Changes in the bird population of Bolwarra, 1994-2011

Greener garden suburbs, particularly when adjacent to other habitat-types, can provide a permanent or temporary home to a great variety of avian species. This paper looks at one such area close to Maitland, NSW and compares the current situation that is easily observed with that which prevailed in 2000-01. It has become possible thanks to the rediscovery of two years of annotated monthly records that provide a clear record of the situation that prevailed at that time. An individual’s impression of the changes over time may easily become distorted, unbalanced or incomplete unless the past situation is adequately documented. The paper is able to draw the conclusion (one mildly surprising to its author) that a great many more species are experiencing local increases than decreases. While these species may not usually be of particular interest to enthusiasts of rarities, they are an important part of a healthy bird population in the Hunter Region.