Martin, Didn’t get Brown Treecreeper or the Eastern Shrike-tit on the “blitz” among the 23 species I did get. With the treecreeper, perhaps the grass was too long. What I did get here and at another woodland patch beside the Hall Cemetery were Dollarbirds, another of the species I consider is declining locally, mostly due to the expansion of housing through the “open” woodlands on the flatlands. It is a very good woodland patch and if the relevant authorities could do something about the Blackberries it would be even better. I did get wet feet and legs but that was from the heavy dew in the morning, something I don’t think you will have to worry about at this time of year. I would be keeping a very close eye out for brown slithery things in the area!! Mark From: Martin Butterfield [
Sent: Wednesday, 19 November 2014 4:05 PM
To: Mark Clayton
Cc: COG List; COG Wednesday Walkers; Roso, Darren; gang-gang
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] Wednesday Walk to Stoney Creek NR In the past our 'specials' in the area have included Brown Treecreeper (Breeding last year) and Eastern/Common/Whatever Crested Shrike-tit. Did you log either of them in the Blitz? To do our normal walk in this area you also have to cross a fence a couple of times. Yes, shock, horror we don't worry about the State border which runs through the middle of the patch of woodland - but neither do the birds so that is OK! I will confess it was only on my 4th or 5th visit to the areas that I realised that the woodland was on both sides of the administrative inconvenience. At least this year, unlike one time in the past, unless the weather changes dramatically the middle of the area won't be under water!
On 19 November 2014 15:37, Mark Clayton <m("bigpond.com","chollop7");" target="_blank">> wrote: Having surveyed the Hall TSR during the “blitz” I can confirm it as a very good birding site. However something that certainly needs attention is the HUGE amount of Blackberry growing on site making it very difficult, if not impossible in places, to walk along some vague tracks. It is also a site that you need to be able to get over a gate, so not recommended if you have dodgy ankles like me. Mark From: Martin Butterfield [mailto:m("gmail.com","martinflab");" target="_blank">]
Sent: Wednesday, 19 November 2014 2:26 PM
To: COG List; COG Wednesday Walkers; Roso, Darren; gang-gang
Subject: [canberrabirds] Wednesday Walk to Stoney Creek NR The editors of Gang-gang may wish to use the following as the trip report. 23 members and guests gathered at Urriara East Picnic ground. After noting a Dependent Young Pied Currawong and White-winged Chough Nest with Young in the Allocasuarinas in the car park we headed off along the track above the Murrumbidgee.
A single Dollarbird was seen very early on and then a pair seen in a group of large dead trees appearing to defend them against all intruders. These included a male Collared Sparrowhawk and a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. A surprising sighting in these dead trees was a pair of House Sparrows apparently utilising a nest hollow. Other Summer visitors noted in this area were 4 Rainbow Bee-eaters and 3 Tree Martins (pursuing a female Collared Sparrowhawk .
Somewhat further along the track a White-faced Heron nest complete with sitting bird was noted high in an Allocasuarina.
Raptors were well in evidence during the walk. We also observed a Brown Goshawk (by size, a female); at least 2 Nankeen Kestrels, a Brown Falcon and 3 sub-adult Wedge-tailed Eagles.
This walk at this time of year had been suggested as a check if Painted Honeyeaters had returned. Alas. none were seen or heard during this walk. Also missing were any Woodswallows: we didn't even record a Dusky Woodswallow let alone the horde of White-browed seen on our previous foray here. However we did pick up 44 species which is quite good for a warm morning in a pretty open area.
Thanks to Darren and the staff of CNP for arranging the gates so as to facilitate access.
I have put photos of a few of these in my blog. A full bird list (including car park birds) is attached, and it would be appreciated if that list could be added to the appropriate page on the COG website. Could the editors of Gang-gang please include the following entry in the upcoming trips element of Gang-gang. The December Wednesday Walk will be to Hall TSR. Meet at 8:30am on the Barton Highway about 150m past the junction with Victoria St. just before the State border
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