Could I remind subscribers that the annual COG winter birds bus trip will
be held this Sunday 27 May. Details are below.
There are still a few seats left on one of the buses, so if you’re
interested please contact me by return E-mail or on 6288 7840.
To make it a bit different this year, this time weather permitting we’re
proposing to visit a few places along the Murrumbidgee River to the S of
Canberra we haven’t been to before.
Jack Holland
Canberra's Autumn/Winter Birds; Sunday
27 May – Day bus trip
Each
autumn/winter a number of bird species come down from the mountains and higher
areas around Canberra to spend the colder parts of the year in the suburbs or
surrounding areas. Examples of these are two species of red-breasted
robins (Scarlet and Flame), plus two species which are much less common
(Rose and Pink), a number of species
of honeyeater including the White-eared,
Fuscous, Brown-headed, Crescent and
the Eastern Spinebill, and the Golden Whistler. Several other
species such as the Dusky
Woodswallow, the Grey Fantail and the
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike will overwinter in the ACT in small numbers. The aim of this
outing is to learn about them and to try to observe as many of these species
within the ACT in the one day. Some passage migrants may be
expected to still be moving around in late May to add to the
interest.
Jenny Bounds and Jack Holland will lead the
outing. As is best suited for these types of outings,
transport will be by two 12-seater buses. This involves a total of 24 people,
and a decision has been made not to allow tag-a-long vehicles, otherwise the
outing becomes logistically very unwieldy. The point of departure will be the
National Library car park at 8 am. This is quite central, and where the parking
is free. It will run until mid afternoon so that the buses can be returned late
that afternoon, so please bring morning tea and lunch. The costs will be $20 per
person, including the COG admin fee. This will be payable on boarding the bus.
To book please contact Jack Holland (6288 7840 AH or by E-mail on m("environment.gov.au","jack.holland");">).
In this annual outing we will be visiting several spots in the ACT
where these species are likely to be present. As usual, the exact itinerary will
not be determined until very close to the day, and will depend on recent reports
of where these birds are, though we will stay within the ACT boundaries.
