On the now regular late summer camp, 29 COG members led by Martyn Moffat, went south to Cape Conran Coastal Park in East Gippsland, Victoria.
The weather was mixed, initially warm but with a front passing though bringing rain and cooler temperatures. In spite of that, about 90 species of birds were seen from a variety of habitats in this unspoilt bit of Victoria.
There were several highlights. On the heathland near the camp the group had great views of a family of Southern Emu-wrens, all huddled together on a grass tree stem. Also seen nearby was a Brush Cuckoo and several dark phase White-bellied Cuckoo Shrike. Nearby a lone Musk Lorikeet was observed being harried by a colony of Bell Miners. At camp the Laughing Kookaburras helped themselves to meat off plates and bathed in unattended washing up bowls!
A visit was made to the Cabbage Palm Flora Reserve. There we saw Pilotbird, Black-faced Monarch, Brown Gerygone and Rufous Fantail. A Rose Robin was heard but not seen.
We travelled towards Marlo and stopped at French’s Narrows. There we saw numerous water birds and had good views of an Azure Kingfisher doing what they do best, fishing! Further along towards the mouth of the Snowy we saw some White-fronted Chats. At the Snowy mouth, various waders and water birds were seen including Hooded Plover, Red-necked Stint, Red-capped Plover, Bar-tailed Godwit and Eastern Curlew. Among the Crested Terns and few Caspian Terns was a single Little Tern.
Along the beaches and rocky headlands were seen Pied Oystercatcher and a single Sooty Oystercatcher together with Pacific Gulls. A dark phase Eastern Reef Egret was also spotted skulking about the rocks.
Overhead daily were hundreds of White-throated Needletails interspersed with some Fork-tailed Swifts. While night birds were looked for, none were seen, however the camp contained a very healthy population of Ring-Tailed Possums.
David Rees