On 16 September, 13 members visited three Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs), Tinkers Creek, Mullion and Cavan on Mountain Creek Road, just to the west of the Murrumbidgee. We recorded 52 species in the three reserves and several more on the roadsides in between.
The highlights began before we left the carpooling location, with nine White-fronted Chats recorded at Stromlo Forest Park. The migrants were well represented with Leaden and Restless Flycatchers at Cavan, Olive-backed Orioles common at all three TSRs and both species of Gerygones at Tinkers Creek and Mullion. At Mullion, Western Gerygones appeared to be chasing White-throated Gerygones, presumably an agonistic behaviour. Satin Bowerbirds were recorded at Tinkers Creek (including an active bower) and Cavan (a very attractive blue bird). The most unusual birds seen between TSRs were a White-necked Heron and Rufous Songlark at the Mullion Dam.
— Martin Butterfield