Thirteen members gathered for an exploratory visit to this area, NE of Boorowa, on a 144 hectare private property. This is a magnificent, hilly property with a large number of old eucalypts of several species including Yellow Box, White Box and Apple Box (some of which was in flower) and patches of very old Black Cypress Pine. A large number of plantings have gone in over recent years and quite a lot of re-growth of callitris and other native species is evident since grazing was limited. Although it was extremely dry in the countryside after many weeks without rain, the beautiful autumn weather made up for this.
On our way up via the back roads through Binalong and Galong, a small group of us we were lucky enough to see Peregrine Falcon, Zebra Finches and Brown Songlarks. Gunnary Threatened Species Reserve just east of Boorowa (where Swift Parrots have been recorded some years) was quiet, however, with nothing flowering.
It was fabulous weather for camping with a mild night on Saturday, a full moon and warm calm days. Our campsite (and the loo with a view) overlooked a creek bed which was lightly misted early on Sunday morning. This was a very relaxing overnight camp, with walks on the property, (some relaxed over Sunday breakfast), and an impressive total of 75 bird species recorded over the Saturday and Sunday - a very good total considering most spring migrants had left. Six new bird species were added to the property list and one mammal, Ring-tailed Possum. Large numbers of Diamond Firetails and Hooded Robins delighted us with great views, as did a large mixed flock which included Scarlet Robins, Varied Sittellas and many thornbills and weebills and small honeyeaters. Striped Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Superb Parrots and both Pied and Grey Butcherbirds were good sightings, and the Australian Owlet-nightjar which called close to camp on Sunday morning, was later seen peering out of its roosting hole on the other side of the gully.
The communal, buffet dinner on Saturday night coordinated by Jane Green (a feature of many COG camps where everyone brings a contribution) was appreciated by all. I have been asked to particularly mention the marinated strawberries prepared by Alastair Smith, which went so well with Sue Lashko's gourmet cheesecake. Afterwards, a small spotlighting group led by Michael Wright headed up the hills - not an easy feat I found after several glasses of red wine, to stand on a steepish slope looking straight up at the possums!
Some of us ventured further north on Sunday on a circuitous route home and others checked out the antique and craft shops in Frogmore and Boorowa. One group dropped into Hovells Creek Threatened Species Reserve just north of Frogmore and were lucky to see Blue-faced Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater and Crested Shrike-tits, then after a wrong turn, a raiding party opportunistically gathered a bucket full of quinces from a wild tree by the roadside. The things some people get up to on a birding weekend!! Apostlebirds and Superb Parrots were seen at another woodland remnant stop.
Thanks to Richard and Angela for allowing COG to visit their property, and to Jack Holland who made most of the arrangements, but had to pull out at the last minute due to a family bereavement.
Jenny Bounds