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Hi all
A bit belated but this is the first time I've been
near a computer for a few days. Have been doing some mammal survey work in the
burnt pine areas, on Friday am in Uriarra Forest flushed 2 quail which I suspect
were either Little or Red-chested Button Quail. They were noticeably smaller
that Brown or Stubble (both of which are present at the site, Stubble in good
numbers) with weaker, rather fluttering flight. They also appeared to have
unstreaked underparts, so were probably not juvenile Brown or Stubble. Views
were very brief but clear, upperparts looked uniform and there appeared to be a
reddish tinge to the flanks, making Red-chested the more likely option. Little
BQ should have contrast between dark flight feathers and paler back.
However, I stress I saw them so fleetingly that I can't be certain of the
id. Despite a concerted effort by two of us to flush them again we had no luck,
had another brief look this am with no result. Incidentally the 'forest'
is currently a forest of blackberries and exotic grasses with a few native
things such as Milkmaid lilies for variety.
If anyone wants to have a look the site is on Blue
Range Rd (signposted off Brindabella Rd on the right past Warks Rd). Drive up
for about 700 metres from Brindabella Rd, you should see 2 pieces of orange
flagging tape low on the roadside vegetation, near a large fallen dead tree. The
quail were flushed about 20-30 metres downslope from the dead tree.
Cheers
Steve
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