Barbara Allan and I surveyed the Majura Firing Range
starting at 7:45 on Tuesday 5 October so we could get on and off before the
shooting started. It was a brilliant spring morning, warm with bright sunshine
and no wind. After the rain the range was a picture, with all the little
shrubs in full flower, and the grass very green. For a few fleeting
moments I developed an intense interest in Botany. Even so in many of the
places the grass was cropped quite short, and the kangaroo population looked
numerous, and fat as butter and sleek as satin. Just about every young
mum had two joeys in tow.
The highlight of the day was the discovery by Anneke
Staring, the environmental officer accompanying us, of numerous Spider Orchids
at sites 3 and 4. I thought they were beautiful but very small, and wondered a
little what the fuss was about.
A good range of birds was seen, but no Hooded Robins.
However, there were Brown Treecreepers on two sites, where they have been
rarely recorded. There appeared to be White-throated Gerygones
everywhere, many more than usual, while one Western Gerygone was heard calling.
There were a higher numbers of parrots than usual, including Crimson and
Eastern Rosellas, and Red-rumped parrots at Site 2. Recorded for the
first time at Site 2 were two Nankeen Kestrels taking in the early morning sun
on an large dead gum tree.
Summer migrants such as BFCS, Olive-backed Orioles, Rufous
Whistlers and Leaden Flycatchers were seen, as were a Golden Whistler and a
White-eared Honeyeater. Other honeyeaters were few and far between, but
included White-naped Honeyeaters, Noisy Friarbirds, and Red Wattlebirds, but no
Yellow-faced. There were a few Pallid and one Fan-tailed and one
Shining-bronze Cuckoo about.
Not too many LBBs, but Weebills, Buff-rumped and Striated
Thornbills were observed. Only one or two Grey Fantails.
Cheers
Paul
Paul Fennell
25 Pickles St
Scullin ACT 2614
026254 1804
0407105460
