Nine people were able to attend our extra outing in December, with a bird walk at Winton Wetlands on Thursday 1 December, followed by lunch at the Mokoan Hub café. We spent a warm sunny morning birding around the boat ramp area not far from the café. A few people were surprised to see water part way up the boat ramp. There is certainly a lot of water at the wetlands at present.

I did not expect to see many waterbirds, telling the group that the birds have half of Australia to choose from at present so could be anywhere.

To my surprise we actually did quite well with waterbird sightings. We had excellent views of groups of White-necked Herons and Australian White Ibis, plus two White-faced Herons and a Yellow-billed Spoonbill, all close to shore. There were a few ducks; Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck and a pair of Hardhead, plus 2 different cormorants. And we saw one Black Swan. Brown Quail were calling loudly in the long grass near the boat ramp, but they stayed well hidden, as did the calling Little Grassbird. We had good views of Sacred Kingfishers and Red-rumped Parrots.

​​We recorded 28 bird species on our walk. Here is a link to the eBird list:              
https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S123583827

​Other animals seen were Grey Kangaroos and a Black Wallaby. We were surprised to see a large Eastern Bearded Dragon in the middle of the walking track. This reptile is listed as Vulnerable in Victoria, so we were lucky to see one.

We had an excellent birdwatching outing to Nason Springs, on Taminick Gap Road in the southern Warbys, on 10 November. In the first 15 minutes we had views of four raptors: pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles, a Whistling Kite, a Little Eagle and a Brown Falcon. This is a great area to view raptors as they fly above the hills. When they had all disappeared from view, the woodland birds appeared along the track beside the gully. It was a day for black and white birds. In addition to Australian Magpies, Magpie-larks and Willie Wagtails, we had lovely views of 2 of our rarer black and white woodland birds: Restless Flycatcher and a male Hooded Robin. Then a beautiful small finch, the Diamond Firetail, landed nearby. We walked a little way up the hill for eye-level views of a tiny female Mistletoebird. Attached photo by Andie Stevenson. Other birds of note included Rainbow Bee-eater, Brown Treecreeper, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and Red-rumped Parrot. All up we recorded 26 bird species for the morning.

Here is the link to the bird list on the eBird website: https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S122324294


Kathy Costello

​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. 

​In October, we will travel to the northern part of the Warby Ranges for a forest walk. After plenty of rain, the forest in springtime is looking a picture, with lots of wildflowers and plentiful birdlife.

Meet as usual in the carpark behind the Seniors building at 9.30am. Bring any food and drink you require for the morning, wear sturdy shoes and a hat. Binoculars if you have them will add to your ability to identify birds in the field.
 
Kathy Costello

After wet weather caused the cancellation of this outing in May and again in September, we arranged a later date in September which six people were able to attend.  It was overcast on Wednesday 21 September but we stayed dry, and enjoyed a stroll along a quiet bush road, enjoying the birdlife and a good variety of native roadside plants in flower.

We recorded 21 bird species, the highlight being a Diamond Firetail which perched on an overhead wire. This beautiful small finch is not common in our area, so we were lucky to see one.

The dull light made bird identification difficult in the roadside trees, but we did see several White-browed Treecreepers, Grey Fantails, Kookaburras, Eastern Rosellas, a Striated Pardalote and a few too many Noisy Miners.  

​Here is the direct link to the eBird list - https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S119435911

Have you noticed the Sacred Kingfishers have arrived back at Lake Benalla. They are summer breeding migrants to southern Australia, and start arriving in our area in late September. Listen for their loud kek kek kek kek calls, as they look for a partner and a suitable tree hollow for nesting.

Kathy Costello

Following a rainy day on Thursday 8th September and my request for suggestions for a replacement birdwatching outing in September, the date that suits most people is Wednesday 21 September.  Apologies to those of you who cannot attend that day.
 
We’ll try again to get to the Moorngag area for a morning walk. Meet at the Seniors building carpark at 9.30am. As usual, wear sturdy walking shoes, carry water and bring any food you require for the morning. Binoculars will add greatly to your ability to view and identify birds.
 
Here’s hoping for a fine day on the 21st.


Kathy 

U3A Birdwatching group will resume for springtime birding on Thursday 8 September. We will visit the Moorngag area for a birding stroll along a quiet country lane which has good areas of native vegetation. This outing was planned for May this year, but was cancelled because of wet weather.
​
Please meet at the car park behind the Seniors building at 9.30am on Thursday 8 September. As usual, wear sturdy footwear and a hat, bring any food and drink you need for the morning, and binoculars if you have them.
 
Kathy Costello

Wet weather caused the cancellation of our May outing. We had intended to do some roadside birding in the Moorngag district. Instead, eight of us gathered at a café in town and enjoyed morning tea and a chat.

After a winter recess, the Birdwatching group will resume activities in September.

​Kathy Costello

Eight people attended this outing to the Seven Creeks walking track in Euroa. This is an attractive area to look for birds with its mix of huge red gums, silver wattles, reed beds and managed parkland.

​We walked the southern section of the track. Because it was the day before Easter the Euroa caravan park was already very busy, so at first we saw larger birds that are used to people - magpies, magpie-larks, cockatoos and wood ducks. We had excellent views of Blue-faced Honeyeaters and Crimson Rosellas in several places.

As we continued to a quieter part of the track, we started to see and hear some of the smaller birds. We found good numbers of Red-browed Finches and Superb Fairy-wrens in the long grass near the creek. The two highlights were Golden Whistler and Crested Shrike-tit. Thanks Andi Stevenson for the photos:

Our April outing will take place on Thursday 14th when we will visit Euroa for a morning walk along the Seven Creeks track. We will leave from the car park behind the Seniors Building at 9.30am. Please bring the usual – sturdy footwear, water and any food you need for the morning, and binoculars if you have them. The walk is about 3.5 km.
​
If you would prefer to meet the group at Euroa, we will be parking in Foy St, which is the last street on the left before the bridge. There is a good parking area there, just opposite the Seven Creeks Hotel.

Kathy Costello

The first activity for 2022 for U3A Birdwatching group will be held on Thursday 10 March. We will make a morning visit to Loombah Reservoir on Upper Ryans Creek Road, birdwatching in the tall forest surrounding the area. We expect to see some birds not found around Benalla. Please meet at the carpark behind the Seniors Building at 9.30, and bring any food and drink you need for the morning. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring binoculars if you have a pair. Please note that we may do a little walking off track.

One option is to join the group enroute, at the corner of Kilfeera Road and Tatong Road, where there is a fire station. You will need to be there by 9.50am. Please email or ring me if you plan to do this.
​
Look forward to seeing you.
 
Kathy Costello
Ph 0447 625755 or landline 5762 5755

A reminder that Birdwatching is held in March, April and May each year.  We meet in the Seniors Car Park at 9:30 am.  Our first session will be held on Thursday 10 March 2022.  More information will be sent by emails and included in the March Newsletter.  

​​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.

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

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 andistev@yahoo.com.au
 
Look forward to seeing you on 11 November.
​
Kathy Costello – mobile 0447 625 755, email coskoy@bigpond.com

For our last outing for 2021 on Thursday 11 November, we will visit Reef Hills State Park, off the Midland Highway south of Benalla, just past the freeway entrance. We were not able to go there in September because of a COVID lockdown. We should see some of the recently arrived spring migrants, as well as the resident birds. The trees and understorey plants are looking good after the consistent rains we have had this year.

Please meet at the carpark behind the Seniors building at 9.30am. Bring any food and drink you require for the morning, and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Let me know if you prefer to meet at the entrance to Reef Hills.

Unfortunately our visit to Winton Wetlands on 14 October was cancelled at short notice. We had a thunderstorm the night before, but it cleared quickly, and it would have been OK as the weather turned out fine the next morning. I’m sorry we missed the opportunity to visit several small wetlands at Winton that have some water and waterbirds in them.
​
Kathy Costello
Mobile 0447 625755, Home Ph 5762 5755

Provided COVID restrictions allow us to have up to 10 people (and hopefully more) for an outdoor activity, there will be a morning birdwatching outing to Winton Wetlands on Thursday 14 October. Some water is currently flowing into the main wetland for the first time since 2016, providing significant areas of marshland along roadsides and other low-lying areas. It is well worth a look, as a number of different waterbirds have moved into the area.

We will meet at the Mokoan Hub café on Lake Mokoan Road at 10am. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a hat, any food or drink you need for the morning, and binoculars if you have them. Maybe mosquito repellent, although mozzies weren’t a problem on my recent visit.

I hope we can stop for tea or coffee at the café before heading home.
​
Please let me know if you plan to attend, and if you need any help with transport. If we are limited to 10 participants, it would be worth booking early.
 
Our September outing to Reef Hills State Park was cancelled because of COVID restrictions. We missed out by one day.
 
Kathy Costello
Mobile 0447 625755

Video clips from Cornell University's live cam of a nest of barred owls in Indiana - more information at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/barred-owls/  (Indiana, USA)

I regret having to cancel our proposed outing to Reef Hills this coming Thursday. There is still no word from the Victorian Government about a proposed easing of restrictions in regional Victoria. It may happen later this week, but I can’t plan an outing with that uncertainty.

I am hoping at some time we will be permitted to go birdwatching with up to 10 people. Until then, stay safe and enjoy a bit of outdoor exercise in some springtime sunshine. The wattles are looking superb at the moment.

Kathy

“Below is a note for the September newsletter, in case we can run activities next month. Fingers crossed. Kathy Costello”.

Birdwatching outing to Reef Hills Thursday 9 September 9am.

If groups of up to 10 or more are permitted, there will be a Birdwatching walk in Reef Hills State Park Thursday morning on 9 September. Please meet in the car park at the main entrance to Reef Hills. Turn right into Reef Hills Road, on the Midland Highway, just past the freeway entrance to Melbourne and park on the left. We will meet at 9am. Bring any food or drink you need for the morning, a sunhat and binoculars if you have them. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
​
Kathy Costello Mobile 0447 625755

On Thursday 13 May 2021 eight members of the birdwatching group drove to Pine Gully in the Warby Ranges for a morning walk.  We walked down the hill from the car park to the waterfall lookout.  Because of the recent dry weather the only water to be found was in 2 small pools at the base of the falls.  It’s a beautiful rocky area with scattered native White Cypress Pines and Blakeley’s Red Gum among large boulders, and was a first visit for some in the group.  The birds were hard to find, with only 8 species recorded.  We had good views of White-throated Treecreepers, Grey Fantails and Buff-rumped Thornbills. Some saw a female Scarlet Robin perched high in a tree.

After morning tea in the car park, most of the group then dropped in at The Hub Café on Lake Mokoan Road home for a coffee and a chat.  There was discussion about Magpie-larks that attack windows, despite a variety of disincentives.  And Sulphur-crested Cockatoos that somehow know to all arrive at a particular tree to demolish the foliage. One bright spark suggested they use Twitter.

Here is the eBird link to our bird list.
https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S88933905

After a winter recess, our birdwatching outings will resume in September.
​
Kathy Costello

Photographs/Maps - Andi Stevenson

A late reminder about our trip to the Warbys tomorrow. Please meet at the carpark behind the Seniors building at 9am. I plan to travel via Yarrawonga Rd, Lake Mokoan Road then Glenrowan Boweya Road to reach Pine Gully from the western side of the range.

The weather forecast is good, so it should be a lovely morning.
​
Kathy Costello

On Thursday 13 May 2021 we will travel to the western side of the Warby Ranges for a morning walk at the Pine Gully Picnic Ground.

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