On a clear, sunny spring morning, Sandra Henderson led a group of 18 on an outing in an interesting area including native dry forest in good condition near Googong in Queanbeyan’s Gale Precinct. It includes a rock-climbing site called White Rocks. The walk started at the roadside parking area about 500m along Wickerslack Lane from Old Cooma Rd. Before we set off, Sandra explained that Gale Precinct was named after John Gale (1831–1929), an influential pioneer, journalist and politician. He advocated strongly for choosing the Canberra-Queanbeyan region for the new national capital and was known as the ‘Father of Canberra’. A large bronze statue stands near Queanbeyan’s courthouse to commemorate his contribution to the district. A total of 37 species was observed. The sighting of several Mistletoebirds was a highlight of the morning along with a good view of a pair of Common Bronzewings. Small birds included Superb Fairy-wrens, Spotted and Striated Pardalotes, Weebills, White-browed Scrubwrens, Silvereyes and a White-throated Gerygone. Eastern Spinebills, Yellow-faced, White-naped and White-eared Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds and Noisy Friarbirds were observed or heard. Other birds included Golden Whistlers, Olive-backed Orioles, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes, Grey Shrike-thrushes, Satin Bowerbirds, White-throated Treecreepers and an Eastern Yellow Robin. Grey Fantails were numerous. Fan-tailed Cuckoos were heard. Australian Ravens, Australian Magpies, Pied Currawongs and a White-winged Chough were observed, along with Pacific Black Ducks and Australian Wood Ducks. Parrots were represented by Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, Gang-gang Cockatoos, Galahs and a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. A Nankeen Kestrel was the sole raptor for the day. Along the way, Sandra drew the group’s attention to a striking display of purple Waxlip Orchids and also the more common Blue Finger Orchids. Thanks to Sandra for organising a very pleasant outing and to Lia Battinson for keeping the bird list. Evan Bitmead