Ten people joined me for a beginners outing at Lake Ginninderra peninsula. The group included a ten year-old girl and her mum, both new to birding. The weather was clear and sunny but the breeze coming off the water was a bit fresh! We began with some birding basics, including learning how to use binoculars to spot birds quickly, keeping the sun behind you, etc.
Starting off with waterbirds was good for the beginners, as some of the common waterbirds at the peninsula are large, obvious and fairly tame, affording close long views. We were able to get great views of Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, and Australian Wood Duck. Close views of several male Darter sitting drying their wings were a treat. Each of the beginners was able to identify the diagnostic features of these species. Our find of the day was a Black Swan on a nest, located in the reeds beside the jetty at the southern tip of the peninsula.
On the walk around the peninsula we observed a few of the common bush birds including Red Wattlebird, Crimson Rosella, White-plumed Honeyeater and Superb Fairy-wren. We were able to pick the difference between male and female Magpie-lark and Australian Magpie. We had great views of several Red-rumped Parrots squabbling near a nesting hollow. On the way back to the cars across the top of the peninsula we had brief views of a Richard’s Pipit.
Anthony Overs