Hume birds

[sandra henderson <>]

The major development work on the area near the railway line in West Hume is complete and the blocks are now being offered for sale. It's possible to walk up the road into the  area, via the path next to metal fabrication premises (if fence on road is shut).  Dog Trap Creek has been completely landscaped, including a shade shelter over a picnic table!  The brambles which were home to dozens of red-browed finches are  gone. There has been a lot of planting along the creek (some of the little plants have been pulled out, possibly by kangaroos or birds). There is a tiny new pond (with a log for perching waterbirds) further up. Perhaps when the plants grow it will be sort of OK. Good to have access again to the plot of large trees at the back, and to the railway reserve - although immediately behind the development area this too has been "cleaned up" - all undergrowth removed as well as trees thinned. 

I spoke to someone who works in new building adjacent to the Couranga Cr pond - he said they had an owl in their premises on Monday (and he had a photo - it was a Barn Owl). One of their staff took it to the wildlife carers - and it will be released back into Hume, since it appeared to be uninjured.  Three species of ducks on Couranga Cr pond yesterday (good for a small stormwater pond!) - hardhead, grey teal and black ducks, with lots of wood ducks up in the horse paddocks. https://ebird.org/australia/view/checklist/S47105410

sandra h