A small group of seven COG members gathered at the Bywong Community Centre at 10 am for a chilly, yet fine, spring walk. From the carpark, we quickly spotted a Common Bronzewing, Crimson Rosellas, Red Wattlebirds, Australian Magpies, a Magpie-lark and Eastern Spinebills. Following the trail towards the equestrian cross-country course, we moved through an area of scattered eucalypts and acacias, where a White-throated Treecreeper, a Grey Butcherbird, and numerous Grey Fantails were seen, while Pacific Black Ducks passed overhead. Entering the greenway, blooming wattles and native peas provided a colourful backdrop as Galahs and Striated Thornbills were noted. Calls of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, Spotted Pardalotes and a Noisy Friarbird were heard. Climbing into the hills, the habitat shifted to older trees with a well-developed understorey. Here, we encountered Superb Fairy-wrens and a striking Shining Bronze-Cuckoo. A red-headed mouse spider briefly distracted us, before Australian Ravens, Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Silvereyes, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and a Grey Shrikethrush brought our attention back to the birds. The valley produced White-browed Scrubwrens, a Striated Pardalote, and a female Flame Robin, with a Laughing Kookaburra calling across the surrounding woodland. A nesting female Common Bronzewing surprised us with her luxurious (and likely commandeered) nest. Birchmans Grove offered a rich mix of varied canopies, supporting Buff-rumped and Brown Thornbills and a Golden Whistler. Wrapping up the trail, we moved through medium to low canopy woodland, where we spotted White-eared Honeyeater, Welcome Swallow, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Rufous Whistler, Sacred Kingfisher and Brown-headed Honeyeater. Finally, we were surprised by a group of Varied Sittellas foraging acrobatically across the branches. In total, 38 species were recorded on the outing. A big thanks to Lauren for leading this successful field trip. Michael Wade