Various observations from the Hinterland

[martin butterfield <>]

I have been told of a recent sighting of a White-necked  Heron on the Hoskinstown Plain.  We normally record them in the area over Summer but that is the first i have heard of since September 2010.  Presumably they have all been off breeding in the Macquarie Marshes or Deniliquin!  Breeding Australian White ibis have been reported from Poppet Rd Wamboin.

Walking at Googong on Wednesday I saw a Diamond Firetail at the Boat Ramp car park.  Also some DY Dusky Woodswallows.

Stubble Quail are calling all over the Hoskinstown Plain.  As with Woolcara Lane the area is covered with 1.5m high grass.

This morning, while exercising the small dog I observed a Grey Shrike-thrush flying off with a mouthful of grubs.  Presumably it has a nest in the vicinity so that is a breeding record.  

My last comment is a non-observation.  despite spending 30 minutes scanning a storm front last evening I didn't see a single swift of any variety.

Martin