Cheesecakes, Ornithologists, Gliders
The title was Lyn Scrymgeour's inspiration as she walked past the COG sign by the 'Paringa' mailbox. The home-produced cheesecakes were Lyn's special request. The ornithologists consisted of nine 'COGers', most staying for the three-day weekend, one for the day on Sunday. Great weather, cool evenings, many birds within the confines of the garden and nearby creek camping area. Not a great variety of birds, and nothing unusual apart from a Rufous Night Heron flying along the creek area (first sighting for some years), a flock of 12 Brown Quail in the lower section of the garden, and many White-throated Needletails early on Saturday, ahead of storm clouds. Other species observed within the area included Scarlet Robins, Red-browed Finches (30+), White-eared, Yellow-faced and Fuscous Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebills, Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, Brown Goshawk, Wedge-tailed Eagles, Australian Hobby, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, to mention a few.
Away from the well-watered garden and the creek flats the paddocks and bush are extremely dry, but surprisingly the bird population was greater than expected. One small gully plantation proved very fruitful: the team had great views of five Hooded Robins, Scarlet and Flame Robins, Dusky Woodswallows, five honeyeater species, three Diamond Firetails, Welcome Swallows, Tree Martins, two Grey Shrike-thrushes, two Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes, Yellow-rumped Thornbills and Willie Wagtails - all within an area of less than half a hectare. On Tuesday morning I saw one Southern Whiteface in this same area, a bird not seen by me on 'Paringa' for many years.
Over the three days, the group recorded a total of 56 species. One interesting observation was a small Banksia marginata bush that had been nearly stripped bare by a flock of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. On Saturday evening the group spent several hours along the Anembo Forest Road spotting for Greater Gliders. Our efforts were well rewarded (and we didn't even leave our cars!). In fact several gliders were in trees overhanging the road, including several pairs of mothers and babies. We had fantastic views and recorded a total of 14 gliders.
Yes, the weekend did revolve around birds (and food and cheesecakes), but the other life of the area was observed and this was helped by the enthusiasm of the Scrymgeours, who delved into the flora world, and the world of any other critter that lived under rocks or logs, or in tree holes. As a result I discovered a small colony of Sugar Gliders in an area of bush Alan had suspected may house these possums - great excitement for me, and they are only half a kilometre from the house. Yes, a great weekend - most relaxing for hosts, house guests, and campers by the attractive Sherlock Creek.
Helen Stephinson