One local woodland bird has proven extraordinarily elusive for me. The Speckled Warbler Pyrrholaemus sagittatus occurs in small numbers around Newstead. I’ve seen it a few different locations in the past few years but had never been able to secure a photograph – until yesterday. I’d had some recent reports, including from a lovely covenanted property near Clydesdale. A short visit yesterday was rewarded.
There were lots of small birds around, including Buff-rumped and Striated Thornbills, Scarlet Robin, White-throated Treecreeper, Crested Shrike-tit, numerous honeyeaters – Fuscous, Yellow-tufted, Brown-headed and White-naped. The real highlight was a pair of Speckled Warblers, feeding with thornbills in an area of Yellow Gum/Long-leaf Box/Grey Box woodland.
Speckled Warbler (male), Clydesdale, 24th July 2013.
Speckled Warblers can be cryptic, but are distinctive little birds, with striking rich markings around the head and belly. Their numbers have reportedly declined in many locations since the 1980s – these recent reports are intriguing, and suggestive of a local resurgence.
A number of male Scarlet Robins were observed during my visit.
The pair of Speckled Warblers were in a mixed flock with Buff-rumped Thornbills.
Natural Newstead 
Eureka indeed. Sounds like a lot of lovely birds about. Great photos.
Just by coincidence, I saw my first ever Speckled Warblers in the local area today. A couple of birds foraging around on the ground in the Nuggetty hills, along with Striated Thornbills (in the trees), Superb Fairy Wrens and a White-throated Treecreeper. Happily sat in the car watching them for about 10 minutes.
That’s great news Chris – they seem to like these mixed flocks, at least during autumn and winter.
Cheers, geoff