On Friday 30 Aug, a group of Field Naturalists explored Namarag with Cecily Sutton. We discovered a vision for the future, still in its infancy. It is a new nature space in the Molonglo Nature Reserve, and is essentially a grand restoration project that considers habitat and connectivity, centred on the riparian ecosystem, surrounding grasslands and remnant patches of box-gum woodland.
Namarag means ‘wattle’ in Ngunnawal language, and many acacias have featured in the 10,000 plantings to date. As well as tree and shrub plantings, other habitat structures have been incorporated, including the provision of rocks, logs and stag trees. Nature-themed art works and play areas for children have also been installed to enhance visitor experience. Hopefully both will help many to engage with nature.
Sandra Henderson, with her sharp eyes and ears, compiled the bird list for the outing (see below). Thanks Sandra!
Thank you Cec for giving us an outing with a difference!
– John Stein
BIRD LIST
Maned Duck 4
Pacific Black Duck 4
Rock Pigeon (Feral Pigeon) 40
Masked Lapwing 1
Great Cormorant 1
White-faced Heron 1
Wedge-tailed Eagle 2
Nankeen Kestrel 2
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo 9
Galah 1
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 2
Crimson Rosella 2
Red-rumped Parrot 5
White-throated Treecreeper 1
Superb Fairywren 6
Yellow-faced Honeyeater 1
Red Wattlebird 1
Spotted Pardalote 1
Yellow-rumped Thornbill 4
Black-faced Cuckooshrike 1
Gray Shrikethrush 1
Australian Magpie 1
Pied Currawong 2
Willie-wagtail 1
Gray Fantail 3
Magpie-lark 3
Australian Raven 2
Welcome Swallow1
European Starling 4
Common Myna 1
Australian Pipit 1
European Goldfinch 15
White-fronted Chat 1