Rufous Scrub-bird

Hi all, On Saturday 3rd November 2012 I had wonderful views of a male Rufous Scrub-bird just off the track where the track to Munro Hut starts (to the right of Kerripit Road). After moving close to where it was calling (I got a great sound recording), it stopped calling after about 10 mins and it came fossicking within 1 metre of me and I enjoyed 20-30 seconds watching this beautful bird. Are they used to seeing humans up there? Reason I ask is that the bird was looking at me as I was stood fozen, crouched over looking towards the bird. I arrived at 11am and it was overcast. I did not hear any birds calling for close to 2 hours. However when the sun came out 3 birds started to call. One of them calling close to me, the other birds were calling to the left of Munro Hut (where I had been searching all morning) and another in the creek line to the right of the track to Munro Hut. The National Park road was in excellent condition (compared to the Council maintained road on the way to the Park).  The fire at Sharpes Creek had just been contained (as advised by NP staff on the way in). There was a large black snake with yellow belly on Kerript Road (was it a Copperhead? I have a photo if anyone is interested). I also enjoyed seeing a Platypus in the Barrington River on the night of Friday 2nd November. Thanks to every one that provided assistance. My sighting was up there with one of my best birding experiences (including seeing the RSBs cousins in WA).   Cheers, Charles Hunter Observatory Hill, NSW

________________________________ From: Charles Hunter To: Alan Stuart ; “birding-aus@lists.vicnet.net.au” Sent: Friday, 2 November 2012 4:16 PM Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Barrington Tops NSW (road status?) UPDATE

Thank you Alan (Mick and Jim).   I just called the caravan park as suggested.   I was advised by a helpful gentleman that the road is open however there is currently a fire  at Sharpes Creek just inside the border of the National Park that may cause issues in the surrounding area and potentially stop access to the Park.   He said it is extremely dry in the area.   We are in for a hot summer!   Cheers, Charles   

________________________________ From: Alan Stuart To: birding-aus@lists.vicnet.net.au Sent: Friday, 2 November 2012 4:04 PM Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Barrington Tops NSW (road status?)   I’m not 100% sure if the Gloucester NPWS office will be all that up to date about the status of the road repair. The repair job is not their direct responsibility.  My suggestion is to call the commercial caravan park which is located just before the entrance to the National Park. They are probably much more likely to have a handle on how the repairs are progressing, seeing as it directly impacts to their business.  Their number is (02) 6558 3155.

Alan Stuart