Callum Brae today

Callum Brae is looking slightly less desiccated than it usually does, and is producing a few spring flowers as well as some interesting birds at the moment.

A pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles were perching near a large pile of sticks in a tree (along the western edge), perhaps thinking of refurbishing. A Yellow-rumped Thornbill was already nesting in the base of this nest.

On the main hill hundreds of Tree Martins were hawking, with a few Fairy Martins for good measure. Several White-winged Trillers were hopping about on the grass and fighting with Dusky Wood-swallows, who were also perching on low rocks and stalks in that area.

In the south-western corner of the reserve we saw a female Hooded Robin, has anyone seen this sp at Callum Brae recently? We couldn't find a male, and the female was busy fighting a Shining Bronze Cuckoo.

Oh, and the Pallid Cuckoos were going insane as usual at this time of year.

Near the entrance a Hobby was sighted. Perhaps they will breed again, as they did last year. Several pairs of Little Corellas look to be in residence in tree hollows.

All in all a very rewarding visit.

John Leonard