Aranda Bushland
Meet at 8:00 am halfway up Bindubi Street (left-hand side if coming from Belconnen) where the power lines cross over the road. We will take a wander on the lower track over to Caswell Drive and then back and do the Frost Hollow circuit. Easy walking, but wear sturdy shoes and sun hat and bring some morning tea for about 10:30 am before we finish. Those who wish to continue exploring the area can walk back up towards Aranda, or even climb the heights of Black Mountain (but without us leading the way!). Hopefully we can spot some nesting pardalotes, hear some Rufous and Golden Whistlers singing, watch Grey Fantails flitting about and White-throated Treecreepers spiraling up tree trunks. There have been Speckled Warblers in the area, but it has been awhile since we spotted any. Think we can chase some up? We will have a better idea of what is around after we do our October Bird Blitz in that same area.
Numbers not limited and booking is not required, but if you want to email us on hahnehk@pcug.org.au or ring 6251-1792, we won’t leave without you. If you are late, turn right on the trail towards Black Mountain.
Post event report
Nineteen hardy souls us gathered on a blustery but sunny morning at Aranda Bushland NR. The walk was ably led by Michael Robbins and Matthew Larkin. Initially the wind made it difficult to hear and see birds, but later the wind dropped and we came across several mixed feeding flocks with a number of species including Buff-rumped, Brown and Striated Thornbills, Weebills, White-throated Treecreepers, Grey Fantail, Scarlet Robin and Golden Whistlers. White-naped and Brown-headed Honeyeaters were part of the last MFF but as usual they darted around so fast, it was hard to get a good view of them. We had a close view of an Australian Raven and Michael and Sue explained the difference between it and the Little Raven (which we didn’t see on this walk).
We also saw a Wedge-tailed Eagle flying high on the thermals. We learnt how to identify some of the eucalypts in the reserve from Matthew. We ventured into Snowgums NR but low-lying parts were still wet and muddy so we were unable to access them. As often happens, the best bird, a male Rose Robin, appeared just as the walk was ending. Overall it was a pleasant morning, with 31 species recorded.
Nicky West
