Bird surveys in selected Perth metropolitan reserves
A joint biodiversity conservation project between Birds Australia WA and the Perth Biodiversity Project
C.A. Gole
August 2003
Birds Australia WA 167 Perry Lakes Drive Floreat Park WA 6014 Tel: 08 9383 7749 Email: [email protected]
Perth Biodiversity Project 15 Altona Street West Perth WA 6005 Tel: 9213 2047 Email: [email protected] Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Bird surveys in selected Perth metropolitan reserves
A joint biodiversity conservation project between Birds Australia WA and the Perth Biodiversity Project
Part A: Main Report
C.A. Gole
August 2003
Photographs on Front Cover –The photos of the Splendid Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrubwren were taken by Ray Edwards and photos of Harry Sandon Reserve were taken by Niel Adams. Many thanks. Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The bird surveys project in selected Perth Metropolitan Region reserves was initiated by staff from the Perth Biodiversity Project and developed in conjunction with Birds Australia WA. The project was coordinated by Birds Australia WA project officer Cheryl Gole and conducted with the assistance of a large number of volunteers.
Volunteer observers from Birds Australia WA undertook the bird surveys at all project sites. The following people contributed time and expertise in this way: Eleanor Adams, Niel Adams, George Agar, Pam Agar, Des Agnew, Pam Agnew, Max Bailey, Wes Bancroft, Phyllis Bentley, John Blyth, Judy Blyth, Audrey Bolger, Mary Bremner, Gary Brophy, Gisela Cannon, Lorraine Chyne, Richard Chyne, Kate Creed, Sarah Crook, Tom Delaney, Karl Edwards, Carole Elliot, Stewart Ford, Rob Gilham, Linda Glass, Cheryl Gole, Martin Gole, Ruth Greble, Julia Gross, Barbara Henderson, David Henderson, Cora Keil, Nancy Kennedy, Sue Keogh, Dot Kingston, Sally Lake, John Lauri, Romeny Lynch, Wynton Maddeford, Jodi Mansell-Fletcher, Susan Margaret, Paul Marty, Rob Mather, Sue Mather, Dudley Maier, Brendan Metcalf, Clive Napier, Wendy Napier, Brenda Newbey, Annette Park, Maurice O'Connor, Alyson Paull, Edward Paull, Kellie Plant, Jane Prince, Eunice Pyper, Steve Reynolds, Jeff Richardson, Jan Rogers, Chris Ros, Tom Spalding, John Stewart, Barbara Stoneman, Trevor Stoneman, Sean Van Alphen, Dorothy Van Wees and Hank Van Wees.
Steve Spiker and Syed Sohel designed the project's relational database as part requirement towards a Masters Degree in Geographic Information Science at Curtin University. Steve Spiker wrote the queries and continued to advise on database maintenance and design and Kate Gole entered the project data. Greg Harewood drafted successive versions of the site location and bird species distribution maps. Remnant vegetation mapping was made possible by the use of Perth Bushland Mapping 2001 data. This was made available by the Department of Agriculture and the Department for Planning and Infrastructure. The Department of Land Information supplied mapping information on local government boundaries. Assistance with the provision of Bird Atlas survey data was given by Andrew Silcocks at the Birds Australia national office in Melbourne. Staff at a number of local government offices provided aerial maps of reserves and bird survey information from existing management plans. Ryan Taylor (Perth Biodiversity Project) identified the relevant vegetation complexes and local remnant vegetation numbers.
Michael Brooker and Andrew Huggett (CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems), John Dell (Department of the Environment) and Kate Savage (Perth Biodiversity Project) commented on a draft of the report. Members of the Birds Australia WA Conservation and Research Committee commented on project development and design.
The bird surveys component of the Perth Biodiversity Project would not have been possible without the participation, assistance and enthusiasm of so many people. To all, I am most grateful. Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) is a local government initiative to establish and improve the existing frameworks for biodiversity conservation in local natural areas in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Local biodiversity areas consist of bushland and other natural and revegetated areas outside Bush Forever and the Department of Conservation and Land Management conservation estate.
Increasing urbanisation in the Perth Metropolitan Region has led to a process of habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation of native vegetation. These broad threatening processes have been followed by a well-documented local and regional decline and extinction of bird species. Between July 2002 and May 2003, bird surveys were undertaken by Birds Australia WA volunteers in selected reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The purpose of this ongoing component project of the PBP is to undertake an inventory of the bird species of selected reserves vested in local councils and, where possible, link bird species information with conservation and management strategies. It also aims to help raise awareness of biodiversity conservation among participating local governments. The project aimed to survey all sites for one year.
Thirty nine sites with a total area of more than 400 ha were surveyed by 68 observers. Most sites (75%) were 10 ha in size or smaller; sites ranged in size from 0.74 ha to 70 ha. A total of 125 bird species was recorded for the project, of which 41 (33%) are regarded as having conservation significance by Bush Forever. While more species, and more significant species, were recorded in large reserves, wetlands and Darling Range sites, significant bird species were recorded at almost all sites (95%). This suggests that even small reserves on the Swan Coastal Plain have conservation value for birds. The number of bird species recorded at individual reserves ranged from 61 for a medium-sized wetland reserve to 5 for a small, recently isolated bushland remnant. The number of significant bird species recorded at individual reserves ranged from 19 at a grazed wetland site with intact overstorey, relatively close to the Darling Range, to zero for three small, isolated bushland remnants. The endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo was recorded at nine sites, some of which are small, isolated bushland remnants. The retention of these bushland remnants as corridors and resources for mobile bird species such as Carnaby's Cockatoo is important for the long-term survival of similarly mobile species on the Swan Coastal Plain.
For each site, a comprehensive list of bird species was compiled and management recommendations were made to maintain or improve the conservation value of the reserve for birds. Management recommendations included the necessity at a number of sites for the staged removal of woody and other weeds that might provide habitat for small insectivorous birds. The general principles mitigating the effects of local threatening processes on urban bushland remain valid for birds.
The bird surveys project is an observation-based study identifying patterns in the distribution of birds in some urban and peri-urban reserves. During the project, a considerable body of bird survey data has been generated for a number of remnants for which consistent and reliable survey data are otherwise not available. The results provide a baseline against which future changes in bird species distributions might be evaluated and show that the use of volunteer observers provides a cost-effective, valid and reliable inventory of most birds in urban reserves. Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS...... i INTRODUCTION ...... 1 METHODS ...... 2 RESULTS ...... 7 Survey sites ...... 7 Surveys...... 9 Bird species...... 9 Threatened species ...... 10 Other significant species ...... 10 Breeding species ...... 11 DISCUSSION...... 11 CONCLUSION...... 14 REFERENCES ...... 15 APPENDICES ...... 19 Appendix 1: Project overview and survey instructions provided to observers undertaking bird surveys for the Perth Biodiversity Project in the Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003...... 19 Appendix 2: Survey form provided to observers undertaking bird surveys for the Perth Biodiversity Project...... 20 Appendix 3: Survey instructions provided to observers undertaking bird surveys on Swan River foreshore sites surveyed for the Perth Biodiversity Project ...... 21 Appendix 4: Bird species recorded in surveys conducted for the Perth Biodiversity Project July 2002-May 2003 in the Perth Metropolitan Region. ....22 Appendix 5: Site locations for significant bird species recorded in selected reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region, July 2002-May 2003...... 25 Part B: Site Reports...... 29
i Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
List of Tables & Figures
Table 1: Summary of site information for local government sites selected for bird surveys in the Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003..……………………………………………………………..3 Table 2: The 15 most frequently recorded bird species in surveys of selected remnants in the Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003…………………………………………………………………………..9 Table 3: Summary of the three broad threatening processes to biodiversity and examples of land use activities requiring management by local government and community groups….………..13
Figure 1: Map showing Perth Biodiversity Project sites surveyed for birds in the Perth Metropolitan Region in the period July ‘02-May ’03……………………………………………………………..8
ii Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
INTRODUCTION The Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) is a local government initiative to establish and improve the existing frameworks for biodiversity conservation in local natural areas in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Over a 25 year period, the project aims to assist the 30 metropolitan councils and their communities to protect and manage local biodiversity areas in the Region within a secure conservation network and to plan for the enhancement and establishment of ecological linkages between local and regional biodiversity areas. Local biodiversity areas consist of bushland and other natural and revegetated areas that exist outside Bush Forever sites (on the Swan Coastal Plain) and the Department of Conservation and Land Management (DCLM) conservation estate. The PBP is a partnership project between the Western Australian Local Government Association, the Natural Heritage Trust, the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and Perth's 30 local councils. The other major project partners are Greening Western Australia, DCLM and Birds Australia Western Australia.
The bird surveys component of the PBP was initiated by PBP staff at the WA Local Government Association and evolved in a process of consultation and collaboration with Birds Australia WA. The purpose of this ongoing component project of the PBP is to undertake an inventory of the bird species of selected reserves vested in local councils and, where possible, link bird species information with management and conservation strategies. It also aims to help raise awareness of biodiversity conservation among participating councils.
In response to habitat clearing and increasing urbanisation, birds have declined on the Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988; How & Dell, 1993). This process of urban habitat loss and fragmentation and bird species extinction and decline is well- documented, both in the Perth region and elsewhere (e.g., Jones, 1981; Serventy & Recher, 1991; Keast, 1995; Sewell & Catterall, 1998). The most pessimistic of accounts suggests that regional avifaunas are still in a process of decline and extinction that will see human and urban commensal species benefiting while many species are lost (Recher, 2002).
Urban remnants in the Perth region do, however, continue to support populations of birds known to be declining (pers. obs.). Although the long-term viability of these species in smaller, isolated bushland remnants is uncertain, there is some evidence that small remnants have an important role to play in conservation. It has been shown that while some bird species decline from smaller remnants, small patches can be useful for other fauna (How & Dell, 2000). For example, a one-hectare remnant in inner Perth was shown to support eight reptile, one frog and 23 bird species (Cooper, 1995). Detailed studies of the movements of birds across remnants on the Swan Coastal Plain are lacking, although studies from elsewhere indicate that some groups of birds are unlikely to move through urban areas (e.g. Catterall et al., 1991). However, vegetation in the areas between urban reserves can assist in maintaining the overall bird species diversity in urban areas (Melles et al., 2003).
Birds are useful targets for community-based survey programmes as they are charismatic species that are relatively easily identified, reasonably abundant and comparatively easy to survey. Research has shown that birds are constructed more positively in the social sense than other taxa such as mammals, fish, invertebrates and
1 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A plants (Czech, et al., 1998), making them ideal iconic species for disseminating information about biodiversity conservation.
In 2002, the PBP surveyed metropolitan councils to determine the capacity of local government to conserve biodiversity. The report identified biodiversity plans and site assessments as the most common means by which local government assigns priority to the management of threatening processes to biodiversity (Perth Biodiversity Project, 2002). It is hoped that appropriately detailed bird survey information will increase the capacity of participating local governments to plan for biodiversity conservation in remnants and to implement effective management strategies.
METHODS In selecting reserves in which bird surveys would be undertaken, some preference was given to reserves about which little was known by the local council or those that were the target of local government conservation strategies funded under the PBP. As the project focussed largely on sites of local, not regional, significance most project reserves were not Bush Forever sites.
The sites were non-randomly selected for the surveys project by PBP staff, by request from individual councils or, in several instances, by request from community groups. Both bushland and wetland sites were included in the project. Some urban parkland was included in the surveys either as a comparison with the bushland imbedded in it or because local biodiversity conservation planning had identified the parkland as a potential corridor for wildlife.
In planning the surveys, it was decided that a 12-month survey period for each site would cover the four seasons of the year and allow a reasonable number of opportunities to record cryptic bird species, visitors and regular migrants. It has been shown that surveys undertaken by volunteer observers can be reliable indicators of species richness and abundance (Saffer, 2002). A bird surveys coordinator was appointed by Birds Australia WA, but all other aspects of the bird surveys component of the project were conducted by volunteers. All sites were visited at least once by the coordinator and a bird survey conducted by her at most sites.
As the capacity of Birds Australia WA to undertake intensive bird surveys is limited by the availability of committed volunteer observers, a decision was made to survey each site as often as was practicable. A minimum survey period for each site was four seasonal surveys, however other possibilities were bimonthly or monthly surveys.
Sufficient observers were recruited to the project that monthly surveys were possible for all but three sites (Table 1). For most sites, two sets of volunteers alternated on a monthly basis. Observers were largely recruited from the membership of Birds Australia WA, however some observers were also recruited from other parts of the community. The level of expertise of observers varied from relative inexperience to extensive experience. The project has no capacity to standardise the experience of observers through extensive training. Bird surveys were conducted in selected reserves after July 2002 and are ongoing. For the purposes of this report, data analysis is restricted to the period ending 31 May, 2003. At the time of writing, no site had surveys completed for a full year.
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Table 1: Summary of site information for local government sites selected for bird surveys in the Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003. The bird surveys project site number is an arbitrary number corresponding to the site number in the project database. Total sites = 39.
Total Bird survey Total Total bird significant Local Government Wetland/ Survey Site name project site Area (ha) bird. species species Authority frequency number dampland surveys recorded (Bush Forever City of Bayswater Baigup Reserve 4 16.0 X 6 monthly 61 10 Berringa Park 2 10.4 X 5 monthly 56 7 Bardon Park 3 2.8 X 5 monthly 31 5 Hinds Reserve 5 1.3 X 6 monthly 21 1 Lightning Swamp Bushland 6 70.0 X 4 bimonthly 38 9 Gobba Lake 1 1.7 X 5 monthly 31 4 Maylands Peninsula 7 7.4 X 4 monthly 39 2 Town of East Fremantle Locke Crescent Reserve 34 0.86 7 monthly 19 2 Jerrat Drive Foreshore 33 2.8 X 7 monthly 30 5 City of Gosnells Hume Road Wildlife Reserve 10 3.3 5 monthly 14 0 Lots 1 & 2 Rushton Road 9 4.9 5 monthly 38 14 Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve 8 10.0 X 6 monthly 47 8 City of Joondalup Cadogan Reserve 13 4.9 10 monthly 18 2 Chichester Park 11 1.34 10 monthly 17 0 Korella Park 15 2.5 10 monthly 22 4 Naturaliste 12 3.3 10 monthly 21 3 Trigometric 14 2.6 10 monthly 20 4
3 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Total Bird survey Total Total bird significant Local Government Wetland/ Survey Site name project site Area (ha) bird. species species Authority frequency number dampland surveys recorded (Bush Forever) City of Melville Ern Stapleton Reserve 21 0.74 6 monthly 13 0 Harry Sandon Park 20 4.3 6 monthly 20 3 Ken Hurst Park 22 52.4 9 monthly 36 10 Piney Lakes Reserve 16 31.9 X 8 monthly 54 13 Richard Lewis Park 18 5.1 X 6 monthly 26 7 Wal Hughes Reserve 19 1.5 6 monthly 15 1 Wireless Hill Park 17 35.2 8 monthly 33 9 Town of Mosman Park Buckland Hill Reserve 35 6.3 9 monthly 21 5 Shire of Serpentine- Manjedal Brook 32 Jarrahdale 12.7 X 11 monthly 55 19 City of Swan Noble Falls/Reserve 2146 26 50.5 X 10 monthly 48 18 Thorburn Park 23 2.0 X 9 monthly 42 5 West Swan Oval 24 6.8 10 monthly 37 8 Wandoo Heights 25 20.0 10 monthly 33 12 Unnamed Picnic Site, Toodyay 27 Road 2.5 X 10 monthly 30 9 Town of Vincent Banks Reserve 38 3.5 X 5 monthly 27 1 Hyde Park 36 13.5 X 11 monthly 32 2 Mt Lawley foreshore 39 1.8 X 5 monthly 23 1 Smith's Lake 37 1.0 X 10 monthly 27 5
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Total Bird survey Total Total bird significant Local Government Wetland/ Survey Site name project site Area (ha) bird. species species Authority frequency number dampland surveys recorded (Bush Forever) City of Wanneroo Brighton Bushland 30 0.9 3 seasonal 5 1 Cassilda Park 31 4.02 4 seasonal 18 4 Kinsale Park 29 6.0 10 monthly 20 3 Paloma Park 28 5.8 10 monthly 11 1
Total participating local Total (ha) = Total government authorities = 418.2 Total Total bird significant 10 Mean (ha) = Total surveys = species all bird species 10.72 wetlands = 19 314 sites = 125 all sites = 41
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All observers were issued with a set of survey materials including background information on the project and survey instructions (Appendix 1), site description, bird survey forms (Appendix 2) and, where necessary, copies of aerial or street maps. Where relevant, separate instructions were issued to observers for the Swan River foreshore (Appendix 3). All forms and survey instructions were designed for the project. To reduce or eliminate the problem of transcription errors, survey forms were designed so that bird names were completed on the form, not ticked off an existing list. Site location instructions included information on the boundaries of the site. Particular instructions by local government staff were followed if a request were made for sites to be delimited. Thus, the bushland areas of some urban parks might be surveyed while parkland areas were not. Where such areas were separately surveyed for birds, lists are separated in the site reports (Part B).
Observers were instructed to do bird surveys when birds were most likely to be active and when conditions were most favourable, i.e., when the weather was not unduly hot, cold, wet or windy. They were also instructed to take sufficient time to survey all habitat types at the site. As sites varied considerably in size and accessibility, survey duration was not determined in advance. Birds off the site were not recorded, and those in flight over the site were not recorded as present unless they were 'using' the site by foraging over it (e.g. Tree Martin and hovering raptors). Evidence of breeding was recorded on the survey sheets. Breeding records were accepted as confirmed if the observer recorded nest plus contents (eggs, chicks or brooding adult), runners (downy waterbird chicks), downy dependent young near a nest, or repeated flights with food into a hollow or burrow. Records were accepted as possible breeding records if the observer recorded nest building or the feeding of dependent young with no evidence of a nest. As nest searching is time-consuming and requires a degree of skill and experience, breeding was recorded opportunistically.
The project aimed to record the presence and absence of species at each site. Counting birds, especially bush birds, is known to be inaccurate, particularly when observers are untrained (Recher, 1988). While observers were encouraged to count water birds, there was no requirement to count bush birds. Project results thus include no measures of relative abundance for bush birds except for frequency of occurrence data, recorded as a percentage of the number of surveys per site. For water birds, site reports include the highest number counted at any one time. However, not all observers counted water birds, and these counts must be considered to be only approximate measures.
At Swan River foreshore sites, the riparian zone five metres below the high tide line was arbitrarily accepted as the limit of the survey site. This eliminated the problem of observers recording birds using the broader reaches of the river, but allowed for the inclusion of mud flats, shallows and roosts such as logs and rocks which were functionally a part of the survey site.
All observational data were scrutinised by the project officer for errors and reliability and entered into a purpose-designed Microsoft Access relational database. Records were later evaluated to determine if species were introduced, threatened, or considered to be significant under the criteria established or adopted by Bush Forever.
Bush Forever has listed bird species of conservation significance on the Swan Coastal Plain (Government of Western Australia, 2000). Birds listed are deemed to be
6 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
'significant' under one or more of four categories. Category 1 significant species are those listed under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. Category 2 species are those listed under international treaties on the Japan-Australia and China- Australia Migratory Bird Agreements (JAMBA and CAMBA). Habitat specialists with a reduced distribution on the Swan Coastal Plain are listed as Category 3 species, and Category 4 bird species are wide-ranging species with a reduced distribution on the Swan Coastal Plain. This PBP report follows the Bush Forever categorisation of particular bird species as significant on the Swan Coastal Plain. It also adopts the same criteria for the categorisation of bird species in the project's Darling Range sites.
Survey data have been compiled into comprehensive species lists for each survey site, and are included here as individual site reports (Part B). Taxonomy and nomenclature for all species follow Christidis and Boles (1994), except for the names used for Short-billed and Long-billed Black-Cockatoos. In this report, the practice of naming these two species as Carnaby's and Baudin's Black-Cockatoos is adopted.
Site reports (Part B) include a summary of bird survey data such as the number of surveys, average survey duration, average number of observers per survey and survey period. Information on site size, location and vegetation complex is also included. Natural areas outside the DCLM estate, Bush Forever and Regional Parks have been assigned a 'Local Natural Area Identification Number' (LNA ID number) by the PBP. Only those natural areas that have been mapped for natural vegetation by the Department of Agriculture at a scale of 1:20 000 have been assigned LNA numbers. For the PBP, sites without LNA numbers are either Bush Forever sites, part of the Regional Park system, or natural or revegetated areas where no native vegetation has been mapped. For the purposes of this project and report, bird survey sites have been assigned an arbitrary site number.
Relevant vegetation complex information has been included in individual site reports (Part B). Each site has been assigned to a complex as delineated by Heddle and summarised in Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia, 2000). Bird survey sites sample 11 of the 26 vegetation complexes described for the Perth Metropolitan Region. No attempt was made to undertake bird surveys in a sample of all vegetation complexes in the Region.
RESULTS
Survey sites A total of 39 sites vested in 10 local councils were surveyed for birds and the data were analysed for this report. Information on new sites from other participating councils included late in the reported survey period have not been included here. A list of sites and participating local councils is included in Table 1. Figure 1 shows the location of the survey sites in the Perth Metropolitan Region.
The focus on sites of local rather than regional significance is reflected in the relatively small size of the survey sites selected for the project: while sites ranged from 0.74 ha to 70 ha (mean = 10.72 in size, most sites (75%, n = 29) were 10 ha or less in area and only 3 (7%) were larger than 50 ha). The total area surveyed for birds was 418 ha.
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Fig. 1: Map showing Perth Biodiversity Project sites surveyed for birds in the Perth Metropolitan Region in the period July 2002-May 2003.
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Surveys A total of 68 observers contributed 314 surveys for the 39 sites. As sites were recruited into the project at different times and as survey frequency was lower for three sites, the numbers of surveys per site varies from 4 to 11 (Table 1).
Bird species One hundred and twenty five bird species were recorded, of which 41 (33%) are designated as significant under Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia, 2000). Appendix 4 provides a complete list of all bird species recorded in the project and lists the common and scientific names of all species mentioned in the text. It also notes any conservation category of significance in Bush Forever.
The fifteen most frequently recorded bird species are listed in Table 2. The species are some of those that have benefited from urban expansion and habitat fragmentation on the Swan Coastal Plain (Recher, in press), with two exceptions (White-cheeked Honeyeater and New Holland Honeyeater). These exceptions are discussed in the section Other Significant Species below.
The most commonly recorded Table 2: The 15 most frequently recorded bird species are introduced or those species in surveys of selected remnants in the favouring urban habitats, including Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003, ranked in order of frequency of occurrence. parkland and constructed or highly Surveys n = 314. Key: * denotes introduced modified wetlands. They include the species. Pacific Black Duck, Australian Species Number of Ringneck, Spotted and Laughing surveys in Turtle-Dove, Willie Wagtail, which Australian Raven, Australian Magpie recorded Singing Honeyeater 218 and Welcome Swallow. Six species Red Wattlebird 210 are nectarivorous or partly so – these Brown Honeyeater 190 are Red Wattlebird, Silvereye, and Australian Magpie 182 Singing, Brown, White-cheeked and Australian Raven 177 New Holland Honeyeaters. The Laughing Turtle-Dove* 169 latter list suggests that these species Willie Wagtail 153 may respond positively to the kinds Silvereye 135 Australian Ringneck 114 of plantings in urban gardens and Magpie-lark 110 parks, although it is possible that Spotted Turtle-Dove* 99 they may use bushland remnants for Pacific Black Duck 93 breeding as well as feeding. Those White-cheeked Honeyeater 89 species which have been most New Holland Honeyeater 82 commonly recorded are also species Welcome Swallow 82 that are highly visible. This may contribute to a higher recording rate than less visible, and thus less easily recorded, species.
Eighty four of the species recorded in project sites are not regarded as significant in conservation terms. These include nine introduced species and some, such as Yellow- billed Spoonbill and Galah, that have expanded into the Perth Metropolitan Region since European colonisation (Storr & Johnstone, 1988). Some of the species recorded but not regarded as having conservation significance might be considered as being
9 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A dependent on urban vegetation remnants for their long-term survival on the Swan Coastal Plain. These include all four cuckoos (Pallid and Fan-tailed Cuckoo and Horsfield's and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo), together with Spotted and Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail and White-winged Triller. All of these species are insectivorous, a group of birds known to be vulnerable to decline and extinction (How & Dell, 1993). Rufous Whistler is the only resident insectivore in this group – other species are migrants, seasonal visitors or mobile species whose presence in surveyed reserves might be under-recorded due to their mobility or the seasonality of surveys in the project to date. Each habitat type is not uniformly suitable for all bird species. Absence of a species might thus be due, for example, to a naturally occurring absence of woodland overstorey. However, the continued absence in a reserve of these species over a period of time might indicate problems with the value of remnants for this group, or the degree of connectivity to other reserves.
Threatened species Two species recorded in the project surveys are listed as threatened under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) and the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. These are Baudin's Black-Cockatoo (vulnerable under the EPBC) and Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (endangered under the EPBC). Baudin's Cockatoo has only been positively recorded in one project site in the Darling Range. White-tailed Black-Cockatoo, a generic descriptor referring to either species, was recorded at two additional sites in or near the Darling Range. Baudin's Cockatoo rarely or never frequents the northern and western sections of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Part of the population of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo over-summers on the Swan Coastal Plain. The species is mobile and feeds largely on the seeds of introduced pines and proteaceous plants. During the project, the Cockatoo was recorded at 9 sites, most of these on the western and northern sections of the Swan Coastal Plain.
Other significant species Bush Forever lists species protected under conservation acts or international treaties together with those known to be extinct or in decline on the Swan Coastal Plain (Government of Western Australia, 2000). A total of 41 bird species recorded for this project are listed as significant in Bush Forever. Table 1 summarises the number of significant species recorded at each site. Appendix 5 lists significant species by location. Detailed species lists are also included in each site report (Part B). Significant species were recorded from all but two survey sites (n sites = 37).
The Bush Forever list of significant species includes New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. Both these species are among the 15 most recorded species for this project. Recher (in press) and Recher and Serventy (1991) found that White-cheeked Honeyeater and most other nectar feeders increased in abundance on a transect study in Kings Park between 1928 and 2002. The results of the PBP surveys support these findings and suggest that the inclusion of New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater on the Bush Forever list of significant bird species may not be warranted. However, it is not known if suburban gardens support breeding populations of these two honeyeaters, or if the two species of honeyeaters are dependent on connected networks of bushland remnants for their long-term survival.
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Breeding species The number of bird species recorded as breeding in project sites is low. Species recorded as breeding are largely highly visible bushland or parkland species such as Magpie-lark, Australian Magpie and Australian Raven and some waterbirds such as grebes and ducks. Some sites have not yet been surveyed over the Spring breeding period and this may influence the numbers of breeding records for the project.
DISCUSSION A number of factors influence the numbers and types of bird species recorded in surveys. Variations in the detectibility of some bird species affect recording rates for those species. Under-recorded groups of species almost certainly include nocturnal birds such as owls and frogmouths and secretive species such as crakes and rails but may also include more cryptic species such as small insectivores in dense vegetation (e.g., White-browed Scrubwren and fairy-wrens). Among observers involved in the project, there was a considerable variation in skill and survey effort. In addition, different observers sampled different sites at different times. This makes statistically meaningful analysis of variations in species numbers and occurrence between sites unreliable or impossible. Bird surveys are not yet complete for each site in the project and the surveys for some reserves have not yet sampled all four seasons. This may affect the bird species recorded – for example, seasonal migrants and visitors such as cuckoos, Sacred Kingfisher and White-winged Triller. Lastly, the mobility of some bird species may mean that they might not always be recorded during limited survey periods.
Despite these apparent problems, site survey data adhere to what is known about the status of birds in the Perth Metropolitan Region. This suggests that the use of voluntary observers in the project provides a cost-effective, valid and reliable inventory of most birds in urban reserves.
The number of breeding records is low, and no analysis of the breeding status of birds in the project reserves is possible. Project records are presence-absence records only, and it is beyond the scope of this study to ascertain the long-term viability of populations of birds in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Thus, some bird species currently recorded as present in some project sites may be in the process of declining towards local or regional extinction. Only labour- and cost-intensive studies led by researchers with specialist skills are capable of answering important questions about the long-term viability of declining bird species in particular sites, and at a landscape level on the Swan Coastal Plain.
It is, however, not advisable for local government land managers to wait until ecologists provide answers to questions regarding bird population viability and patterns of habitat use and movement in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Numbers of significant bird species have been identified in remnant vegetation managed by local councils, and tackling the threatening processes that undermine the long-term survival of these populations is a critical part of the biodiversity conservation process for local government. Some recommendations have been made in individual site reports in Part B. Habitat loss, fragmentation and the progressive degradation of remnants through weed invasion, inappropriate fire management, hydrological changes, high levels of predation, and direct human interference are all processes that threaten the conservation value of remnant vegetation in urban areas. While specific management
11 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A recommendations might be lacking for some reserves, the general principles of mitigating the effects of threatening processes on urban bushland remain valid.
Loss of biodiversity can be attributed to three broad threatening processes – habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation resulting from human management practices (Ford et al., 2001; Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, 2001). Habitat loss occurs when part of a habitat is removed, such as the understorey layer in a woodland. Habitat fragmentation is the dividing of once continuous habitat by land use activities such as urban development and the building of roads through bushland. Habitat degradation is the gradual loss of habitat quality by processes such as weed invasion, disease and soil erosion.
It should be noted that threatening processes operate across a range of scales from local (e.g., local reserve) through regional (e.g., Perth Metropolitan Region) to ecoregional (e.g., southwest Western Australia). Local scale processes are best managed by local government and community groups. Regional scale threats need to be managed by local and State Government agencies (e.g., DCLM) in conjunction with natural resource management groups such as the Swan Catchment Council.
Table 3 lists these three broad threatening processes together with examples of land use activities requiring management action by local government and other local land managers to protect biodiversity. Whilst none is specific to the management of reserves for birds, all contribute to the loss, fragmentation and degradation of habitat in reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region.
12 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Table 3: Summary of the three broad threatening processes to biodiversity and examples of land use activities requiring management by local government and community groups.
BROAD THREATENING EXAMPLES OF ACTIVITY REQUIRING LOCAL PROCESS MANAGEMENT Habitat fragmentation x urban development (dividing previously x service provision (power, sewerage, water, gas, roads) continuous habitat) x proliferating tracks (walk tracks, bicycle tracks, 4WD tracks, fire access) Habitat loss through x Mowing around the edges of bushland (progressive reduction in habitat area loss) x Removing bushland for car parks, playgrounds, sports areas, parks, service utilities such as water tanks x Urban development x Expansion of private gardens beyond property boundaries into local bushland x Erosion x Weed control (removal of weeds used as habitat by small birds and reptiles) x Rubbish removal (reptile habitat) Habitat degradation within x weeds patches or reserves x disease, e.g. dieback Phytophthora cinnamomi x grazing (incl. kangaroos) x rubbish dumping x unauthorised access (off-road vehicles, cubbies, horse- riding) x urban stormwater runoff x inappropriate fire management x 'tidying up' (removal of woody debris & leaf litter); firewood collection x removal of plants and soil, including illegal tree killing/pruning x loss of specific resources such as logs, rocks (various causes) Habitat degradation between x urban infill (removal of tree canopy; reduction of total patches or reserves vegetation cover) x widening roads x removal of old and dead trees x removal of street trees x replacement local native trees/shrubs with exotics, non- local native plants, lawns x removal of small habitat patches in parks, gardens etc x trends/fashions in gardening (e.g. move from native gardens to cottage gardens or lawn + palms) x trends in block size/house design (shift from suburban to fully urban landscapes) – no room for trees; simple instead of complex gardens with multiple vegetation layers
The timely and appropriate management of local reserves is critical for the long-term conservation of biodiversity in local areas. While large reserves are important for the long-term conservation of some bird species, perhaps particularly for sedentary species with little or no capacity to disperse through surrounding urban landscapes, small reserves are nonetheless important for the conservation of a range of taxa including plants, reptiles and at least some birds. For example, research in agricultural landscapes in southeastern Australia showed that relatively small remnant patches
13 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A contributed significantly to the species richness of birds (Fischer & Lindenmayer, 2002). The PBP bird survey sites are largely small - most (75%) are 10 ha in size or smaller. The study has shown that number of birds known to be in decline on the Swan Coastal Plain use many of these reserves. The reserves may have an important role to play as ecological linkages and this is particularly the case with reserves on the Swan Coastal Plain where habitat clearing and fragmentation has been most severe. Remnants may also have an important role as breeding and feeding sites for birds which otherwise utilise urban gardens and parks. Birds themselves may have significant roles to play in the properly functioning ecosystem processes in reserves, for example in their role in insect control, plant pollination and seed dispersal.
This bird surveys project is an observational study identifying patterns in the distribution and presence of birds in some urban and peri-urban reserves. Observation-based studies are able to delineate patterns of distribution and habitat use, however experimental studies are needed to understand how and which processes regulate these patterns. The processes or mechanisms underlying the presence or absence of bird species in selected reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region cannot be determined by this study. However, it is hoped that the bird survey data provided by this project will encourage local councils to develop more mechanisms to protect local natural areas against clearing, fragmentation, reduction in size and degradation, and work effectively to increase their size and quality.
CONCLUSION Conservation is as much about people as it is about species or knowledge of ecology and ecosystems (Mascia et al., 2003). The importance and relevance of the conservation of biodiversity is often promoted as something that occurs in wilderness or in areas removed from urban people's everyday experience (Miller & Hobbs, 2002). We need to be able to build a greater appreciation of the natural environment in people's own local reserves. Taxa such as birds are attractive to many people, and local governments can build this interest into an appreciation for the conservation and management of local biodiversity resources.
During this project, a considerable body of bird survey data has been generated for a number of Perth metropolitan vegetation remnants for which consistent and reliable survey data are otherwise not available. These surveys will continue for existing sites and new sites will be recruited into the project. It is hoped that the results will provide a useful management tool for local government authorities.
14 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
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ATA Environmental (2003). Ken Hurst Park environmental management plan 2003- 2007: Version 1. Perth, City of Melville.
Brooker, M. (1995). Wildfire and its effects on the birds of the Darling Scarp. In J. Harris (ed.), Burning Our Bushland: proceedings of a conference about fire and urban bushland, p.p. 42-45. Perth, Urban Bushland Council.
Brooker, L, M. Brooker & P. Cale (1999). Animal dispersal in fragmented habitat: measuring habitat connectivity, corridor use and dispersal mortality. Conservation Ecology 3(1): 4. [online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol3/iss1/art4
Cale, B. (2003). Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) recovery plan 2000-2009. Draft. Perth, Department of Conservation and Land Management.
Catterall, C. P., R. J. Green & D. N. Jones (1991). Habitat use by birds across a forest- suburb interface in Brisbane: implications for corridors. In Nature Conservation 2: the role of corridors, eds. D. A. Saunders & R. J. Hobbs, p.p. 247-258. Chipping Norton, New South Wales, Surrey Beatty & Sons.
Christidis, L. & W. E. Boles (1994). The taxonomy and species of birds of Australia and its territories. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union Monograph 2. Melbourne, RAOU.
City of Melville (ND). Wireless Hill Park management plan. Perth, City of Melville.
Cooper, N. K. (1995). Vertebrate fauna in an isolated bushland reserve (No 18325) in inner Perth. Western Australian Naturalist 20: 21-28.
Czech, B., P. R. Krausman & R. Borkhataria (1998). Social construction, political power and the allocation of benefits to endangered species. Conservation Biology 12: 1103-1112.
Dell, J. & N. K. Cooper (1992). Vertebrate fauna of Ken Hurst Park, City of Melville. NP.
Dell, J. & R. How (1995). Faunal response to fire in urban bushland. In J. Harris (ed.), Burning Our Bushland: proceedings of a conference about fire and urban bushland, p.p. 35-41. Perth, Urban Bushland Council.
Ecoscape (1992). Piney Lakes Reserve concept plan. Perth, City of Melville.
15 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Ecoscape (1993). Jerrat Drive Foreshore rehabilitation plan. East Fremantle, Town of East Fremantle.
Fischer, J. & D. B. Lindenmayer (2002). Small patches can be valuable for biodiversity conservation: two case studies on birds in southeastern Australia. Biological Conservation 106: 129-136.
Ford, H. A., G. W. Barrett, D. A. Saunders & H. F. Recher (2001). Why have birds in the woodlands of southern Australia declined? Biological Conservation 97: 71-88.
Government of Western Australia (2000). Bush Forever. 4 Vols. Perth, Department of Environmental Protection.
Grace, K., L. Taman, J. William & S. Dawson (2002). Lightning Swamp Bushland management plan. Perth, City of Bayswater.
Harvey, M. S., J. Dell, R. A. How & J. M. Waldock (1997). Ground fauna of bushland on the Ridge Hill Shelf and Pinjarra Plain landforms, Perth: report to the Australian Heritage Commission. Perth, WA Museum & WA Naturalists' Club.
Higgins, P. J. & J. M. Peter (2002). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 6: Pardalotes to Shrike-thrushes. South Melbourne, Oxford University Press.
Hoj-Hansen (2000). Locke Crescent Nature Reserve: draft management plan. NP.
How, R. & J. Dell (1993). Vertebrate fauna of the Perth metropolitan region: consequences of a modified environment. In Hipkins, M. (ed)., Urban Bush Management, p.p. 28-47. Perth, Australian Institute of Urban Studies.
How, R. & J. Dell (2000). Ground vertebrate fauna of Perth's vegetation remnants: impact of 170 years of urbanization. Pacific Conservation Biology 6: 198-217.
Hyde, A. & O. Gear (ND). Wandoo Heights: the saving of a landscape 1960 to 1987. Unpublished report to the City of Swan. Perth, City of Swan.
Jaensch, R. P. (1987). Waterbirds in the Swan-Canning Estuary. Swan River estuary, ecology and management. Curtin University Environmental Studies Group Report No. 1, ed. J. John. Perth, Curtin University.
Jones, D. N. (1981). Temporal changes in the suburban avifauna of an inland city. Australian Wildlife Research 8: 109-118.
Keast, A. (1995). Habitat loss and species loss: the birds of Sydney 50 years ago and now. Australian Zoologist 30: 3-24.
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Mascia, M. B., J. P. Brosius, T. A Dobson, B. C Forbes, L. Horowitz, M. A. McKean & N. J. Turner (2003). Conservation and the social sciences. Conservation Biology 17: 649-650.
Melles, S., S. Glenn & K. Martin (2003). Urban bird diversity and landscape complexity: species-environment associations along a multiscale habitat gradient. Conservation Ecology 7(1): 5. [online] URL: http://www.consecol.org/vol7/iss1/art5
Meney, K. A. et al. (1994). Baigup Wetland Reserve Management Plan. Regeneration Technology, Perth.
Meney, K. A. (1989). Management plan for the Maylands Foreshore Reserve (Berringa Park: report to the City of Stirling. City of Stirling, Perth.
Miller, J. R. & R. J. Hobbs (2002). Conservation where people live and work. Conservation Biology 16: 330-337.
Perth Biodiversity Project (2002). Capacity of Perth's local governments to conserve biodiversity: survey analysis report 2002. Perth, Perth Biodiversity Project, WA Local Government Association.
Recher, H. F. (in press). The Kings Park avifauna: keeping birds in the city. Proceedings of the Royal Zoological Society of NSW, Urban Wildlife Symposium.
Recher, H. F. (2002). The past, present and future of biodiversity conservation in Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology 8: 8-11.
Recher, H. F. & D. L. Serventy (1991). Long term changes in the relative abundances of birds in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia. Conservation Biology 5: 90-102.
Recher, H. F. (1988). Counting terrestrial birds: use and application of census procedures in Australia. Australian Zoological Review 1: 25-45.
Saffer, V. M. (2002). Community involvement in the assessment of health of selected remnants in south-western Australia. Part II: Volunteer surveys as a reliable indicator of species richness and abundance. Western Australian Naturalist 23: 246-258.
Saunders, D. A. & J. A. Ingram (1995). Birds of southwestern Australia: an atlas of changes in the distribution and abundance of the wheatbelt avifauna. Chipping Norton, New South Wales, Surrey Beatty & Sons.
Serventy, D. L. & H. M. Whittell (1951). A handbook of the birds of Western Australia. 2nd Ed. Perth, Paterson Brokensha.
17 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Sewell, S. R. & C. P. Catterall (1998). Bushland modification and styles of urban development: their effects on birds in south-eastern Queensland. Wildlife Research 25: 41-63.
Storr, G. M. & R. E. Johnstone (1988). Birds of the Swan Coastal Plain and adjacent seas and islands. Records of the Western Australian Museum. Supplement No. 28. Perth, Western Australian Museum.
Street, M. (1995). Bull Creek Wetlands Management Plan. Perth, City of Melville.
Wooller, S. (1999). Attadale remnant bushland: survey of plants and birds. Perth, Murdoch University.
18 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Project overview and survey instructions provided to observers undertaking bird surveys for the Perth Biodiversity Project in the Perth Metropolitan Region July 2002-May 2003. Perth Biodiversity Project Bird Surveys
Project overview The Perth Biodiversity Project (PBP) is a Natural Heritage Trust-funded initiative of the WA Local Government Association aiming to conserve biodiversity in sites vested in local government authorities. Birds Australia WA is undertaking bird surveys in some of the sites funded for conservation and management We aim, where possible, to provide monthly bird surveys so that accurate bird lists can be provided to the relevant local councils. Where possible, we provide two sets of observers per site, with observers doing surveys in alternate months (i.e. every two months). Bird surveys will be undertaken until at least mid-2003.
Bird surveys submitted to the PBP will be entered in the Birds Australia Bird Atlas database, thus contributing further to our knowledge of the birds of the Perth region.
Your role You have nominated to do bird surveys in one or more PBP sites in the Perth metro or outer metro area. You can help by x Doing the survey in the middle of the month where possible; x Liaising with the other site observers, or coordinator Cheryl Gole, if you are unable to undertake a nominated survey; x Completing survey forms and returning them promptly to Cheryl.
How to survey PBP sites x Familiarise yourself with the site and its boundaries; x Do the survey early in the day or when the birds are most active (this may be later in winter than in summer). Also, do the survey under favourable weather conditions – don’t survey during extremes of weather such as very hot or cold, or wet and windy conditions; x Duration of survey: take as long as you need to ensure that you record the species present on the site; x If the site is large, explore all habitat types. For example, if it is a mix of forest and heath, or creekline and cleared paddock, make sure you include both habitats in the survey; x You do not need to count individual birds. However, if you feel it is important or relevant, you may record the numbers in the comments column. For example, the numbers of corellas or White-tailed Black-cockatoos using a site may be relevant; x If you are unable to positively identify a species, leave it off the list. However, you may add a note in the comments section at the end if you wish. If you are unable to distinguish between Carnaby’s and Baudin’s Cockatoos, record as White-tailed Black-cockatoo; x Birds in flight: record species as ‘in flight’ if they appear to be simply flying over the site. However, if birds are using the air space above the site for foraging, then record the species as present. For example, Tree Martins or a hovering raptor over the site would be recorded in the ‘present’ column; x Record evidence of breeding in the comments column (eg nest building, feeding young.). Include numbers of eggs or chicks if possible; x Don’t include bird species which are off the site. x Comments on plant species or specific habitats used by bird species are useful to shire council site managers. For example, you might notice that honeyeaters are feeding on particular plant species. Include this information in the comments column for the relevant species. Thank you for offering your time and expertise for the project – we greatly appreciate it
19 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part A
Appendix 2: Survey form provided to observers undertaking bird surveys for the Perth Biodiversity Project
Perth Biodiversity Project Bird Survey Form
Survey and site information
Site location name ………………………………… Council name ……………………..... Observer name ……………………………… Address ...………………...... ……………………………………… Phone …………………………...... Email……………………………………………………………………………………..... Date of survey ………………….. Survey time: start …………... finish …………...… Total time spent doing survey … hrs…..mins Number of people doing survey …… . Wetland water levels …. Dry ….. below capacity …… at capacity ….. flooding Mud/sandflats exposed ……. Bird Species Bird Species Present In flight Breeding Comments 9 over site 9 (e.g. evidence of breeding; 9 numbers of birds; feeding)
Please record additional species overleaf
20 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Appendix 3: Survey instructions provided to observers undertaking bird surveys on Swan River foreshore sites surveyed for the Perth Biodiversity Project
Perth Biodiversity Project Bird Surveys
Swan River Foreshore – Survey Instructions x The site you are surveying includes part of the Swan River foreshore. The foreshore of the Swan River is to be included in the survey, and access to that side of the reserve is most easily undertaken by walking along the foreshore (or parts of it) and recording the birds you see and hear. For that reason, it is suggested that you do the survey at or within a couple of hours of low tide (check the West Australian newspaper weather page for tide times). x As this is a wetland area some of the vegetation is thick, and some areas are wet or muddy. It is strongly suggested that you wear trousers and gumboots or old shoes. In winter, some areas may be inundated and you may need to change your survey route. x It is important that you don't include the whole width of the river in your survey! From the high tide line, include birds you see in the first 5 metres – this should cover shallows, low tide mudflats and roosting places such as logs etc. If a sandspit or other structure extends further out into the river, include the whole structure in the survey. Please count the water birds and include the counts on your survey sheet. x Three species of crake and a species of rail are possible on the foreshore, largely in muddy areas on the foreshore or lagoons where there is good cover within close retreating distance. The birds are secretive and sometimes difficult to spot. However, they will occasionally reward you with unexpectedly good views. In appropriate habitat areas, approach and wait quietly, and scan the reed or rush edges with your binoculars. These are important birds for us to record if they are present, so we would appreciate your efforts to spend some time finding them if they are there. If you see one you can't accurately identify, record on the survey sheet as 'unidentified crake'. A tip: they vary in size, and comparing them to other birds nearby may give some assistance. x Clamorous Reed-Warblers and Little Grassbirds may be present but may be difficult to see. If you are not familiar with their calls, the relevant bird call cassette tape is available on loan from the Birds Australia WA office at 77 Oceanic Drive, Floreat (open 9.30-12.30 Mon-Fri). x Access is not good on all perimeters, so you will need to do some exploring to find the best ways to survey the area. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore and find all the birds that are present. x Consider doing an occasional late afternoon/early evening survey, as some areas may be used as roosting sites for waterbirds such as Ibis that fly in at that time of the day. x These are rewarding places which most birdwatchers never visit. We hope you enjoy them!
21 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Appendix 4: Bird species recorded in surveys conducted for the Perth Biodiversity Project July 2002-May 2003 in the Perth Metropolitan Region. Taxonomy and nomenclature follows Christidis & Boles (1994) except for the naming of Carnaby's and Baudin's Black-Cockatoos. Significant species after Bush Forever (Government of Western Australia, 2000). Key: * denotes introduced species. Categories for significant bird species: 1 = species listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950; 2 = species listed under JAMBA/CAMBA agreements; 3 = habitat specialists with a reduced distribution on the Swan Coastal Plain; 4 = wide-ranging species with reduced populations on the Swan Coastal Plain. JAMBA/CAMBA = Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. SCP=Swan Coastal Plain Categories of Common name Scientific name significance Blue-billed Duck Oxyura australis 3 Musk Duck Biziura lobata 3 Black Swan Cygnus atratus Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides Muscovy Duck* Cairina moschata Australian Wood Duck Chenonetta jubata Pacific Black Duck Anas superciliosa Australasian Shoveler Anas rhynchotis 3 Grey Teal Anas gracilis Chestnut Teal Anas castanea Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus 3 Hardhead Aythya australis 3 Australasian Grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae Hoary-headed Grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus Darter Anhinga melanogaster Little Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax melanoleucos Pied Cormorant Phalacrocorax varius Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Australian Pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus White-faced Heron Egretta novaehollandiae White-necked Heron Ardea pacifica Great Egret Ardea alba Nankeen Night Heron Nycticorax caledonicus 4 Australian White Ibis Threskiornis molucca Straw-necked Ibis Threskiornis spinicollis Yellow-billed Spoonbill Platalea flavipes Osprey Pandion haliaetus Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris Whistling Kite Haliastur sphenurus 4 Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Brown Goshawk Accipiter fasciatus 4 Collared Sparrowhawk Accipiter cirrhocephalus 4 Wedge-tailed Eagle Aquila audax 4 Little Eagle Hieraaetus morphnoides 4 Australian Hobby Falco longipennis
22 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Categories of Common name Scientific name significance Nankeen Kestrel Falco cenchroides Buff-banded Rail Gallirallus philippensis Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla Australian Spotted Crake Porzana fluminea Spotless Crake Porzana tabuensis Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio Dusky Moorhen Gallinula tenebrosa 3 Eurasian Coot Fulica atra Painted Button-quail Turnix varia 4 Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia 2 Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos 2 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Black-fronted Dotterel Elseyornis melanops Red-kneed Dotterel Erythrogonys cinctus 2 Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Crested Tern Sterna bergii Rock Dove* Columba livia Laughing Turtle-Dove* Streptopelia senegalensis Spotted Turtle-Dove* Streptopelia chinensis Common Bronzewing Phaps chalcoptera 3 Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus banksii locally extinct Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus latirostris 1,4 Baudin's Black-Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus baudinii 1,4 Galah Cacatua roseicapilla Long-billed Corella* Cacatua tenuirostris Little Corella* Cacatua sanguinea Rainbow Lorikeet* Trichoglossus haematodus Regent Parrot Polytelis anthopeplus Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius Red-capped Parrot Purpureicephalus spurius Elegant Parrot Neophema elegans Pallid Cuckoo Cuculus pallidus Fan-tailed Cuckoo Cacomantis flabelliformis Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx basalis Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus Southern Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae Laughing Kookaburra* Dacelo novaeguineae Sacred Kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus Splendid Fairy-wren Malurus splendens 3 Variegated Fairy-wren Malurus lamberti 3 Spotted Pardalote Pardalotus punctatus Striated Pardalote Pardalotus striatus White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis 3
23 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Categories of Common name Scientific name significance Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris 3 Western Gerygone Gerygone fusca Inland Thornbill Acanthiza apicalis 3 Western Thornbill Acanthiza inornata 3 Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa 3 Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata Little Wattlebird Anthochaera chrysoptera 4 Yellow-throated Miner Manorina flavigula 4 Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Lichenostomus ornatus 3 Not listed: extinct Brown-headed Honeyeater Melithreptus brevirostris on SCP White-naped Honeyeater Melithreptus lunatus 4 Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta New Holland Honeyeater Phylidonyris novaehollandiae 4 White-cheeked Honeyeater Phylidonyris nigra 4 Tawny-crowned Honeyeater Phylidonyris melanops 4 Western Spinebill Acanthorhynchus superciliosus Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor 3 Red-capped Robin Petroica goodenovii Varied Sittella Daphoenositta chrysoptera 3 Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis 3 Rufous Whistler Pachycephala rufiventris Grey Shrike-thrush Colluricincla harmonica 3 Magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca Grey Fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa Willie Wagtail Rhipidura leucophrys Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Coracina novaehollandiae White-winged Triller Lalage sueurii Black-faced Woodswallow Artamus cinereus 4 Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus 4 Grey Butcherbird Cracticus torquatus Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen Grey Currawong Strepera versicolor 4 Australian Raven Corvus coronoides Not listed: extinct Red-eared Firetail Stagonopleura oculata on SCP European Goldfinch* Carduelis carduelis Mistletoebird Dicaeum hirundinaceum Welcome Swallow Hirundo neoxena Tree Martin Hirundo nigricans Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus Little Grassbird Megalurus gramineus Silvereye Zosterops lateralis Total significant Total species = 125 species = 41
24 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Appendix 5: Site locations for significant bird species recorded in selected reserves in the Perth Metropolitan Region, July 2002-May 2003. Baigup Reserve Reserve Banks Bardon Park Berringa Park Bushland Brighton HillBuckland ReserveCadogan Cassilda Park Chichester Park Stapleton Ern LakeGobba Sandon Harry Hinds Reserve Hume Road Hyde Park Jerrat Drive HurstKen Park ParkKinsale Korella Park Lightning Swamp CrescentLocke
Status Common Name code Blue-billed Duck 3 X Musk Duck 3 X X Australasian Shoveler 3 X Hardhead 3 X X Nankeen Night Heron 4 X X X Whistling Kite 4 X Brown Goshawk 4 X X Collared Sparrowhawk 4 X X X X X Wedge-tailed Eagle 4 Little Eagle 4 Dusky Moorhen 3 X X X X Painted Button-quail 4 Common Greenshank 2 X Common Sandpiper 2 X X Red-kneed Dotterel 2 X Common Bronzewing 3 X locally X Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo extinct Short-billed Black-Cockatoo X X X 1,4 Long-billed Black-Cockatoo 1,4
25 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B Baigup Reserve Baigup Reserve Banks Park Bardon Park Berringa Bushland Brighton HillBuckland Reserve Cadogan Park Cassilda Park Chichester Stapleton Ern Lake Gobba Sandon Harry Reserve Hinds Road Hume Park Hyde Jerrat Drive Park Hurst Ken Park Kinsale ParkKorella Swamp Lightning CrescentLocke
Status Common Name code Splendid Fairy-wren 3 X X Variegated Fairy-wren 3 X X X White-browed Scrubwren 3 X X Weebill 3 Inland Thornbill 3 X Western Thornbill 3 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 3 X Little Wattlebird 4 X X X X X Yellow-throated Miner 4 X X Yellow-plumed Honeyeater 3 New Holland Honeyeater 4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X White-cheeked Honeyeater 4 X X X X X X X X X X X X Tawny-crowned Honeyeater 4 X Scarlet Robin 3 X Varied Sittella 3 X Golden Whistler 3 Grey Shrike-thrush 3 X Black-faced Woodswallow 4 X Dusky Woodswallow 4 Grey Currawong 4
26 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B Manjedal Brook Brook Manjedal Peninsula Maylands Lawley Mt foreshore Park Naturaliste 2146 Noble Falls/Reserve ParkPaloma Piney Lakes Lewis Richard Rd Lots Rushton 2 & 1 Road Shreeve Smith's Lake ParkThorburn Trigometric Toodyay Site, Rd PicnicUnnamed, Wal Hughes Heights Wandoo Oval West Swan HillPark Wireless Total all reserves
Status Common Name code Blue-billed Duck 3 1 Musk Duck 3 2 Australasian Shoveler 3 X 2 Hardhead 3 X X 4 Nankeen Night Heron 4 X 4 Whistling Kite 4 X 2 Brown Goshawk 4 X X X 6 Collared Sparrowhawk 4 X X X 7 Wedge-tailed Eagle 4 X 1 Little Eagle 4 X 1 Dusky Moorhen 3 X X 6 Painted Button-quail 4 X 1 Common Greenshank 2 X 2 Common Sandpiper 2 1 Red-kneed Dotterel 2 1 Common Bronzewing 3 X X X X X X X X 9 Red-tailed Black- locally X 1 Cockatoo extinct Short-billed Black- X X X X X X 10 Cockatoo 1,4 Long-billed Black- X 1 Cockatoo 1,4 Splendid Fairy-wren 3 X X X X X X X X 10 Variegated Fairy-wren 3 3
27 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B Manjedal Brook Brook Manjedal Peninsula Maylands Lawley Mt foreshore Park Naturaliste 2146 Noble Falls/Reserve ParkPaloma Piney Lakes Lewis Richard Rd Lots Rushton 2 & 1 Road Shreeve Smith's Lake ParkThorburn Trigometric Toodyay Site, Rd PicnicUnnamed, Wal Hughes Heights Wandoo Oval West Swan HillPark Wireless Total all reserves
Status Common Name code White-browed Scrubwren 3 X X X X X X 8 Weebill 3 X X X X X X X X 8 Inland Thornbill 3 X X X X X 6 Western Thornbill 3 X X X X X X 6 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 3 X X X X X X X X X X 11 Little Wattlebird 4 X X X X X X X X X X 15 Yellow-throated Miner 4 X 3 Yellow-plumed X 1 Honeyeater 3 New Holland Honeyeater 4 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 28 White-cheeked X X X X X X X X X X X 23 Honeyeater 4 Tawny-crowned X 2 Honeyeater 4 Scarlet Robin 3 X X X X 5 Varied Sittella 3 X X X 4 Golden Whistler 3 X X X X X 4 Grey Shrike-thrush 3 X X X X 5 Black-faced X X 3 Woodswallow 4 Dusky Woodswallow 4 X X 2 Grey Currawong 4 X X 2
28 Bird Surveys in Selected Perth Metropolitan Reserves: Part B
Bird surveys in selected Perth metropolitan reserves
A joint biodiversity conservation project between Birds Australia WA and the Perth Biodiversity Project
Part B: Site Reports
C.A. Gole
August 2003
29 Site Name Baigup Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Bayswater City of Bayswater 16 ha 31º55'57" S, 115º54'40" E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Swan Complex Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation Total no. surveys: 6 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site Average survey time: 157 mins (range 100-205) ID no. no. N/A 313 (part)
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black Swan 1 50 Australian Shelduck 8 33 Pacific Black Duck 33 100 Australasian Shoveler * 4 50 X Grey Teal 31 67 Hardhead 2 83 X Australasian Grebe Confirmed 7 17 Hoary-headed Grebe 3 83 Darter 4 17 Little Pied Cormorant 3 100 Little Black Cormorant 1 67 Great Cormorant 1 33 Australian Pelican 2 33 White-faced Heron 2 83 Great Egret 1 100 Australian White Ibis 11 50 Yellow-billed Spoonbill 2 83 Black-shouldered Kite 67 Brown Goshawk 33 X Collared Sparrowhawk 17 X Buff-banded Rail 5 17 Baillon's Crake 1 50 Spotless Crake 3 17 Purple Swamphen 7 17 Dusky Moorhen 5 100 X Eurasian Coot 19 100 Common Sandpiper 1 100 X Black-winged Stilt 7 33 Black-fronted Dotterel 5 67 Red-kneed Dotterel 1 67 X Silver Gull 17 Crested Tern 67 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 33 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 83 Rainbow Lorikeet* 50 Australian Ringneck 33 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Fan-tailed Cuckoo 17 Laughing Kookaburra* 17 Rainbow Bee-eater 33 Western Gerygone 50 Red Wattlebird 50 Little Wattlebird 17 X Singing Honeyeater 17 Brown Honeyeater 100 New Holland Honeyeater 67 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 17 X Rufous Whistler 50 Magpie-lark 50 Grey Fantail 67 Willie Wagtail 17 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 83 White-winged Triller 33 Australian Magpie 17 Australian Raven 83 European Goldfinch* Mistletoebird Possible 83 Welcome Swallow 17 Tree Martin 33 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 83 Little Grassbird 33 Silvereye 67 Total species = 61 2 10
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 7 species Management plan, 1994. (Meney, K, et al. , 1994). 80 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Management Plan Of the 11 significant bird species recorded by Meney et al. (1994) and not recorded in the 2003 bird surveys, it is possible that 10 are unlikely to occur at Baigup Reserve. Many bird species listed by Meney et al may refer to historical records, records from a much wider geographical area, vagrants or inaccurate observations. The list is thus not useful for the purposes of comparison.
Birds Australia Bird Atlas database: Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS A total of 61 bird species were recorded, of which 31 species are water-dependent. Of these, 5 are significant species under Bush Forever. In addition, the presence of three species of crakes and rails suggests that the Reserve may be regarded as important habitat for these species on the Swan River (Jaensch, 1987). The most abundant water-dependent species are Pacific Black-Duck and Grey Teal. Baigup may represent important habitat for some water-dependent species such as Buff-banded Rail and crakes and the protection of tidal mudflats and marshes from clearance and disturbance is thus important (Jaensch, 1987).
Thirty species of bush birds were recorded in the Reserve, including five introduced species. Five species of bush birds are regarded as significant by Bush Forever, however the reserve does not appear to be important for small, insectivorous species declining on the Swan Coastal Plain. It is likely that this is because of existing habitat types rather than management regimes. The site has a relatively diverse avifauna and is probably of some importance to waterbirds on the Swan River. The crakes, Buff-banded Rail and most wading birds have been recorded on the southern-most of the two lagoons. Maintenance of suitable mud flats is important to these species. The introduced aquatic weed Salvinia molesta is a problem in the northernmost of the two lagoons, although periodic attempts are made by the local council and the Friends of Baigup Reserve to remove it.
Site Name Banks Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Mt Lawley Town of Vincent 3.5 ha 31º56'35"S,
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Vasse Complex Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Tidal variation Total no. surveys: 5 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 56 mins (range 25-75) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Pacific Black Duck 95 100 Hoary-headed Grebe 3 40 Little Pied Cormorant 20 Pied Cormorant 20 Australian Pelican 1 20 Eurasian Coot 16 100 Silver Gull 10 20 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 60 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 60 Little Corella* 20 Rainbow Lorikeet* 100 Australian Ringneck 20 Laughing Kookaburra* 20 Striated Pardalote 40 Red Wattlebird 100 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 60 New Holland Honeyeater 80 X Magpie-lark 100 Willie Wagtail 100 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 40 Australian Magpie 80 Australian Raven 80 Mistletoebird 20 Welcome Swallow 80 Tree Martin 40 Silvereye 80 Total species = 27 0 1
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A GENERAL COMMENTS Banks Reserve is an urban park on the Swan River foreshore with isolated remnant Flooded Gum Eucalyptus rudis trees. Some attempts are being made by the local council to use native plant species in plantings for gardens. Of the seven water-dependent species recorded, none is significant under Bush Forever. The most abundant of the water-dependent species is Pacific Black Duck. Of the twenty bush bird species, five are introduced, and one is significant under Bush Forever. If the diversity and structure of indigenous plant in planted areas is improved, and the size of planted areas is increased, bush bird diversity may increase in the future. Site Name Bardon Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Maylands City of Bayswater 2.8ha 31º56'09"S, 115º53'15"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Swan Complex Survey period reported: Jan-April 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation Total no. surveys: 5 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time:50 mins (range 45-55) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Musk Duck 1 40 X Pacific Black Duck 11 60 Darter 2 20 Little Pied Cormorant 1 40 Little Black Cormorant 1 20 Australian Pelican 20 Great Egret 20 Australian White Ibis 3 80 Osprey 20 Collared Sparrowhawk 20 X Eurasian Coot 12 60 Silver Gull 4 40 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 40 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 60 Laughing Kookaburra* 20 Rainbow Bee-eater 40 Red Wattlebird 20 Little Wattlebird 20 X Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 40 New Holland Honeyeater 40 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 20 X Willie Wagtail 100 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 40 Australian Magpie 20 European Goldfinch* 20 Welcome Swallow 40 Tree Martin 40 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 20 Little Grassbird 20 Silvereye 20 Total species = 31 0 5
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known. Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS The section of Bardon Park surveyed for birds is the natural area south of the urban/foreshore park and included the Swan River foreshore. The site is currently the focus of rehabilitation work by the local council, including slashing of the bulrush Typha orientalis. Thirteen water-dependent species, the most abundant of which is Pacific Black Duck, were recorded in the Park. It may be important for the survival of bush birds and water-dependent species such as Clamorous Reed-warbler and Little Grassbird at this site that the staged removal of woody weeds and Typha takes place. Site Name Berringa Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Maylands City of Bayswater 10.4 ha 31º56'19"S, 115º53'43"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Swan Complex Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Tidal variation Total no. surveys: 5 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 119 mins (range 100-155) ID no. 314 (part) N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Musk Duck 31 60 X Black Swan 16 80 Australian Shelduck 2 20 Pacific Black Duck 8 100 Grey Teal 19 100 Chestnut Teal 1 20 Hoary-headed Grebe 4 60 Darter 2 60 Little Pied Cormorant 1 80 Little Black Cormorant 1 20 Australian Pelican 8 100 White-faced Heron 10 60 Australian White Ibis 8 100 Yellow-billed Spoonbill 1 40 Osprey 1 40 Black-shouldered Kite 20 Whistling Kite 20 X Swamp Harrier 1 20 Australian Hobby 20 Buff-banded Rail 2 20 Australian Spotted Crake 3 20 Purple Swamphen Confirmed 12 40 Dusky Moorhen 2 20 X Eurasian Coot 34 100 Common Greenshank 1 20 X Black-winged Stilt 4 20 Silver Gull 50 80 Caspian Tern 5 60 Crested Tern 1 40 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 100 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 100 Galah 20 Rainbow Lorikeet* 20 Laughing Kookaburra* 80 Rainbow Bee-eater 20 Variegated Fairy-wren 20 X Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Striated Pardalote 20 Red Wattlebird 40 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 100 New Holland Honeyeater 40 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 80 X Rufous Whistler 60 Magpie-lark 60 Grey Fantail 40 Willie Wagtail 100 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 100 White-winged Triller 20 Australian Magpie 80 Australian Raven 80 Mistletoebird 20 Welcome Swallow 80 Tree Martin 80 Clamorous Reed-Warbler Confirmed 20 Little Grassbird 80 Silvereye 100 Total species = 56 2 7
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 1 survey, 10 species Management plan, 1989. (Meney, K., 1989); 34 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS Berringa Park supports a relatively high diversity of bird species, including 28 water-dependent species. A high number of Musk Duck (31) has been recorded sheltering in bays between rush beds at high tide. At high tide, numbers of waterbirds, including Purple Swamphen and various species of ducks, shelter in lagoons away from the river. Buff-banded Rail and Australian Spotted Crake have been recorded using the mudflats between rush beds on the foreshore. It is likely that the numbers of individual birds and species in the crakes and rails group is under-recorded and that Berringa Park may represent important habitat for these species on the Swan River. Although the numbers of breeding records in this project was very low, the rushland habitat of Berringa Park may provide nesting habitat for secretive species such as crakes and rails. The protection of these tidal mudflats and marshes from clearance and disturbance is important for the conservation of water-dependent species on the Swan River (Jaensch, 1987).
Variegated Fairy-wren has been recorded in woody weeds and Melaleuca spp in the area between parkland and the river. It is important for the survival of this species that weed removal is staged to retain some thick vegetation at all times.
The removal of riverside trees by residents to enhance views of the river is a management issue in this reserve. The trees are removed by cutting, poisoning and ringbarking. If the trend continues, the suitability of the foreshore habitat for bird species such as Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail , which require more complex vegetation types, may decline. Site Name Brighton Bushland
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Butler City of Wanneroo 2.7 ha 31º39'13"S, 115º42'09"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Cottesloe Complex – Central and\South Survey period reported: Sept-Dec 2002 Survey frequency: Seasonal Total no. surveys: 3 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 25 mins (range20-30) ID no. N/A 10728
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Yellow-throated Miner 100 X Magpie-lark 67 Grey Butcherbird 67 Australian Magpie 100 Silvereye 33 Total species = 5 0 1
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Brighton Bushland is a small, relatively isolated fragment of bushland threatened by weed incursions and the deliberate removal of Grass Trees Xanthorrhoea preissei by earthmoving machinery. The core area of bushland is 0.9 ha. With adjacent public open space and the drainage reserve, the total area of the reserve is 2.7 ha. The bushland has been reserved in an area of new housing development, and is a good example of a reserve which may be too small to adequately conserve area-sensitive and mobile taxa such as birds. However, the number of surveys is low and it is possible that the reserve has some use as a corridor.
Brighton Bushland features an extremely low diversity of birds and its conservation importance may be largely restricted to its significance for other taxa. However, despite the low diversity of bird species, Yellow-throated Miner appears to be resident in this reserve. While widespread and common in the heavily-cleared and fragmented wheatbelt, it appears Yellow-throated Miner has declined markedly on the Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988), and is now restricted to reserves such as Brighton Bushland in the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan Region. It is common in Whiteman Park, a large bushland remnant in the north-eastern metropolitan area (M. Brooker, pers. comm.). In the Perth Biodiversity Project bird surveys, this species has been recorded on only three reserves.
Site Name Buckland Hill Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Mosman Park Town of Mosman Park 6.3 ha 32º01'10"S, 115º45'15"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Cottesloe Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 9 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 64 mins (range 45-85) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black-shouldered Kite 22 Collared Sparrowhawk 11 X Laughing Turtle-Dove* 89 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 89 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 11 X Galah 33 Rainbow Lorikeet* 22 Rainbow Bee-eater 22 Variegated Fairy-wren 44 X Red Wattlebird 89 Singing Honeyeater 89 Brown Honeyeater 89 New Holland Honeyeater 22 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 100 X Magpie-lark 22 Willie Wagtail 89 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 22 Australian Magpie 89 Australian Raven 22 Welcome Swallow 56 Silvereye 78 Total species = 21 0 5
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Five bird species deemed to be significant under Bush Forever have been recorded at Buckland Hill Reserve. These include Variegated Fairy-wren and the Endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo which has been recorded in the reserve feeding on the flowers of Harsh Hakea Hakea prostrata. The staged removal of the woody weed Victorian tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum, and replacement by a similar vegetation structure, is important to retain habitat for fairy-wrens and other small birds requiring shelter and nest sites. Sites such as Buckland Hill Reserve may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Buckland Hill are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition. Site Name Cadogan Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Kingsley City of Joondalup 4.9 ha 31º48'58"S, 115º48'08"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 39 mins (range 20-65) ID no. N/A 8068
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Collared Sparrowhawk 20 X Australian Hobby 10 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 40 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 10 Galah 60 Long-billed Corella* 10 Rainbow Lorikeet* 70 Australian Ringneck 90 Red-capped Parrot 10 Striated Pardalote 30 Red Wattlebird 70 Yellow-throated Miner confirmed 80 X Singing Honeyeater 80 Magpie-lark 40 Grey Butcherbird 30 Australian Magpie 60 Australian Raven confirmed 100 Welcome Swallow 90 Total species = 18 10 2
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Cadogan Reserve is characterised by a relatively low diversity of bird species. A total of 18 bush birds have been recorded in the reserve, four of which are introduced. However, Yellow-throated Miner, listed as significant under Bush Forever, is a breeding species in this reserve, and raptors such as Collared Sparrowhawk and Australian Hobby have also been recorded. While widespread and common in the heavily-cleared and fragmented wheatbelt, it appears Yellow-throated Miner has declined markedly on the Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988), and is now restricted to reserves such as Cadogan Reserve in the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan Region, although it is common in Whiteman Park (M. Brooker, pers. comm.). In the Perth Biodiversity Project bird surveys, this species has been recorded in only three reserves.
Site Name Cassilda Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Two Rocks City of Wanneroo 4.02 ha 31º30'07"S, 115º35'26"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Quindalup Complex Survey period reported: Sept 2002-Mar 2003 Survey frequency: seasonal Total no. surveys: 4 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 44 mins (range 25-60) ID no. N/A 10922
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Laughing Turtle-Dove* 75 Galah 100 Southern Boobook 25 Sacred Kingfisher 25 Variegated Fairy-wren 50 X White-browed Scrubwren 50 X Red Wattlebird 75 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 75 New Holland Honeyeater 100 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 25 X Magpie-lark 50 Grey Fantail 25 Willie Wagtail 50 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 25 Australian Magpie 75 Welcome Swallow 75 Silvereye 100 Total species = 18 0 4
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Cassilda Park is comprised of shrubland with some trees on the perimeter. Small significant bush birds include the sedentary Variegated Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrubwren, both of which have declined on the Swan Coastal Plain. Grey Fantail, a mobile species requiring more complex vegetation structure than that provided in urban parks, has also been recorded. Maintenance of vegetation structure is important to the long-term survival of small bush birds in parks such as this. Weed control, an appropriate fire regime and planted local vegetation buffers on the margins are possible management strategies for this reserve.
Site Name Chichester Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Woodvale City of Joondalup 1.34 ha 31º47'18"S, 115º47'14"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 62 mins (range 20-100) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) North Remnant Australian Hobby 10 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 20 Galah 30 Rainbow Lorikeet* 80 Australian Ringneck 50 Striated Pardalote 50 Red Wattlebird 80 Singing Honeyeater 20 Brown Honeyeater 10 Magpie-lark confirmed 30 Willie Wagtail 30 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 10 White-winged Triller 10 Grey Butcherbird 30 Australian Magpie 70 Australian Raven 50 Total species, north remnant = 1 0 16
South Remnant Laughing Turtle-Dove* 10 Australian Ringneck 50 Rainbow Bee-eater 10 Red Wattlebird 70 Grey Butcherbird 30 Australian Magpie 10 Australian Raven 20 Total species, south remnant = 7 0 0
Total species, both remnants = 1 0 17
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Chichester Park is comprised of parkland and two fragmented remnants of bushland. The northern remnant is comprised of remnant woodland and Banksia overstorey. The southern remnant is comprised largely of a Banksia overstorey. Both remnants and the parkland were separately surveyed for birds to see if there were any differential use of habitats.
No bird species designated as significant under Bush Forever was recorded using Chichester Park. The northern remnant showed the greater diversity of bird species, with more than twice the number recorded using this area than used the southern remnant. An additional six bird species were recorded in the parkland areas. These were Australian Shelduck, Long-billed Corella*, Galah, Laughing Kookaburra*, Willie Wagtail and Silvereye. In general, the bird species recorded at Chichester Park are those which characterise Perth's urban areas, including gardens. The remnants may have some importance as corridors for mobile bird species such as Striated Pardalote and White-winged Triller. Enlarging the remnants through planting programmes may enhance their habitat value for birds. Site Name Ern Stapleton Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Attadale City of Melville 0.74 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 6 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 25 mins (range 20-30) ID no. N/A 5176
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Laughing Turtle-Dove* 67 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 33 Rainbow Lorikeet* 17 Australian Ringneck 67 Red-capped Parrot 17 Striated Pardalote 33 Red Wattlebird 100 Singing Honeyeater 67 Brown Honeyeater 50 Grey Butcherbird 67 Australian Magpie 83 Australian Raven 67 Tree Martin 17 Total species = 13 0 0
Other sources of bird survey information Wooller (1999). 10 species.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS A total of 13 bird species has been recorded in this reserve, none of which is significant under Bush Forever. It is not known if this site is an important nesting site for birds utilising nearby gardens. It may have some value as a corridor and for food resources for mobile species such as Red-capped Parrot and Striated Pardalote which utilise remnant native vegetation.
Site Name Gobba Lake
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) 31º55'33"S, 115º55'42"E City of Bayswater 1.7 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Swan Complex Survey period reported: Jan-April 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: Monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 5 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 63 mins (range 30-90) ID no. N/A 6412
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Blue-billed Duck 1 20 X Australian Shelduck 2 20 Pacific Black Duck 10 80 Grey Teal 2 20 Hardhead 5 80 X Australasian Grebe 6 100 Darter 1 40 White-faced Heron 20 Nankeen Night Heron 1 20 X Purple Swamphen 2 80 Dusky Moorhen 4 60 X Eurasian Coot 8 100 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 100 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 20 Corella species 40 Rainbow Lorikeet* 20 Pallid Cuckoo 20 Rainbow Bee-eater 40 Striated Pardalote 20 Red Wattlebird 20 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 60 Magpie-lark 20 Willie Wagtail 60 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 40 Australian Magpie 40 Australian Raven 40 Mistletoebird 20 Tree Martin 60 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 60 Silvereye 40 Total species = 31 0 4
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Gobba Lake is an old excavation site now filled with water. The lake, the immediate surrounds and the adjacent parkland were surveyed for birds. Nearby wasteland/grassland areas were not included in the survey site. All four significant species recorded at this site are water-dependent. These include Blue- billed Duck and Hardhead, both diving ducks preferring deeper water. Of the 13 water-dependent species recorded at the site, the most abundant were Pacific Black Duck, Eurasian Coot and Australasian Grebe.
The City of Bayswater plans to excavate part of the lake to allow for shallow water and thus increase the habitat types for waterbirds. While the site is not currently important for small insectivorous birds, the planting of local indigenous plants with floristic and structural diversity might allow for improved habitat for this group of bird species. There is considerable scope for such planting in the vicinity of Gobba Lake. Site Name Harry Sandon Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Attadale City of Melville 4.3 ha 32º01'40"S, 115º48'24"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 6 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 56 mins (range 20-110) ID no. 226 N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Australian White Ibis 17 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 83 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 83 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 17 X Galah 33 Rainbow Lorikeet* 33 Australian Ringneck 50 Laughing Kookaburra* 17 Rainbow Bee-eater 33 Red Wattlebird 100 Little Wattlebird 33 X Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 83 White-cheeked Honeyeater 33 X Magpie-lark 33 Willie Wagtail 67 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 50 Australian Magpie 83 Australian Raven 83 Silvereye 17 Total species = 20 0 3
Other sources of bird survey information Wooller (1999). 17 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Collared Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon. These are mobile species which may utilise the reserve at various times.
GENERAL COMMENTS Harry Sandon Park is a remnant Banksia woodland. Three significant species, including the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo were recorded in the Park. At least 5 Cockatoos were recorded on one occasion in the Park, however there is anecdotal evidence from a local resident that the Cockatoos' use of the reserve may be much greater. Sites such as Harry Sandon Park may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Harry Sandon Park are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
The water-dependent species Australian White Ibis was recorded feeding on surrounding lawns. Of the 19 bush birds recorded in the Park, four are introduced. Site Name Hinds Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Bayswater City of Bayswater 1.3 ha 31º55'51"S, 115º54'59"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Swan Complex Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 6 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time:21 mins (range 15-30) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Silver Gull 33 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 83 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 50 Rainbow Lorikeet* 17 Australian Ringneck 17 Laughing Kookaburra 17 Rainbow Bee-eater 17 Striated Pardalote 67 Red Wattlebird 67 Singing Honeyeater 83 Brown Honeyeater 100 New Holland Honeyeater 17 X Rufous Whistler 33 Magpie-lark 33 Willie Wagtail 83 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 17 Australian Magpie 67 Australian Raven 33 Welcome Swallow 33 Tree Martin 17 Silvereye 33 Total species = 21 0 1
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Hinds Reserve is a small reserve separated from the nearby Baigup Reserve by Garret Road and the Garrett Road Bridge. The foreshore parkland was not surveyed for birds. During most of the survey period, the creekline was dry or well below capacity, and the number of water-dependent species using the Reserve was limited to one. At other times, the area might be utilised by other waterbirds. New Holland Honeyeater was the only significant species utilising the Reserve during the survey period, however Rufous Whistler, a species requiring more complex vegetation, was also recorded in the Reserve. The area consists of a creekline with associated vegetation, and some relatively open space with some potential for regeneration of local native bushland plant species. With such replanting, the numbers of bush birds using the reserve might increase. The site may have considerable value along the Swan River foreshore as a corridor Site Name Hume Road Wildlife Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Thornlie City of Gosnells 3.3 ha 32º03'33"S, 115º57'36"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Southern River Complex Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 5 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 49 mins (range 20-75) ID no. N/A 4857
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Galah 20 Rainbow Lorikeet* 40 Australian Ringneck 60 Striated Pardalote 20 Red Wattlebird 100 Singing Honeyeater 60 Brown Honeyeater 60 Rufous Whistler 20 Magpie-lark 60 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 20 Grey Butcherbird 20 Australian Magpie 40 Australian Raven 40 Silvereye 20 Total species = 14 0 0
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Fourteen species of bush birds have been recorded at Hume Road Wildlife Reserve, of which none are significant under Bush Forever. However, Striated Pardalote and Rufous Whistler utilise the Reserve, suggesting that it has some importance for some bird species requiring remnant habitat to survive in urban areas.
Site Name Hyde Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Perth Town of Vincent 13.5 ha 31º56'16"S, 115º51'47"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex: Central and South Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 11 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 33 mins (range 20-90) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black Swan 55 Australian Shelduck 73 Australian Wood Duck 14 100 Pacific Black Duck 60 100 Muscovy Duck* 1 9 Australasian Grebe 3 27 Hoary-headed Grebe 9 Little Pied Cormorant 1 36 Little Black Cormorant 3 55 Australian Pelican 1 73 Nankeen Night Heron 9 X Australian White Ibis 1 45 Yellow-billed Spoonbill 9 Purple Swamphen 9 Dusky Moorhen 18 100 X Eurasian Coot 61 100 Silver Gull 50 100 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 82 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 82 Corella species* 18 Rainbow Lorikeet* 100 Laughing Kookaburra* 9 Sacred Kingfisher 9 Striated Pardalote 9 Red Wattlebird 45 Singing Honeyeater possible 73 Brown Honeyeater 55 Magpie-lark 45 Willie Wagtail 82 Australian Magpie 27 Australian Raven confirmed 91 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 18 Total species = 32 2 2
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 27 species. Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS This urban park consists of highly modified wetlands and mature parkland vegetation with some remnant Jarrah Eucalyptus marginata, Flooded Gum E. rudis and paperbark Melaleuca spp . Of the 32 bird species recorded within the survey period, two water-dependent species are considered significant under Bush Forever. Eighteen water-dependent species have been recorded. Pacific Black Duck, Eurasian Coot and Silver Gull are the most abundant of these species and have been recorded on each survey. Observers recorded numbers of dead or dying waterbirds, suggesting that botulism may continue to be a problem in the Park wetlands.
There is no evidence that the Park provides a corridor for mobile native vegetation-dependent species such as Western Gerygone or Grey Fantail, although J. Dell (pers. comm.) has reported the use of the Park by Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. No information is available on the numbers of cockatoos using the Park, nor whether they were feeding. The eventual replacement of some of the introduced parkland plant species with indigenous plant species, including trees, may increase the Park's habitat value for mobile bush birds such as Little Wattlebird and other honeyeaters and insectivorous birds such as Western Gerygone. Site Name Jerrat Drive Foreshore
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) East Fremantle Town of East Fremantle 2.8 ha 32º01'41"S, 115º46'16"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Cottesloe Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Tidal variation Total no. surveys: 7 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 59 mins (range 45-65) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black Swan 43 Pacific Black Duck 100 Darter 14 Little Pied Cormorant 86 Little Black Cormorant 14 Great Cormorant 14 White-faced Heron 43 Nankeen Night Heron 14 X Black-shouldered Kite 57 Common Sandpiper 29 X Silver Gull 100 Caspian Tern 14 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 86 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 29 X Corella species* 43 Rainbow Lorikeet* 29 Laughing Kookaburra* 14 Striated Pardalote 14 Red Wattlebird 100 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 29 New Holland Honeyeater 29 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 29 X Magpie-lark 57 Willie Wagtail 86 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 29 Grey Butcherbird 43 Australian Magpie 43 Australian Raven 71 Welcome Swallow 29 Total species =30 0 5
Other sources of bird survey information Ecoscape (1993). 16 species. Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS Of the 30 bird species recorded at the Jerrat Drive Foreshore, 12 are water-dependent. Two of these, Nankeen Night Heron and Common Sandpiper are significant species.
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has also been recorded using the reserve, but there is no information on the numbers of birds or usage. Sites such as the Jerrat Drive Foreshore may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Jerrat Drive are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
The removal of riverside trees by residents to enhance views of the river is a management issue in this reserve. The trees are removed by poisoning or ringbarking. If the trend continues, the suitability of the foreshore habitat for mobile bird species such as Striated Pardalote, which may require more complex vegetation types, may decline. Site Name Ken Hurst Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Leeming City of Melville 52.4 ha 32º04'50"S, 115º52'58"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Bassendean Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Dec 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 9 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 147 mins (range 85-180) ID no. 245 N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Osprey 11 Brown Goshawk 11 X Australian Hobby 11 Rock Dove* 33 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 78 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 22 Common Bronzewing 67 X Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 22 X Galah 44 Rainbow Lorikeet* 11 Australian Ringneck 56 Red-capped Parrot 33 Rainbow Bee-eater 11 Splendid Fairy-wren 89 X Striated Pardalote 11 Western Gerygone 56 Red Wattlebird 89 Little Wattlebird 44 X Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 89 New Holland Honeyeater 44 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 89 X Western Spinebill 33 Scarlet Robin 11 X Varied Sittella 11 X Rufous Whistler 100 Grey Shrike-thrush 22 X Magpie-lark 78 Grey Fantail 22 Willie Wagtail 89 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 44 Grey Butcherbird 89 Australian Magpie 89 Australian Raven 89 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Welcome Swallow 22 Silvereye 89 Total species = 36 0 10
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 3 surveys, 16 species Dell & Cooper (1992): 36 species ATA Environmental (2003). 61 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Whistling Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Painted Button-quail, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Weebill, Western Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Little Wattlebird, Black-faced Woodswallow.
Some of these are mobile species which may use the reserve at various times. These are Whistling Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Weebill, Little Wattlebird and Black-faced Woodswallow. Two species – Painted Button-quail and Australian Owlet-nightjar – are often recorded opportunistically by observers, and may still be present. The absence of the thornbills, both Western and Yellow-rumped, may be due to local extinction or local movements through contiguous bushland (Jandakot Airport and John Carroll Park). In some cases, survey data may refer to historical data or to data for a larger geographical area.
GENERAL COMMENTS Ken Hurst Park is the second largest of the reserves surveyed for birds for the Perth Biodiversity Project. Although the number of species recorded is not high (30), 10 species - 28% - of the bush bird species recorded are significant under Bush Forever. These include resident species such as Common Bronzewing, Splendid Fairy-wren, Grey Shrike-thrush and Scarlet Robin now declining on the Swan Coastal Plain. Ken Hurst Park is the only Swan Coastal Plain site in this project where Grey Shrike- thrush was recorded. Significant birds also include more mobile species such as Carnaby's Black- Cockatoo, and some of the honeyeaters such as Little Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater and White- cheeked Honeyeater. Varied Sittella has a large home range and may be locally confined to Ken Hurst and adjacent bushland.
A flock of at least 100 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has been recorded feeding on Banksia spp in the Park. Sites such as Ken Hurst Park may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Ken Hurst Park are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Ken Hurst Park is part of a contiguous area of bushland which includes Jandakot Airport and John Connell Reserve. The most immediate threat to the obvious faunal conservation values of the Park is likely to be habitat fragmentation and degradation through the planned extension of Roe Highway through the heart of the Park. It is highly improbable that small, insectivorous birds such as Fairy- wrens will able to traverse the highway and easement (Brooker, Brooker & Cale, 1999). Site Name Kinsale Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Mindarie City of Wanneroo 6 ha 31º40'56"S, 115º41'59"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Cottesloe Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Sept 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 50 mins (range 30-65) ID no. N/A 10069
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Nankeen Kestrel 10 Rock Dove* 10 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 90 Galah 10 Australian Ringneck 10 Striated Pardalote 10 White-browed Scrubwren 20 X Western Gerygone 20 Red Wattlebird Possible 30 Singing Honeyeater 90 Brown Honeyeater 30 New Holland Honeyeater 20 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 50 X Magpie-lark 10 Willie Wagtail 10 Grey Butcherbird 50 Australian Magpie 20 Australian Raven 40 Welcome Swallow 30 Silvereye 60 Species total = 20 1 3
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Most of Kinsale Park was burnt during the survey period in January 2003. The Park is adjacent to other bushland which remained unburnt. Such fire mosaics are critical for the long-term conservation value of bushland remnants on the Swan Coastal Plain, in particular for the survival of small insectivorous species such as White-browed Scrubwren which inhabit dense vegetation (Brooker, 1995; Dell & How, 1995). White-browed Scrubwren was recorded early in the survey period and has not been recorded since the fire of January 2003. Assuming that this species has moved to nearby unburnt vegetation, the maintenance of unburnt vegetation in the area is likely to be necessary to the long-term survival of this species in this area. It is probable that the fire affected the total number of species which might otherwise have been recorded using this reserve on a periodic basis.
Of the 20 bird species recorded in the Park, three are considered significant under Bush Forever, including White-browed Scrubwren, a species now declining on the Swan Coastal Plain. Mobile bird species such as Striated Pardalote and Western Gerygone, which may require more complex habitat for long-term survival have also been recorded in the Park. In addition to appropriate fire regimes, weed control to maintain vegetation structure and floristic diversity is important to maintain the conservation value of Kinsale Park. Site Name Korella Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Mullaloo City of Joondalup 2.5 ha 31º46'44"S, 115º4'18"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Quindalup Complex Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 33 mins (range 20-45) ID no. N/A 8678
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Straw-necked Ibis 10 Australian Hobby 10 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 100 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 20 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 10 X Galah 10 Rainbow Lorikeet* 10 Australian Ringneck 10 Red Wattlebird Possible 70 Little Wattlebird 10 X Singing Honeyeater Possible 90 Brown Honeyeater 70 New Holland Honeyeater 30 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 20 X Magpie-lark 60 Willie Wagtail 80 Grey Butcherbird 20 Australian Magpie 50 Australian Raven 40 Welcome Swallow 50 Tree Martin 40 Silvereye 60 Total species = 22 2 4
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Korella Park consists largely of shrubland which is actively managed for restricted access and weed control by the Friends of Korella Park. Four species of birds using Korella Park are considered to be significant. These include three species of honeyeaters – Little Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. There was one record of a pair of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo using the Park, although the birds' use of the Park was not recorded. Sites such as Korella Park may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black- Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Korella Park are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
It would appear that Korella Park might provide useful ephemeral resources for mobile bird species such as honeyeaters and the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. Ongoing vegetation protection and enhancement measures would maintain and might increase this value to locally mobile species. Site Name Lightning Swamp Bushland
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Noranda City of Bayswater 70 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Bassendean Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: bimonthly Wetland/dampland dry; drain below capacity Total no. surveys: 4 Average no. observers: 4 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 150 mins (range 140-165) ID no. 307 N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Pacific Black Duck 3 25 Great Egret 1 25 Swamp Harrier 25 Brown Goshawk 25 X Laughing Turtle-Dove* 75 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 100 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 50 X Corella species 25 Galah 50 Rainbow Lorikeet* 50 Australian Ringneck 50 Red-capped Parrot 25 Elegant Parrot 25 Rainbow Bee-eater Confirmed 25 Splendid Fairy-wren 75 X Striated Pardalote 100 Western Gerygone 25 Inland Thornbill 50 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill Possible 75 X Red Wattlebird 50 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 100 New Holland Honeyeater 25 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 100 X Tawny-crowned Honeyeater 50 X Western Spinebill 50 Rufous Whistler 75 Magpie-lark 50 Grey Fantail 50 Willie Wagtail 75 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 75 White-winged Triller 25 Black-faced Woodswallow 25 X Australian Magpie 100 Australian Raven 100 Welcome Swallow 50 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Tree Martin 75 Silvereye 75 Total species = 38 2 9
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 54 species Management plan, 2002. (Grace et al. , 2002). 86 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Bird Atlas database: Hardhead, Collared Sparrowhawk, Little Eagle, Varied Sittella, Little Wattlebird. These are mobile species or species using ephemeral resources and might be expected to occur periodically on the site.
Management plan: while some bird species were recorded during period of writing the Plan, the plan also refers to bird species expected to occur over wider geographical area, some of which would no longer occur at or even near Lightning Swamp. The list is thus not useful for the purposes of comparison.
GENERAL COMMENT The wetland/dampland areas of this reserve were dry during the survey period; some water was retained in the drain dissecting the reserve. Only three species (<8%) recorded in the survey period were water-dependent species. Thus, no comment can be made on the importance of this reserve for waterbirds.
Of the 35 bush birds recorded at Lightning Swamp, 25% (9 species) are regarded as significant under Bush Forever. These include sedentary species such as Splendid Fairy-wren, Inland Thornbill and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, together with mobile species such as Brown Goshawk, Carnaby's Black- Cockatoo, New Holland, White-cheeked and Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters, and Black-faced Woodswallow. Other birds recorded at the site and probably dependent on remnant native vegetation for long-term survival are Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail. Although some species (e.g. Grey Shrike-thrush, Scarlet Robin) have not been recorded in the reserve, this relatively large (70 ha) reserve has significant conservation values for bush birds on the Swan Coastal Plain.
The endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has been recorded at this site, although no information is available on the numbers of birds or usage of the reserve. Sites such as Lightning Swamp Bushland may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Carnaby's Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Lightning Swamp Bushland are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition. Site Name Locke Crescent Nature Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) East Fremantle Town of East Fremantle 0.86 ha 32º01'49"S, 115º46'07"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Cottesloe Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 7 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 44 mins (range 30-55) ID no. N/A 5062
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black-shouldered Kite 14 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 86 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 14 Corella species* 14 Galah 14 Rainbow Lorikeet* 43 Australian Ringneck 14 Laughing Kookaburra 14 Red Wattlebird 100 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 57 New Holland Honeyeater 29 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 29 X Magpie-lark 29 Willie Wagtail 14 Grey Butcherbird 14 Australian Magpie 71 Australian Raven 29 Welcome Swallow 14 Total species = 19 species 0 2
Other sources of bird survey information Hoj-Hansen (2000). 25 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS A small number of bush bird species (19) has been recorded at this small, isolated reserve. Two species, both honeyeaters, are significant under Bush Forever, and may rely on ephemeral resources provided by small reserves such as Locke Crescent. Maintenance and improvement of vegetation quality and structure through weed control and limiting access are important to reserves of this size.
Site Name Manjedal Brook
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Whitby Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale 12.7 ha 32º17'14"S, 116º00'01"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Forrestfield Complex Survey period reported: July 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 11 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time:146 mins (range 130-170) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Australian Wood Duck 4 45 Pacific Black Duck 27 White-faced Heron 1 27 White-necked Heron 9 Brown Goshawk 9 X Collared Sparrowhawk 18 X Rock Dove* 9 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 18 Common Bronzewing 55 X Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo 18 X Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 9 X Corella species 9 Galah 64 Regent Parrot 9 Australian Ringneck 100 Red-capped Parrot 100 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 9 Shining Bronze-Cuckoo 18 Laughing Kookaburra* 100 Sacred Kingfisher 45 Rainbow Bee-eater 18 Splendid Fairy-wren 64 X Spotted Pardalote 36 Striated Pardalote 64 White-browed Scrubwren 36 X Weebill 82 X Western Gerygone 100 Inland Thornbill 82 X Western Thornbill 9 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 100 X Red Wattlebird 91 Singing Honeyeater 100 Yellow-plumed Honeyeater 9 X White-naped Honeyeater 64 X Brown Honeyeater 100 New Holland Honeyeater 18 X Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) White-cheeked Honeyeater 18 X Scarlet Robin 55 X Red-capped Robin 27 Varied Sittella 9 X Golden Whistler 27 X Rufous Whistler 100 Magpie-lark 18 Grey Fantail 100 Willie Wagtail 91 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 91 White-winged Triller 18 Dusky Woodswallow 18 X Grey Butcherbird 18 Australian Magpie 100 Australian Raven 100 Mistletoebird 18 Welcome Swallow 18 Tree Martin 36 Silvereye 91 Total species = 55 0 19
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: nil surveys Database of WA Birds: nil surveys
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Of the 55 bird species recorded at Manjedal Brook, only four (7%) are water-dependent species. Despite its size, only 12.5 ha, the reserve recorded the highest number of species significant under Bush Forever. More than one third (37%) of the bush birds recorded at this site are significant. These include Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, species no longer extant on most of the Swan Coastal Plain. Sedentary species of significance include Splendid Fairy-wren, White- browed Scrubwren, Inland, Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, and Scarlet Robin. Golden Whistler may be sedentary or display movements from the Darling Range to the Swan Coastal Plain in winter (Higgins & Peter, 2002). At Manjedal Brook, the Golden Whistler was recorded in Winter (August), suggesting the site may be important for the movement of birds from the Darling Range. More mobile significant species include White-naped Honeyeater, Varied Sittella and Dusky Woodswallow. Most of these species were otherwise only recorded for the project in the Darling Range. Other species probably dependent on remnant vegetation for long-term survival include the migratory Horsfield's Cuckoo and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, and locally mobile species such as Western Gerygone, Weebill, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail.
The endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo has been recorded at this site, although no information is available on the numbers of birds or usage of the reserve. Sites such as Manjedal Brook may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Cockatoo on and near the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Carnaby's Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Manjedal Brook are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Despite the weedy understorey, this reserve clearly benefits from an intact overstorey and its proximity to the Darling Range, where bird species now in serious decline on the Swan Coastal Plain are still present in reasonable numbers. Management issues for this important reserve include ongoing weed control and the maintenance of effective corridors with other vegetation remnants. Site Name Maylands Peninsula
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Maylands City of Bayswater 7.4ha 31º57'03"S, 115º54'41"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Swan Complex Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation Total no. surveys: 4 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 109 mins (range 90-120) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black Swan 25 Australian Shelduck 2 100 Pacific Black Duck 20 100 Grey Teal 34 100 Hoary-headed Grebe 2 50 Darter 3 100 Little Pied Cormorant 2 50 Little Black Cormorant 2 50 Great Cormorant 25 Australian Pelican 7 100 White-faced Heron 4 100 Great Egret 1 25 Australian White Ibis 6 100 Yellow-billed Spoonbill 6 75 Black-shouldered Kite 1 50 Collared Sparrowhawk 25 X Buff-banded Rail 3 50 Purple Swamphen 3 75 Eurasian Coot 6 100 Black-winged Stilt 6 75 Silver Gull 10 75 Caspian Tern 1 25 Crested Tern 1 25 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 50 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 100 Rainbow Lorikeet* 25 Australian Ringneck 25 Red Wattlebird 75 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 100 White-cheeked Honeyeater 100 X Magpie-lark 75 Willie Wagtail 100 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 25 Australian Magpie 25 Australian Raven 25 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding on Maximum Frequency of Significant period survey site number occurrence species (Bush recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Mistletoebird 50 Little Grassbird 25 Silvereye 25 Total species = 39 0 2
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS The area surveyed for birds includes the Swan River foreshore and the areas of rushes, samphire flats and lagoons nearby.
Of the 39 species recorded for the Maylands Peninsula site, over half (22) are water-dependent. The most abundant waterbird species are Grey Teal and Pacific Black Duck. Buff-banded Rail have also been recorded at the site. The conservation of natural areas of rushes and samphires on the Swan River is important for the conservation of crakes and rails (Jaensch, 1987). The presence of Buff-banded Rail suggests that the Reserve may be regarded as important habitat for this species on the Swan River. As the site is difficult to survey, species of crakes may be present but not recorded.
The site supports a reasonable diversity of waterbirds, but appears to be less important for bush birds. The major conservation and management issue for the Maylands Peninsula samphire flats is the protection of its wetland habitats against degradation by weeds and uncontrolled access, and its long- term protection against clearing for urban development. Site Name Mount Lawley Foreshore
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Mount Lawley Town of Vincent 1.8 ha 31º56'29"S, 115º52'56"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Swan Complex Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Lagoons below capacity; tidal variation Total no. surveys: 5 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 34 mins (range 20-45) ID no. N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Pacific Black Duck 10 100 Hoary-headed Grebe 1 20 Darter 20 Little Pied Cormorant 20 Pied Cormorant 20 Eurasian Coot 5 60 Silver Gull 20 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 40 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 40 Rainbow Lorikeet* 20 Laughing Kookaburra* 20 Striated Pardalote 20 Red Wattlebird 20 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 100 New Holland Honeyeater 40 X Magpie-lark 20 Willie Wagtail 40 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 40 Australian Raven 40 Welcome Swallow 60 Tree Martin 20 Silvereye 40 Total species = 23 0 1
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS This small site is adjacent to Banks Reserve on the Swan River foreshore, and forms part of a continuous strip of remnant foreshore vegetation. Seven of the 23 bird species recorded in the area are water-dependent, although the number of surveys is still low and this number may be expected to rise. Major threats to the conservation value of this area are the fragmentation of habitat from the planned cycleway through the foreshore area, and weeds. The site is unlikely to be significant for bush birds, but does represent a habitat type now largely lost on the Swan River. As it forms part of a continuous vegetation link on the River foreshore, it may act as a corridor for mobile species. The corridor values of an adjacent site are threatened by the cutting of riverside trees by residents to enhance views of the river. If this trend continues, the corridor potential of sites such as the Mount Lawley foreshore will be diminished. Planting to increase the diversity of plant species and structure may increase the value of this site for bush birds. Site Name Naturaliste Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Illuka City of Joondalup 3.3 ha 31º44'31"S, 115º43'56"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Cottesloe Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 31 mins (range 20-45) ID no. N/A 9294
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Silver Gull 10 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 90 Galah 20 Australian Ringneck 30 Sacred Kingfisher 10 Striated Pardalote 10 Red Wattlebird 90 Little Wattlebird 90 X Yellow-throated Miner 50 X Singing Honeyeater 80 Brown Honeyeater 80 White-cheeked Honeyeater 100 X Western Spinebill 10 Magpie-lark 10 Willie Wagtail 10 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 10 Grey Butcherbird 60 Australian Magpie 10 Australian Raven 30 Welcome Swallow 10 Silvereye 90 Total species = 21 0 3
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENT One third (7) of the bird species recorded at Naturaliste Park are in the honeyeater family (Meliphagidae). This number includes three considered significant under Bush Forever: Yellow- throated Miner, New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. While widespread and common in the heavily-cleared and fragmented wheatbelt, it appears Yellow-throated Miner has declined markedly on the Swan Coastal Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988), and is now restricted to reserves such as Cadogan Reserve in the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan Region. In the Perth Biodiversity Project bird surveys, this species has been recorded in only three reserves. This reserve may be too small to support small, resident, insectivorous species such as the declining White-winged Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrub-wren which often inhabit coastal scrubs. The reserve may provide a useful corridor for some honeyeater species moving through coastal and near-coastal habitats. Weed control, and control of unauthorised access are management issues in this reserve. Site Name Noble Falls/Reserve 2146
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Gidgegannup City of Swan 50.5 ha 31º46'02"S, 116º13'55"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Murray 2 Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 118 mins (range 60-180) ID no. N/A Darling Range Regional Park
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Australian Wood Duck possible 40 Pacific Black Duck confirmed 60 Grey Teal 20 Little Pied Cormorant 20 White-faced Heron 20 Black-shouldered Kite 10 Little Eagle 10 X Common Bronzewing 60 X White-tailed Black-Cockatoo 10 X Galah 40 Australian Ringneck 100 Red-capped Parrot 90 Pallid Cuckoo 10 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 10 Laughing Kookaburra 90 Sacred Kingfisher 30 Rainbow Bee-eater 40 Splendid Fairy-wren 70 X Striated Pardalote 50 White-browed Scrubwren 20 X Weebill 50 X Western Gerygone 100 Western Thornbill 50 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 40 X Red Wattlebird 50 Singing Honeyeater 40 Yellow-plumed Honeyeater 10 X White-naped Honeyeater 30 X Brown Honeyeater 80 New Holland Honeyeater 100 X Scarlet Robin 50 X Red-capped Robin 10 Varied Sittella 20 X Golden Whistler 30 X Rufous Whistler 60 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Grey Shrike-thrush 70 X Magpie-lark 20 Grey Fantail 70 Willie Wagtail 40 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 30 White-winged Triller 10 Black-faced Woodswallow confirmed 10 X Dusky Woodswallow 10 X Australian Magpie 70 Grey Currawong 10 X Australian Raven 70 Tree Martin 20 Silvereye 40 Total species = 48 3 18
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 3 surveys, 20 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Nil
GENERAL COMMENTS This reserve is situated in the Darling Range, beyond the limit of the Perth Metropolitan Region. Many of the significant species recorded at this reserve are still relatively common in the Darling Range, although they have undergone extensive range retraction or extinction on the Swan Coastal Plain. Of the 44 bush birds recorded at Noble Falls/Reserve 2146, >38% are considered significant under Bush Forever. Significant sedentary species include Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbills; Scarlet Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Currawong. More mobile significant species which might use the reserve on a more periodic basis include Yellow- plumed and White-naped Honeyeater, both of which are extinct or almost so on the Swan Coastal Plain, and have declined in range and abundance in the wheatbelt (Saunders & Ingram 1995). White- tailed Black-Cockatoo records for the site may refer to either Carnaby's or Baudin's Black-Cockatoo, both of which are mobile species considered to be significant.
The range of significant bird species in this reserve means it has a useful role in the conservation of birds now declining or extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain. Management issues for the reserve include controlling access by relatively large numbers of visitors and weed control along Wooroloo Brook. Some weed control for the invasive environmental weed Watsonia spp is already being undertaken by the Shire of Swan. Site Name Paloma Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Marangaroo City of Wanneroo 5.8 ha 31º49'56"S, 115º51'02"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 40 mins (range 25-60) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Rainbow Lorikeet 10 Australian Ringneck 10 Striated Pardalote 10 Red Wattlebird Possible 70 Singing Honeyeater 50 Brown Honeyeater 50 New Holland Honeyeater 10 X Magpie-lark 20 Grey Butcherbird 30 Australian Magpie Possible 80 Australian Raven 20 Total species = 11 2 1
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS The vegetation structure in this small isolated reserve is an intact overstorey and a relatively low understorey in good condition. A low number of bird species was recorded in the Park, one of them (New Holland Honeyeater) significant under Bush Forever. There is no evidence that this reserve provides a corridor for more mobile species such as Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail that may require more complex vegetation for long-term survival. However, this may reflect the existing vegetation structure which may be naturally largely unsuitable for many insectivorous birds requiring complex understorey. A planting programme to increase vegetation structure may not be appropriate for this remnant.
Management issues at the reserve include weed control, track access and rubbish removal.
Site Name Piney Lakes Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Winthrop City of Melville Bushland 31.9 ha 32º02'59"S, 115º50'14"E Parkland 30 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: bushland 8, parkland 7 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: ID no. 339 Bushland: 106 mins (range 75-120) N/A Parkland: 64 mins (range 15-120)
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Bushland Black Swan 13 Pacific Black Duck 11 63 Australasian Shoveler 13 X Grey Teal 38 Hardhead 25 X Australasian Grebe confirmed 25 Little Pied Cormorant 13 Pied Cormorant 13 Little Black Cormorant 25 Australian Pelican 13 White-faced Heron 1 38 Great Egret 25 Australian White Ibis 25 Yellow-billed Spoonbill 1 13 Whistling Kite 13 X Brown Goshawk 13 X Eurasian Coot 6 88 Common Greenshank 13 X Black-winged Stilt 6 38 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 88 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 88 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 13 X Galah 25 Rainbow Lorikeet 25 Australian Ringneck 38 Red-capped Parrot 25 Rainbow Bee-eater 38 Splendid Fairy-wren 88 X White-browed Scrubwren 25 X Western Gerygone 13 Western Thornbill 13 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 88 X Red Wattlebird 100 Little Wattlebird 13 X Singing Honeyeater 100 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Brown Honeyeater 75 New Holland Honeyeater 63 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 75 X Western Spinebill 13 Rufous Whistler 13 Magpie-lark 63 Willie Wagtail 75 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 13 White-winged Triller 25 Australian Magpie 100 Australian Raven 100 Welcome Swallow 75 Tree Martin 38 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 25 Silvereye 100 Total species =50 1 13
Parkland Black Swan 14 Australian Wood Duck 14 Pacific Black Duck confirmed 86 Hardhead 57 X Australasian Grebe 86 Hoary-headed Grebe 14 Little Pied Cormorant 43 White-faced Heron 14 Eurasian Coot 86 Black-fronted Dotterel 43 Silver Gull 14 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 14 Rainbow Bee-eater 14 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 43 X Red Wattlebird 71 Singing Honeyeater 57 Brown Honeyeater 71 New Holland Honeyeater 29 X Magpie-lark 100 Willie Wagtail 86 Australian Magpie 71 Australian Raven 57 Welcome Swallow 71 Tree Martin 29 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 29 Silvereye 29 Total species = 26 1 3
Site total Total site = 13 breeding Site total species = 54 species = 2
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 17 surveys, 57 sp. Database of WA Birds: 25 surveys, 77 species Ecoscape (1992). 61 species Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Birds Australia Bird Atlas database: Collared Sparrowhawk, Dusky Moorhen, Inland Thornbill.
Database of WA Birds: Musk Duck, Little Eagle, Weebill, Inland Thornbill
Ecoscape (1992): Musk Duck, Collared Sparrowhawk, Little Eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Inland Thornbill, Varied Sittella.
Of the seven significant bird species recorded elsewhere and not recorded in the PBP surveys, six are considered mobile and may utilise the site at various times. Inland Thornbill is considered sedentary or resident (Higgins & Peter, 2002). Its disappearance from Piney Lakes Reserve may represent local extinction.
GENERAL COMMENTS The bushland and parkland areas of this reserve were separately surveyed for birds. Both landscaped and natural areas include wetlands.
Of the thirteen significant bird species recorded at Piney Lakes Reserve, 10 were only recorded in the bushland areas. These included small, resident, insectivorous declining species such as Splendid Fairy- wren, White-browed Scrubwren and Western Thornbill. Only three significant species were recorded in the landscaped areas of the reserve: these were Hardhead, a species of diving duck favouring deeper water, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, a small insectivore using bushland and open areas New Holland Honeyeater. Four bird species were recorded only in the parkland/landscaped areas, and not in the natural wetland. These were Australian Wood Duck, Hoary-headed Grebe, Black-fronted Dotterel and Silver Gull.
Piney Lakes Reserve represents important habitat for some bird species now declining on the Swan Coastal Plain. As bushland takes up only half the available space in the reserve, areas near natural habitats may offer opportunities for plantings acting as buffers or increasing the habitat available for declining bushbirds.
Site Name Richard Lewis Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Leeming City of Melville 5.1 ha 32º02'58"S, 115º51'37"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Bassendean Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Dry Total no. surveys: 6 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 72 mins (range 35-105) ID no. 338 (part) N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Laughing Turtle-Dove* 67 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 83 Rainbow Lorikeet* 17 Red-capped Parrot 33 Rainbow Bee-eater 17 Splendid Fairy-wren 83 X Striated Pardalote 50 White-browed Scrubwren 17 X Weebill 17 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 33 X Red Wattlebird 67 Little Wattlebird 17 X Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 83 New Holland Honeyeater 83 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 33 X Rufous Whistler 17 Magpie-lark 17 Grey Fantail 17 Willie Wagtail 67 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 33 Australian Magpie 50 Australian Raven 83 Welcome Swallow 33 Tree Martin 17 Silvereye 100 Total species = 26 0 7
Other sources of bird survey information Street (1995).
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Records in Street (1995) for the Bull Creek Wetlands refer to a wider geographical area and thus are not considered here. GENERAL COMMENTS This small reserve is a dampland with a high number of significant bird species relative to its size. Three small, resident, insectivorous bird species known to be in decline on the Swan Coastal Plain were recorded in the Park. These are Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren and Yellow- rumped Thornbill. Weebill has also been recorded in the reserve. This small, canopy feeder has only been recorded in eight of the 39 project sites. In this reserve, it is likely to be dependent on Flooded Gum Eucalyptus rudis for its continued presence in the Park. Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail have also been recorded in the reserve. All these species may be dependent on vegetation remnants for long- term survival on the Swan Coastal Plain.
At Richard Lewis Park there is some possibility for additional plantings to extend the core habitat areas beyond the existing habitat boundaries. These would provide a buffer or additional habitat for some of the small bushbird species inhabiting this reserve. Site Name Rushton Road, Lots 1 & 2
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Martin City of Gosnells 4.9 ha 32º03'49"S, 116º01'18"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Southern River Complex Survey period reported: Feb-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 4 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 120 mins (range 90-155) ID no. N/A 4636 Darling Range Regional Park
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Wedge-tailed Eagle 25 X Laughing Turtle-Dove* 50 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 25 Common Bronzewing 25 X Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 25 X Galah 75 Australian Ringneck 75 Red-capped Parrot 50 Laughing Kookaburra* 50 Splendid Fairy-wren 25 X Spotted Pardalote 100 Striated Pardalote 25 White-browed Scrubwren 100 X Weebill 75 X Western Gerygone 50 Western Thornbill 25 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 100 X Red Wattlebird 25 Little Wattlebird 25 X Singing Honeyeater 75 Brown Honeyeater 25 New Holland Honeyeater 75 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 75 X Western Spinebill 50 Scarlet Robin 25 X Varied Sittella 75 X Rufous Whistler 50 Grey Shrike-thrush 100 X Grey Fantail 25 Willie Wagtail 75 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 50 Grey Butcherbird 50 Australian Magpie 25 Australian Raven 25 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Red-eared Firetail 50 X Mistletoebird 100 Tree Martin Silvereye Total species = 38 0 14
Other sources of bird survey information Harvey et al. (1997)
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Records in Harvey et al., (1997) for the Ridge Hill Shelf refer to a wider geographical area and thus are not considered here.
GENERAL COMMENTS This Darling Range foothills site is contiguous with large tracts of bushland, including the adjacent Ellis Brook Reserve. Two of the site boundaries are difficult to determine.
Of a total of 36 bush bird species recorded at Rushton Road during the current surveys, 14 (39%) are considered significant under Bush Forever. These include resident species such as Common Bronzewing, Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Western and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Scarlet Robin , Grey Shrike-thrush and Red-eared Firetail. Red-eared Firetail is extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain and in the Perth Metropolitan Region is now restricted to the Darling Range (How & Dell, 1993; Storr & Johnstone, 1988). More mobile significant species recorded at the site include Wedge-tailed Eagle and Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. Varied Sittella has a large home range and would utilise adjacent bushland as well as this site.
Although the Rushton Road site is small, its connectedness with extensive areas of bushland in the Darling Range contributes to the high degree of bird diversity. Maintaining the degree of connectivity between this site and bushland nearby is important to the long-term conservation of significant bird species in this area. Some rehabilitation of disturbed areas is possible and might further contribute to the conservation value of this site. Site Name Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Canning Vale City of Gosnells 10 ha 32º05'04"S, 115º56'31"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Southern River Complex Survey period reported: Jan-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Constructed wetland: below and at capacity. Total no. surveys: 6 Dampland: dry to below capacity Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: ID no. N/A Constructed wetland: 17 mins (range 5-20) 4636 Bushland/dampland: 86 mins (range 65-150)
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Constructed Wetland Australian Shelduck 17 Australian Wood Duck 30 83 Pacific Black Duck 10 83 Grey Teal 2 17 Australasian Grebe Confirmed 6 83 Little Pied Cormorant 1 67 Little Black Cormorant 1 17 White-faced Heron 3 50 Great Egret 17 Australian White Ibis 2 33 Straw-necked Ibis 13 50 Black-shouldered Kite 17 Spotless Crake 1 17 Purple Swamphen 4 33 Dusky Moorhen 17 X Eurasian Coot 12 83 Black-winged Stilt 2 17 Black-fronted Dotterel 2 33 Common Bronzewing 33 X Willie Wagtail 17 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 2 33 Total species, constructed 1 2 wetland = 21
Bushland/Dampland Australian Wood Duck 2 17 Purple Swamphen 2 17 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 50 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 67 Galah 17 Australian Ringneck 50 Red-capped Parrot 17 Laughing Kookaburra* 17 Splendid Fairy-wren 17 X Striated Pardalote 33 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) White-browed Scrubwren 17 X Western Gerygone 50 Inland Thornbill 67 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 33 X Red Wattlebird 50 Singing Honeyeater 67 Brown Honeyeater 50 New Holland Honeyeater 100 X Rufous Whistler 33 Magpie-lark 67 Grey Fantail 100 Willie Wagtail 67 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 33 Black-faced Woodswallow 33 X Australian Magpie 50 Australian Raven 100 Welcome Swallow 2 33 Tree Martin 50 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 17 Silvereye 83 Total species 0 6 bushland/dampland = 30
Total species, complete site = 47 1 Site = 8
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Shreeve Road Wetland Reserve consists of a natural bushland/dampland area together with two constructed wetlands and adjacent parkland. The natural and landscaped areas were separately surveyed for birds. During the survey period the bushland/dampland areas were dry or well below capacity. In wet periods, waterbird use of the dampland may substantially increase the species diversity of this area. Overall, the bird species diversity at this site is relatively high, although there is little overlap in species diversity between the natural bushland/dampland and the constructed wetland. Nineteen of the 21 bird species recorded in the constructed wetland are water-dependent species. The most abundant of these were Australian Wood Duck, Straw-necked Ibis, Pacific Black Duck and Eurasian Coot, all species benefiting from parkland wetlands in urban areas.
A total of eight species at the Shreeve Road reserve are significant under Bush Forever. Seven are bush birds while one is a water-dependent species. These include small, resident insectivores known to be in decline on the Swan Coastal Plain such as Splendid Fairy-wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Inland Thornbill and Yellow-rumped Thornbill. Other significant species include Common Bronzewing, New Holland Honeyeater and Black-faced Woodswallow. Spotless Crake was recorded at one of the constructed wetlands.
The site is being actively managed for conservation, with a purpose-designed, newly planted, constructed streamline acting as a buffer between an adjacent housing development and the reserve. While the number of bushbirds recorded at the constructed wetland is extremely low (2 species), this number might increase if more complex plantings were undertaken at the margins of the constructed wetland. Site Name Smith's Lake
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) North Perth Town of Vincent 1 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: July 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 26 mins (range 20-40) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black Swan 1 80 Australian Shelduck 2 80 Pacific Black Duck 1 100 Grey Teal 10 Hardhead 40 X Australasian Grebe confirmed 2 80 Little Pied Cormorant 1 40 Little Black Cormorant 20 Australian Pelican 3 20 Nankeen Night Heron 10 X Australian White Ibis 3 20 Dusky Moorhen 6 90 X Eurasian Coot 36 100 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 80 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 30 Rainbow Lorikeet* 50 Sacred Kingfisher 10 Red Wattlebird 80 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 50 New Holland Honeyeater 30 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 20 X Magpie-lark 10 Willie Wagtail 100 Australian Raven 10 Welcome Swallow 100 Tree Martin 30 Total species = 27 1 5
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 33 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Little Wattlebird. This is a mobile species which may use the site periodically. GENERAL COMMENTS This site consists of a reconstructed wetland with surrounding planted vegetation and adjacent parkland. Smith's Lake is an old rubbish tip replanted over time with native, although not local native, plant species. More recently, plantings of indigenous rushes and sedges has taken place. Three of the five significant bird species on the reserve are water-dependent species. These include Hardhead, a diving duck preferring deeper water, Dusky Moorhen and Nankeen Night Heron. The most abundant waterbird was Eurasian Coot.
Significant bush birds were New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. There is no evidence, despite a considerable number of surveys, that the site is used as a corridor by mobile species such as Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail that may require more complex vegetation on the Swan Coastal Plain. There is some potential for increased plantings of indigenous trees and understorey in parkland areas near the lake. Such plantings might increase the corridor value of this reserve for mobile species of birds. Site Name Smith's Lake
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) North Perth Town of Vincent 1 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: July 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 26 mins (range 20-40) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Black Swan 1 80 Australian Shelduck 2 80 Pacific Black Duck 1 100 Grey Teal 10 Hardhead 40 X Australasian Grebe confirmed 2 80 Little Pied Cormorant 1 40 Little Black Cormorant 20 Australian Pelican 3 20 Nankeen Night Heron 10 X Australian White Ibis 3 20 Dusky Moorhen 6 90 X Eurasian Coot 36 100 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 80 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 30 Rainbow Lorikeet* 50 Sacred Kingfisher 10 Red Wattlebird 80 Singing Honeyeater 100 Brown Honeyeater 50 New Holland Honeyeater 30 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 20 X Magpie-lark 10 Willie Wagtail 100 Australian Raven 10 Welcome Swallow 100 Tree Martin 30 Total species = 27 1 5
Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 14 surveys, 33 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Little Wattlebird. This is a mobile species which may use the site periodically. GENERAL COMMENTS This site consists of a reconstructed wetland with surrounding planted vegetation and adjacent parkland. Smith's Lake is an old rubbish tip replanted over time with native, although not local native, plant species. More recently, plantings of indigenous rushes and sedges has taken place. Three of the five significant bird species on the reserve are water-dependent species. These include Hardhead, a diving duck preferring deeper water, Dusky Moorhen and Nankeen Night Heron. The most abundant waterbird was Eurasian Coot.
Significant bush birds were New Holland Honeyeater and White-cheeked Honeyeater. There is no evidence, despite a considerable number of surveys, that the site is used as a corridor by mobile species such as Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail that may require more complex vegetation on the Swan Coastal Plain. There is some potential for increased plantings of indigenous trees and understorey in parkland areas near the lake. Such plantings might increase the corridor value of this reserve for mobile species of birds. Site Name Thorburn Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Beechboro City of Swan 2 ha 31º51'51"S, 115º56'51"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Southern River Complex Survey period reported: Sept 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 9 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 98 mins (range 65-120) ID no. 305 (part) N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Australian Shelduck 1 11 Australian Wood Duck 27 89 Pacific Black Duck 9 56 Australasian Grebe 1 56 Little Pied Cormorant 2 67 White-faced Heron 1 22 Australian White Ibis 30 89 Straw-necked Ibis 1 11 Purple Swamphen 6 33 Eurasian Coot 1 33 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 100 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 56 Galah 44 Rainbow Lorikeet* 78 Australian Ringneck 78 Shining Bronze-Cuckoo 11 Laughing Kookaburra* 22 Sacred Kingfisher 11 Rainbow Bee-eater 11 Striated Pardalote 67 Weebill 11 X Western Gerygone 67 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 78 X Red Wattlebird 89 Little Wattlebird 11 X Singing Honeyeater 78 Brown Honeyeater 78 New Holland Honeyeater 11 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 11 X Red-capped Robin 11 Rufous Whistler 11 Magpie-lark 89 Grey Fantail 67 Willie Wagtail 100 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 56 White-winged Triller 22 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Grey Butcherbird 67 Australian Magpie 89 Australian Raven 78 Welcome Swallow 67 Clamorous Reed-Warbler 22 Silvereye 89 Total species = 42 6 5
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENT Thorburn Park consists of a remnant wetland of the Bennett Brook system together with a reconstructed wetland and associated parkland. The wetlands and western end of the parkland were surveyed for birds. The wetland had been burnt in 2002 before the survey period. During the survey period, both wetlands were below capacity.
Of the 42 bird species recorded at Thorburn Park, 11 are water-dependent. None of these is significant under Bush Forever. The most abundant waterbirds were Australian White Ibis and Australian Wood Duck, both species which adapt well to urban wetlands.
Five bush bird species considered significant under Bush Forever were recorded at Thorburn Park. These include Weebill, a canopy feeder utilising the Flooded Gum Eucalyptus rudis in the wetland, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, and three species of honeyeaters. Other species utilising the more complex vegetation in this site include Striated Pardalote, Western Gerygone, Rufous Whistler and Grey Fantail.
There is considerable potential to increase the vegetation complexity at the edges of the parkland to increase habitat connectivity. Site Name Trigometric Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Duncraig City of Joondalup 2.6 ha 31º50'35"S, 115º46'12"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Cottesloe Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Aug 2002-Sept 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 35 mins (range 20-55) ID no. N/A 7677
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Laughing Turtle-Dove* 90 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 50 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 10 X Rainbow Lorikeet* 40 Australian Ringneck 40 Striated Pardalote 10 Red Wattlebird 50 Little Wattlebird 30 X Singing Honeyeater 80 Brown Honeyeater 40 New Holland Honeyeater 30 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 90 X Magpie-lark 20 Willie Wagtail 10 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 10 Grey Butcherbird 20 Australian Magpie 80 Australian Raven 70 Welcome Swallow 50 Silvereye 20 Total species = 20 0 4
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS Of the four significant recorded during the survey period, three were honeyeaters and the fourth the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. A pair was recorded as feeding in the Reserve, although the plant species was not identified. Sites such as Trigometric Reserve may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Trigometric Reserve are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition. As this site is a coastal shrubland remnant, woodland bird species cannot be expected to utilise the site.
Management issues in Trigometric Reserve include encroachment by domestic gardens into the Reserve bushland and weed control. Site Name Unnamed Picnic Site, Toodyay Road Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Red Hill City of Swan 2.5 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Dwellingup 2 Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003 Wetland levels during survey period Survey frequency: monthly Below capacity Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 37 mins (range 30-50) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Australian Wood Duck 10 Pacific Black Duck 1 10 Common Bronzewing 10 X Long-billed Black-Cockatoo 10 X Rainbow Lorikeet 10 Australian Ringneck 60 Red-capped Parrot 10 Laughing Kookaburra* 20 Sacred Kingfisher 10 Splendid Fairy-wren 40 X Striated Pardalote 40 Weebill 40 X Western Gerygone 60 Inland Thornbill 30 X Western Thornbill 10 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 20 X Red Wattlebird 30 Singing Honeyeater 40 Brown Honeyeater 50 New Holland Honeyeater 50 X Western Spinebill 10 Golden Whistler 10 X Rufous Whistler 30 Grey Shrike-thrush 10 X Grey Fantail 40 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 10 Australian Magpie 30 Australian Raven 60 Mistletoebird 10 Silvereye 20 Species total = 30 0 9
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A GENERAL COMMENTS Only two bird species at this Darling Range site are water-dependent. Almost one third of the bush bird species recorded at the site are considered significant under Bush Forever. These include Splendid Fairy-wren, Weebill, three species of thornbill, Golden Whistler and Grey Shrike-thrush. The site is adjacent to large tracts of contiguous bushland. During the survey period, some considerable effort was expended by the Shire of Swan in reducing the amounts of rubbish, and limiting the potential for future rubbish dumping. This should limit the potential for future outbreaks of weeds from the dumping of garden refuse.
The maintenance of the connectivity of this site with nearby bushland is important for the conservation of bushbird species utilising the site. Site Name Wal Hughes Reserve
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Attadale City of Melville 1.5 ha
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Dec 2002-April 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 6 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 28 mins (range 20-40) ID no. N/A 5100
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Laughing Turtle-Dove* 17 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 33 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 17 X Galah 17 Rainbow Lorikeet* 17 Australian Ringneck 33 Red-capped Parrot 17 Laughing Kookaburra* 17 Striated Pardalote 17 Red Wattlebird possible 83 Singing Honeyeater 50 Brown Honeyeater 67 Grey Butcherbird 33 Australian Magpie 50 Australian Raven 17 Total species = 15 1 1
Other sources of bird survey information Wooller, 1999. 10 species.
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Nil
GENERAL COMMENT This small reserve is characterised by a low species diversity of birds, however it is utilised by the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo. A flock of eight birds has been recorded using the reserve, although there is no record of activity or plant species utilised. Sites such as Wal Hughes Reserve may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over-summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Wal Hughes Reserve are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.
Site Name Wandoo Heights
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Red Hill City of Swan 20 ha 31º48'38"S, 116º03'32"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Darling Scarp Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 85 mins (range 50-150) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Common Bronzewing 30 X Galah 40 Australian Ringneck 50 Pallid Cuckoo 10 Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 10 Shining Bronze-Cuckoo 10 Laughing Kookaburra* 30 Rainbow Bee-eater 10 Splendid Fairy-wren 60 X Striated Pardalote 80 Weebill 50 X Western Gerygone 100 Inland Thornbill 10 X Western Thornbill 40 X Yellow-rumped Thornbill 50 X Red Wattlebird 10 Singing Honeyeater 40 Brown-headed Honeyeater 10 X Brown Honeyeater 60 New Holland Honeyeater 30 X Scarlet Robin 20 X Golden Whistler 10 X Rufous Whistler 30 Grey Shrike-thrush 30 X Magpie-lark 30 Grey Fantail 40 Willie Wagtail 30 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 60 Australian Magpie 30 Grey Currawong 10 X Australian Raven 70 Tree Martin 10 Silvereye 70 Total species = 33 0 12 Other sources of bird survey information Hyde, A. & O. Gear (ND): 29 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources The Restless Flycatcher record is unconfirmed. White-tailed Black-Cockatoos referred to in this list may be Carnaby's or Baudin's Black-Cockatoo. Both species are mobile and may utilise the site periodically.
GENERAL COMMENTS More than one third (36%) of the species recorded at Wandoo Heights is considered significant by Bush Forever on the Swan Coastal Plain. This Darling Range site shows the same relatively high species diversity in bush birds as other Darling Range sites in the project. Significant species include Common Bronzewing, Splendid Fairy-wren, three thornbills, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin, Golden Whistler ,Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Currawong. Brown-headed Honeyeater is now extinct on the Swan Coastal Plain, although it may never have been common there and Grey Currawong is now largely extinct on the Plain (Storr & Johnstone, 1988). Mobile and/or migratory species recorded at Wandoo Heights which require more complex vegetation include the three cuckoos, Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail.
The large number of significant species recorded at this site is likely to be due to the size of the site, the excellent condition of the vegetation and the degree of connectivity with nearby bushland in the Darling Range. Maintenance of connectivity and measures such as weed control and appropriate fire regimes are relevant management techniques for this site. Site Name West Swan Oval
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) West Swan City of Swan 6.8 ha 31º48'36"S, 115º59'54"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Southern River Complex Survey period reported: Aug 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 10 Average no. observers: 2 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 87 mins (range 45-162) ID no. N/A Not mapped
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Australian Wood Duck 2 10 Pacific Black Duck 2 10 Brown Goshawk 10 X Collared Sparrowhawk 10 X Nankeen Kestrel 10 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 10 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 70 Common Bronzewing 10 X Corella species 10 Galah 30 Australian Ringneck 90 Red-capped Parrot 30 Pallid Cuckoo 20 Laughing Kookaburra 10 Sacred Kingfisher 20 Rainbow Bee-eater 20 Striated Pardalote 30 Weebill 10 X Western Gerygone possible 80 Yellow-rumped Thornbill 20 X Red Wattlebird 70 Little Wattlebird possible 50 X Brown Honeyeater 80 New Holland Honeyeater 20 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 30 X Western Spinebill 30 Rufous Whistler 70 Magpie-lark 50 Grey Fantail 20 Willie Wagtail 10 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 50 Grey Butcherbird 30 Australian Magpie 60 Australian Raven 80 Mistletoebird 20 Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Tree Martin 20 Silvereye 80 Total species = 37 2 8
Other sources of bird survey information Nil known
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources N/A
GENERAL COMMENTS This site comprises remnant Banksia woodland with adjacent parkland. The woodland and parkland were both surveyed for birds.
Two species of ducks, both known to nest in tree hollows, were recorded in the bushland. Eight species of birds recorded at the Oval are considered significant under Bush Forever. With the exception of Common Bronzewing and Yellow-rumped Thornbill, these are mobile species, suggesting that the bushland is a useful corridor.
Management strategies such as weed and dieback control, both identified by the local council, could increase the conservation value of this reserve. Limiting access from the adjacent fire station and reducing the numbers of periodic fires are also important management strategies. There is potential for planting on the margins to buffer the remnant from nearby semi-rural areas. Extensive planting could be undertaken on the playing field if this under-utilised recreation site were designated a conservation area. Site Name Wireless Hill Park
Site Location Local Government Authority Area (ha) Ardross City of Melville 35.2 ha 32º01'53"S, 115º49'36"E
Vegetation Complex Bird Survey Information Karrakatta Complex – Central and South Survey period reported: Nov 2002-May 2003 Survey frequency: monthly Total no. surveys: 8 Average no. observers: 1 Local Natural Area Bush Forever Site no. Average survey time: 86 mins (range 50-120) ID no. 336 N/A
Bird species recorded in survey Breeding Maximum Frequency of Significant period recorded on number occurrence species (Bush survey site recorded (% of Forever) * denotes introduced species (waterbirds) surveys) Painted Button-quail 13 X Silver Gull 13 Rock Dove* 38 Laughing Turtle-Dove* 100 Spotted Turtle-Dove* 38 Common Bronzewing 13 X Galah 13 Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo 25 X Rainbow Lorikeet* 38 Australian Ringneck 63 Red-capped Parrot 88 Laughing Kookaburra* 25 Rainbow Bee-eater confirmed 50 Western Gerygone confirmed 13 Inland Thornbill 38 X Red Wattlebird 100 Little Wattlebird 63 X Singing Honeyeater 88 Brown Honeyeater 100 New Holland Honeyeater possible 25 X White-cheeked Honeyeater 50 X Tawny-crowned Honeyeater 13 X Western Spinebill 13 Varied Sittella 13 X Rufous Whistler 25 Magpie-lark 50 Willie Wagtail 75 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 75 Grey Butcherbird 50 Australian Magpie 100 Australian Raven 88 Tree Martin 38 Silvereye 13 Total species = 33 3 9 Other sources of bird survey information Birds Australia national Bird Atlas database: 11 surveys, 29 species Database of WA Birds: 2 surveys, 25 species City of Melville (ND): 43 species
Additional significant bird species recorded in other sources Birds Australia Bird Atlas database: Whistling Kite, Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Database of WA Birds: White-naped Honeyeater
City of Melville, ND: Collared Sparrowhawk, Yellow-rumped Thornbill. The Brown-headed Honeyeater records in this report are a highly unlikely occurrence and may refer to White-naped Honeyeater.
Two of these species (Whistling Kite and Collared Sparrowhawk) are mobile species and may periodically utilise the site. While generally regarded as sedentary, Yellow-rumped Thornbill may be locally mobile, and may utilise the site at times. However, it is also possible that the species is now locally extinct. White-naped Honeyeater is a mobile species now uncommon to rare on the Swan Coastal Plain.
GENERAL COMMENTS Three sedentary species regarded as significant under Bush Forever have been recorded in Wireless Hill Park. These are Painted Button-quail, Common Bronzewing and Inland Thornbill. Painted Button- quail is now patchily distributed in larger remnants on Swan Coastal Plain: the Wireless Hill record represents the only record for this species in this project. .Mobile species recorded at Wireless Hill Park and regarded as significant under Bush Forever are Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, 4 honeyeaters, including Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, and Varied Sittella. Remnant-dependent species recorded on the site are Western Gerygone and Rufous Whistler.
One 'small flock' of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo was recorded in trees on the site. There is no record of their use of the vegetation. Sites such as Wireless Hill Park may form part of a valuable network of habitat remnants providing food resources for the mobile Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo on the Swan Coastal Plain. Currently, the pine plantations at Gnangara provide a food resource for Cockatoos over- summering in the Perth Metropolitan Region. The impact of the future staged removal of the pines at Gnangara is as yet uncertain (Cale, 2003). It may be important for the survival of the Cockatoos that reserves such as Wireless Hill Park are not only retained, but also that native vegetation is maintained in good condition.