxuriant forest. Its canopy is formed by White Booyong - a flowering rainforest tree with prominent buttresses, giving the reserve its name - and Red Cedar, White Beech and fig trees.
There were many birds calling but few showing themselves in the dark understory of the Booyong Flora Reserve. This Brown Gerygone was one of a small flock seen near a giant fig tree in the reserve.
This Lewin’s Honeyeater was calling along with Brown Cuckoo-Doves, Wonga Pigeons, Torresian Crows, Eastern Yellow Robins, Whipbirds and Figbirds. There were a number of calls I did not recognise. The reserve is home to a rich selection of rainforest species including Fruit and Emerald Doves, Logrunners, Catbirds, and Cicadabirds.