The editors of Gang-gang may wish to use this as the trip report.
15 members and guests gathered at the rest area and thanks to the kindness of the lessee parked in the woodland nearby, behind a locked gate.
After noting a few bush birds (including a pair of Australian King-Parrots
we decided to give the Tiger Snakes a fair shot and moved out onto the bed of the Lagoon.
Two White-necked Herons were seen immediately and a single White-faced Heron soon flew in. At least 8 Latham's Snipe flushed as we walked towards the Northern end of the Lagoon, flying off at high speed and altitude. A small number of
Australian White Ibis were seen and several flights of Straw-necked Ibis came in, totaling to approximately 100 birds. Other waterbirds seen were 4 Masked Lapwings, 24 Australasian Swamphens and 2 pairs of Black Swans, with 2 downy cygnets. No Bitterns were
seen or heard.
The most obvious raptors for the day were Swamp Harriers, patrolling mainly the Eastern side of the Lagoon. Allowing for birds spending a little time on the ground, and having three visible at the same time we concluded there were at least
4 birds present. One was seen to fly in carrying a stick and landed in the reeds: probably nest building. Other raptors recorded were 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles, 1 Brown Goshawk, 1 Whistling Kite, 1 Nankeen Kestrel and 2 Brown Falcons.
The most surprising passerines seen were a pair of Flame Robins. Tree Martins were briefly visible as we approached the wooded areas in the face of quite strong winds. A nest of a White-throated Gerygone was spotted by an eagle-eyed member.
A male Rufous Whistler was in full song.
The woodland area was noticeable for a massive amount of eucalypt blossom - some identifiable as
E. pauciflora (Snow Gum) while other, very floriferous, trees were more tricky, seeming to be peppermints. Despite this blossom, which attracted a good lot of potentially munchable insects, the only honeyeaters listed were a few Red Wattlebirds.
In total we recorded 38 species.
A full birdlist is attached. It would be good if that could be inserted in the appropriate spot on the COG website. A blogpost illustrating a few of the points above is
here.
The November WW will be to Red Hill. Meet at 9:00am on 18 November. Details of the Meeting Place will be circulated later
