Minnippi
7.10.24
I picked Mr D, then Mr P up, on site before 6.30. Warm bright morning that only got warmer. Fairley average morning although we did get a good list of around 60 species, thanks largely to Mr D’s persistence. We walked the usual route, but following persuasion from Mr P the Airfield Track as well. Probably as well we did as we added a few more species to the morning list – most significantly both Spectacled and Black-faced Monarch and Varied Triller. Other highlights included Channel-billed Cuckoo, Pacific Koel and Oriental Dollarbird – all returned migrants. We found an Olive-backed Oriole nest building in the Alley and had a Koala there too, doing what Koalas do best – nothing. Near the bridge we had a Tawny Frogmouth on a nest.
A number of butterflies showed - Monarch, Painted Lady, Purple-lined Pea Blue, Dainty and Common Grass-blue, Caper White, Meadow Argus and a possible Caper Gull. About 3 Macquarie Turtles around the pond edges and a single Eastern Water Dragon at the platform.
We had breakfast at Stones Corner after our outing.
Sandy Camp
24.10.24
Mr D picked me up at 5.45, on site around 6. Mostly usual stuff, highlights included;
A single Whiskered Tern over the main pond
A Willy Wagtail on nest opposite the metal platform.
Willy Wagtail
A Leaden Flycatcher’s nest pointed out to us on bank of big back pond.
And Mr D had a brief glimpse of a possible Australian Bittern in flight that I missed entirely – but remained unconfirmed.
Breakfast afterwards in Stones Corner.
