G'day all,
After a totally debilitating
4.30 a.m. start this morning a couple of us went looking for the California
Quail reported yesterday by Peter Ginnane. Arriving at the site about 5.15
was a bit ambitious as it was still dark, but as the light improved we , with
Peter, patrolled the area on foot until 6.45 without success. We then took off
to the Onkaparinga wetlands for a quick look there and then returned to the
quail site at 8.00 for a last drive through.
And there they were, a male and female and what
looked like a young but colouring up male.
Probably unable to tick them as they are most
likely escapes, but it was very nice to see them for the first time ever. We are
going to King Island in November so expect to firm up the tick
there.
After that we went off to Belair Nat Pk. where a
White-throated Gerygone had been reported the week before. Given good directions
and a tape of the call we also found this (lonely) bird after about an
hour. Having seen and heard many of these in the eastern states ID was simple,
but in SA they are quite uncommon.
So, a two bird successful twitch.
Once I've sent this email I'll probably go crash
out for the rest of the afternoon.
Anton.
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