Year 12 Glenaeon Bird Project – Autumn Banding in the Warrumbungles

In April, alongside the Year 12 Outdoor Education trip to the Warrumbungles, we completed our second Autumn Bird Banding Expedition. Over four days, 118 birds were captured and safely released, representing 38 species, including seven recaptures from last year. While total bird numbers were slightly lower than in 2025, species diversity increased from 37 to 38. The persistent summer drought likely contributed to reduced overall numbers; however, effective land management has maintained vital habitats, ensuring biodiversity remains strong. Notably, there was an increase in species adapted to dry conditions, such as the spiny-cheeked honeyeater and white-plumed honeyeater. New species recorded this year included the Australian ringneck, tawny frogmouth, Australian king parrot, white-browed scrubwren, variegated fairywren, pied currawong, crested shriketit, red-capped robin, and white-browed babbler.

Bird banding involves placing small, uniquely numbered bands on birds’ legs to track movement and gather life history data. At Glenaeon, it has become a living classroom where science meets experience. Since 2020, the project has engaged students in authentic fieldwork, from mist-netting to data collection. Its recent expansion to the Warrumbungles region continues to deepen students’ connection to Australia’s diverse ecosystems. We thank GlenXer Tim Bacon as our dedicated volunteer, our Outdoor Education team, and Eric and Elise Butler for their ongoing support. If you are interested in learning more about the Glenaeon Bird Project, please contact Dr Stanley Tang ( s.tang@glenaeon.nsw.edu.au ). You can also follow us on Instagram @birds_of_glenaeon.