A main aim of this repeat visit to a property belonging to members of the Goulburn Field Naturalists Society (GFNS) was to camp there overnight to ensure the possibility of picking up the maximum number of species, hopefully under better conditions than the windy morning when we first visited in 2006. Despite the threat of a thunderstorm as we arrived mid Saturday afternoon, this aim was achieved, with subsequent balmy weather enjoyed with limited breeze and a very dewy/part foggy Sunday morning maximising bird activity. As a result we recorded 70 species, well up on last time.
Highlights included five species of cuckoo, compared with only one last time. Unfortunately these were mostly heard rather than seen. As we arrived the Brush Cuckoo could be clearly heard close by the camp site, and despite continued loud calling during our 24 hour presence and a number of attempts to locate the calling birds, only fleeting views were obtained. The Fan-tailed Cuckoo commenced at dusk, and continued to call loudly in the camp site for much of the first half of the night, as opposed to the Brush Cuckoo which became more prominent towards dawn, including giving its “demented” call. The Pallid Cuckoo and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo also called often during our stay, but again stayed out of sight with only some participants managing to see the latter. By contrast the Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo was only heard on a single occasion, but was also not seen despite a search of vantage points near to where it was heard.
After setting up camp COG participants were joined by five members of the GFNS and did a circuit to the east of the farmhouse to close to the border of Morton National Park, through some allocasuarina forest and other relatively dry woodland where a range of species typical of this habitat were found. Highlights included good views of a very vocal Sacred Kingfisher and confirming a Jacky Winter, a species missed last time. On our return a patch of trees close to the house contained a number of nesting species, including an Australian Magpie still sitting. At nightfall a Southern Boobook started calling very close by, but surprisingly did not continue as opposed to frogs and other species such as the Australian Owlet-nightjar which called very noticeably after midnight, with several birds estimated. The Eastern Yellow Robin was also very noticeable in the dawn chorus, giving its very loud “chyop chyop” rather than the more familiar piping call. A Tawny Frogmouth was also heard by some of the lighter sleepers in the party.
After breakfast, during which some other species such as the Mistletoebird were recorded, we repeated a leisurely circular walk of nearly six hours through the property to the west and southwest of the farmhouse, taking in some of the varied habitats including the best parts of the Jacqua Creek. Highlights included good views of a quiet pair of White-winged Trillers and very close views of a calling Jacky Winter, whose mate was soon found sitting on a nest. Also seen were the Australian Reed-warbler, White-throated Gerygone and a Specked Warbler, the latter very close to where it was located last time. The big surprise was seeing a couple of large birds circling on a thermal in the distance, which were identified by their fully white necks and prominent white patches on the leading edge of their wings as White-necked Herons. None of the participants could recall this species acting in this manner.
As is appropriate for a joint outing, we also examined closely the local flora, including many flowering species and some orchids. Some of the area’s very interesting geology was also pointed out, including the ancient sandhill that runs close by the house, and the evidence for a tsunami that had occurred in ancient times. Wombat holes/warrens were common.
While there was only a relatively small COG contingent everyone thoroughly enjoyed the visit, with some inclined to linger on through the afternoon. The shared evening meal under perfect conditions was another highlight. To me it once again underlined the great value of being able to access private property, particularly in the company of owners who are very sympathetic to the environment. These are without doubt my favourite type of COG outing. Again many thanks to Diana and Ken for being such generous hosts, making us so welcome and proudly showing us around their property, particularly given the very difficult personal circumstances.
Jack Holland