A group of eight set off to collect data from COG grids which had not previously been covered in the Atlas. In all, data were collected from six grids and in two places outside COG's area of interest, using 2-ha searches and area searches, which seem to be the best mix for car tour type trips. From Uriarra Crossing, we set off along Mountain Creek Road and did a 2-ha search in a grid north of 'Kirawin' homestead, where Fuscous Honeyeaters were calling in the Apple Box trees and some White Box was in flower. Then Sawyers Creek Road, with several stops along the way and sightings of Pallid and Fan-tailed Cuckoo (both male and female calling), a Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo calling, a Brown Goswhawk, and several Wedge-tailed Eagles.
The convoy stopped at a site near Carey's cave where the kurrajongs growing in the limestone rocks gave a scenic backdrop; then it was a short walk up the Fitzherbert Trackhead to the Hume and Hovell Trail just south of Wee Jasper where Crescent and New Holland Honeyeaters were feeding in the White Box, a pair of Whistling Kites soared overhead and a number of smaller birds like Jacky Winter were recorded. Our next stop was Micalong Creek campground, a lovely spot by rushing water. The 4WDs then returned along Doctors Flat Road through Brindabella National Park where the highlight was flushing a male Superb Lyrebird which ran alongside the cars until it scrambled into the bush. The area we covered is not as high in altitude as Canberra, had greened up from recent rains and has some interesting forested areas as well as open country. A number of wattle species in bloom added to the scenic delights of the day. It's mostly dirt roads and a bit rough through Brindabella NP (recommended for 4WDs). I managed to get a small puncture in one tyre of my Jeep which took several days to be noticed! We intend to have a couple of field trips there in 2000 to atlas the area more extensively. Thanks to David McDonald for leading.
Jenny Bounds