The NSW FOC and CBOC camped on a private property at Eugowra for the June
Long Weekend. The campsite was fanastic - over the fence from timbered hills
and central to good bird watching areas such as Backyamma State Forest and
Lake Urine at Forbes. I have been attending club campouts for over 10 years
and consider this to be one of the best. Private camping is permitted on the
property for a nominal fee and a workman's cottage is available for rent.
The birds around the camp included Red-capped and Flame Robins and Turquoise
Parrots. Glossy Blacks flew over the camp on a number of occasions. Painted
Quail were flushed several times from within several hundred metres of the
camp. The 10 raptor-species recorded on the farm included Spotted Harrier,
Boobook and Barking Owl.
Highlights at Backyamma & Lake Urine were Blue-billed Duck, White-bellied
Sea-eagle, Superb Parrots and a Hobby devouring a Red-rumped Parrot.
But the best beastie was not a bird and it was seen after most members had
rushed off home to beat the peak-hour traffic. Within several hundred metres
of the campsite, a platypus came completely out of the water onto a log
several times to preen, and then it would dive back into the water, swim
around, blow bubbles and back onto the log again to model like Elle MacP. I
must admit Elle looks better but Platy was okay for 2nd place and the best
beastie I have seen for a long time!
Allan Richards
Sydney, Australia
Phone: +61 (0)2 9660 8062
Email:
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