Helen Cross, who lives on the property, will take us on a walk around. With lots of old trees, a creek and several dams, and open grasslands, as well as proximity to the river, this is a haven for many small birds and water birds. Previous visits have resulted in good bird lists. Drive in from Kambah Pool Rd, following main track around to parking area which will be signposted. Meeting time is 8.30am.
The walk will take 2-3 hours and includes some off-track exploring. Please bring hat, water and wear sturdy shoes.
Limit of 20 participants. Register with Sandra at shirmax2931@gmail.com
Twenty-two members and guests joined Helen for a walk around the 650 ha Lions Youth Haven property managed by her husband, Graham. We walked through varying habitats including open native woodlands, native grasses and groundcovers, and introduced pasture plants.
One of the first birds we encountered was a White-winged Chough that had become entangled in string and the fence wire. A trusty pen knife was used to free the bird which hopped away and started eating immediately, despite being a bit wonky on its legs. We then walked along the edge of the two creeks on the property where we encountered White-faced Heron, Sacred Kingfisher, a pair of Australian King Parrots and a distant Brown Falcon. The two known local pairs of Wedge-tailed Eagles soared high above us – one pair flying close to the Murrumbidgee River, above Forster Hill and the other pair flying above the neighbouring property and McQuoids Hill. We saw a few, but heard more, White-throated Gerygone and heard one Western Gerygone. A highlight for many was seeing our first Oriental Dollarbird and White-winged Triller for the season. Although we heard and saw many Striated Pardalotes, we neither saw nor heard any Spotted Pardalotes. Superb Fairywrens, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Grey Fantails were plentiful, and a flock of 33 Red-browed Finches was seen feeding on grass seeds.
After a 4.5km walk, during which 54 species were recorded, it was an unexpected surprise to be chauffeured back to our parked cars in the Lions Haven bus by Graham. Many thanks to Helen and Sandra for organising such an interesting and productive outing.
Angela Booth