We recorded 18 birds for the morning walk. Here is the link for the eBird list. https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S97906323
Thanks to U3A members who have attended during the year. The birding program will resume in March 2022.
Kathy Costello
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The group visited Reef Hills for a morning walk along Centre Road on the southern boundary of the park. It was good to finally have an outing, as the 2 previous walks were cancelled. A southerly wind off the paddocks was bracing, but eased to a mild morning as we progressed. Several Common Bronzewings flew off as we approached, but later we had a good look at a female bronzewing at the side of the road. It is good to see these large pigeons in the park. They are particularly fond of wattle seeds, and there are good stands of the prickly Hedge Wattle (Acacia paradoxa) in this area. Female Common Bronzewing. Photo Andi Stevenson (more photos in post below) We heard the Olive-backed Oriole calling nearby, and had good views of a Jacky Winter and several Dusky Woodswallows. A pair of White-bellied Cuckoo-shrikes were heard then seen briefly before they flew. Some of us had a good look at a Crested Shrike-tit, a striking bird with a yellow breast, and black and white striped head. It can sometimes be heard before it as seen, as it tears strips of bark from branches, searching for insects underneath. We saw both Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, plus several Superb Fairy-wrens, Willie Wagtails and White-plumed Honeyeaters. Our last sighting for the morning was a White-throated Treecreeper that landed close by on a tree trunk as we returned to our cars.
We recorded 18 birds for the morning walk. Here is the link for the eBird list. https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S97906323 Thanks to U3A members who have attended during the year. The birding program will resume in March 2022. Kathy Costello
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"U3A Bird-watchers finally had an outing, a lovely walk on Centre road in Reef Hills on the 11th November. The weather was cool and the birds were busy"
Andi Stevenson, photographer extraordinaire! COVID vaccination requirements
U3A has recently updated its advice for U3A members. All participants in U3A activities must be double vaccinated for COVID19. This will apply for the birdwatching morning in Reef Hills State Park on 11 November. As limits on numbers for outdoor activities have eased, there is no requirement to book in with me for this activity. As per the notice in the U3A newsletter, we will meet in the carpark behind the Seniors building at 9.30am. Please let me know if you would prefer to meet us at the entrance to Reef Hills. In the meantime, I will be camping in western Victoria for the next few days, and back late on Tuesday in time for the visit to Reef Hills. If you wish to get in touch with me, I expect to be contactable by mobile phone or email. Failing that, Andi Stevenson has kindly agreed to take any messages and pass them on to me. Andi Stevenson – mobile 0429 439 336, email [email protected] Look forward to seeing you on 11 November. Kathy Costello – mobile 0447 625 755, email [email protected] |
BirdwatchingIf 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 detailsPhotographer - Andi Stevenson, with others contributing from time to time.
Meeting TimesSix meetings:
Semester 1 - March, April and May. Semester 2 - August, September, October, November. 2nd Thursday of the month 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 are automatically cancelled on days of total fire ban. New membersIf 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
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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
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