When we joined the bus at Bungendore we made up the 22 COG members including our leader David McDonald, driver John Avery and chocolate cake supplier Jenny Bounds. A brief stop at Braidwood (gargoyles noted on the church, light rain), and on to Monga. First stop a short walk to the Mongarlowe River, where, due to poor light, there was much discussion as to whether the tree-creepers were white-throated or red-browed.
In Monga settlement, now reduced to two houses and a disused saw mill, those in the front of the bus saw a flock of Satin Bowerbirds. Near the junction of River Road and Milo Road, we had another short walk, during which some saw a Superb Lyrebird. Pilotbirds were also calling. Back to the bus for morning tea and chocolate cake.
Further along River Road we stopped at the Turtle Trail junction. A longer walk across the river, first through wet forest, then up to drier eucalypt forest to the edge of the escarpment, where we were assured that on a fine day you could see the coast. We admired the heath in flower and the variety of ferns. After lunch we saw Pinkwood trees at their northernmost limit. On the return David showed us a stand of ancient tree ferns near Monga settlement.
We compiled an atlas sheet for the area, recording 22 species, including both White-throated and Red-browed Tree-creepers, King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Kookaburra, Spotted Pardalote, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown and Striated Thornbill, Eastern Spinebill, Eastern Yellow Robin, Eastern Whipbird, Crested Shrike-tit, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Fantail, Magpie, Pied Currawong, Bassian Thrush and Lewin's Honeyeater.
Outside the state forest we stopped by a paddock to see many Flame Robins, Scarlet Robins, a Wedge-tailed Eagle, Richard's Pipit, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Raven and Magpie-lark.
We resolved to return in the spring, preferably when it is not raining. Thanks to the organisers for a pleasant day.
Peter and June Gotham