Chasing Hunter Ticks: Western Hunter

Yesterday Nick and I headed to the far reaches of the Hunter Valley chasing the Singing Honeyeaters that have be recently discovered breeding out there. We managed to arrive at Durridgere before the cool change roared through and in that hour we scored 3 Singing Honeyeaters, 2 Hooded Robins, 4 Red-capped Robins, many Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebill, White-browed Babbler, Double-barred Finch and Rufous Whistler.We continued along the road but the wind was now howling and the temperature had dropped considerably so birds were hard to come by. A small mixed flock was seen crossing the road so we stopped and added Jacky Winter, Speckled Warbler, Striated Pardalote, White-eared Honeyeater and Buff-rumped Thornbill to the day list.Next birding was at the Cassilis Rest Stop where we hoped to see Red-winged Parrots but we instead scored two Cockatiels!!! Another Hunter tick for both of us.
We then made our way east to Ringwood Rd seeing a Black Falcon along the way. This road has quickly turned into my favourite woodland sight in the valley (shame its over 2hrs from home). At our first stop we had Jacky, Hooded Robin, Diamond Firetail, Turquoise Parrot, Restless Flycatcher, Peaceful Dove, Brown Treecreeper, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater and a Black-chinned Honeyeater.Further along at another stop we had Sittella, Speckled Warbler, Weebill and a Golden Whistler.
Our time out west had run out so we departed for home after a very successful days birding.