How appropriate it was that the 57th species recorded for the afternoon within 500 m of our campsite close to the Frogs' Hole Creek near Frogmore would be a Tawny Frogmouth that flew into the trees above us at dusk. It had been one of those rare perfect afternoons for birdwatching since we had arrived and started setting up camp round 1 pm, warmish with little wind and increasing activity, especially round 4 pm when many of the birds started coming in to drink at the nearby dam. Species seen included Superb Parrots flying through the campsite, Pied Butcherbirds, Jacky Winter, Peaceful Dove and Grey-crowned Babblers calling loudly for most of the afternoon, as were the numerous Little Friarbirds, and a Striped Honeyeater building a nest.
The frogmouth also called regularly during the night, to be joined by a Southern Boobook towards morning. The lighter sleepers also clearly heard Barking Owls, which we had earlier failed to arouse through the use of a taped call close to some very suitable habitat, ie old mature gums close by the creek. However, no-one could possibly have slept through the dawn chorus which is certainly close to the loudest one I've ever witnessed. And the success rate was maintained when early the next morning I was puzzled by some strange calls emanating from the reed-filled creek, and could only conclude these were Spotless Crake when three seemingly all dark birds emerged briefly. Luckily, these were confirmed by several other participants that I alerted. This was the second new species for the property's bird list, following the Stubble Quail seen the previous day.
After breakfast we did a large slow circuit of the 350 ha property and our patience was rewarded by many more species, particularly on the mature callitris ridge to the NW. These included a Horsefield's Bronze-cuckoo, Hooded Robin, Southern Whiteface, Brown Treecreeper, Restless Flycatcher, White-throated Gerygone, Speckled Warbler, Varied Sittella, a pair of Golden Whistlers, Dusky Woodswallow, Diamond Firetail (including a pair building a very large nest) and Mistletoebird (also nest building). However, the undoubted highlight was two male Crested Shrike-tits continually chasing each other through some trees in front of the gathered crowd.
A number of raptors were also in evidence, including good views of an Australian Hobby near its suspected nest close to the campsite, and a Little Eagle overhead. However, while we were having morning tea a very bizarre incident occurred, as there was a sudden rush of wind nearby like a jet landing and some of the party saw a Rock Dove landing (the 3rd new species to the bird list!), followed soon after by a hastily retreating female Brown Goshawk.
Overall 80 species were seen for the 24 hours we were on the property. Surprisingly, considering the warmer conditions than Canberra, of the later arriving migrants only a single White-winged Triller was seen sitting quietly in a tree together with a couple of Rainbow Bee-eaters overhead. Unfortunately we dipped on the Black-chinned and Blue-faced Honeyeaters, said to have been calling loudly around the house on the days after our departure.
All in all a great spot, and we thank our hosts Richard and Angela for inviting COG to come to there lovely property. The campsite below the house alongside the creek in among all the very mature gum trees is certainly one of the most ideal and secluded I’ve been to and a great birding spot.
Jack Holland