Newline

Sun 10 December 2017 12:00am

Sue Lashko

Meet at 8am off Pialligo Avenue at the entry to the track that leads to Newline Quarry.  Directions: if coming from the city, pass Canberra Airport, continue on Pialligo Ave at the traffic lights at Scherger Ave (which goes to Fairbairn).  Soon after, on your right, you will see the entry to the concrete recycling dump.  Do NOT turn in here.  Turn in at the next track on the right.  There is no sign.  Be careful of fast-moving traffic approaching from Queanbeyan, as well as traffic behind you.  If the road is not clear, pull over to the left and wait until it is safe to make the turn.  Park out of the way of any vehicles that may be going to the quarry.

We will spend a couple of hours birding in the front paddock and along the track to the quarry.  Bring hat, water, sunscreen and wear appropriate footwear and trousers as it is snake season.

Post event report

Twelve hardy souls led by Sue Lashko wandered over hill and dale through, at times, waist high grasses, to see what was there.  African Love Grass and beautiful remnant trees were a major feature of today’s walk.  I have not seen such prolific grass in this paddock previously.

Unfortunately the day became hot as we went.  The usual hardy bush birds were in good voice, Western Gerygone, Olive-backed Oriole, Striated Pardalote, distant Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Dusky Woodswallow, Rufous Whistler and Brown-headed Honeyeater.  Not calling were Dollarbird, Brown Goshawk and Nankeen Kestrel except when seen together in the air. The small bush birds which are known to be in this location were probably residing in the shade somewhere, or lost in the grass.

Surprisingly there were quite a few late nesters perhaps taking advantage of the late rain – Willie Wagtail, Tree Martin, Sacred Kingfisher, Western Gerygone, Superb Fairywren, and White-winged Chough building with muddy bill and wing feathers.

All in all, a good exercise and 44 species.  Thank you Sue!

Jean Casburn

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