Note change of date.
This outing will encompass some or all of the following lakes in the Tuggeranong area, Lake Tuggeranong, Isabella Pond, Upper Stranger Pond, Stranger Pond, Gordon Pond and Point Hut Pond, and will probably conclude early to mid-afternoon incorporating a lunch break at some point. It will predominantly feature wide shared paths, but there will be some sections on gravel or grass so a mountain bike will be necessary. Expect to do about 20-25kms total although there will be plenty of breaks as we stop at the different ponds along the way.
Registration is essential, limited places available. Email roostcensus@canberrabirds.org.au to register and further details will be provided closer to the date.
Despite the forecast windy weather, 4 youn, intending and current members met at 8:15am in sunny, calm conditions beside the learn to ride centre at Lake Tuggeranong for the 20km ride around Tuggeranong’s lakes. We rode past Isabella Pond where wetlands construction is progressing nicely, dreaming of the birds that could eventually call the site home. Our first stop at Upper Stranger Pond was the most productive of the day. For some reason, the pond had been drained once more, and contained only a small amount of water. A raft of 7 Hoary-headed Grebes and a Great Egret were highlights, along with New Holland Honeyeaters and a European Goldfinch which were somewhat unexpected for the site. This was also the only time we were swooped by an Australian Magpie, and we weren’t even on our bikes at the time!
We then proceeded to Gordon Pond, where it was lovely to see that 5 of 6 fluffball cygnets observed several months ago had been successfully raised to adulthood. The next stop was Point Hut Pond, where an Australian Pelican was the most exciting bird. We then rode along the Bicentennial Trail with a good view of the incoming storm, the rolling hills towards Namadgi, and 2 hovering Nankeen Kestrels, arriving at Stranger Pond to find the water levels quite high and a group of Great Cormorants vigorously fishing.
We arrived back at Lake Tuggeranong and had lunch, by which point a strong gale was blowing. Nevertheless, a flock of 100 Little Corellas was sheltering in the trees, and the first Australasian Darter of the day was recorded. We all had an enjoyable morning, managing a respectable 57 species in 5 hours, with all lists available on eBird.
Ryu Callaway
