Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, Sydney

Sydney Trip Report June 2011

When we stayed with family in Sydney earlier this year we struck an unusually cold and wet period. We were confined to quarters for much of our stay. This was a blessing in one sense; we could spend extra time with our wonderful 2.5 year old grandson. On the other hand it was disappointing not to be able to get out and about exploring some of the wonderful places in and around the city, especially places like the botanic gardens. Birding was consequently not a high priority considering the weather.

One afternoon it cleared up enough for us to make a hurried visit to the Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden. We had been there on several occasions before and I knew that the birding can be very good. My wife always enjoys seeing which wildflowers are blooming. Our interests are very complementary.

On this occasion we were both disappointed. While there were some bushes in flower when we visited, we could see that many were still only in bud; we were probably 4-6 weeks early. As for the birding, it was still overcast with dark heavy clouds, occasional drizzle (yes, we had our umbrellas – and used them) and late in the afternoon in fading light. All these elements conspired against seeing many birds.

I only managed a short list of species seen:

• White-eared Honeyeater
• Red Wattlebird
• Laughing Kookaburra
• Rainbow Lorikeet
• Silvereye
• Australian Magpie
• White-browed Scrubwren
• New Holland Honeyeater
• White-throated Tree-creeper

Not an inspiring list, but better than none at all. I managed some poor shots of the lone magpie (which I won’t show here) and several average shots of a solitary White-eared Honeyeater which I’ll post here in a few days’ time.

Meanwhile I’ll show some of the wildflowers seen.

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, Sydney

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, Sydney

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, Sydney

Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden, Sydney