An encouragingly large group of members and guests joined local COG member Pamela Morse-Evans and me in perfect, still, sunny weather at the Cecil Hoskins Reserve, where we spent a very relaxing Saturday afternoon by keeping to the elevated track that runs along the western side, with the sun behind us warming our backs. Unfortunately due to the ready availability of surface water in the area waterbird numbers were low, though with a mix of bush birds we managed to see a total of 39 species. The highlights were a Black-fronted Dotterel, a White-bellied Sea-Eagle high over and a White-necked Heron, which after skulking around in the long grass finally came into the open and allowed everyone excellent views. This species seems to be relatively common north of the ACT at the moment, with several participants seeing numbers of them on the swamps north of Collector on their way. Sue, our wader expert, also spotted and identified through the scope a couple of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, underlining again my golden rule for waders, that if in doubt it’s a “sharpie”.
When we arrived back at the cars for afternoon tea we were treated to a Red Wattlebird migration spectacular, with well over 200 birds (with at least 50 in one group) in a period of 15-20 minutes moving S/SW just above tree top height, in a very similar fashion to the Yellow-faced Honeyeaters that had been seen throughout the afternoon. After a short stop at the Wingecarribee Reservoir to view the Great-crested Grebes (reasonable views of at least one through the scope) we checked in at our hotels and later had a lovely relaxed meal at Pamela’s favourite local restaurant.
Despite this we were all up early next morning to walk the Box Vale track. This was a combination of walking, bird watching and wildflower identification, with a range of the latter in flower, but unfortunately no Waratahs. A total of 41 bird species were seen with good views being obtained of a pair of Musk Ducks on a small reservoir, the Fan-tailed Cuckoo (on two occasions), the aerial and fantail-like Rose Robin (most of us saw JUST the female except for Sylvia whose decision to wait there for our return rewarded her with good views of the spectacular male), and a very loud and vocal Olive-backed Oriole giving not just its typical call but also several less familiar renditions. We also saw several Red-browed Treecreepers and added the Brown-headed Honeyeater to Pamela’s list for the area. However, the undoubted highlight for everyone came at the opening to the tunnel in the track. There was some confusion as to whether the birds sighted were Origmas (Rock Warblers) or Pilot Birds. The very loud 'Guinea a week' call on just one occasion seemed to have settled the debate in favour of the latter, until we entered the tunnel and found the reason why some of the birds were entering and leaving, as on the roof they were building the very diagnostic ragged hanging mass nest of the former. To our surprise both species were present at this spot, though not everyone could be convinced they had seen both.
In conclusion a very enjoyable weekend for all, with over 60 species seen, not including the Superb Lyrebird (a very tame one which provided easily the best views, and sounds, I’ve ever had) seen by the early risers who accompanied me on a close to town track. Our thanks go again to our local host Pamela for making us so welcome and showing us her best birding spots. This was a bit of a different COG outing, accommodated and also with a bit more of a focus on plants and walking. It has reinforced my view that there is room for such an outing in the COG calendar, and I propose to include a similar one on the 2008 Field Trips program.
Jack Holland