Wednesday walk report

[martin butterfield <>]

Trip report for Gang-gang

A select group of 7 members attended Cooleman Ridge this morning in brilliant sunshine but with a chilly breeze.   Perhaps due to the breeze the birds were not that obvious, although we did record 33 species all up which is not a bad haul.  Surprisingly no Cuckoos were seen (or heard).  

We recorded 5 species of parrots/cockatoos with Eastern Rosellas being the most numerous.  A pair were closely inspecting a spout close to the start of the walk, with one bird evenytually going inside.  Other breeding activity noted was an Australian Magpie building a nest and Common Starlings inspecting hollows.  A White-winged Chough nest was sen in a tree close to the start, but although the nest appeared in good order it didn't seem to be in use at present (we didn't see or hear any Choughs).

A full birdlist will be loaded to the COG website http://canberrabirds.org.au/index.htm under "Trips" (click the pelican)!

Next months Outing for Gang-gang

Next month's mid-week walk will also be a drive!  We plan to do a repeat of the Mountain Creek Road TSR trip which we did last year.  We will meet on 20 October at Sromlo Forest park to carpool.  I suggest we will move off at 9:00am so those wishing to check out the White-fronted Chats may wish to arrive closer to 8:30 for a brief prowl round the SFP area.  Last year we didn't pay much attention to Cavan TSR as it was the last we reached.  This year it is planned to go there first (about 25km from Urriara Crossing) and work our way back through the Mullion and Tinker's Creek Reserves.

Notes (1) it has been raining so the Reserves may be a tad squelchy.  (2) The drive will include about 40kms of dirt road.  If there is significant rain (actual or forecast)  in the days immediately prior to the 20th the venue for the outing will be changed.  An email will be sent out on the 18th confirming arrangements. (3)  Bring lunch and water!