The Indian summer shone on the COG Weddin Mountains Easter camp-out contributing to a most enjoyable trip.
The event was well attended with 24 COG members and three extras from Utah, who joined the group after finding out about the trip on the World Wide Web.
Due to the large size of the group, many campers took the opportunity to explore the Seaton’s Camp area independently. The Callitris forest in Bimbi State Forest, the Ironbarks in Seaton’s farm and the two big gullies that cut down through the range were criss-crossed by little groups of keen birders.
Highlights included several sightings of Hooded Robin, Southern Whiteface carrying nesting material and Diamond Firetail. In the sky, Rainbow Bee-eaters were migrating up the range and a group of White-throated Needletails buzzed around.
Venturing away from the Weddin’s, Gum Swamp near Forbes was a most popular location, particular with raptor enthusiasts. Wedge-tailed Eagles, Black and Whistling Kites, Little Eagle, Hobby and Peregrine Falcon were all recorded along with a White-breasted Sea-eagle along way from the briny.
Another notable outing was a traverse of the Weddin’s Range from Seaton’s to Holy Camp via Black Gin Gully, Eualdrie and Peregrine Lookout. The gully has steep sandstone walls, shady floor and sections of running water, reminiscent of the Flinders ranges or McDonnell Ranges. The route up the gully is relatively straight forward and highly recommended, but the going becomes scrubby and close on the top of the range if a traverse is contemplated.
The trip list was 119 species (the varied habitats contributed to this). It was noticeable that honeyeater numbers were low, possibly due to dry conditions during the last breeding season.
Thanks to Jack Holland, Stuart Harris and Geoffrey Dabb who shared the organisational and leadership duties.
Adam Leavesley