On a bright, frosty winter morning, Bill Graham led a group of 9 on a very pleasant outing to two Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) between Hall and Murrumbateman. We began at Nanima TSR which includes a stand of magnificent eucalypts, then opens up as it runs down to Murrumbateman Creek. While the morning started slowly with few observations apart from numerous Australian Magpies and Superb Fairy-wrens, there were no complaints about the soundtrack provided by the former. A pair of Jacky Winters were observed in good light. They stayed close to the group for some time and within range for the rest of the morning. Bill recounted how they were included in a group of birds including whistlers and shrike-thrushes described colloquially in the past as ‘thickheads’ for their appearance and ‘stickybeaks’ for their lack of reticence in the company of humans. A pair of Varied Sittella was another highlight and a Brown Thornbill was detected building a nest. Other small birds included Red-browed Finch, Weebill, White-browed Scrubwren, and Striated, Yellow-rumped and Buff-rumped Thornbill. White-throated Treecreepers and Brown-headed Honeyeaters were also seen. A female Collared Sparrowhawk was observed at intervals circling above the canopy. By morning tea, a total of 28 species had been observed. To find Nanima TSR, turn right from the Barton Highway along Nanima Road, then turn left at the T-intersection with Murrumbateman Road. After about 5 minutes, you will find the gate into the TSR beside the impressive industrial-scale steel gate to the neighbouring property. After morning tea, the group moved along to Bedulluck TSR, which is a strip running along the Barton Highway towards Murrumbateman from the intersection with Nanima Road. It has been heavily replanted, providing good cover for birds, and also provides an excellent vantage point over the neighbouring open country. A total of 22 species were observed, including 3 Dusky Woodswallows. A large group (16) of Red-rumped Parrots was found, along with Little Corellas, Crimson and Eastern Rosella, and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Small birds included Superb Fairy-wren, Striated, Brown and Yellow Thornbill, White-plumed Honeyeater and Striated Pardalote. Bedulluck was a good area for raptors: a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles were soaring overhead, a Nankeen Kestrel was spotted in the distance and a Brown Falcon was observed circling close to the highway. Thanks to Bill for organising another outing to interesting new spots on Canberra’s doorstep, and thanks to Lia Battisson for keeping the bird list again. Evan Bitmead