Report - Aranda Bushland Walk (Sun 9 September 2001)

Eleven people gathered at the Aranda Shops at 8am, in spite of threatening rain. It did not eventuate and our walk into the Bushland up and beyond the nature strip footpath was dry enough underfoot with a fresh, light breeze and a total of 22 species of birds to spy on. Grey Fantails were busy, a Grey Shrike-thrush was singing beautifully as usual, a Galah was sitting next to a conspicuous hollow, but would not move toward it while we were watching. A real treat was to hear a Speckled Warbler singing, and not being familiar with that song, it took a little observing before we discovered the owner. Good views of two more were seen later. Also we had good views of White-throated Treecreepers to match up with their loud calling. Even a Spotted Pardalote was seen feeding at the top of a very low eucalypt and in the sun for an excellent sighting - as we all know, they are not the easiest birds to get a close look at.

Later in the day I got a call from Rosemary, who never did catch up to us, but went walking anyway. She reported other birds that we didn't see - a Scarlet and a Rose Robin, a male Golden Whistler, half a dozen Red-browed Finches and a Wood Duck on the dam in the paddock in the distance! Perhaps it pays to go about quietly on your own. It's an interesting area for a walk - you can't get lost between Caswell Drive and Bindubi Street but yet the traffic noise is much subdued or even absent once inside the area. And keep an eye out for the work the "Friends of Aranda" have accomplished - they have been busy weeding and putting up information posters!

Kay & Horst Hahne