Murrumbidgee Discovery Track Section: Point Hut Crossing to Pine Island South of Point Hutt
My reason for putting on this outing was to draw to birders’ attention not only the importance of “The Western Edge”, but it’s also important to remember planning 26 or so years ago when “West Murrumbidgee” was considered as a possible “new town’ for the ACT. Fortunately, “Molonglo” was chosen as the next new town.
I’d thought to show members the paddocks south and west of Point Hut Crossing, and birds which use these and that part of river. However, although the style I’d remembered from early 1980’s is still there, the paddock nearest Point Hut has been ploughed, and I assume sown, and the paddock to the south of the style has cattle in it, making the route inappropriate.
As a result, this outing will follow the track north of Point Hut to Pine Island, as there are ‘good’ birds along that part of river, and I can still point out to attendees what was planned as “West Murrumbidgee”.
Meet at 9.00am in the Point Hutt Crossing carpark for an easy walk of 2.4 km between carparks or 3.3 km to the middle of Pine Island. Register at mrobbins@home.netspeed.com.au with your name, mobile number and the name and number of an emergency contact.
Post event report
On a foggy winter morning, Michael Robbins led a group of 11 from the Point Hutt Crossing carpark on the track along the Murrumbidgee River to Pine Island. The fog lifted and the sunshine made conditions very pleasant.
As background to the outing, Michael observed that about 26 or so years ago, “West Murrumbidgee” had been considered as a possible “new town” for the ACT before “Molonglo” was fortunately chosen.
A total of 30 species was observed. Eastern Spinebills feeding on the abundant grevilleas were a highlight of the morning.
Large numbers of small birds were observed in the grevilleas, and thickets of blackberry and native raspberry growing along the riverbank. These included White-browed Scrubwren, Superb Fairy-wres, and Yellow-rumped, Striated, Brown and Buff-rumped Thornbills. Although sighted by one member of the group, Red-browed Finch were surprisingly scarce.
Other birds observed included: Spotted Dove, Red Wattlebird, White-eared Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush, Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, Weebill, Spotted Pardalote and Silvereye.
Small numbers of Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Australian King Parrot and Crimson Rosella were seen, along with Australian Raven, Australian Magpie, Pied Currawong and a Masked Lapwing. A pair of Pacific Black Duck and a Little Pied Cormorant were seen flying along the river. A White-faced Heron was heard.
A male Brown Goshawk or female Collared Sparrowhawk was spotted briefly with a pair of currawongs in close pursuit, allowing little opportunity for a positive identification. A pair of Wedge-tailed Eagle were also sighted.
Thanks to Michael for organising, Lia Battisson for keeping the bird list and Sandra Henderson for the photos. Also, farewell to Sunny Wang, a student at the ANU who had been on a number of COG outings, who was starting her return to China later in the day.
Evan Bitmead
