"Listen out for the loud, cackling calls of Dollarbirds raising their young in the River Red Gums around the lake"... Kathy

​Unfortunately our October outing to the northern part of the Warby Ranges was cancelled due to wet weather. It’s hard to plan outdoor activities with any confidence during our soggy spring!  Let’s hope we have some fine weather for our last activity for this year. 

October has brought Dollarbirds back to Lake Benalla from northern Australia. Listen for their loud cackling calls, as they fly above the tree tops catching insects on the wing. In flight they have a large white patch under each wing. They are chunky birds, dark blue-green in colour and with a bright red bill. Dollarbirds are spring breeding migrants to northern Victoria and raise their young in hollows in the River Red Gums around the lake.

Next outing to Nason Springs, Warby Ranges     Thursday 10 November 2022

This outing, to Nason Springs in the Warby Ranges on Thursday 10 November, takes us to Taminick Gap Road in the southern part of the Warbys, north of Glenrowan. It is a good birding spot, where the rocky slopes of the range meet the paddocks. We’ll also be looking for some spring wildflowers.

Please meet in the car park behind the Seniors building at 9.30am. Access is from the continuation of Carrier St next to the Fire Station or via the lane past the side entrance to the Seniors building. Bring any food and drink you require for the morning, wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Insect repellent may also be useful.

Binoculars, if you have them, will add to your ability to identify birds in the field.

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Kathy Costello