Well what a weekend this proved to be - a band of determined COG members found that botanical learning was a great way to pass time when weather conditions (a gale force wind) made bird watching difficult. Alan Fairley shared his vast knowledge of Australian Plants with us enabling us to identify (with varying degrees of skill) over one hundred species at Barren Grounds and the nearby Gerringong Falls in Budderoo National Park - it was impressive with spring flowers everywhere. We also heard Ground Parrots and Bristle birds but unfortunately didn't see them however some of our party had superb views of pilot birds, scarlet honeyeaters, beautiful firetails, eastern whipbirds and Lewin's honeyeater. The food was delicious, the company great, and the wildlife interesting - we got to see glow-worms and crayfish, an antechinus up close and one of our members had an even closer encounter with a bush rat (an encounter she probably does not want to repeat preferring to sleep alone in her bunk). Thanks to Jack Holland for organising a great weekend and to Brendon and Alan for introducing us to so many delightful experiences, floral, faunal and avian.
PS There are plenty of opportunities to lead bird walks, help with the ground parrot survey and volunteer in the information centre, etc. If you are interested contact Brendon Neilly at Barren Grounds. There is another Alan Fairley plant session on 9 November if you missed this one. (02) 4236 0195 or email barren.grounds@bigpond.com. Check it out at Birds Australia website: http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au.
Jonette McDonnell