Our end of year outing on 9 November was to Balmattum Nature Conservation Reserve, on Old Euroa Rd, south west of Violet Town. It is a grassland reserve with patches of old eucalypts and casuarinas, a good shrub understorey in places and some depressions which fill with water after good rains. We started along a water-filled channel near the southern boundary and were pleased to see two Nankeen Night-Herons there. The heavily streaked juvenile bird landed in a red gum, where Andi got a couple of photos of it.
A good start to our wanderings.
White-faced and White-necked Herons were also seen in the reserve. A few Eastern Rosellas, Red-rumped Parrots and Galahs were feeding near the old shearing shed, while a Grey Butcherbird called nearby. Another notable sighting was a male White-winged Triller which called loudly and was finally observed high in a Red Gum. The bird’s black and white plumage blended beautifully with the pale branches. We also had views of several Sacred Kingfishers.
The botanists were especially interested in the Chocolate Lilies, Blue Devils, Drumsticks and probable Yam Daisies. It would a worth a visit a bit earlier for spring wildflowers.
The botanists were especially interested in the Chocolate Lilies, Blue Devils, Drumsticks and probable Yam Daisies. It would a worth a visit a bit earlier for spring wildflowers.
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We recorded 22 bird species. Here is a link to the eBird list. https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S155008375
On the way home we stopped at the Violet Town for a welcome coffee and a chat at the Museum Cafe.
Kathy Costello
Kathy Costello
Photographs - Andi Stevenson
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