180307_McKinnon's Point and Briagolong Red Gum Reserve

It was a great day for birding. Warm, not hot. Gentle breeze, not windy. Nice light, no glare. Ten people, great company. McKinnon's Point north of Blue Pool then the Red Gum Reserve south of Briag.

First birds were two emus on the road to Blue Pool. Second bird was a Spotted Quail-thrush. Third bird was a disappearing Peregrine Falcon at McKinnon's point. Choughs, robins, fantails, cuckoo shrike and shrike thrush. Butcherbirds, thornbills, parts and scrubbers. Six honeyeaters and wrens too. Bowerbird, lyrebird. Cockies and kooks. And a wedgie. And lots of weevils. A great morning.

Azure Kingfisher  Alcedo azurea

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis

Pied Currawong Strepera granulina 

170503_Mitchell River Pumping Station, Den of Nargun

A cool to warm, sunny day saw thirteen Heyfield Birders walking the riverside track upstream from the Pumping Station at Glenaladale and then, after lunch, a walk around the Den of Nargun. Highlights of the 36 species for the day included Wonga Pigeon (heard), Lewin's Honeyeater, a Spotted Quail-thrush at DoN, a gathering of Brown Thornbills, Silvereyes, White-browed Scrubwrens and Red-browed Finches and a discussion of a) the differences between Pied and Grey Currawongs and b) the index of the new Australian Bird Guide.

Pied Currawong Strepera graculina

Scarlet Robin, male Petroica boodang

White-browed Scrubwren Sericornis frontalis

Eastern Yellow Robin Eopsaltria australis