Meet at 9am in the carpark on Cooma St, across from the end of the Edwin Land Parkway (on the outskirts of Queanbeyan). This carpark offers access into both Barracks Flat Park, and the White Rocks Reserve. White Rocks is a large area, criss-crossed by numerous tracks, and at one point near the river has a noted outcrop of limestone. I encountered several mixed flocks on my last visit, and it has a gully favoured by a group of Common Bronzewings. Barracks Flat is a smaller area, with some woodland as well as a more formal suburban park area (playground, toilets, etc). No bookings required: bring morning tea.
Sixteen COG members and guests joined me for a walk at White Rocks Reserve and Barracks Flat Park, areas most had never visited before. We started at White Rocks, where the usual flock of Common Bronzewings was absent, although a few individuals were sighted. Close to the pumping station a mixed flock appeared just off the track, and a total of six Varied Sittellas stayed around long enough for everyone to get a good look. Buff-rumped Thornbills, Scarlet Robins, White-throated Treecreepers, Brown Thornbills, a Yellow Robin, two Speckled Warblers, a Grey Shrike-Thrush and some Yellow-rumped Thornbills were among other species seen at this point. Weebills and Crimson Rosellas were plentiful through the reserve, and Superb Fairy-wrens and White-eared Honeyeaters were heard at several locations.
In the neighbouring Barracks Flat Park a total of 11 species were seen, with Kookaburra and Common Blackbird the only new species.
