Despite the less than perfect weather, this was a successful outing for the 9 members who joined me on the overnight campout on this private property on the western bank of the Murrumbidgee River about 10 km north of Bredbo. The very steamy conditions as we set up inevitably turned into a couple of large thunderstorms that severely curtailed the evening bird watching activities. After 25 mm of rain overnight the morning broke and remained very cloudy but dry. After an initial inspection of the birds on the property and the river, a convoy (due to the slippery conditions) of two 4WD vehicles ventured up the steep slope to the west to do atlas surveys of 2 grid cells for which access is otherwise very difficult. Those less venturous joined me on the track north along the river to visit further previously unsurveyed grid cells.
During this relatively short period a very impressive total of 81 species were either seen or heard, including 53 species within 1 kilometre of the farm house. This included a number species for which concern has been expressed due to their apparent decline in numbers, with Speckled Warbler and Dollarbird seen at our campsite at the foot of the hills. Restless Flycatcher plus a pair of White-fronted Chats were on the banks of the river nearby. At one magic spot about 2 km downstream Diamond Firetail were observed taking grass straws to a large nest in a young gum, with Double-barred Finch, Southern Whiteface, Brown Treecreeper and two female Hooded Robins nearby.
From two relatively brief visits Grid Cell L27 is now one of the best atlassed in the southern part of COG's Area of Concern. It really demonstrates the advantages of being on site even for a short while rather than paying a flying visit. Several participants plan to return in the spring to add more species to the bird list. Once again thanks to Chris and Issy for their hospitality and allowing COG to camp on their property, and last but by no means least for facilitating access to grid cells which are almost impossible to get into otherwise.
Jack Holland