RE: Sightings from Vic and southern NSW, including Ground Cuckooshrikes

["Pedionomus" <>]

Like Peter, I read with interest this report from Simon.

Firstly,
because having been out at Oolambeyan on the 6-8 and then the 13-15 of
December I missed Ground Cuckoo-shrike, having spent much time in both the
areas during my visit where Simon picked them up. Good to
hear!

Secondly, because I can't believe the comment "but an earlier recce did not find any suitable
habitat"! 

All I could do was picture Simon's eyes as he
drove out the following morning in the direction he did (before leaving the
park) passing hectares of perfect, absolutely smacker Plains-wanderer
habitat, and Simon saying "if only"!!

Peter in his reply to Simon's
email puts it very bluntly that visitors should before visiting the
park contact the Griffith NPWS office. Though appearing to be all
"government official and all", a simple call to the office would I'm
sure be very useful to any person visiting
Oolambeyan.  

Firstly one would find out that overnight
accomodation is currently not available at the park, but that day visitors
are most welcome. Secondly, one would be able to find out where the
boundaries of the park are, as crossing into private property can be
easy to the unfamiliar. And thirdly, because the Ranger would have provided
useful information about what has been seen at the park recently and
where things may be found.

Though I can't speak for the service, I
would feel that the staff at Griffith would have been more than
accommodating in providing information on where, while spotlighting on the
park, you may have had a good chance on seeing a
Plains-wanderer.

For anyone wanting to see a Plains-wanderer I can
highly recommend one of Phil Mahers tours. No-one knows the region like Phil
and the night is always one to remember! However, if people are more
interested in searching for themselves then a little bit of communication
with the local Parks office in either NSW - Griffith (for Oolambeyan) or Vic
- Kerang? (for the Terricks) would prove useful. I know a number of
people have also participated/tagged along during the monitoring of
Plains-wanderers in both Victoria and NSW. An experience in
itself!

Cheers
David Parker
Deniliquin, NSW
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