A mixed flock of COG members migrated to the warmer climate of Guerilla Bay for the June long weekend. Ably led by Tom Green, they foraged in a wide variety of habitats, often working diligently for their rewards. Rainbow Lorikeets and Red and Little Wattlebirds fed in the coastal banksia, Hardhead and Chestnut Teal graced Barlings Swamp, Sea and Wedge-tailed Eagles soared the skies, Jacky Winters sat pensively on fence posts, Brown Gerygone and sonorous Lyrebirds skulked in damp thickets, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos put in a special appearance after several weeks absence from the area, but the elusive Southern Emu Wrens and Glossy Black Cockatoos could not be found.
However, Burrewarra Point provided views of Australian Gannets, distant Albatrosses and Sooty Oystercatchers, while the beach south of Broulee yielded White-faced Honeyeater, Pied Oystercatcher, Red-capped Plover, Double-banded Plover and a Hooded Plover (one of the less than 20 thought to be on the NSW coast). Non-avian delights included sychronised surfing by a party of common dolphins while hump-backed whales spouted in the distance, and the superb surroundings of the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens.
The culinary skills of the party were skilfully orchestrated by Jane Green, while she and Tom welcomed us to their beach hideaway and organised everything else impeccably and unobstrusively, to the acclaim of an appreciative and happy group.
Trevor Lipscombe