We had a really fine, still winter's afternoon for this excursion to the Gigerline Reserve and Murrumbidgee River near Tharwa, but not too many birds were about, unfortunately. White-plumed Honeyeaters were in evidence, as indeed they had been when I paid a reconnaissance visit to the area a few weeks earlier. This species seems to be quite common both in and out of Canberra this winter - one 'woodland' species at least apparently holding its own. Apart from these, we had good views of an Eastern Yellow Robin and a Spotted Pardalote, the latter in relative abundance. We noted 18 or so species, including what I took to be Brown Treecreeper calls from over the water. Also, we saw a large wombat and several kangaroos foraging in the afternoon warmth on the far bank of the river; and I had seen a large fox hunting there mid-afternoon on my previous visit.
Seventeen members took part in the walk, which is a very gentle one. Some told me they particularly appreciated the opportunity to have such an excursion on a Saturday afternoon. Others again (I am not sure whether they were the same people!) visited the Cuppacumbalong tea-rooms after the walk was over.
Richard Mason