Rob Roy Nature Reserve is on SE fringe of Canberra.
Better birders than I have seen some pretty special birds in Rob Roy NR, such as Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Glossy Black-Cockatoo.
While I’ve not been as lucky, there are usually a good range of bush birds on the lower north slopes of the reserve.
This part of the reserve is rough terrain so good walking boots are essential, as is a reasonable standard of fitness.
However, the length and route of walk will depend on the weather, attending COG members and birds.
Meet at 8:15 am Kambah Village for car pooling.
As parking is very limited at starting point for this outing we will car pool into 4 cars.
Because of the rough terrain and parking this trip will be restricted to 16 people.
Register with Michael Robbins (mrobbins@home.netspeed.com.au) with your name, mobile number and name and number of an emergency contact.
Eleven members and visitors met at Kambah Village to carpool before driving to Rob Roy Nature Reserve on the south-east fringe of Canberra. The morning got off to good start before the group even left the cul-de-sac where we had parked, with a Wedge-tailed Eagle spotted soaring over the reserve as well as some loud Australian Magpie and Galah on a nearby dead tree. The large eagle was sighted again not long after perched high in a tree at the top of a hill.
We followed a rocky, beautiful creek for a while observing Crimson and Eastern Rosella, as well as hearing and seeing a number of Spotted Pardalote. As we climbed the hill from the creek, we were lucky enough to spot two male Scarlet Robin which were located by the group through following their song. A few large Wallaroo were also seen. We also saw a diverse range of thornbills: Striated, Buff-rumped, and Yellow-rumped Thornbill. In a clearing, we enjoyed watching White-eared and Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Grey Fantail and two Eastern Spinebill. As we made our way back to the car, a Nankeen Kestrel was spotted.
The off-track ramble through the reserve, including some skilful climbing over and under fences, proved a challenging walk but we were rewarded with sweeping views across to Mount Taylor. Many thanks to our intrepid leader Michael for a highly enjoyable morning with 32 species observed in total. Thank you to David Lie for keeping the bird list.
Sarah Tomkin
