Our base was the South Durras Big 4 Resort which has direct access to the surrounding Murramarang National Park without the need to drive to a starting point. This suited three dedicated individuals who, PM on day one, hit the scrubby trail at the back of the park to give the binoculars a serious workout. Others took the non-birding option of a plunge into the Pacific (this was to prove a popular diversion throughout our stay), while others opted for a total relax at the campsite.
Our walk was a mixture of bush bashing, and following various walking trails and a track which provides vehicular access to the middle reaches of Durras Lake. We came up with about 30 species as we strolled through tall spotted gums and ironbarks, then casuarinas where four Glossy-black Cockatoos were feeding. Rufous Fantails, Satin Bowerbirds, Eastern Yellow Robins, Jacky Winters, Lewin's Honeyeaters and a Brown-headed Honeyeater were all seen during this area, while Grey Fantails were everywhere. Because of the low water level we were able to complete a circuit of Durras Lake which took us back to base via the lake shore and along tracks which are quite swampy when lake levels rise. A highlight here was excellent views of Southern Emu-wrens, along with White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Caspian Tern, Pied Oystercatcher and Great Egret amongst others. In Durras village we saw our first White-headed Pigeon and several colourful King Parrots.
Day two started well with the sighting of a Brown Cuckoo-Dove and another White-headed Pigeon before we had left the park. Then it was up the highway and off to Durras Mountain on the forest roads through Murramarang National Park to a small parking area at the start of the walking trail to the top (you would hardly call it a summit). Golden Whistler, Black-faced Monarch, Rose Robin, and Red-browed Treecreeper were added to our list, while examining the evidence of long gone human occupation, plus taking in the spectacular views, added to our enjoyment. The group opted to return via Pebbly Beach, Depot Beach and North Durras and by so doing were able to tick Wonga Pigeon, Rainbow Lorikeet, Crested Tern and Great and Little Pied Cormorants, as well as more Rufous Fantail activity.
Later that afternoon, Martyn Moffat and Liz Harman, after a close encounter with a Red-bellied Black Snake, came upon no less than 12 Glossy Black-Cockatoos feeding in the casuarinas. Meanwhile, during a recce for the following day's kayaking activity, I saw two Eastern Osprey on the southern side of the lake, a big double as I have only ever seen one here previously.
The day three early drizzle couldn't dampen the spirits of our intrepid kayakers, and after suitable briefing we set off in determined fashion in two double kayaks (Martyn Moffat and Lyndall Young, and Margaret and Bill Robertson) plus Jane Green and me in our singles. Objective number one was achieved when we saw a single Eastern Osprey roughly where I had seen the double the previous day. A Collared Sparrowhawk spotted flying overhead by Margaret landed to give us some more good views. Shortly thereafter major objective number two followed in the form of an Azure Kingfisher. Weather conditions hadn't improved much so after a short morning tea break we headed back to the boat ramp. While this was going on Pat Williams encountered an Intermediate Egret and seven Red-capped Plovers while walking North Durras Beach.
By the time late checkouts were completed on the final day our list had grown to 88 species in an area that stretched from Durras Mountain to North Head. It was a very enjoyable few days socially as well as from a birding perspective, thanks to contributions from all concerned: Carol and Ivan, Margaret and Bill, Liz and Ian, Martyn and Pat, and Lyndall, Jane and Pat.
— Rod Mackay