Stromlo Forest West

Sun 03 September 2023 08:30am

Kim Farley

Description. An easy walk of approx 2 km through woodland at the far western edge of Stromlo Forest Park. We will NOT be climbing Mt Stromlo and will be several kilometres from the main biking trails of the Forest Park. Birding is usually good and we can expect a good range of species and springtime bird activity.

Meeting time and place. Meet 8.30am, finish approx 10:30am. Park at the car park called ‘Stromlo Forest Park Western Carpark’ on  Google Maps. If this car park is full there is another tiny car park about 200 metres further down Uriarra Road.

Please wear closed shoes and long pants as the grass is long and can be scratchy. Bring a hat.

Register by email to kimlouisefarley@gmail.com with your name and number, and the name and number of an emergency contact

Post event report

On a cool, calm morning, 13 people explored Stromlo Forest Park West on the fire trails and in the bushland towards the Uriarra Travelling Stock Reserve.

 

With over 30 species recorded, the bird which most wanted to be discovered was the Shining Bronze Cuckoo, calling in the distance for over 30 minutes, and perching high on a dead tree, as well as in a high canopy. Two male Scarlet Robins were in different territories, one quite high in a tree about 20m above the ground. The Grey Butcherbird was also keen to be admired. We also saw three Yellow-faced and two Brown-headed Honeyeaters, many Weebills and four Brown Thornbills. The highlight of the morning was four Varied Sittellas high up in foliage, with lots of flying activity between two large trees and staying for over 20 minutes.

 

Possible breeding behaviour included a White-throated Treecreeper carrying nesting material, and a pair of Striated Pardalotes flitting in and out of a hollow in a tall eucalyptus.

We also heard an Australian Owlet Nightjar, a White-browed Scrubwren, Grey Strike-thrush, Speckled Warbler and Western Gerygone.

 

This is a great birding location.

 

Judi Millington

 

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