Wednesday Walk, 19 Feb., Coombs Pond and Molonglo River

[sandra henderson <>]

21 members gathered on a breezy morning for this outing. The target species were Spotted Crake and White-fronted Chat, so it was pleasing that both species were seen. Also spotted was the Australasian Grebe and Hoary-headed Grebe couple which appear to be close
 friends. 22 species were seen in total around the pond.

With much of the morning still free, many in the group were happy with a suggested additional walk along the Molonglo River to see the nesting cormorants and darters. All three common local cormorant species (Great Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant and Little Black Cormorant) were seen with young in nests, as well as several occupied Australasian Darter nests. Other species encountered included European Goldfinches feeding on Scotch thistle, a group of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos, a single female White-winged Triller, a White-faced Heron at the causeway and at one point, three raptors in view at the same time - a distant Wedge-tailed Eagle, a Nankeen Kestrel, and Black-shouldered Kite. 39 species were seen along the river.

Sandra Henderson