Barren Grounds Nature Reserve perches on the plateau of the Illawarra Escarpment south of Sydney. Endangered Eastern Ground Parrots and Eastern Bristlebirds make their home in its dense heathlands. Even in November the heaths are full of flowers and colour. Woodlands share the plateau and lower down are tall forests and rainforests, home to Superb Lyrebirds and other rainforest birds.
The heathlands were relatively quiet last week. Watching out for Eastern Bristlebirds, Ground Parrots and Southern Emu Wrens, it was only several Bristlebirds - that were heard calling. The other birds seen birds were Rufous Whistlers (above), Grey Shrike-thrush, New Holland Honeyeaters and Fan-tailed Cuckoos.
The beautiful heathland is extensive, a suitable haven for these endangered birds.
Heathland plants.
Many different plants flowering - at the beginning of November.
Some spectacular splashes of colour.
Lower down the slopes in the woodland forests this Eastern Whipbird was feeding, with White-Browed Scrubwrens and Easter Yellow Robins for company.
The terror of the picnic tables, this Pied Currawong was ready to pounce on my unguarded biscuits.