Bird Surveys

The survey findings align with broader ecological restoration efforts following the devastating Black Summer Fires of 2019–2020. In the Upper Yango Valley, the Upper Yango Landholders Association (UYLA) has spearheaded significant conservation and restoration projects. Over the past four years, these initiatives have resulted in substantial vegetation regrowth, particularly with pioneering species such as Acacia spp. and Goodenia ovata. This re-establishment of understory vegetation provides crucial food, nesting, and shelter resources, likely contributing to the observed increase in bird populations.

Grey-crowned Babbler Photo (c) Bob Winters

Across ten survey sites, a total of 71 diurnal bird species were recorded during the two-morning surveys on October 11th and 12th. Among these, three species, Glossy Black Cockatoo, Sacred Kingfisher, and Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, were noted as incidental sightings. Notably, three listed species were detected: the Gang-gang Cockatoo, Glossy Black Cockatoo, and Grey-crowned Babbler, emphasizing the ecological significance of these areas. Additionally, only one introduced species, the Pacific Black Duck, was observed, indicating minimal impact from non-native bird species.

Mareshell Wauchope

As part of an ongoing effort to monitor avian populations and ecosystem recovery, ecologist Mareshell Wauchope conducted a follow-up bird survey in October 2024. This survey revisited the same sites and applied the same methodology as the initial study carried out by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) in 2020. The consistent approach allowed for a direct comparison of results, shedding light on shifts in bird populations and potential correlations with habitat regrowth.

One of the most exciting findings of the 2024 survey was the detection of 11 new bird species that were not recorded in the 2020 survey. This suggests a positive trend in species richness, potentially linked to habitat recovery. Comparing different habitat types, bird species richness remained relatively consistent between dry and wet sclerophyll sites, ranging between 19 and 30 species per site. However, total bird abundance was notably higher in wet sclerophyll forest areas, where counts varied from 38 to 111 birds per site. Encouragingly, both species richness and abundance showed an overall increase in 2024 compared to 2020.

The survey underscores the importance of long-term ecological monitoring and community-driven conservation efforts. By continuing to assess changes in bird populations alongside habitat recovery, researchers and conservationists can gain valuable insights into ecosystem resilience and the effectiveness of restoration strategies. The positive trends observed in this survey highlight the potential for recovery and the critical role of habitat conservation in supporting avian biodiversity.