Summer bird walk
On a cool cloudy morning, about 20 bird enthusiasts joined Peter Miller for an informative walk through grassy woodland and shrub lands.
Peter guided us to stop, listen and look for birds, and to recognise individual birds and their calls. We spotted Magpies, Grey Butcherbirds, Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, and Noisy Friarbirds in dense bush. It was exciting to see an Olive-backed Oriole high in a gum tree, and to spot a still, almost camouflaged Kookaburra in a dead tree. We watched an almost invisible Bronze Wing Pigeon walking along the brown beach at a dam. Normally they are seen in grassland or sitting in trees and fly off when disturbed. An unusually large and quiet group of Noisy Friarbirds actively foraged at the top of a tall tree.
Further up amongst the Bursaria and Cassinia shrubs, it was a special treat to observe a family of six blue Fairy Wrens lined up along a stick, swapping places by hopping over each other. In nearby trees were Grey Fantails, Thornbills, Pardalotes, and in an open space on a fallen tree a lone Willy Wagtail.
The best part was learning from an experienced bird watcher, slowing down, tuning in to the birds.
Thanks to FoMM volunteer Jenni Marsh for organising this walk. And a heads up, FoMM will present a tree walk and an evening spotlight walk in May. Look out for details in our next newsletter. |
