You will be interested to learn that COG has received special permission from ACT Historic Places for a group of birdwatchers to participate in a guided tour of this historic property and nearby countryside including the Murrumbidgee riverside beginning at 0830 at the main visitors’ carpark.
Following birding activities ( easy terrain ), we have been invited to stay for lunch in the gardens, about noon. A pre-ordered picnic lunch is available or you can order from the menu at the Barracks Espresso Bar and Eating House.
Apart from the Homestead itself there are many other attractions that participants can enjoy at their leisure including several ongoing exhibitions, old farm buildings, antique machinery, etc.
Registration is essential, the sooner the better, by email (preferred) terrybellbird@gmail.com or mobile 0427292298
A very good attendance of 30 members was attracted to this combined historical, scenic and birdwatching activity, blessed by pleasant early autumn weather. Feedback on completion and later was very positive to the extent that another visit will be planned for 2019, hopefully to coincide with the annual honeyeater migration across the picturesque Murrumbidgee River.
Worthy of mention is the fact that four new members were on their first outing and they received a very warm welcome to the COG family.
The bird count was about 48, average for this time of the year with some notable exceptions. Some highlights were close viewings of a small flock of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, one Collared Sparrowhawk, one juvenile Golden Whistler and the enigmatic Brown Falcon.
Many thanks to our vivacious guide, in the personage of Cally Earnshaw, a senior Lanyon staff member, who provided non-stop information throughout the tour.