Meet at 9.00am. Map 27 D14 (UBD). Park at step-through access gate on the right hand side of the Kambah Pool Road. This is about 700 m from the roundabout where the Kambah Pool Rd crosses Allchin Cct/Barrett St, Kambah. The gate is opposite the start of the golf club driving range and about 400 m before the entry to the golf club.
Depending on the size, fitness and ability of the group, we’ll either walk the perimeter track with short excursions into the bush, or we’ll climb the hill and spend a little more time in the bushy bits. However, even if we do the later, we’ll spend time in the grassy areas in hopes of seeing Double-barred Finch and/or Diamond Firetail and/or Red-browed Finch. Whichever route we take, we’ll try to find Speckled Warbler, and keep an eye out for raptors.
Remember to bring water, and sunscreen and a hat. No booking required. If you have any questions contact Michael Robbins (mrobbins at home.netspeed.com.au)
On a glorious autumn morning, nine members met leader Michael Robbins for a walk around McQuoids Hill. Our first destination was the dam at the foot of the hill, outside the reserve itself. The lone bird seen close to the water was a Willie Wagtail eating what appeared to be a large moth. A flock of nine Satin Bowerbirds flew south out of a tall eucalypt near the dam. From there we headed up the hill to the tree line where we looked without success for finches. A nice surprise was a young Grey Butcherbird and we heard Leaden Flycatchers in this location. Continuing northwards around the hill, we saw Galahs, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Red-rumped Parrots, but again were frustrated in our search for finches. It wasn’t until we had passed the junction with the track up to the top of the hill and were overlooking the land and buildings of Youth Haven that a small number of Red-browed and Double-barred Finches were spotted. From just about the same spot, we saw flocks of Yellow-faced and White-naped Honeyeaters flying overhead. Another noteworthy honeyeater sighting was of a single White-eared Honeyeater. Surprisingly few thornbills were seen (only two Yellow-rumped Thornbills) but Weebills were prolific. A total of 27 species was recorded for the morning. Thanks to Michael for an informative and enjoyable morning’s birding.
Wendy Whitham
