The small but select band of five birdos on this walk felt that a reminder in the shape of a report might rouse a bit more interest in these Wednesday walks than has been shown of late.
We took a circular route uphill from Rani Road on a foggy morning but soon came into bright sunshine higher up Black Mountain. The bush seemed aflap with birds, some in breeding mode. Heaps of Crimson Rosellas, some investigating holes; only one pair of Eastern Rosellas and they too were creeping in and out of a tree hole, with fortunately not a Common Mynah in sight. Brown Thornbills had a domed nest in a small bush; the pair made frequent visits but we couldn't tell whether the tiny objects they carried were food or nest-lining material. A Spotted Pardalote was daintily stripping bark and White-throated Treecreepers carried nesting material. We saw a couple of Varied Sittellas and thanked the three Gang-gangs for being so trusting as to land just above our heads. Twenty-two species in all, and we enjoyed good company, lovely sunshine and lake/mountain views as well as the birds.
Phyl Goddard