#73 – The view across North Watson Pond
It has been some time since the last appearance of this acclaimed series, intended to inform non-Canberrans, and remind Canberrans, of the scenic highlights of this city. In this view Mount Majura looms in the background, the highest of
Canberra’s suburban hills, over-topping Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain. With his/her binoculars the apostlebird-seeking observer can make out the radar installation at the top of Mount Majura.
From a bird viewpoint the main feature of the pond is the splendid sculpture of a Regent Bowerbird, together with the informative sign, that stands on the eastern side of the point. The irony of this exhibit will be lost on the average
dog-walking visitor to this area. Not only are yellow-box trees strikingly absent but it is all but impossible to imagine a Regent Honeyeater appearing in this area. Sadly, the habitat that drew several pairs to this locality (more or less) in 1995 has
been eliminated. An account of that event may be found in Canberra Bird Notes of September 1996. The nearest nest territory was exactly 1km from the sculpture (see below).
A glance at that satellite view will show the improbability of a Regent Honeyeater re-appearing by the pond. In a later message I might offer a couple more points about this area.
