Birdwatching 2025-06-22 Hardings Paddock, Goolman

7 members and 2 non members attended.   The sound of the Noisy Friarbirds was outstanding as we climbed out of our cars and most of the friarbirds occupied one particular tree in the picnic area.  The sky was overcast but the sun eventually shone through allowing superb sightings of the magical Scarlet Myzomela (of which there were many) and the gorgeous rose robin.   We walked around the outskirts of the picnic area and came upon a ? red necked wallaby grazing quietly on its own.

Following morning tea and completion of the Bird Count, we proceeded to Purga Nature Reserve in Middle Road, Purga to inspect the largest protected area of endangered Swamp Tea-Tree forest in the world.  We walked along the Tea Tree Boardwalk, a 350metre circuit along a raised timber path.

Thanks to all participants for an interesting and enjoyable outing.

24 species seen and 3 heard and detail of the birds reported on EBird and is as follows:

Maned duck x 8, Pheasant Coucal x 1, Bush Stone-curlew x 2, Masked Lapwing x 2, Laughing Kookaburra x 3, Australian King Parrot x 4, Scaly-breased Lorikeet x 4, Red-backed Fairywren x 6 (5 female and 1 male), Yellow-faced Honeyeater x 4, Noisy Miner x 2, Scarlet Myzomela x 21, Blue-faced Honeyeater x 1, Noisy Friarbird x 52, Australian Golden Whistler x 1, Rufous Whistler x 2, Australian Magpie x 2, Pied Butcherbird x 4, Willie Wagtail x 1, Grey Fantail x 1, Magpie-lark x 1, Rose Robin x 2 (1male & 1 female), Eastern yellow Robin x 2, Welcome Swallow x 3, Red-browed Finch x 3.  Bar-shouldered Dove x 3 heard as well as Eastern Whipbird heard x 3 heard and Bell Miner heard.

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Hardings Paddock forms part of the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate.  With its unique ecosystems, it  acts as an important refuge for wildlife and supports a diverse range of birds.   In the dry eucalyptus open forest that we will explore, we hope to see babblers, a rose robin and possibly a wedge tailed eagle.

Directions: 

Exit the Cunningham Hwy at Yamato onto the Ipswich-Boonah Road.  (UBD Map 232 N18).  From this intersection, travel south towards Boonah for 5.7km.  Turn left into Carmichaels Road (Map 252 P20).  follow Carmichaels Road for 4.3km to the picnic area.  The Picnic ground is not shown in the UBD.  Co-ordinates 27.734610, 152.767508

Bring:

Hat, fly net, sunglasses, sunburn cream, insect repellent, personal first aid kit, enclosed shoes, binoculars, chair, morning tea and lunch.