On 1 November, about 12 members embarked on a day's journey into Brindabella National Park, which is beyond the northern boundary of the ACT. The park encompasses part of the northern extension of the alpine system. It is important for that reason, as well as for the birds and plants that inhabit it. Doctors Flat Road is the main entry route, although the southern end of the road passes through private property and is difficult to access. From the northern end the condition of the road makes it difficult to pass beyond a certain point; thanks to those who allowed us through.
Having got in there, the park is a marvellous place. You are in the middle of nowhere, although you are passing through farmland (knowing how to shut the gate is a necessity here). We stopped at quite a few sites, one of which I will always remember as a first-class spot.
The highlight of the visit was definitely the Cicadabird. Most got quite good, though brief, views of the male, who seemed to respond to the call played on Philip's cassette player. We managed to find 37 species in the day. Thanks to Philip Veerman for leading the excursion. The following birds were seen:
Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Superb Fairy-wren, Spotted Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, White-browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Fantail, Blackbird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, White-throated Treecreeper, Brown Thornbill, Cicadabird, Pied Currawong, Brown Goshawk, Australian Kestrel, Wonga Pigeon, Galah, Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Laughing Kookaburra, Weebill, White-throated Gerygone, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Red Wattlebird, Eastern Spinebill, Flame Robin, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Australian Magpie, Australian Raven, Silvereye, Superb Lyrebird, White-winged Chough.
Alan Ford