A few weeks ago, one of my lab members suggested visiting Oxley Creek which is less than ten km from my residence. Yesterday, I with Will (is originally from the UC Davis) went there, especially for birding. When we started planning for a few nature walks, we thought it could be a good idea to visit the closest one first! Interestingly, during his last visit to the Oxley Creek Common, he spotted 70 species of birds and a flock of nearly hundred monarchs – who would ever want to miss that chance?
I am having a problem with sleeping in the last few days; considering this, I thought I might not be able to be there on time. However, like the old days, only three-hours sleep became adequate. It took little more than an hour to reach there; basically, I was four minutes late!
The trip started with the ‘Welcome Swallow’; it’s like they were waiting to greet us! One by one, we spotted several bird species and was trying to identify with their call. It became more intriguing when I learned some common bird calls. Within a very short time, we observed a bunch of Brown Honeyeater, some Superb, Red-backed, Variegated fairywrens and other common birds. As a whole, we spotted 56 bird species. in three hours. Although I am not a birder, I used to go birding in our country with some of my juniors and it seems enjoyable to observe both birds and butterflies at the same time.
As we started early morning, we did not expect to spot many insects and it nearly took an hour to spot the first monarch which was hovering around bushes. It was an excellent sunny morning and the wind including the temperature were favourable but we could not find any butterfly species except 10-12 Monarchs. Nevertheless, while returning home, I spotted a Common Migrant (Catopsilia pomona) in the St. Lucia.
Overall, Oxley Creek Common is a great place consisting of water bodies and different types of habitats, suitable for diversified groups of animals. I am planning to go there again soon!
