The Birdwatching group visited Shadforth Reserve at Violet Town on Thursday 9th May 2024. Nine members enjoyed the morning in this reserve which has an impressive variety of trees, shrubs and native grasses. We admired some massive Yellow Gum and Grey Box trees.
A highlight of the morning was watching a group of Grey-crowned Babblers feeding quietly on the ground. They are listed as threatened in Victoria, and Violet Town is a good place to observe them.
We had excellent views of a Black-shouldered Kite perched at the top of a dead tree. These raptors are more often seen in our area when there are mice around.
Several groups of Musk Lorikeets were glimpsed flying and feeding in the reserve. Not many trees were flowering and honeyeaters were few. We also observed several White-faced Herons flying overhead, a flock of White-winged Choughs and several Grey Fantails.
A highlight of the morning was watching a group of Grey-crowned Babblers feeding quietly on the ground. They are listed as threatened in Victoria, and Violet Town is a good place to observe them.
We had excellent views of a Black-shouldered Kite perched at the top of a dead tree. These raptors are more often seen in our area when there are mice around.
Several groups of Musk Lorikeets were glimpsed flying and feeding in the reserve. Not many trees were flowering and honeyeaters were few. We also observed several White-faced Herons flying overhead, a flock of White-winged Choughs and several Grey Fantails.
We only had time to investigate the eastern end of the reserve, before heading into town for morning tea.
We then visited the gallery next to the café where one of our members, Helen Ogilbee, had an art exhibition through May. A variety of paintings and some beautiful Batiks were much admired.
The Birdwatching group will have a break over winter. After consulting members, we will add an extra outing in semester 2, starting on 8th August, instead of resuming in September.
Thanks Andi Stevenson for the photos of Grey-crowned Babbler and Black-shouldered Kite in the Newsletter and the wonderful collection above and on the U3A Benalla Facebook Page.
Attached is a link to the eBird checklist for the birds seen at Shadforth Reserve:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S176869936
Kathy Costello
We then visited the gallery next to the café where one of our members, Helen Ogilbee, had an art exhibition through May. A variety of paintings and some beautiful Batiks were much admired.
The Birdwatching group will have a break over winter. After consulting members, we will add an extra outing in semester 2, starting on 8th August, instead of resuming in September.
Thanks Andi Stevenson for the photos of Grey-crowned Babbler and Black-shouldered Kite in the Newsletter and the wonderful collection above and on the U3A Benalla Facebook Page.
Attached is a link to the eBird checklist for the birds seen at Shadforth Reserve:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S176869936
Kathy Costello
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