Bronzewing Birding Services: Boomanoomana and Cottadidda State Forests

I spent this morning exploring these state forests which are in southern New South Wales between Mulwala and Barooga. I stopped first at Boomanoomana State Forest which has an excellent wetland along the Mulwala-Barooga Road that has recently filled. Small numbers of ducks were seen, including some Grey Teal Ducklings. Little Grassbirds were calling from the rushes and a small flock of Red-browed Finches were observed in some long grass. A Pied Butcherbird was calling in the distance as well.

From here I made my way down Stock Route Rd to Cottadidda State Forest, which is mainly White Cypress-Pine that adjoins Red Gum forest. Along the road there was a large flock (300+) of Little Corellas with smaller numbers of Galah and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo among it (see picture right). I had a pleasant hour walk through the forest, the highlight being mixed feeding flocks of Thornbills (Buff-rumped, Yellow, Chestnut-rumped), Western Gerygones, Grey Fantails, Weebills and Rufous and Golden Whistlers. Common Bronzewings were noticed feeding on the ground as well and giving their "ooooom-ooooom" calls. At the edge of the forest was a small billabong by which as Azure Kingfisher was sitting on a log.

Heading back along the Mulwala-Barooga Road I noticed a large wetland (see picture) that had filled after recent rains. No unusual waterfowl (Chestnut Teal and Royal Spoonbill were nice though) but what surprised me were singing Horsfield's Bushlarks and Golden-headed Cisticolas. These birds are usually singing in spring. A Rufous Songlark here was also out of season, usually in spring as well. Last stop was Mt Boomanoomana. On the road to here Yellow Rosellas and Zebra Finch were nice to see. On the slopes a mixed feeding flock of Southern Whiteface, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill and Red-capped Robins were great to watch as they worked their way through the low Grey Box woodland here.