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Private property near Googong

Sunday 12 April 08:00
Marcus Hellyer

On this outing we will visit Wandiyali, a privately-owned wildlife reserve between Jerrabomberra and Googong. Wandiyali includes a 600ha sanctuary protected by a predator-proof fence – see https://wandiyalirestorationtrust.org/ Wandiyali recently entered into a partnership with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy to reintroduce locally extinct species to the sanctuary: https://wandiyalirestorationtrust.org/news/about-our-partnership-with-awc-australian-wildlife-conservancy and

https://www.australianwildlife.org/sanctuaries/wandiyalienvirona-wildlife-sanctuary?srsltid=AfmBOorprC2k8eV23Ngmsv4Wz2v05jKUub7zXk77i3hlehUhsc4ccqQf

Wandiyali has a range of habitats including grassland, open woodland, gullies and wetlands so we should see a good range of birds. There are also lots of native mammals and reptiles. The sanctuary was recently in the news because it was visited by a koala.

We’ll be accompanied by Kaz and Sandy, the landholders, who’ll give an introduction to Wandiyali and show us the best spots for birds.

Wandiyali has a Landcare volunteer program (which I’m involved in), so if you are interested in helping to manage and protect this amazing oasis, this will be a great opportunity to talk to Kaz and Sandy about getting involved.

Please be prepared to walk off trails, so long pants and sensible shoes are a must as it will be snake season. Walking poles are optional. We’ll avoid the steepest sections but there will likely be some rolling country.

Please bring water and a snack for morning tea – we’ll likely be out for a few hours.

Please meet at 8:00am at the main gate marked on this Google maps pin:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/aBtscEbQA8HhCrTz5

It’s also useful to read these old-fashioned directions:

– Head south on Old Cooma Road from the junction with Edwin Land Parkway.

– Continue along Old Cooma Road for 3.7km.

– Turn right into an unnamed road/driveway (note that Google maps may say you can’t turn right here but there is a turning lane and it is legal and safe to turn here). Note that there is no sign for Wandiyali on the corner.

– Continue along the driveway for around 1.2km to the main gate.

– After turning off Old Cooma Road, you will see the sanctuary fence start after a few hundred metres on the left.

– Ignore the houses and driveways on the right.

– You will pass the first gate in the sanctuary fence on the left – ignore this gate and keep driving along the driveway.

– You will reach the main gate where I will be waiting to assign parking and let you into the sanctuary.

– You shouldn’t get lost, but if you do, call me on 0418 264 868.

Numbers will be limited to 25 people, so first in best dressed.  Register at pickelbarrel@gmail.com with your name, mobile number and the name and number of an emergency contact.

Post event 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. 600ha 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

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