Big Scrub Bird Monitoring Project – A Forest Alive with Song

We’re thrilled to share that our 35-year-old regenerated lowland subtropical rainforest is now home to some of Australia’s most iconic rainforest birds, including the Rose-crowned Fruit Dove, Noisy Pitta, Green Catbird, and Southern Boobook Owl.

This exciting milestone is thanks to the Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy, which selected our farm for an inspiring bird monitoring project. The team is capturing and recording birdsong alongside visual surveys to highlight the importance of both the magnificent remnants of the Big Scrub rainforest and several regenerated sites.

Martin Brook, co-founder of Brookfarm, reflected on the journey:
“When we bought our land in 1988, it was a rundown dairy farm with very few birds. Today, thanks to this project, we’ve identified 46 species. Restoring rainforest truly boosts local birdlife.”

The Big Scrub Rainforest Conservancy’s work underscores the vital role of restoration in maintaining biodiversity and protecting Australia’s native wildlife. We’re proud to be part of this transformative effort and to celebrate the revival of our local rainforest ecosystem.

Meet Some of Our Feathered Residents:

Habitat: Rainforests and subtropical forests of eastern QLD and northern NSW.
Diet: Fruits, seeds, and berries.


Conservation: Threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation.

Habitat: Rainforests and dense undergrowth in eastern/southeastern QLD.


Diet: Insects, small invertebrates, and seeds.


Conservation: Declining population due to habitat destruction and fragmentation.

Habitat: Northeastern QLD rainforests.


Diet: Figs, fruits, and insects.


Conservation: Impacted by habitat degradation but not currently at risk.

Habitat: Forests, woodlands, and even urban areas across Australia.


Diet: Small mammals, birds, and insects.


Conservation: Widespread and not at risk, though sensitive to habitat loss.

Sources:
Text: Martin Brook


Photos: eBird