U3A Benalla and District Inc.
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March - Lake Benalla's red gum woodland

29/3/2016

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The group met near the Weary Dunlop Learning Centre for a walk around the red gum woodland section of the lake walking track.  Because we have a large number of participants, we split into two groups, taking off in opposite directions.

Bird numbers were reasonable for a warm, humid morning given that we’ve had almost no rain since January, and a recent heatwave. 

One group had views of an Australian Darter, a Sacred Kingfisher and several Blue-faced Honeyeaters, while the other group saw a flock of Red-browed Firetails and 5 Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes.  

A large flock of King Parrots was also seen flying through the area.  A total of 37 bird species was recorded by the two groups. For those with internet access, the species list has been entered on the Ebird website. To view the bird list, press CTRL + Click on this link http://ebird.org/ebird/australia/view/checklist?subID=S28073941

Thanks to Val La May, Convenor of the Seymour U3A Bird group who helped lead the walk and entered the bird list on Ebird. Thanks also to Christine Pollard who provided the photos for the newsletter and website (see below). Christine’s photos have also been added to the list on Ebird.

Next activity 14 April 2016

Our next activity will be a morning visit to Winton Wetlands on Thursday 14 April. Please meet at the Barkly Street car park in front of the school (behind Aldi) at 9.40am. We plan to visit 2 or 3 locations at the wetlands, with short walks at each location. For those who want morning tea, please bring your own and a folding chair or stool if you have one. Some participants may want to stay on for lunch at the Mokoan Hub. We will car pool for the drive there and back, taking into account people who want to return straight back to Benalla and those staying for lunch.

If you want to lunch at The Hub, please ring or email Kathy Costello (5762 5755 or coskoy@bigpond.com) by Thurs 7 April, so that a booking can be made. As I’ll be away for a few days, Margaret Walshe (5762 3906, margaretwalshe@bigpond.com) will also take bookings.

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Photos - Birdwatching at Lake Benalla in early March

16/3/2016

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Acknowledgement:  Christine Pollard.   Thank you, Chris!
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February's newsletter report - our first session

1/3/2016

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There was an excellent response from members to the new U3A Birdwatching program. Over 20 people attended the first meeting, and were introduced to printed field guides for Australian birds, several smartphone apps, websites, and instruction on how to adjust binoculars for your individual eyesight. Bev Lee has kindly put this information on the Birdwatching page on the U3A website.
 
We spent some time discussing the unexpected appearance of an Eastern Koel in Benalla before Christmas. It is a large cuckoo with a very loud, persistent call, and it woke one of our participants at 3am one morning.
​

After morning tea, most of the group reconvened at Lake Benalla for a short walk to practise their new binocular skills. We had good views of 20 native bird species, including both Brown and White-throated Treecreepers, a Restless Flycatcher and a pair of Sacred Kingfishers, not far from the library car park.

Next meeting Thursday 10 March 10am – 12 noon. Meet at Lake Benalla at 10am, beside the walking track behind the library, for a gentle stroll through the red gum woodland. Bring binoculars if you have them, and a water bottle. If you want morning tea, you will need to carry whatever you want to eat. Please note the walk will be automatically cancelled if it is a total fire ban day.

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    Birdwatching

    If you would like to know more about birds in the Benalla district and would appreciate help in identifying birds, this group could be for you.  The program involves mainly morning walks in local habitats rich in a range of bird life such as Reef Hills, Winton Wetland and Benalla Lake.  There may also be an all day outing to a more distant location.  Bring along a pair of binoculars to gain more value and enjoyment from this activity.  ​

    Convenor and contact details

    Picture
    Kathy Costello 5762 5755 Mobile 0447625755
    coskoy@bigpond.com
    Photographs -  Andi Stevenson

    Meeting Times

    Six meetings:
    Semester 1 - March, April and May.  
    Semester 2 - September, October, November.

    2nd Thursday 9.30am to 12 noon

    Meet at the car park behind the Benalla Senior Citizens Community Centre. Check newsletter for times and details. 

    Please note that outing arrangements may be altered if pandemic regulations change and are automatically cancelled on days of total fire ban.

    New members

    If you are new to the birdwatching group, check out Birdwatching - Notes for Participants - you will also find a video link in the notes which may assist you to adjust your binoculars

    Outings etc....

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    Baddaginnie
    Benalla Golf Course
    Birds Of Benalla
    Broken River
    Broken River Reserve
    Chesney Vale
    Christmas Break Ups
    Course Description
    EBird List
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    How To Use Binoculars
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    Notes For Participants
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    Private Property Visits
    Rare Sightings
    Reef Hills
    Reef Hills State Park
    Sam's Creek Valley
    Seven Creeks
    Upotipotpon
    Violet Town
    Warby Ranges
    Winton Wetlands

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
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Developed and maintained by members, this website showcases U3A Benalla & District. 
​Photographs - U3A members; Benalla Art Gallery website; ​Weebly 'Free' images;Travel Victoria and State Library of Victoria