COG breaks the drought! A group of COG members journeyed to Mallacoota for an extended weekend camp/accommodated visit. To say Saturday and Sunday were damp would be an understatement. However, in between showers and downpours some very good birding was had.
Before I go much further I believe a word of thanks should be said for Ian Anderson who led the trip and for the local birding guru Bob Semmens who showed us some very special places and some very special birds.
Some of the highlights for me were the Superb Lyrebird’s nest in a low fork of a tree (how the bird could fit into the opening of the nest is a marvel in itself); the two Little Tern chicks scurrying between tufts of grass on the beach; and the seven Ground Parrots that flushed for us. Adding a bit of excitement to the day was a waiting Hobby which began hunting the parrots. Fortunately it did not have any luck and we quickly left the area before it did.
Other good birds included Scarlet Honeyeater, Rose Robin, Crested Shrike-tit, Little Grassbird, Black-faced Monarch, a Pallid Cuckoo being fed by a Rufous Whistler and a very co-operative Superb Lyrebird. Over 100 birds were seen on the visit.
Mallacoota is a delightful area and I hope it remains that way. There is some concern that this may not always be the case. A marina/breakwater is proposed for Bastion Point (where the lake flows into the ocean). This will have an adverse effect on the local beach environment as well as creating an eyesore and hazard for other users. More information can be found on www.savebastionpoint.org.
Noel Luff