In the latest edition of Gang Gang, Chris Davey identified grids that
had been inadequately surveyed from the point of view of considering
whether Brown Treecreepers were increasing, decreasing, new or absent in
COG AOI grids comparing recent years with the COG Atlas years. In doing
so, Chris identified some grids that had been under- surveyed. Two of
these are Q14 and Q15. The Kings Highway between Queanbeyan and
Bungendore cuts through Q14. It has farmland, some actively farmed for
pasture or cropping, and other farming areas with much regrowth,
extensive areas of pine plantation (part of the Kowen complex) and a
couple of areas either side of the Highway which appear to have been
kept separate from the pine plantation operations for their natural
values. The one on the South side of the Highway has signs announcing
'Pound' and 'Kowen Travelling Stock Route'. This morning I searched the
latter area and adjacent areas, and found no Brown Treecreepers, Hooded
Robins or Swift Parrots. As usual in our reserves, the grass layer
appeared to be seriously overgrazed by native herbivores and, in places,
stands of Bursaria Lasiophylla and areas of what may have been Serrated
Tussock appear to be enjoying the advantage. There was also extensive
evidence that the area had been harvested over the years for firewood,
with little timber on the ground.
In the adjacent pine plantation, Brown Thornbills were common; a party
of three Varied Sittellas were feeding in the pines and there were
flocks of up to 18 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. Small numbers of
Yellow-faced, White-naped and White-eared Honeyeaters and a single Red
Wattlebird were feeding about.
I did move into the Northern part of Q15 but saw pines as far as the eye
could see, I was running out of time, and decided to leave Q15 for
another day.
Con
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