report- outing to Wanniassa Hills nature reserve, 16 May

[sandra henderson <>]

Fifteen people turned up for this walk in Wanniassa HIlls reserve. A beautiful morning weatherwise, and the birds didn't disappoint us.  One of the highlights was only a couple of minutes into the walk, when everyone got a good look at a Wedgetailed eagle sitting quietly about 20 metres from the group, low in a tree.  It flew off after a few minutes, but was visible at several points during our walk.  There were good numbers of Red wattlebirds, Weebills, Yellow-rumped thornbills and Buff-rumped thornbills.  Two Rainbow lorikeets were an unexpected find, although we know they frequent nearby Farrer Ridge.  The real highlight was a Peregrine falcon, a first for a number of people on the outing, which, like the eagle, wasn't in a hurry to leave. 

This was a new birding location for many people, but one they now want to come back to, for the varied vegetation, great views, and good birds. With my carpark birds before we started off, the list for the morning was 22 species.

Sandra Henderson