Birds

Yarran Dheran is one of the best areas in Whitehorse to see native birds. Over 80 species have been recorded including many that are not commonly found in urban areas.

Some of the most easily seen species are Laughing Kookaburra, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong and Grey Butcherbird. Noisy flocks of brightly coloured Rainbow Lorikeets are active during most of the year. Common Bronzewings can be seen quietly feeding on seeds on the bush tracks and their deep mellow call can often be heard during late Spring and early Summer.

Yarran Dheran still supports a healthy population of smaller bird species such as Brown Thornbills, Grey Fantails, Spotted Pardalotes, Superb Fairy Wrens, Yellow Robins and White Browed Scrubwrens. Many of these species have become increasingly rare in suburban areas. But a quiet walk through the bushland of Yarran Dheran will often reveal these dainty residents flitting and foraging through the tree canopy and pockets of denser understorey shrubs. Small groups of tiny Red Browed Finches can also be seen feeding of grass seeds beside the walking trails.

A keen observer might find a Tawny Frogmouth dozing unobtrusively in its forked perch in the woodland. Another nocturnal species, Australian Owlet Nightjar, has also been recorded roosting in tree hollows in recent years.

Some species such as the Olive Backed Oriole regularly migrate from northern Australia each Spring to breed in Yarran Dheran. From late Winter to early Summer the reserve is enlivened by the breeding calls of songsters like the Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Butcherbird, Yellow Faced Honeyeater and Fan tailed Cuckoo. Several species visit Yarran Dheran during their breeding season, the Olive-backed Oriole and the Fan-tailed Cuckoo doing so during Spring, while the Buff-banded Rail does so during summer.

Wetland species such as Pacific Black Duck, Wood Duck and Chestnut Teal are often seen along the creek, while Dusky Moorhens regularly breed in the ponds above the waterfall.

Along the Eastlink shared user trail at Stock Court bridge every few weeks you’ll find a Little Pied Cormorant perched on a log in the creek ready for fishing.

Other occasional visitors in recent years have included Sacred Kingfisher, Rufous Fantail and Rose Robin.

Local Groups and Resources

• eBird – https://ebird.org/region/AU
  Helps with bird identification and record‑keeping, using research-quality, long‑running citizen science data recognised by BirdLife Australia. You can explore where species occur and how their patterns change through the seasons.
  Yarran Dheran’s bird data since 2014 can be viewed on eBird here: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L3163291

• Summary table of bird sightings - updated February 2026.

• To see changes in birds sighted over 40 years ago, see Cecily Falkingham bird list 1981

• BirdLife Australia – https://birdlife.org.au/
  National organisation supporting bird conservation and community engagement. You can find local branches, events, and birdwatching groups to join.

• The Weekend Birder podcast – https://www.weekendbirder.com/podcast
  An accessible, beginner-friendly podcast that introduces key birdwatching skills, gear tips, and Australian species for new birders.

• Local social media groups
  Search Facebook for groups such as Victorian Birders, Birdline Victoria, or Melbourne Bird Photographers to connect with local birders, share sightings, and hear about walks and events in your area.