26 March 2016
Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers
Species count: 45
The 47 participants celebrating Easter Saturday at Pound Bend enjoyed plenty of bird activity in the carpark, mainly from Rainbow Lorikeets, which proved to be the dominant species throughout the day.
Walking along the riverside track overcast conditions made it hard to identify the smaller species, especially as their calls were drowned out by the more, raucous parrots. On the river Dusky Moorhens were seen foraging amongst the reeds and a Little Pied Cormorant flew past finally perching on a dead log further upstream. Two Tawny Frogmouths huddled close together were a highlight of the walk, though keen observers at the rear of the group spotted a further Tawny nearby. In the paddock at the far end of the track a huge mob of 60+ Eastern Grey Kangaroos were reclining, totally ignoring our members. A flock of White–winged Choughs and a White-faced Heron were seen beside the dam near the native plant nursery.
The track alongside the road proved to be a real hotspot, with good views of a female Scarlet Robin, Male Golden Whistler, White-eared and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. Walking back towards the river a Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike was seen, then along the river track good views of Eastern Yellow Robins and White-browed Scrubwrens were enjoyed.
Lunch was taken beside the carpark, closely supervised by a pair of Laughing Kookaburras and several Australian Magpies, so that members were obliged to guard their sandwiches! Afterwards a short walk was taken to the tunnel exit where Crested Pigeon was the only new bird to add to the list. A creditable total of 45 species were recorded on a very relaxing and enjoyable excursion.
See the bird list for this excursion: BM Mar 2016 Bird List Pound Bend
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