​​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.
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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

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.
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Kathy Costello
Mobile 0447 625755, Home Ph 5762 5755