The first hike back on the trail, and Tamworth Birdwatchers were treated to a few unexpected surprises.
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They met up again for the first time this week since the COVID-19 lock-downs, and while the group was smaller the enjoyment wasn't diminished in the slightest.
President of the group Bruce Terrill was thrilled to be able to hit the Mountain Bike Trails with his fellow bird-enthusiasts.
"It is a very good bird watching site, and we saw some birds that were not so common," Mr Terrill enthused.
Brown tree creepers, which are birds we didn't expect to see this time of year, I think the birds are getting confused.
- Bruce Terrill
Yet they spotted a few surprises along the way, with rare species and birds which hadn't left for the winter, and should have.
"Brown tree creepers, which are birds we didn't expect to see this time of year - I think the birds are getting confused," he laughed.
The group of six also saw some Dusky Wood Swallows, which also would not normally frequent this area during winter.
"They shouldn't be here in this area at this time of year," Mr Terrill explained.
"The Rufous Songlark was around as well, and they are normally not here at this time of the year but also returns in the spring."
Mr Terrill said they had definitely seen the impact of drought on the bird populations in Tamworth.
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He guesses some have moved out of the bushland, hearing they were regular visitors at local gardens which had been maintained during the big dry.
"Since the drought ended, there are still not large numbers in some birds we like to see, so their numbers have been affected by drought.
"But people are seeing a lot more in gardens now."
Want to know more about the group? Phone Mr Terrill on 0428 609 894.
