Wednesday walk 20102010

[martin butterfield <>]

This will hopefully serve as the trip report for Gang-gang also.

Reserves of Mountain Creek Road

The Wednesday Walk (WW) this month visited the three TSRs (Cavan, Mullion and Tinkers Creek) along Mountain Creek Road, on the Western side of the Murrumbidgee.16 members enjoyed in the trip in various coloured Subaru Foresters. Within the three Reserves we recorded 51 species - I think a record for a WW.  Breeding at various levels was recorded for 8 species.

We began at Cavan, the furthest away, and recorded 29 species, with White-winged Chough (ON) being the sole breeding record.  The extensive eucalypt blossom had attracted several Noisy Friarbirds and Red Wattlebirds to the  canopy.

Moving to The Mullion we recorded 35 species of which 5 were engaged in breeding activity.  Highlights were excellent views of a White-throated Gerygone nest building and a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike feeding young in a nest.   Other breeding records were Weebill (DY) and Australian magpie (ON) and a prolonged demonstration of CO by two consenting adult Crimson Rosellas.

Our third formal stop was at Tinkers Creek where 33 species were recorded.   The highlight was the very large number (at least 10) of Leaden Flycatchers.  Breeding records were Grey Fantail (NB) and Varied Sitella (DY).  

Between the formal stops a number of other species were observed including: Rainbow Bee-eater perched beside the road; Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring over the foothills to the West of The Mullion; Hardhead (and several other water-bird species) on the Mullion homestead dam; and White-fronted Chats at Stromlo Forest Park.

Next Month's Walk
It is intended that next month's Wednesday Walk, on 17 November 2010, will be to the Hall TSR (and perhaps the nearby woodlands).  Meet at the TSR beside the Barton Highway at 9am.