BIRDWATCHER’s were rewarded with sightings of more than seventy species of birds when they headed into the Warrumbungles during Back to the Bungles Bird Week.

An enthusiastic group of volunteers has been monitoring the recovery of the bird community in the Warrumbungle National Park since the fire of 2013. Each year there are two survey events, autumn and spring, which has been unbroken since commencing in 2014. 

This year members of the Pilliga Forest Birdwatchers took advantage of a break in the wet weather on Saturday, 15 October to relish the lush vibrant greenery in the hope of adding some new observations to their listings, and they were not disappointed.  

“The conditions have continued to be favourable since the autumn with creeks continuing to flow with regular rain and mild conditions aiding the abundant growth of grasses, shrubs and trees throughout the national park,” said May Whittall, lead member of the Pilliga Forest Birdwatchers.

“The weather was superb; the countryside looked a picture and the birds were plentiful.  This is a wonderful time for birdwatching. 

“We headed to the Canyon picnic area first and covered the northern side of the nature trail walking track. 

The noise of the rushing water became somewhat of an annoyance for those of us who rely on our ears more than our eyes to spot the birds. But despite that, when we came back for a well-earned break together, we found that we already had amassed a total of sixty-four species of birds.

“We found White-crowned Babblers transporting nesting material to one of several nests, various thornbills, including a pair of Chestnut-rumped Thornbills bouncing around on the walking track. 

The bird of the day was a White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike making its distinctive call, but it was noticed that it had a definite black bib which is not characteristic of the species. 

That was definitely the most interesting sighting of the day and it was confirmed later to be a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, a black morph of the southern race Robusta.

ABOVE: Chestnut-rumped Thornbill (image: M.Whittall) 

“The White-browed Babblers were a treat and it was the first time we got to see, not just hear, a Brush Cuckoo, which was a highlight for us.”

May says that the information and records gathered each year during Back to the Bungles Bird Week have been invaluable.  

“Last spring (October 2021) we had a total number of 9 volunteers register for the count, which was just amazing considering the Covid travel restrictions in place then,” May said. 

“A total of eighty-five bird species were recorded during the spring survey with a total tally of 1,125 birds! I believe we have recorded one new species for the Back to Bungles Bird Week since 2014, the Brush Cuckoo. The total number of species recorded post-fire in the Warrumbungle NP is 161.

“Each year brings the rewards of new sightings and this year has been no different.” 

Changing

Bird watching groups are changing the way we are seeing our beautiful native species and the Pilliga Forest Birdwatchers has gone from strength to strength since it started ten years ago and now the group has two new leaders.

Birding enthusiasts, May and John Whittall took on running the group after its founder, well-known Baradine ‘birdo’, David Johnston, sadly passed away earlier this year. 

Although there are a number of well-established bird-watching organisations throughout NSW, none of them specifically covers the Pilliga and surrounds.  

“David was known for his resolute drive to find ways to promote the native birds found in the Pilliga region and in doing so advertise the town and district where he had lived most of his life,” says John Whittall.  

“He was at the forefront of several initiatives to study, monitor and advocate for the preservation of Pilliga birds and their habitat.” 

One of David’s long-lasting initiatives was to develop the “Bird Routes of Baradine and the Pilliga” brochure. This popular brochure is a testament to David’s passion and foresight.

“David is greatly missed by his fellow twitchers,” John added. “He was so full of passion and delight at seeing any bird in its natural environment; he was a real inspiration to us all. 

"He always said that bird watching is a way of calling attention to species and helps to keep track of behavioural patterns, as well as being a thoroughly enjoyable hobby.

“David’s extraordinary love for our native birds has left a lasting legacy by generously sharing his knowledge and bringing Pilliga bird watching to new heights.”