Wednesday Walk 090415

[martin butterfield <>]

Fifteen members commenced the trek from Kambah Pool to Pine Island this morning.  While awaiting the arrival of the shuttle drivers, a female Satin Bowerbird was spotted, as was the only Noisy Friarbird of the day.

On moving off the first of several (at least 4) Scarlet Robins was heard calling from near the river.  A flock of approximately 80 Yellow-faced Honeyeaters flew upriver soon after: this was the only migrating flock seen all day.  Tree red-browed finches were seen in a weedy gully just before Red Rocks Gorge (and another single bird was seen close to the end at Pine Island).  Some of the mistletoe was flowering and appeared to be the attractant for Mistletoebird seen on two occasions.  

Three Wedgetailed  Eagles were seen close to the Gorge as was a Nankeen Kestrel.  These were the only raptors seen on the day: a surprisingly low haul.  Just past the Gorge three White-fronted Chats were spotted.  A Little Pied Cormorant was seen squatting on a rock in the river while seven Australian Wood Ducks were the only members of that family recorded.  A lone Black-fronted Dotterel was investigating the delights of a sand bar.

In total we recorded 40 species of birds: not a bad haul considering the strength of the wind in the second half of the walk. 

We also had brilliant views of a Platypus swimming in the Murrumbidgee close to the start, and very good views of a pair (yes, I mean 1 male and 1 female) of Wallaroos hopping around not far from the Red Rocks Gorge viewpoint.

It has been proposed that next months walk will be to Mount Majura, hopefully finding some Glossy Black Cockatoos.  Meet at 9am on 20 May at the car parking area on Mackenzie St between Grayson and Burell Sts. 

Gang gang editors may wish to use this.

Martin