Despite the earlier forecast of dismal weather for the weekend, five COG members gathered on Saturday evening for an overnight headstart to Sunday birding at Geoff Robertson and Margaret Ning's 'Garawanga' homestead (500 acres) near Nimmitabel. The day's brisk wind calmed by evening, and BBQing, pleasant conversation, and story telling ensued with wine next to the campfire. The skies cleared for the most part and the brilliant stars (sans light pollution) beckoned. Highlights of the evening included observations of Jupiter's moons, the rings of Saturn, and the Magellanic Clouds through a telescope, as a Boobook Owl called in the near distance.
Sunday dawned clear and calm. Two more birders joined the group as we performed several 2-ha surveys among the granite tors and higher elevation woodlands (Eucalyptus dives, E. rubida, E. stellulata, E. viminalis, E. dalrympleana, and E. pauciflora) along the Kydra River on the property. Our eyes and ears were eager for the sight or sound of Spotted Quail-thrush and Hooded Robins, but we were disappointed. Other sightings, however, provided adequate diversion from these small deficiencies.
Notable events of the day were long, unobscured looks at male and female Satin Flycatchers and a Rufous Whistler calling beautifully, if not desperately, for a companion for the nesting season. Sugar Glider landing pads were observed on several gum trees, pointed out by the sharp-eyed Alan Scrygmeour. Three species of orchids were encountered, including a mini greenhood orchid (possibly Pterostylis mutica), a first record for the property. Some also caught a glimpse of a water dragon, nearly stepped on a brown snake, or watched a green iridescent female Mountain Ant search for an escape from our intrusion. I observed a skink being fed to a family of Grey Shrike-thrush nestlings, saw my first scorpion in Australia, and was stung on the chin by a honeybee from a swarm that someone said 'won't hurt anyone'. The newly opened COG first aid kit got used again.
Overall, 50 species were recorded (a good tally for this higher country) and seven new species were added to the site list for 'Garawanga'. A warm thank you is extended to the hosts for the hospitality provided and the opportunity to explore their property.
Charles Buer