Thanks John
A similar mixed feeding flock was active in mixed vegetation along Stockdill Drive this morning, just above where you were walking. This consisted of Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Weebill,
Varied Sittella, Silvereye, Grey Fantail, Red-browed Finch, Double-barred Finch and Diamond Firetail, amongst other species, and a single female Rufous Whistler (see
ebird.org/checklist/S103789971). Perhaps the same flock as you also observed, especially noting the Varied Sittella. The eight Diamond Firetail were a highlight too.
Steve
From: Canberrabirds <>
On Behalf Of calyptorhynchus via Canberrabirds
Sent: Sunday, 27 February 2022 12:42 PM
To:
Subject: [Canberrabirds] Shepherd’s Lookout today
I walked down to the viewpoint this morning, then walked on the new Ginninderry Conservation Trust footpath which extends back towards Ginninderry, basically following the road further down the slope.
This new path goes through some interesting looking Callitris and tea tree woodland, which could be potential Heathwren habitat.
On the way back I looked down an open slope and saw some birds climbing up and down mullein stalks in open grassland. It took me a few seconds to recognise them as Sittellas, out of normal habitat.
Most of the bird activity was back towards the Lookout. There were dozens of Striated Thornbills passing through, and a few stopped to take part in a mixed feeding flock consisting of:
Also a female Satin Bowerbird Who looked as though she was carrying food to a nest, until she saw me watching her and then stopped.
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