COG Darters around

21 members gathered beside the North Weston ponds for a foray along the banks of the Molonglo as far as the low level crossing and back.  

The catalyst for this outing was a report on Cormorants and Darters nesting in the willows along the banks of the River.

Indeed breeding was happening.  All three locally common species of Cormorant (Great, Little Black and Little Pied) were seen on nests as were Australasian Darters.  The first 4 photos are various aspects of the breeding Darters.

 Little Pied Cormorant ON.

It is to be hoped that these willows are retained.

Two checklists were made, one in each direction.   38 species were recorded on the outward leg on the South bank of the river(vide https://ebird.org/checklist/S61591346) and 34 on the Northside return (vide https://ebird.org/checklist/S61592593).  Overall we logged 48 species (thus adding 10 additional species on the return, but omitting some of the nesting records as the foliage blocked views of the nest from the North bank.). 

In general terms, all the species seen were to be expected in such a location at this time of year.  Less common birds recorded were Skylark (as we started off); Grey Butcherbird (outbound) and Yellow Thornbill (concrete crossing on return).  In the not too distant past the flock of Little Corellas seen as we started, and 6 Superb Parrots (seen by a member hurrying to catch up) would have been very exciting.

In hindsight it was surprising that no cuckoos were recorded.

There was a huge amount of work going on under the Parkway, but it did not affect us at all. Possibly some Feral Pigeons have had to find a new home: oh, dear what a pity.

 The usage of the cycle path was quite heavy. 

 When we started it seemed to be mainly people going to work but as we went along it was more recreational/sporting riders.  Not particularly restful for walkers but due to the drought we were able to walk off the bitumen without troubling any reptiles.

I finish with a couple of images of the River.

Some members expressed concern tat this corridor is under consideration for "recreational use, with fears that this will mean loss of the current natural amenity in favour of a built and manicured environment.  The proposals need to be watched closely.