Expert opinion on the autumn migration of honeyeaters is that the birds do not migrate on cool and foggy mornings. Sunday 18 April was just such a morning and the honeyeaters were right on cue. We saw no Yellow-faced Honeyeaters until just before 11 am, and there were only two migrating flocks of 20 and 30 birds before the survey ended at 12.40 pm. No White-naped Honeyeaters were recorded. Thirteen COG members had their birdwatching instincts titillated if not stimulated by Little Pied Cormorants and White-faced Herons on the river, a Golden Whistler and a female Flame Robin. The greatest excitement was three raptors (Nankeen Kestrel, Wedge-tailed Eagle and Little Eagle). A total of 27 species was recorded. However, we all found it very pleasant relaxing in the watery sunshine, swapping bird stories.
Bruce Lindenmayer