After a pleasant and very scenic drive via Yass, we arrived in the rain at our shearers' quarters' accommodation on Wee Jasper Station. Thankfully it only rained at all the right times during the weekend and didn't spoil any of our outings. The landscape was brilliantly green and interrupted with wondrous limestone formations. Creeks were running "a banker" and looked most photogenic as they foamed and tumbled along at some 15-20 kph. One poor Pacific Black Duck possibly came to grief in the rushing water, it had a broken lower bill.
Birding was very relaxing, whether from the veranda or in the nearby forested hills. Fairy Martins were nest building in a culvert. Fortunately only one magpie, of the 30 or more we counted in one paddock, was swooping! The Mars Bar goes to Sue Mathews for spotting two Black-fronted Dotterels between rows of sharp-edged limestone, the first record of this species in the grid where it was observed.
The accommodation was pleasant. It was nice to meet two young new members, Meegan and Adam, and to sit around the open fire sharing goodies on the first night. The second evening most of us had extremely large meals at the Stable Restaurant, each serve large enough for 2-3 people, so the doggy bags were in great demand. Our chef at the restaurant turned out to be a keen birdwatcher, also interested in atlassing. The weekend provided opportunities to atlas in a location from which few bird records have been obtained so far along the western boundary of COG's area of concern. On the trip home a number of grids in the Yass/Murrumbateman area not previously atlassed were covered. Many thanks to David McDonald for introducing us to the Wee Jasper nightlife and taking us to such a great variety of lovely spots.
Mieke van den Bergh