ROSELLAS DELUXE NEAR CANBERRA

BEVERLEY

Just back from our national capital

Last week we decided to make a short trip to the Canberra area, familiarising ourselves with the birding areas (we're pretty new to birding, and keen to explore). Having seen splendid ganggangs in Glenrowan, we sallied north to see what the ACT had to offer. Of course, the season was not optimal, but we think there are at least four places we will revisit in spring (with some of the gorgeous rosellas we found - we never get tired of them).

 1. Googong Foreshore
This is an easy drive south of the city, and the Googong dam is immense. We parked slightly south of the downstream and Cascades area (upper carpark near toilets), and headed off for a walk in the bush just outside the fence line (this is protected drinking water). Crimson and Eastern rosellas were plentiful along the fence line and unperturbed by us. There were also many small bush birds but our photographical skills just weren't up to it that day. This also looks like a great picnic spot for a future visit. (Also, see eBird)

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2. Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
Just north of the city, this was peaceful (mostly), accessible, with plenty of kangaroos, and (again) rosellas - and a family of choughs! We went along Old Coach Road and cut across to the main track and back past the Woolshed which houses a permanent educational exhibition (with one toilet nearby). The peace was disrupted occasionally by enthusiastic primary school students (but it was so good seeing them learn how to care for the flora and fauna). The Sanctuary is clearly managed and cherished, and we're really looking forward to returning. (eBird)

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3. Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre
​On the day we visited, the southern part of Namadgi was closed, so we did a tiny part of the Australian Alps Walking Track. It was quite magical, with brooding grey skies, though very quiet on the birding front. We had better luck on our return to the Visitor Centre - on the adjacent Woodland Walk, we encountered a multitude of rosellas feeding in the low lying vegetation. First, we saw about ten Crimsons, then a flock of at least fifty Eastern rosellas, including juveniles. (eBird)

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4. Gigerline Nature Reserve--Tharwa Sandwash
On the same day, we had our picnic lunch nearby at this delightful spot on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. It started well when we heard the "creaking gate" sound of ganggangs - we saw them briefly before they flew off. A short walk was rewarded with sightings of rosellas, and a host of smaller birds, including many red-browed finches and grey shrike thrushes. (eBird)

Tharwa Sandwash

Of course, there are many Canberrans and other experts who know far more about where to go and what to see than we do -  these are just our impressions. We stayed in a rural setting in Carwoola, at Eagle Rock Studio - it was warm (and yes, the nights were chilly!), safe and comfortable, and a great host. Highly recommended.

We're keen to expand our visits in future - please tell us other places we should visit near Canberra, when and why...we'd love to read your suggestions in the comments.