Byron Bay Wetlands in December

Byron Bay Wetlands are on the north side of Byron Bay township in the Northern Rivers Region of New South Wales. As summer arrives there is a lot of breeding activity underway. We are watching nesting Restless Flycatchers, Lewin’s Honeyeaters, Red-browed Finches, Dusky Moorhen, and Silvereyes. The Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoos have arrived and the Shining Bronze-Cuckoos have left? Several Nankeen Night Herons have been active in the area. Rainbow Lorikeets have arrived in force on the park outskirts.

This Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo was busy in the E Cell reedbeds, first calling and then appearing on this small shrub for a photo.

White-cheeked Honeyeaters come and go but are here in numbers right now feeding on the Swamp Banksias in flower.

A large group of young Red-browed Finches were very enthusiatic at feeding time, at times getting in quite a tangle when the parents arrive with food.

A Varied Triller, responsible for a unique call often heard in the wetlands.

There are a least two Nankeen Night Herons in the area, this one is feeling exposed in a burnt patch of marshland bush.

Another regular but not always easy to see, this White-browed Scubwren happily exposed and posed, nicely lit in the early morning light.

Not sure if this material is only for the Silvereye’s nest, or there is a tasty treat wrapped up in this cocoon.

A cloud of Fairy Martins patrol the northern end of Cell E.

Two Wandering Whistling-Ducks have graced the Cell E pond for the last week.

Back to the Booyong Flora Reserve

Booyong Flora Reserve is a 13 ha rainforest remnant of the Big Scrub that once covered the Northern Rivers, New South Wales plains between Lismore and Byron Bay. The rainforest here is “White Booyong Sub-alliance”, one of three major types found across the Big Scrub. The major tree species are White Booyong, Pepperberry, Myrtle Ebony, Red Cedar, Oliver’s Sassafras, Green-leaved Rose Walnut, Marara, Black Bean, White Beech, Koda, Black Apple, Giant Water Gum, and Small-leaved Fig. On the western track many of the trees are labelled, providing an insight to the richness of the flora. Care is needed here as the tracks are somewhat overgrown.

A Large-billed Scrubwren, photographed in gloomy undergrowth at 1/50 sec and ISO 12,800. The quality of this photo has been helped greatly by Lightroom’s AI powered denoise. Photography was difficult with thick bush and low light, and birds more often heard than seen. 

A Fan-tailed Cuckoo, an unexpected sighting. There was a full range of pigeons calling - Brown Cuckoo-Doves, Wonga Pigeons, Brown-capped Emerald-Doves, Rose-crowned Fruit-Doves, and Topknot Pigeons. The sounds of the reserve confirm the richness of species with pigeons, wailing Green Catbirds and Eastern Whipbirds forming the chorus.

This Grey Shrike-thrush was adding its song. 

The iconic Red Cedar, a valuable timber for building and furniture, propelled land clearing and the forest industry the length of the New South Wales coastal regions during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. In the Northern Rivers Region this species is more often represented by a six foot high, rotting stump.

Snipe count at Belongil Ponds

Behind the surf and sand hills of Belongil Beach, north of Byron Bay in New South Wales Northern Rivers region, are the remnant wetlands left by the ancient wanderings of Belongil Creek. The number of Latham’s Snipes in the area are counted as part of an Australia wide count that keeps track of numbers of this endangered bird species. At last weeks count there were nine snipe feeding in the reeds and grasses of the wetland’s shores.

No snipe in this particular pond but this Dusky Moorhen has chosen it to build an island nest. There were also two Wandering Whistling-Ducks making their distinctive call on the pond’s bank.

This White-breasted Woodswallow was busy with nest building. A pair of Magpie-larks were also nesting nearby.

Tyagarah Nature Reserve

Just north of Byron Bay in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales is Tyagarah beach, best known for nature loving sunbathers. The reserve is another rich bird watching place with bush extending north to Brunswick Heads.

A female Leaden Flycatcher seen near the large pond on the left as you enter the reserve area on the entrance road.

A Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo - not so common in Byron Bay with the Shining Bronze-Cuckoo seen more often here.

Byron Bay Wetlands in November

Some rarer birds have been seen in the first days of November. A Pale-vented Bush-hen was seen during a nature walk and very unusually a Diamond Dove seen in Cell E. The Radjah Shelduck is still here, looking a bit lost at this stage. The Brush Cuckoo and the Pheasant Coucal are constantly calling. And there are a number of birds still on their nests, including the White-winged Trillers and the Mistletoe birds.

A lost Radjah Shelduck was walking in circles making a rather sad hoarse whistling sound.

Another wetland inhabitant busy making its nest, the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.

This Buff-banded Rail seems to be getter bolder by the day and is regularly seen on the Cell E pond.

Finches tend to congregate where the wetlands adjoin a neighbouring large sports field. This Double-barred Finch was flying down to the sports ground’s grass.

A Black-shouldererd Kite surveys Cells D and E from this central tree.

A lot of Tawny Grassbirds flapping around and calling, presumably nesting?

Always present, often feeding in and around the wetland ponds, Magpie Larks make their presence known by their call, the famous “Peewee…”which became a common name for this bird.

The female Red-backed Fairy-wren is feeding just before dusk in grasses close to a pond.

Close by, the male Red-backed Fairy-wren is also feeding

Majestic Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos circle the outskirts of the wetland.

It is half and hour after sunset. These Royal Spoonbills and Black-winged Stilts seek a safe roost in the middle of the Cell E pond.

Byron Bay Wetlands in October

More birds are arriving in October as the weather warms. Water birds are increasing; one reason is better management of the wetland ponds to allow larger areas of mudflat for waders to feed. There are more cuckoos, with almost constant calls of Pheasant Coucals during the day. The highlight was the presence of over a dozen Latham’s Snipe in E Cell and more in other wetland ponds. Despite regular watches in the evenings of the full moon, no Bitterns have been heard to date this year.

My one pair of Mistletoe birds at the wetland gates has been increased by numerous Mistletoe birds across the wetlands.

This Brush Cuckoo made its haunting call a number of times, but was finally spotted in the later evening near the bird-hide. This picture was taken at ISO 5000 and its graininess cleaned up using Lightroom AI based Denoise.

Another regular songster the Shining Bronze-Cuckoo.

Over a dozen Latham’s Snipes were seen in the pool at Cell E in the wetlands. This picture was taken from the “mobile bird hide” , i.e. the driver’s window of the car, as opening the car door would have sent the Snipes into rapid flight.

White-throated Needletails flying high arrive with an incoming storm, the original storm birds.

The White-winged Triller is a rare visitor to the wetland. This bird is one of a pair nesting in a tree recovering from fire. This tree has its feet in water.

One of a pair of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, migrants arriving from the northern hemisphere after their long flight.

Belongil Creek Estuary

Belongil Creek estuary in Byron Bay New South Wales was once a place for water birds, migrating birds and sea birds to congregate. It still accomodates an impressive range of bird species, but you would suspect that before the presence of dogs, holiday makers and electric bikes there would have been a lot more. A large roped area protects breeding Red-capped Plover. Unfortunately no sign of the Little Terns that used to breed here.

Royal Spoonbills roam the large mown grass areas behind the beach, an unecessary tidiness that gives holiday patrons a sense of security. 

Though the presence of this Purple Swamphen chick is a positive sign of the area’s environmental health.

Individual birds like this egret move from spot to spot, this time chased by one of the younger beachgoers.

An Eastern Rosella feeding on nuts in a Casaurina.

Rainbow Bee-eaters perch on small beachside trees, feeding along the beach.

Bush Regeneration with Flowers

Most of the wonderful bush regeneration sites in the Byron Hinterland in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales attempt to faithfully recreate the original habitat and bush, and many are spectacular successes. But last week’s Byron Bird Buddies survey was at a site where flowering plants (mainly native or cultivars of natives) and smaller native shrubs and trees dominate. The result was a very different avifauna, dominated by honeyeaters and small birds.

We saw nine different species of Honeyeater over the morning: this Scarlet Honeyeater, Brown Honeyeaters, Lewins Honeyeaters, White-cheeked Honeyeaters, three White-thoated Honeyeaters, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Noisy Friarbirds, Little Wattlebirds and Blue-faced Honeyeaters.

A Brown Honeyeater. Many of the honeyeaters were seen on this domestic species of Grevillea. Domestic Grevilleas and other flowering natives dominated large parts of the planting.

The smaller birds were well represented, as per this Chestnut-breasted Mannikin.

A Golden-heaed Cisticola watches from a fence. Other birds seen included Brown Quail, Red-browed Finches, Red-backed Fairy-wren, Tawny Grassbirds, Common Cicadabird and Varied Trillers.

Byron Bay Birds on the day of the Glossy Count

Our mission to find any Glossy Black-Cockatoos feeding in the Byron Bay region provided a chance to see the area’s varied bird life. The Great Glossy Black-Cockatoo Count is an Australia wide survey undertaken the first week of spring to find out where these special birds are present. Although no Glossies were found in Byron Bay on the day, that is still important information, and in fact signs were seen that they had been feeding recently at nearby Brunswick Heads. The day turned out to be a good day for spotting the local birds and for photography.

The Sacred Kingfisher, one of three kingfisher species living in the Byron shire.

A Red-capped Plover has a difficult life, feeding on the local beaches. Unfortunately numbers have decreased as the number of swimmers, surfers, dogs, cyclists and vehicles has increased.

Rainbow Bee-eaters are busy at this time of the year.

A Noisy Friarbird chases an Eastern Osprey; perhaps it is protecting a nest nearby?

The Beach Stone-curlew, hidden away, is a rare sight on New South Wales beaches.

A single Pacific Golden Plover seen at a river mouth, the only migrant bird seen all day. You could surmise that there would have to been many more of these arrivals from northern Asia, once upon a time.

Tallow Creek

Tallow Creek in Suffolk Park, north New South Wales is a hot spot for birds. It also provides a virtual photographer’s backdrop of scenes, settings and lighting with soft light mellowed by the reeds and waters of the creek.

A Golden-headed Cisticola in the reeds at Tallow Creek.

A White-breasted Woodswallow poses at the water’s edge.

This Pied Oystercatcher is a regular at Tallow Beach.

An unusual sight, 250 Little Black Cormorants gather at Tallow Creek.

Strange lodgings - Bush Stone-curlew

Locating all the Bush Stone-curlews in Byron Bay as part of the monitoring program is a major effort. Some have chosen strange places to hide.

The two Bush Stone-curlews have chosen an open storage shed as their winter quarters.

Wallum Development in June

Its now near the end of June and the volunteers protecting one of New South Wales north coast last Wallum heathlands are still there, guarding the entrance to the site. It should be our elected politicians who protect Australia’s heritage for future generations. One day!

The June bird survey again found a wide range of amazing birds with over 40 species counted. This month it was the little pardalotes that took centre stage.

Often seen in the highest branches of flowering gum trees, the Striated Pardalote is only 10 cm long but bats above its weight with spectacular coloring and a clear and loud call.

Another Byron Hinterland estate

Drive inland 30 minutes from Byron Bay township and you find yourself on winding roads through beautiful rainforest. This week’s Byron Bird Buddies survey was at another bush regeneration estate, reclaimed from land that had been cleared many years ago for dairying and growing bananas. The variety and quality of the new forest is impressive, the result of 30 plus years of toil. The estate abuts the Goonengerry national park and we were rewarded with the call of an Albert’s Lyrebird nearby.

Very difficult to spot, these two Tawny Frogmouths adopt a branch-like pose that enhances their camouflaged coats.

A shaft of sunlight shines on this meticulously crafted spider web.

The sun was also shining on this beautiful Rufous Fantail.

The Brown Cuckoo-Dove is often heard adding to the background serenade of the rainforest with its characteristic ‘oo-wupp” call.

Byron Hinterland rural estates

The Byron Bay rural, rainforest and mountain hinterlands provide refuge for the rich and famous as well as those seeking a gentle and grounded lifestyle. Amongst the rural properties many seek to restore and regenerate the original rainforest cover, most of which was removed for farming last century. Some estates are large with several hundred hectares replanted; some are managed by teams of gardeners. Others are smaller, created by the labor of nature enthusiasts. The Byron Bird Buddies survey a number of these estates to monitor their progress as they to return as havens for rainforest birds.

The highlight from a survey conducted this week was the sight of this Noisy Pita in a very successful replanted rainforest. In 1942 this land was a treeless dairy farm, as shown on surveillance photos taken during the Second World War. There are still enormous tree stumps within the regenerated forest, a reminder of the relentless clearing that took place long ago.

In the estate’s garden a group of six female Regent Bowerbirds were feeding, further proof of the quality of the bush nearby.

Red-browed Finches are regularly seen along the road-sides and clearings in the bush, more usually in the grasses than in this tree on the edge of the replanted area.

Approximately 150 Topknot Pigeons were counted, in large flocks too-ing and fro-ing across the sky, then roosting in the taller trees. Topknot Pigeons feed on the seed of the introduced Camphor Laurel trees; a species that filled the void that followed as dairy farming became uneconomic.

A Brown Thornbill, seen in many different habitats in the Byron and Northern Rivers NSW region.

Byron Wetlands in May

April’s high rainfall continued into the first two weeks of May and the wetland ponds are full, covering the mud-flats that would normally attract shore or water birds. This has left the wetland mainly in the hands of its forest and woodland inhabitants, still plenty to see.

White-headed Pigeon numbers are increasing in the Byron Shire, along with the Topknot pigeon, as their favourite food source, the introduced Camphor Laurel continues to thrive here.

One of many White-browed Scrubwrens in the wetlands. The northern Scrubwren has a more yellow belly than those further south.

A Yellow Thornbill, a less common visitor here. This bird has taken up residence close to the Wetland meeting rooms.

This young White-bellied Sea-eagle, still sporting its juvenile livery, has been seen several times on K Pond.

Grey Fantails were everywhere across the wetland park; some thirty plus counted.

A young Superb Fairy-wren showing a very fluffy mantle.

A Forest Kingfisher watching for insects in a section burnt out by the recent fire. These burnt trees are still surrounded by shallow black water ponds which have grown in the recent rain. In the fires they burnt despite having their feet in water.

Underneath, the presence of a Little Pied Cormorant shows there is life in these jet black waters.

Still lots of Golden-headed Cisticolas to be seen in the reed beds; with many opportunities for close up photos.

Two Black-shouldered Kites were patrolling the large pond, labelled K Pond.

This Shining Bronze-Cuckoo shows how the species got its name, shining brightly in the late Autumn light.

One of four Eastern Whip-birds, evidently involved in some sort of romantic tangle, had the air cracking with raucous calls and defiant displays.

Spangled Drongo, quietly watches the whipbirds go by.

A rainbow blesses the Byron Wetland, hopefully to be followed with some dry weather!

Bush Stone-curlew Monitoring Program

Bush Stone-curlews are endangered in New South Wales. In the Northern Rivers region these birds are monitored and protected where necessary. After an elaborate courtship dance the Bush Stone-curlews nest on the bare ground, laying one or two eggs. The eggs hatch after 30 days but the chicks take another nine weeks before the are able to fly.

During this period the young are especially vulnerable to disturbance and predation by foxes, cats and dogs. Fencing around nest sites and awareness programs are being organised during the spring to summer breeding season.

This Bush Stone-curlew was photographed at 2:00 in the afternoon outside a corner shop in the Arts - Industrial Precinct in Byron Bay, New South Wales.

Byron Bay Wetlands in April

More photos from the wonderful Byron Bay Wetlands. More than 220 species of bird have been recorded since the Wetlands were created and counts at the Byron Bird Buddies surveys are regularly in the 70 - 100 species range.

A very vocal Tawny Grassbird in one of the extensive reed beds of the wetland.

Grey Teals add a calming touch to proceedings, photographed from the bird-hide.

The Eastern Great Egret is easily disturbed and takes off, identified by the crook in the neck while flying.

Two Superb Fairy-wrens, part of a large family moving through the undergrowth.

A Striped Honeyeater preening itself, singing its unusual call.

The Pheasant Coucal, looking like an ancient aircraft on take-off.

A Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, another Cuckoo still present in Byron Bay late in April, or perhaps and early arrival?

Rainbow Bee-eaters add a splash of colour.

This Restless Flycatcher is a regular near the carpark at the wetland.

Fan-tailed Cuckoo, the third cuckoo seen on the day’s survey.

Chestnut-breasted Mannikin

Chestnut-breasted Mannikins are found in the north and the east coast of Australia. They are often seen in the Northern Rivers New South Wales region; in the grasses around coastal wetlands as well as more inland grasslands or rushes near to water.

The adult Chestnut-breasted Mannikin sports a very distinctive plumage with a chestnut bib underlined in black.

Younger birds are plainer although the bird on the right is showing the black line that will underline its chestnut breast.

Wallum Development threatens nature's "Prime real estate"

This week’s survey of bird species shows again that the planned Wallum Development is in the centre of an outstanding area for wildlife. A total of 44 species were recorded including the Glossy Black-Cockatoo, listed as vulnerable in New South Wales. Also of interest was the presence of “platelets” (see photo below) indicating that Painted Button-quail are using the area.

During the week came the news that the Byron Shire Council has issued authority to proceed with this development of the Wallum Sand Heath and will not contest the decision of the Northern Region Planning Panel. While understanding the council’s short term thinking to avoid a costly and difficult court battle, these costs would soon be overshadowed by the costs of maintaining another development on flood prone land and the irreversible loss of outstanding biodiversity.

Many species of honeyeaters were feeding, incuding the Noisy Friarbird, Little Wattlebird, Noisy Miner, Brown Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Lewin’s Honeyeater and the White-cheeked Honeyeater seen here.

Four Grey Fantails were seen in total.

“Platelets” are the circular feeding marks left by the Painted Button-quail. As the forage for seeds and insects amongst the leaves they spin on alternate legs, leaving this very characteristic pattern.

Some 25 Little Wattlebirds were seen feeding on nearby banksias.

A Rainbow Lorrikeet, always around when the pickings are good!

Locals protest in hope the Wallum Sand Heath can still be saved.

Small birds at Tallow Creek

Some days the small birds turn up in force and today was one of those days. The best area to see them was around the old sewerage treatment ponds, between the camping ground and the bridge across Tallow Creek (at Byron Bay, New South Wales).

Male Red-backed Fairy-wren at Tallow Creek, Byron Bay in New South Wales. There were several large families, some fifteen birds seen, of Red-backed Fairy-wrens moving through the area.

The female Red-backed Fairy-wren lacks any colours of the male and in fact with its brown tail is the plainest of the Fairy-wrens.

A non-breeding male on its way to adulthood.

Numerous Red-browed Finches were present. Two Double-banded Finches moved too quickly for a photo.

The Superb Fairy-wren is always a popular subject for a photo.

A small flock of White-browed Scrubwren was feeding in the lower tree branches..