A beautiful if slightly windy spring day, a good turnout, plenty of birds including some 'firsts' for us, rabbits, 'roos, and butterflies, easy walking, what more can we say?
After car pooling at Kambah, thirteen members gathered at the Glendale carpark at about 9:00 and followed the Brandy Flat track up the gully from the carpark and across the shoulder of the hill. There were few sightings initially, but as we got further up the hill the activity increased, initially with a pair of Dusky Woodswallows, a pair of Brown Treecreepers and then a brief sighting of a Spangled Drongo by three members. As we continued over the shoulder sightings increased and included a nesting Willie Wagtail, Hooded Robins and an Olive-backed Oriole. We made a short diversion to view a previously noted Grey Butcherbird nest but unfortunately found only a damaged nest and a scattering of feathers.
Crossing the creek to a fanfare of frogs we moved into more open country with a different assortment of species including Southern Whiteface, Richard’s Pipit and a variety of Thornbills. A brief stop for lunch during which a Pallid Cuckoo appeared, and it was time to retrace our steps, making a diversion around the Wagtail on the nest less than two metres from the path. By this time, either the birds were more scarce or our eyesight was less acute and there were notably fewer sightings on the return trip.
To sum up, this was an excellent outing, especially for those of us who are still feeling our way. The weather was close to perfect and the total tally was 48 confirmed species sighted.
David and Rosemary Barrott.