A total of 15 members spent the day in the recently proclaimed Monga National Park (formely State Forest) guided by David McDonald. Weather was partly cloudy with the rain staying away until the party was leaving. The cloud cover provided some relief from the painful noise of the cicadas which had hatched out en mass. Forget listening for birds when the sun came out!
At the Mongalowe River which is flanked by flowering Monga warratahs (Teleopea mongensis) good views of both Flame and Rose Robins were had. A BrownThornbill nest was found in a tree close to the river. Walking back a Red-browed Treecreeper appeared in the path a metre a two from the group allowing us all a good look. Whistlers were in evidence, with Olive, Rufous and Golden being recorded. Grey Fantails were everywhere but many Rufous Fantails were also seen.
Another walk was taken to a stand of Pinkwood (Eucryphia moorei) a true Gondwanan reminant. High up on these trees were flowering plants of the Orange Blossom Orchid (Sarcochilus falcatus). Along the way a Large-billed Scrubwren was found, other birds of note seen were Crested Shrike-tit and Black-faced Monarch.
A walk up Monga Lane/Reidsdale Road convinced the group that the Monga Forest Preserve was serious Eastern Whipbird heaven, Pilotbirds were also heard, with possible fleeting glances. In total 39 species of birds were recorded in the day.
David Rees