Worthy toilet wait for rock warblers

Media release: 4 October 2016

It's a far cry from the usual nesting spot of a sandstone cave, but a pair of rock warblers, the only endemic bird to New South Wales (NSW), have made their nest on a toilet roll holder at Lake Couridjah picnic area at Thirlmere Lakes National Park.

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Ranger Ben Owers said the nest has finally been completed and the male toilet stall will be closed until the chicks from the two eggs fledge.

"The birds actually attempted to nest in the exact same location last spring, but unfortunately the nest was pulled down by someone before the eggs could be laid," Mr Owers said.

"It is important we keep the toilet stall closed to allow the pair to raise their babies in safety and privacy," Mr Owers said.

NPWS Wildlife Management Officer Geoffrey Ross said that not only are rock warblers the only endemic bird to NSW, they are only found around the Sydney region in sandstone or limestone cliffs and outcrops, nesting in caves.

"Rock warblers are beautiful little dark grey-brown birds with a cinnamon-tinged face and forehead, a dull white throat speckled black, reddish-brown underparts, and a black tail, which is often flicked sideways," Mr Ross said.

"Their nests are a suspended dome-shaped structure made from roots, moss, grass and bark bound together with spider webs, and have a round side entrance.

"The inner nest chamber is lined with soft materials, including feathers, fur, grasses and plant fibres," Mr Ross said.

Although rock warblers are protected in NSW, their numbers have declined due to the expansion of urban areas into their preferred habitat, forcing them to nest in unconventional areas.

Some populations are still found in a number of National Parks around Sydney, including Thirlmere Lakes National Park.

"With the arrival of spring a number of bird species will be nesting in Sydney, so if you happen upon a nest in a shrub or tree, it's best to leave it alone and watch from a distance," Mr Ross said.

"Adult birds are very careful not to give their nest location away to predators so they'll stay away from the nest while you're near," Mr Ross said.

The beginnings of the nest were reported in August to NPWS by a member of the Friends of Thirlmere Lakes on a routine survey for Birdlife Southern Highlands.

"Most chicks will have left the nest in around 30 days following the eggs being laid," Mr Ross said.

Photos for media: http://tinyurl.com/hvd2qmc

Contact: Vanessa Fuchs