Due to a variety of reasons, especially the flu, what started off as a baker’s dozen of participants at the beginning of the week shrank to just 3 members who joined me at this camp-out. Following the COG camp-out here over Easter 2002, I was particularly keen to revisit this area in spring, and we weren’t to be disappointed. A total of 63 species were recorded within 2 km of the camp site. While this was well down on the over 80 species seen that Easter, the many extra pairs of eyes, the extra day and the then drought may have accounted for this difference.
At the magical spot along the road about 1 km before you reach the camp site we picked up 43 species in a couple of hours birding on Sunday morning, with another 3 species added in 10 minutes as we were leaving on Monday. This spot is where the open callitris forest (with lots of fallen dead timber) abuts bare non-cropped farm land, typical edge habitat which many birds seem to forage in and then return to the cover offered across the road. A number of the declining species such as Brown Treecreeper, Speckled Warbler, Jacky Winter, Red-capped and Hooded Robin, Grey-crowned and White-browed Babbler and Double-barred Finch were found there. However, the undoubted highlight was a Turquoise Parrot perched in a dead tree for over 5 minutes, which allowed us to closely approach and obtain by far the best views I’ve had of this normally fractious species. It was also seen or heard a number of other times, including several times flying through the camp site, but only those with sensitive ears or quick eyes managed to get a brief sighting.
On Sunday afternoon we visited Gum Swamp, where again we saw over 40 species in less than 2 hours, including 31 not seen at the Weddin Mountains. Highlights included Freckled and Blue-billed Ducks, Darter, White-breasted Woodswallow, and a possible Intermediate Egret, which was too far away to allow completely positive identification.
As often happens, the best was saved until last. As we were driving out along the road for a quick stop at Holy Camp before heading home, we were alerted by some NSW bird watchers to a Black Falcon perched on a dead limb below a nest that was said to contain two chicks. Again this bird allowed the best views I’ve ever had of this elusive species. Coupled with two Banded Lapwing in the adjacent paddock (a pretty rare species in these parts in recent times), this provided a perfect finish to a great weekend. Thank you Stuart, Lia and Philip for sharing it with me.
Jack Holland