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! 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 |
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 detailsPhotographs - Andi Stevenson
Meeting TimesSix meetings:
Semester 1 - March, April and May. Semester 2 - September, October, November. 2nd Thursday 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 may be altered if pandemic regulations change and 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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