On 11 March, eleven people enjoyed an interesting wander around part of the almost dry Lake Benalla. The morning was surprisingly productive.
We had superb views of an Azure Kingfisher fishing in one of the stagnant side channels, which looked muddy and uninviting to us, but this tiny bird dived into the murky water 3 times, and each time emerged with a small fish in its bill. Black Duck, Grey Teal and Dusky Moorhen had their bills in the mud at the edges, sifting delicacies from the sludge. As one of our members commented, to the birds it was probably our equivalent of coffee and chocolate. Four Gang Gang Cockatoos and a flock of 15 King Parrots flew through the area. It was a good day for Kingfishers, as we also had good views of Kookaburras and Sacred Kingfishers. We were able to compare the difference between the White-throated Treecreeper and the Brown Treecreeper. And Australia’s smallest bird, the Weebill, showed itself when three birds appeared in a small tree beside us.
Rupe explained that an old timber structure at the edge of the river was the remains of a weir that provided the town’s water supply until about 1940. He also pointed out a large covered well nearby.
29 bird species were recorded. The bird list can be viewed at https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S84038533
On 8 April we will visit Violet Town for a morning walk along the Honeysuckle Creek in the town. Please meet at 9am in the car park behind the Seniors Community Centre in Benalla. As usual, bring any water and nibbles you need for the morning, wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars if you have them.
Kathy Costello
We had superb views of an Azure Kingfisher fishing in one of the stagnant side channels, which looked muddy and uninviting to us, but this tiny bird dived into the murky water 3 times, and each time emerged with a small fish in its bill. Black Duck, Grey Teal and Dusky Moorhen had their bills in the mud at the edges, sifting delicacies from the sludge. As one of our members commented, to the birds it was probably our equivalent of coffee and chocolate. Four Gang Gang Cockatoos and a flock of 15 King Parrots flew through the area. It was a good day for Kingfishers, as we also had good views of Kookaburras and Sacred Kingfishers. We were able to compare the difference between the White-throated Treecreeper and the Brown Treecreeper. And Australia’s smallest bird, the Weebill, showed itself when three birds appeared in a small tree beside us.
Rupe explained that an old timber structure at the edge of the river was the remains of a weir that provided the town’s water supply until about 1940. He also pointed out a large covered well nearby.
29 bird species were recorded. The bird list can be viewed at https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S84038533
On 8 April we will visit Violet Town for a morning walk along the Honeysuckle Creek in the town. Please meet at 9am in the car park behind the Seniors Community Centre in Benalla. As usual, bring any water and nibbles you need for the morning, wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars if you have them.
Kathy Costello
Photographs: Andi Stevenson
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