We spent some time discussing the unexpected appearance of an Eastern Koel in Benalla before Christmas. It is a large cuckoo with a very loud, persistent call, and it woke one of our participants at 3am one morning.
After morning tea, most of the group reconvened at Lake Benalla for a short walk to practise their new binocular skills. We had good views of 20 native bird species, including both Brown and White-throated Treecreepers, a Restless Flycatcher and a pair of Sacred Kingfishers, not far from the library car park.
Next meeting Thursday 10 March 10am – 12 noon. Meet at Lake Benalla at 10am, beside the walking track behind the library, for a gentle stroll through the red gum woodland. Bring binoculars if you have them, and a water bottle. If you want morning tea, you will need to carry whatever you want to eat. Please note the walk will be automatically cancelled if it is a total fire ban day.