Nine COG members made the easy trip up the Hume to Moss Vale and through pleasant Southern Highlands scenery to Barren Grounds, perched on the edge of the escarpment overlooking Kiama. The Birds Australia Warden, Raoul Boughton, greeted us with hearty lunch and soon led off through the heath towards Cook's Nose lookout. On the way many of the group had glimpses of their first Eastern Bristlebird and a variety of honeyeaters were observed enjoying the banksias. The spectacular views and habitat provided additional enjoyment. Back at the lodge a bristlebird was cleaning up the lunch crumbs, delighting all present with clear, close views. Dusk saw us shivering in a chill wind listening for the rising call of the Ground Parrot, which quickly received a 'heard' tick from all present allowing us to retreat to the warm lodge and demolish a delightful curry. Spotlighting followed with good views of Ring-tailed Possum, and a fleeting glimpse by some of a flying Sugar Glider, plus glow worms and yabbies. We shared the lodge with an antichinus with a penchant for chocolate.
An early start on Sunday led us to the birdbanding nets where we saw Yellow-throated Scrubwren and Lewin's Honeyeater at very close quarters. Another walk with outstanding views of the coast north and south, and a variety of habitat from heath to rainforest, produced more birds, with the first clear sighting for many of the Crescent Honeyeater. Some also glimpsed the Pilotbird and Beautiful Firetail. All too soon it was the middle of the afternoon and the final bird call. A bristlebird, two Eastern Yellow Robins and a Long nosed Potoroo came to bid us farewell. We recorded 45 species and a very enjoyable weekend, thanks in no small measure to Raoul's excellent organisational, culinary and birding skills.
Trevor Lipscombe