COG does Lindsay Pryor Arboretum (or Barrenjoey Point)

 It was a much nicer day than when Margaret led a walk here some years ago, with a maximum of 4 degrees and (I think she mentioned snow).  Today the temperature was mid 20s with lots of shade.  A good day to go for a row.

Approximately 23 members gathered at the National Rock Garden for a stroll around the Lindsay Pryor Arboretum.  Sandra gave some remarks explaining the career of Lindsay Pryor which clearly justified him having an Arboretum named after him.  It appears that the Arboretum was planted to improve the view from the back of the Lodge.

For some reason the nearest eBird Hotspot is called Barrenjoey Point.  Here is the route we followed:

As we headed off a number of brown ground-loving birds were seen and originally identified as Australasian Pipits (and the ID stuck for this one. 

On looking closely several of them were soon renamed as female White‑winged Trillers  


Personally, I always find them a difficult species to identify, usually arriving at that species as the bird fails to meet the characteristics of all other brown ground-favouring species. Especially when their flight impersonates Restless Flycatcher.

Other species added to list before we got into the trees included an overflying Australian Darter, Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Crested Pigeon (ssp contortus), 


Dusky Woodswallow (which seem to be thin on the ground thus year, both in Canberra and Mallacoota, - good conditions out West?, 

Australian Magpie and Magpie Lark.  We followed the edge of the Lake, hearing many, and seeing a surprising proportion of, Australasian Reed Warbler.  The trees did not seem to be a favoured habitat and few species were added in this stretch.  Even a pair of Crimson Rosellas were hanging about in the reeds - attracted by ripe blackberries.


As we got back closer to the bike track several less common species were added.  An adult Nankeen Hight-Heron flew back and forth across the water.  It seemed to be nervous of humans, and was possibly further agitated by the harassment by several Noisy Miners.  I did promise a BAD photo. Does anyone have a flight image?.


3 Dollarbirds were seen 

... and a single Sacred Kingfisher.  Close to the start of the road in to this Arboretum several Striated and Yellow Thornbills were heard.

Overall we recorded 41 species in 146 minutes.  A full birdlist is here 

A couple of other sidelights.  This object is in ways I couldn't follow, related to lowering the water level of Scrivener Dam to allow maintenance.

On seeing this isolated 1.5 m tall thistle I felt a naturalist's desire to improve it by aerating its roots.
I found it within myself to resist suggestions from others in the group to remove similar plants which became apparent, mob handed, later in the walk.


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