22 July 2023
Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers
Species count: 63
Thirty-two birdwatchers gathered near the Le Page Homestead in cool but sunny weather conditions. A variety of birds such as Striated Pardalotes, Eastern Rosellas, and Laughing Kookaburras could be seen from the car park.
Setting out for a short walk around the nearby lake a flock of Yellow-rumped Thornbills were much admired whilst foraging beside the path. Water levels at the lake were too deep for Crakes this year, but there were several of the more common waterbirds such as Grey Teal and Dusky Moorhens.
A Little Raven flew past carrying nesting material in its beak as a young Crimson Rosella landed in a tree beside the bank. Other Parrots such as Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Rainbow Lorikeets, Galahs and both Long-billed and Little Corellas were seen and heard throughout the day.
Members then car-pooled and drove to the Morang Wetlands at the Northern end of the park. At the first lake a pair of Blue-billed Ducks were seen along with Little Pied Cormorants and Australasian Grebes.
There were some interesting flyovers such as a female Australasian Darter, Masked Lapwing and a pair of Gang-gang Cockatoos. Walking clockwise around the wetlands, past numerous mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos, a pair of Brown Goshawks was seen in the distance. Many Bell Miners were heard in the nearby trees but proved very difficult to see. Both New Holland and Spiney-cheeked Honeyeaters were much more obliging, being perched in the open on small dead trees. Those at the rear of the group were delighted to see a male Mistletoebird.
Lunch was eaten in the sunshine back at the Homestead car park, during which a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles were observed circling gracefully overhead. Whilst gathering for the afternoon walk a Peregrine Falcon flew very fast over the group. Setting off once again past the lake the sun seemed to have brought out a number of bushbirds. A male Golden Whistler, Superb Fairy-wrens and a few Red-browed Finches were easily seen.
A circuit walk was taken over the ridge to the Scout camp and back along part of the Wonga Walk. Several more bushbirds were seen including Olive-backed Oriole, Grey Butcherbird and Yellow-faced Honeyeater.
A grand total of 63 species was recorded on what was an exceptionally rewarding mid-winter excursion.
Thanks to Eleanor Dilley and to Steve Hoptroff for providing the excellent photos used above.
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