COG does Lake George South

25 members and/or guests gathered at the end of Lake Rd Bungendore on a cold (2 degrees C) and foggy morning.

After the rules of engagement were explained we moved about 1km down the road to the Big Dam. 

This had more water in it than for many years - several of those attending had never seen it as anything but a horse paddock.  We recorded 25 species at this stop.  Highlights on the water were 4 Australasian Shovelers and 2 Chestnut Teal.  On the edge of the water were 2 White-necked Herons which also obliged by flying and showing the "landing lights" on the leading edge of the wings.  A bit back from the water were 4 Cattle Egrets and in an adjacent paddock about 20 more of this species.  10 Masked Lapwings were given careful consideration but alas, all had a clear break across the breast.  There were also a lot of Eurasian Coots and several Australian Wood Ducks (also known as Maned Ducks to some committed tradionalists!)

We then moved up the road and consolidated into a smaller number of cars before entering private property (with prior arrangement with the land-holders).  We then birded our way along the Western edge of Lake George for about 2 km recording 46 species as we did.  (Thanks to Lindell for the following images.)

The water was a reasonable distance away and even with 3 telescopes available it wasn't possible to accurately count the waterbirds. 

Taking expert advice (thanks Peter) we estimated that there were at least 3,000 ducks in a series of rafts near out turning point (and many others in other parts of the Lake).  The main suspects were Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck and Hardhead.  Some Chestnut Teal were also identified and 2 Australian Shelduck emerged for a graze.   150 Silver Gulls were also walking around on the grass.  

On the land the outstanding birds were 

• Robins, with a very obliging pair of Scarlet Robins and at least 12 Flame Robins visible, and
• Finches with 10 Diamond Firetails, 4 Red-browed Finches and 40+ European Goldfinches recorded in a fairly small area.  As we drove out of the property a dozen Double-barred Finches were also seen.

We totaled 55 species for the trip.  Thank you to Helen and Carol of Silver Wattle Quaker Centre for allowing us to visit.  A full list of species at each site will be added to the COG website under the trips icon (ie the Pelican).