This was a most relaxing weekend around the Merimbula/Bournda area, based at a comfortable house in a bush forest setting on the Merimbula to Tathra Road. Of particular interest on this weekend was the rare and endangered Beach Stone-Curlew, which has made its home in the area for the last six months. This species is normally found in coastal areas much further north. It took some effort to locate it, but finally with help from Barbara Jones and her colleagues from the South Coast Birdwatchers, we spent a magical half hour watching the bird feed on soldier crabs on the sand flats of the Pambula River. David Rees took some video footage which we will show at a future COG meeting. This is a most unusual bird, much thicker set than its bush cousin the Bush Stone-Curlew, with attractive markings, a heavy bill and interesting postures and gait. None of us had seen this species before.
The weekend was an opportunity for learning about birds and bird calls, and there were plenty around the property, including Crescent Honeyeaters, 2 pairs of Jacky Winter, Brown Gerygones in the rainforest remnants, and many birds out on the lawns around the house including a large flock of Goldfinches (unusual in a forest). We also spent time at the Panboola Wetlands, the new reserve at the village of Pambula on the river flats there, which is being managed in trust by a group of locals and already has some tracks and new plantings and a viewing platform. Of interest here was the first sighting this season of Latham's Snipe, and a Swamp Harrier.
On Saturday morning, we were taken to a private property on the south end of Wallagoot Lake with some members of the Southcoast Birdwatchers group; this had lake frontage and varied habitats, where White-breasted Sea-Eagles were in residence near a nest site and we saw the uncommon Grey Goshawk, plus many other bush and water birds. Other activities included the Merimbula Boardwalk around the lake, where lots of birds flock to feed on the mudflats at low tide, Eastern Curlew and Pied Oystercatchers, Bar-tailed Godwits, Great and Little Egrets amongst others. Finally on the Sunday, we did a very nice walk around the northern end of Wallagoot Lake to Turingal Head. There, some of us saw the Southern Emu-wrens and it is also a good spot for White-fronted Chats on the salt marshes. This track joins up with the Kangarutha track running along the coastal cliffs and the long beach of Bournda National Park, with spectacular scenery.
We recorded 97 bird species, a very good total given it is late winter and few spring migrants. We enjoyed some videos of Southern African birds and Wild Dogs in Kruger National Park, good food and wine with a very convivial group, enjoyed latte coffee by the lake and the local orchid show. Thanks to everyone in the group - it was one of the most enjoyable COG events I've organised.
Jenny Bounds