Today I headed to the Grange Forest Park, a fantastic little wild area surrounding Kedron Brook, in the middle of Brisbane. With this park a five-minute drive from our new house, I was very excited to find out what this park was like.
It was great to discover that the area consisted of brilliant wildlife habitat, with woodland bordering the reedy fringes of the brook. The reeds were swarming with birds, with Welcome Swallows, Brown Honeyeaters, Australian Reed Warblers (my first of my 600 challenge) and Tawny Grassbirds being the most common.
Tawny Grassbirds at Grange Forest Park. Considering their abundance at this inner-city Brisbane park, it is remarkable that it took me until just 16 days' ago to see my first of the species.
Australian Reed Warbler at Grange Forest Park. Like most Warblers, these birds produce a remarkably-powerful and lyrical call.
There was also a profusion of Finches in the reeds, most of which were Red-browed Finches (my second addition of the day to my challenge total), while a single Chestnut-breasted Mannikin and several Scaly-breasted Munias were also seen. Stunning Red-backed and Variegated Fairywrens, along with White-browed Scrubwrens flitted about. Spangled Drongo, numerous Silvereyes, Black-fronted Dotterel, four Sacred Kingfishers and Lewin's Honeyeaters were also present among good numbers of the more regular Brisbane species, including an enormous number of Australasian Figbirds. It was fantastic to see two magnificent Channel-billed Cuckoos flying overhead. While watching a flock of Galahs flying past, I heard some rustling in the undergrowth. Soon, a pair of Brown Quails walked and proceeded to give superb views as they waddled about, seemingly unaware of my presence. What awesome birds to have in the middle of the city!
Brown Quails at Grange Forest Park
With light fading, I began to head home. A final search of the base of the reeds produced something very special. A Lewin's Rail, my first-ever, briefly revealed itself on two occasions, before diving straight back deep into the reeds both times. This was an absolutely awesome way to end a great trip to this new location so close to home. I have a feeling that I will be spending a lot of time here!
Common Myna in the park. Sadly this invasive species seems to be spreading rapidly across Brisbane, though for now the similar (but completely unrelated) native Noisy Miners still dominate. Hopefully this will continue!
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