I heard about the Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve (near Kowen Forest) as a place to go to experience nature as well as to see some fabulous birdlife. The suggestion was absolutely correct. The reserve is not far from the city, with a convenient walking track running alongside the Molonglo River. The track was rocky in parts but well maintained. I did not go all the way to the end as I ran out of time taking photographs but I know I will head back at some stage. I also think there is another track higher up the gorge wall that may be of interest to follow. It was a refreshing location to visit with the Molonglo River a pleasant walking companion. The White-eared Honeyeater I photographed seemed used to humans nearby but enjoyed always being in shadows, hence I am really not happy with the shots I have of it. I want to spend more time here one day to obtain a better photograph of the honeyeater as well as to really see what birds I can photograph. I hope you enjoy the pictures.
Some views of the gorge.
As soon as I started the walk from the carpark I saw a White-eared Honeyeater in a tree, completely unbothered by me or another walker just in front of me. It was moving through the lower branches of established trees, often appearing to be upside down. I saw it at the start of the walk as well as another honeyeater in nearly the same location on my return, which I am taking to be the same bird.
I heard the unmistakable sound of a duck landing in water. Looking, I saw it was a solitary Pacific Black Duck. It continued swimming upstream towards the east.
I thought I could hear a couple of Australian Reed Warblers but I could only see this one clearly. It was moving up and down along the length of the reeds seen in the first photo above, under the map. It would come to the front of the reeds to call.
There were at least two, possibly more, Grey Fantails. They were happy to move between the vegetation on both sides of the river.
At one stage a Grey Fantail landed below me near a quiet pool of water. I was then able to observe it having a bath. this is a series of photographs of behaviour it repeated a number of times. It landed on the rock overlooking the pond. Quickly observed its surroundings. Moved closer to the water, paused to observe. Jumped into the water, splashed itself with water, shook off the water, before jumping back up onto a high enough rock to be clear of the water and presumably to be able to observe the surrounds. Fly off to a nearby small tree before returning to start the process again. I was so fortunate to be in just the right spot to observe without disturbing the bird but I paid a price because of the foliage in the way.
Driving out from the reserve a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike flew in front of the car to land on a tree on the right of the dirt access road. I was able to use the car as a hide to take a photo, although the angle towards the sun was not the best. The cuckoo-shrike paused for just a while on this branch, apparently looking at its surrounds before flying off to he east.