Wednesday Walk

[Martin Butterfield <>]

30 members and guests gathered on Dryandra Street for a definite return to the Tom Green model of a Wednesday Walk: close to the centre of Canberra and not too long.  (This was reinforced with a unanimous vote not to extend to Bruce Ridge.)

The basic route was along the back of the Youth Hostel and towards the top of the ridge, then a counterclockwise loop.  After the initial ascent there was a little excitement with the first Scarlet Robins of the day.  (We ended with 8, spread fairly well through the walk, but appearing such that we felt they were different birds , not the same ones following us.)  Little Corellas flew from the direction of the AIS into the suburb.

Shortly after encountering a small flock of Double-barred Finches (some seen, others evident by toy trumpet calls) we got onto a mixed feeding flock comprising some of the finches, a Speckled Warbler, Buff-rumped and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Grey Fantail, Grey Shrike Thrush and Silvereyes.

A small dam produced 2 Australasian Grebes - until a passing pooch (on lead) went for a wade, whereupon the grebes headed for the reeds.

All up we recorded 36 species for the day.  The full species list is at https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44678802 and a few images (some of which even include birds!) is at http://franmart.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/cog-oconnor-ridge.html.

Next month the walk will be led by Sandra, going to North Weston ponds.  Details are at the Field trips page of the COG website.

Martin Butterfield

http://franmart.blogspot.com.au/