COG
Canberra Ornithologists Group
Autumn sun for a lovely walk around with Canberra Ornithologists Group on the weekend.
Post trip report:
“Wandiyali is a privately own nature reserve between Jerrabomberra and Googong. The reserve has been free from grazing for around twenty years, and the owners have been actively restoring the environment through intensive land care activities such as replanting, weed control and fence removal. 300ha of the property is now enclosed by a predator-proof fence and Wandiyali has entered into a partnership with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to begin reintroducing locally threatened or extinct species. Despite stiff competition from other birding activities being held on the same weekend, 10 birders participated. The property owners met us at the gate and, after a short overview of Wandiyali and its mission, we werethen led on a birding tour of the upper half of the reserve. It was quite cold and windy to start and the birds were shy aside from a large flock of Red Wattlebirds. We did find a nice Brush Cuckoo by the property fence dining on caterpillars, a lifer for several our group. As we walked we were told about the property and various landcare activities that the landowners and their supporters are performing. It was really remarkable to witness the changes that these efforts have produced over the past two decades. The owners deliberately plant and preserve tree and plant species to create diversity in the property's vegetation, which in turn supports diverse birdlife. As the sun came out, our bird sightings improved. We saw a range of raptors including Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Falcon and Nankeen Kestrel. As we walked up to a high-point on the property we saw mixed feeding flocks of Buff-rumped and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, and Weebills. There were also several Scarlet Robins. As we returned to the gate and our cars we encountered a large flock of Dusky Woodswallows. In total, we recorded 40 species, but the real star of the show was Wandiyali itself, a remarkable gem preserved and restored through many years of hard work and dedication. Our thanks go to the owners for hosting our visit.
©Marcus Hellyer“
Pallid Cuckoo Brown Falcon Dusky Woodswallows
