“Popes Glen has a surprising number of birds,” said local bird expert, Carol Probets, after surveying the rehabilitated wetland at Popes Glen Creek. In three one-hour surveys, Carol has logged 29 species in and around this small area, including some rare and unusual small birds such as the Southern Emu Wren and the Beautiful Firetail.

Superb Fairy Wren using debris pile. (Photo: Alan Lane)

The upper catchment of Popes Glen Creek used to be an environmental wasteland – a dense forest of enormous willows with an impenetrable understorey of other weeds. Over the last ten years Popes Glen Bushcare Group, with Blue Mountains City Council, has steadily removed the willows and weeds and planted swamp and riparian plants to create a permanent wetland.

The large piles of debris from the weeding have created important habitats where small birds forage and shelter, but these will gradually decay. So Popes Glen Bushcare Group is hosting a planting day to begin establishing dense thickets as habitat, allowing the birds to continue to thrive.

Saturday April 25, 10 am – 1.00 pm (BYO morning tea)

Popes Glen Creek, Prince Edward Street, Blackheath

Places limited. Registrations & details: alan.lane@zeta.org.au