Con.
Thanks for the info on the rest of the yass river!!!
We have 450acres on Ladevale rd off the Yass River road (Elms road I think to
be exact) that is on/butts up against the se end of the Mundoonen range. You
are most welcome to bird on this property when ever you want as is anyone who
asks me. COG has had one outing there quite a few years ago - more than
welcome for an organized activity whenever anyone wants to arrange. Camping
facilities are good and a decked out shed put up by the Sth Tablelands 4WD
club when they used to have a training course out there is handy.
I have to go out to get firewood soon so could show you around it then. All
the usuals and maybe even a Chestnut-rumped Heathwren once (they have been
recorded in Mundoonen range). The place is awesome for birds. The hooded
robins and brown tree creepers are even common in the previously disturbed
areas such as the appleboxe corridor planted beside the front lane (just ask
Marnix, he's been out there a few times). Plenty of Diamond Fires, haven't
seen Quail-thrush yet tho. Seen pretty much everything else out there
including Stubble, Painted and Little BQ all at the same time within one
hectare!!!! The vegetation is also pretty good but the cattle that have been
agisted on it over autumn have overgrazed the bloody place - I told my old
man to get in contact with the bloke agisting and get him to take some stock
off or I'll open the bloody front gate!!! When the old man bought the place
in the early 90's he didn't stock it for a few years so all the regrowth had
time to mature a bit and not get knocked around as much by the stock.
Cheers, Alex McLachlan
mob) 0422 655 393
work) 6249 9065 - Geoscience Australia
home) 15 Mertz Pl Mawson
-----Original Message-----
From: Con Boekel
Sent: Saturday, 7 June 2008 11:49 AM
To: COG list
Subject: Yass River willows, birds and a question about
public access to streams
Yesterday I birded my way along Yass River Road doing the ten COG Area
of Interest grids from the junction between the Yass River Road and the
Highway at one end and Gundaroo at the other. This odd behaviour
attracted two enquiries about whether I needed help. Nice, in a country
sort of way. With the second person, who lives on a block, we discussed
the tree planting they were going to do, the birds they were seeing and
the birds they hoped to attract. An enjoyable discussion. I recorded an
average of about 20 species per grid and there was nothing unusual in
the bird world, save for more Nankeen Kestrels and Brown Falcons than
usual, as well as big flocks of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (170) and
Galahs (118). Best spot was probably the junction between Berrebangalo
Creek Road and the Yass River Road.
The highlight of the trip was the enormous amount of work going into
willow removal along sections of the Yass River. This River has had a
terrible hammering over the past 150 years. Parts of it, just north of
Gundaroo, have only grassy banks left, fully accessible to stock, so
there it is basically an open drain. Parts a bit further downsteam have
only willows as riparian vegetation. Finally, the last bit of the Yass
River has been inundated (when there is no drought) by Burrinjuck Dam.
The bits along the Yass River Road where the willows are being removed
still have the odd mature native tree. It looks raw and naked but here's
hoping that restoration efforts result in some high biodiversity value
riparian vegetation. I am not sure about the condition of the river
upstream from Gundaroo or downstream from the Highway.
It was also good to see the plantings and environmental care being taken
at the Hall Common. There are cattle on it but the cover is being
maintained in good condition and there were a lot of native grasses and
other native plants. Over the years the timber has obviously been
removed for firewood but the latest falls appear to be being left in
situ, which is good. On the sign they had a picture of a Superb Parrot,
so not sure if they have been recorded in the Common. Rewarded myself
with a Cappucino and a brownie at the Cork Street cafe, which also has
first class pizzas if you are ever birding out that way.
I have two queries:
If anyone is aware of a way to reach the Mundoonen Reserve other than
via the Hume Highway, I would appreciate the advice.
Secondly, in Victoria most streams have public access along the banks.
Is this the case in NSW and the ACT?
Con
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