New map site/ Robin viewing

[Julian Robinson <>]

The area I was describing as Finch Central was starting from X and
perhaps 100m south and west of there.  My observations at the time
were limited to the surprisingly bird-productive area of grass, burnt
pine, blackberries and fence-line.  Interesting that Martin was
further NW at Y and missed the red-caps, so they seem to be v
localised.  Different veg so I guess not that surprising.

Leo may have given me 'naming rights' :) but I point out that he
discovered the area, and this is how history makes mistakes.  In
2500 when a PhD is doing a historical study (everyone will do PhD's in
2500) on "North-west Canberra Finches in the early 2000's - the COG
view" we need to make sure that they successfully locate the correct
explorer.  (Explorer because not only will everyone do PhD's, but
life in 2500 will be so restricted that our travels from Coppins Crossing
road 1km down-river on a dirt road in a 'wild' area will be seen as
exciting exploration.   The explicit presence of free birds
will be what drives the romantics to want to write about our rustic
travels). 

I haven't seen anyone else mention thornbills, is that because they
haven't seen any in this area, or bec thornbills are too mundane to
record?  I  thought they added a lot of contrasting colour to
the proceedings.

Julian
At 10:15 PM 29/05/2007, Leo Berzins wrote:
> X is pretty close
> to where we saw the White-fronted Chats on 20th May. Following Julian's
> report, we returned there on Saturday and found all the finches described
> amongst the blackberry clumps extending south of X (as well as the robins
> and pipits we had seen previously). Y was where we saw numerous
> goldfinches.
>  
> Julian has the naming rights on 'Finch Central' so we should
> leave the final word to him, but I reckon X marks the spot.
>  
> Incidentally, our strike rate so far is:
> White-fronted Chat: 50%
> Red-capped Robin: 100%
> Flame Robin: 100%
> Scarlet Robin: 0%
> (The Flame Robins have been the most numerous.)
>  
> Leo.

Cheers

Julian
Canberra
Australia
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