Happy Valley

Where is it?: Happy Valley is a southern suburb of Adelaide. It is bounded by Reynell Road, Education Road, a line NE to Windebanks Road, a line N to Black Road, Main South Road, O’Halloran Hill Road, Candy Road, Main South Road, Kenihans Road, and Byards Road.

Local Council area: City of Onkaparinga

Landscape Management Region: Hills and Fleurieu

History: Happy Valley, a source suggested, was given its name by Edward Burgess, one of the first settlers in the area. Burgess, a staunch Methodist, arrived at Holdfast Bay on 20 January 1837. The original Happy Valley township, school and cemetery were completely flooded when the Happy Valley reservoir was constructed between 1892 and 1897. The township was moved to the east while the cemetery, which is still in use today, was moved to the west and relocated alongside the base of the dam wall.

Places to see birds: Periphery of Happy Valley Reservoir (there is no public access to the reservoir). 

Total Species Recorded to Date: 161 (non-passerines 99, passerines 62)

Common Species: White-faced Heron, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Noisy Miner, White-plumed Honeyeater, Weebill, Grey Shrikethrush

Less Common Species: Wedge-tailed Eagle, Horsfield’s Bronze Cuckoo, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Magpielark

Note: This checklist is a guide to the bird species that have been recorded in this local area. We encourage you to record your sightings and add your locality on the checklist and return to Birds SA for inclusion in the Biological Survey of South Australia database.

Updated: 25/07/2021