It’s no secret that Whiteman Park is an urban haven for native wildlife, but the sheer number of bird species that have been recorded in the Park’s boundaries is a delight for birders, both new and seasoned.
Since the first fauna surveys were records began in 1975, over 129 species have been sighted in the Park’s bushland, enjoying the gardens surrounding the green lawns and frolicking in the waters of the Bennett Brook suite of wetlands. But with such a vast amount of land to cover, we’ve put together a list of ‘tried-and-true’ birdwatching spots for you to check out.
A few tips before you get started:
- Please stay on the tracks at all times.
- Take rubbish away with you for recycling or disposal.
- Feeding of wild birds and animals is prohibited
- The birds’ wellbeing should always be the maintained – do not chase, spook or flush them.
- All native plants and animals are protected by law. Please do not disturb them in any way.
- Never physically touch a bird without extreme cause. If you come across an injured bird or animal, please call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 or Park management on 9209 6000.
Children's Forest
The regenerated bushland in Children’s Forest is a place to find lots of the Park’s little bush birds, from the bright blue of the splendid fairy wrens to the red-chested brilliance of the scarlet robin. The smaller bush birds delight in the protection of the Forest’s many native shrubs, whose flowers keep them fed on nectar and insects alike.
If you’re lucky, you may also spot one of the resident goshawks, that nest in the damplands directly opposite the Children’s Forest.
You don’t need to venture into the depths of the Forest either, so this is a great spot if you’re short on time.
Horse Swamp
This Conservation category wetland stays damp through much of the year, so an ever-increasing number of waterbird species are flocking to the area year-on-year.
Commonly seen waterbirds include the white ibis, yellow spoonbills, pied stilts, purple swamphens and just about every duck species on our list – including the recent addition, the musk duck.
Overhead, you can often spot the whistling kites in search of a meal, nankeen kestrels watching the fray and occasionally, one of the southern juvenile wedge-tailed eagles stretching their wings.
Lookout Loop
The pathway from Mussel Pool out to the Lookout along Whiteman Drive West skirts along one of the major tributaries for Bennett Brook. The lifegiving waters means there are bird species in abundance!
Watch for the vibrant rainbow bee eaters when they are ‘home’ for the summer to nest. Just remember to stay on the paths, to avoid crushing their underground nests.
Village West Lawns
By far the easiest spot to access, the Village West lawns play host to a number of regular bush birds, from the iconic Australian magpie, noisy Australian ravens, playful pink and grey galahs, the willie wagtail and both of our native pigeons – the common bronzewing and crested pigeon.
Around the Village Lake, opposite Revolutions Transport Museum, you won’t have any trouble finding a large flock of Australian wood ducks, who feast on the lawns alongside many of the Park’s kangaroos, particularly late in the day.
And don’t forget to look up! The northern pair of wedge-tailed eagles are often sighted enjoying the thermals overhead!
For our avid birdwatchers, we’ve put together the full list of species recorded in the Park so you can check off what you’ve spotted!
And remember, we love to keep track of what is visiting the Park, so please email us at [email protected] with your sightings for our records.
Cover image: A New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) makes the most of the Village gardens