On 11 March, eleven people enjoyed an interesting wander around part of the almost dry Lake Benalla. The morning was surprisingly productive.

We had superb views of an Azure Kingfisher fishing in one of the stagnant side channels, which looked muddy and uninviting to us, but this tiny bird dived into the murky water 3 times, and each time emerged with a small fish in its bill. Black Duck, Grey Teal and Dusky Moorhen had their bills in the mud at the edges, sifting delicacies from the sludge. As one of our members commented, to the birds it was probably our equivalent of coffee and chocolate. Four Gang Gang Cockatoos and a flock of 15 King Parrots flew through the area. It was a good day for Kingfishers, as we also had good views of Kookaburras and Sacred Kingfishers. We were able to compare the difference between the White-throated Treecreeper and the Brown Treecreeper. And Australia’s smallest bird, the Weebill, showed itself when three birds appeared in a small tree beside us.

Rupe explained that an old timber structure at the edge of the river was the remains of a weir that provided the town’s water supply until about 1940. He also pointed out a large covered well nearby.

29 bird species were recorded. The bird list can be viewed at https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S84038533

On 8 April we will visit Violet Town for a morning walk along the Honeysuckle Creek in the town. 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 Costello

Photographs:  Andi Stevenson

U3A Birdwatching outing Thursday 11 March 2021
U3A Birdwatching will run for the first time in 2021 on Thursday 11 March. At present up to 20 participants can attend, although COVID restrictions may well be eased further by the time 11 March comes around.

Lake Benalla walking track
We will walk around part of the walking track, looking at waterbirds and woodland birds. This walk provides a good introduction to the birdlife of Benalla and is an excellent starting place for participants who are new to this group. If the lake is still being drained to control Cabomba weed, that may bring in different birds that feed on mudflats.

Please meet at 9.30am at the walking track beside the lake, just behind the library (Weary Dunlop Learning Centre). You will need comfortable walking shoes and water, and possibly a small snack. If you have binoculars, please bring them also. We plan to finish by midday.

Wild Encounters Exhibition at Wangaratta
The Wangaratta Information Centre at 100 Murphy Street currently has an exhibition of wildlife photography by noted nature photographer and bird expert Chris Tzaros. It runs until 6 April 2021 and entry is free. I’ve been to the exhibition, and the photography is superb, with a variety of parrots, wrens and finches well represented. Further information can be viewed online at
https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/High-Country/Events/Art-and-exhibitions/Exhibitions/Wild-Encounters-Exhibition

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Kathy Costello
Ph 5762 5755, Mobile 0447 625755, email coskoy@bigpond.com

If 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 Wetlands and Benalla Lake.  Birdwatching is held on the 2nd Thursday between 9.30 and 12 midday  in March, April, May and September, October, November.  Details of our excursion on Thursday 11 March will be included in the next newsletter.  
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Kathy Costello 5762 5755

Our final activity for 2020 was held on Thursday 12 November, when our group of 6 visited the Broken River Natural Features Reserve for a morning walk. This small reserve close to Benalla supports a good variety of native birds. The vegetation is a mix of large Grey Box trees, River Red Gums, understorey shrubs, plus grassland and of course the Broken River.

We had good views of White-throated Treecreepers and a Varied Sittella. Both these birds probe the bark on eucalypt tree for insects. The treecreepers usually work their way up the tree trunk, while the smaller sittellas start high and work down the tree. The raucous screeches of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos made it hard to hear other birds. We did see Australian King-Parrot, plus Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, and had good views of several Olive-backed Orioles, a new bird for our list for this reserve. Also seen were Brown-headed Honeyeater, Striated Pardalote, a male Rufous Whistler singing from a high branch, and a Black Duck which flew out of a hollow in a River Red Gum.

We recorded 33 bird species for the morning. Our bird list can be viewed on eBird.
https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S76173519

Andie pointed out a patch of native Blue Devil plants (Eryngium ovinum) which are easily mistaken for thistles.

We had no luck tracking down any Scarlet Honeyeaters which are rare spring visitors to northern Victoria. But one of our members had a very brief visit of a Regent Honeyeater to her bird bath several weeks ago. That’s an even rarer bird in Benalla.

Our morning walk was followed by a most enjoyable morning tea at Green n Grow Garden Centre.

On a sad note, our thoughts are with Rupe Cheetham on the recent loss of his wife Gwen after a long illness. Rupe has been a regular member of the Birdwatching group since it started.

​Kathy Costello 

​"Bird-watching in the Broken River Reserve. There were plenty to be be heard, and a good few seen. A lovely outing, and a little more knowledge might have soaked in for some of us..."

Photographs by Andi Stevenson

Hello everyone
​
I have planned a local morning activity at the Broken River Natural Features Reserve, opposite Reef Hills, this Thursday morning. We will meet at the car park behind the Seniors building at 9.30am. Our numbers are still restricted by COVID to a maximum of 10 participants. So please email or ring me if you would like to attend.

It looks as though most of the forecast rain will fall on Wednesday, and it should be pretty clear by Thursday morning. If all else fails we can go to a café for coffee and cake instead.
 
I would be very interested to know if any of you have seen any Scarlet Honeyeaters in Benalla recently. I heard one calling in Grant Drive 2 days ago. It would be great to see one on Thursday morning. The male is a stunning bright red little bird, and a rare visitor from coastal NSW and Qld to our area. There was an influx of them to Benalla 3 years ago. They particularly like flowering red bottlebrushes, and flowering mistletoe.

Kathy Costello
​0447 625755

Our final activity for 2020 will be a morning visit to the natural features reserve on the Broken River, off Farrell Road just south of Benalla. Please meet at the car park behind the Seniors’ building at 9.30am on Thursday 12 November. You will need a hat and sturdy footwear, a water bottle and binoculars if you have them.

We first visited this location in November 2019 and thoroughly enjoyed the visit and the birdlife to be found there. I hope the weather will allow us to get there this year, as our last two activities have been cancelled because of wet weather. But the countryside and our gardens have flourished with the rain.

At the moment, COVID restrictions require outdoor groups like ours to be limited to 10 people, but I am hopeful this restriction will be eased by 12 November.
​
Kathy Costello

I’ve planned a birdwatching activity for up to 10 people this coming Thursday, although BOM is forecasting quite a bit of rain that day. I will check the forecast on Wednesday morning 7 October and send out a group email by midday advising if the outing will go ahead.
 
Visit to Taminick Gap Road, southern Warbys, via Glenrowan, on Thursday 8 October.
 
We will visit the southern section of the Warby Ranges off Taminick Gap Road, just north of Glenrowan. Please meet in Glenrowan at 9.30am at the car park near the public toilets in the main street (Gladstone St). As usual bring any food and water you need for the morning, and binoculars if you have them.

We will visit 2 places off Taminick Gap Road. Our first stop is Nason Springs where we will look for woodland birds. The track is on the left about a kilometre past Taafe Road. We’ll then continue up the hill and turn left into the carpark for Ridge Track, which leads to a communications tower. This area has wildflowers, great views as well as birdlife.

If you want to attend, weather permitting, can you please let me know by 6pm Wednesday 7 October.
 
Kathy Costello
Ph 5762 5755, Mobile 0447 625755, email coskoy@bigpond.com

​U3A Birdwatching outing Thursday 8 October 2020

After a 2 month COVID shut down, it will be good to meet up for another birdwatching activity on Thursday morning 8 October. It was originally planned for August and can now proceed with a limit of 10 participants. We will visit the southern section of the Warby Ranges off Taminick Gap Road, just north of Glenrowan. Please meet in Glenrowan at 9.30am at the car park near the public toilets in the main street (Gladstone St). As usual bring any food and water you need for the morning, and binoculars if you have them.

We will be walking along Ridge Track, which leads to a communication tower and has wonderful views of the surrounding area. We should see some lovely spring wildflowers, and with a bit of luck maybe a Turquoise Parrot or two.

Please book with me by 6pm on Wednesday 7 October if you would like to attend. If anyone wants to drive direct to the Ridge Track carpark on Taminick Gap Road, please advise me when you book.
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Kathy Costello
Ph 5762 5755, Mobile 0447 625755, email coskoy@bigpond.com

Our birdwatching visit on Thursday 13 August to the southern section of the Warby Ranges off Taminick Gap Road, just north of Glenrowan, has been cancelled due to the introduction of Stage 3 Covid-19 restrictions.  The walk, which was to start at the track to the communication towers known as the Ridge Track, will be rescheduled after current restrictions are lifted and it is possible again to have groups of 10 participants.  Hopefully, spring wildflowers will still be in bloom and we can see Turquoise Parrots in this area.

Keep an eye on emails, the next newsletter and the website for updates.  Kathy Costello 5762 5755, Mobile 0447 625755, email coskoy@bigpond.com.
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Kathy Costello

​Nine people attended our walk along the bike track to Winton Wetlands 4km out of Benalla, on Thursday 11 June 2020. The weather was mild and sunny which made for a pleasant morning stroll.

There have been extensive plantings of native shrubs along the channel, and quite a few birds are making good use of this habitat – among them Superb Fairy-wrens, Grey Shrike-thrush, Red-browed Finches and Yellow-rumped Thornbills. We saw 2 Whistling Kites fly overhead, and several Australian Ravens and Little Ravens.

​And her a photo of a Welcome Swallow allowed us to identify the Tree Martin perched near it.

Rupe explained that concrete structures along the inlet channel lower the water level as it gets closer to the Winton Wetlands. We looked at one structure which allows Kennedy Creek to flow unimpeded above the channel as it heads west towards the railway line. It was flowing strongly after good autumn rains. We walked 2.6km and recorded 25 bird species for the morning. Details on eBird list https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S71771259

​Kathy Costello

After a successful outing in June, there will be another birdwatching activity on Thursday morning 9 July.

Due to the latest COVID19 restrictions, the group will be limited to 10 participants. We will walk a section of the bike track to Winton Wetlands, starting on Sydney Road where runs beside the old inlet channel about 4km out of town, and before the Yarrawonga Road turnoff.

​We will meet at 10am in the car park on the left, opposite Price Road. This section of the bike track has well established native shrubs along the channel so it provides habitat for a number of native birds, and the adjacent paddocks can be a good area to see raptors.

As usual bring any food and water you need for the morning, and binoculars if you have them.
Please book with me by 6pm on Wednesday 8 July if you would like to attend.

Kathy Costello

Seven people attended our outing to Winton Wetlands on Thursday 11 June 2020. We were lucky to have a mild sunny morning for our walk along part of the dam wall, near the outlet channel.

The birding was surprisingly good, even though waterbirds were few - just some Black Swans and Black Duck on one of the ponds. We saw quite a few birds in the red gum saplings below the dam wall: Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Superb Fairywren, Striated Pardalote, Yellow-rumped Thornbill and White-plumed Honeyeater.

The most surprising find was a covey of nine Brown Quail sunning themselves on the rocks of the dam wall, until we disturbed them and they flew down into the long grass below. Another good sighting was a Golden-headed Cisticola, a bird that lives in long grass or reeds in wetland areas. It is a tiny bird, about the size of a fairywren. We also recorded several Zebra Finches and 3 Black Wallabies.

Kathy Costello

U3A Birdwatching rescheduled to Thursday 11 June 2020.  Visit to Winton Wetlands dam wall and outlet channel.

Now that the Victorian government is allowing groups of up to 20 to gather outdoors from 1 June, it is a good opportunity to reactivate our mothballed U3A Birdwatching program.
We will travel to Winton Wetlands to look for birds around the dam wall area off Lake Mokoan Road. Because of social distancing requirements, we will not be car pooling. If you know how to get there, I suggest you drive in time to meet the group there at 9.45am. It will be a morning walk, so bring binoculars if you have them, any food and water you need for the morning, and wear sturdy shoes. Some parts of the walking track could be a little muddy.

Because the group is limited to 19 (plus leader), please book in with me by 6pm on Wednesday 10 June.

How to get there -  Drive north east through Benalla for a few kilometres and turn left into Yarrawonga Rd. Drive a few kilometres, passing Link Rd and Thales on your left. Take the right turn to Winton Wetlands, along Lake Mokoan Road. You can see the long low old dam wall across the paddocks on your right. Turn right at the first Winton Wetlands sign and wait for the group in the parking area near the road. We will then drive in convoy about a kilometre to the outlet channel, where there is parking for quite a few cars.

For those who would prefer to travel in convoy from Benalla, I will meet you at the carpark behind the Seniors building at 9.30am.

Looking forward to seeing you again, and here’s hoping for a mild sunny day.

Kathy Costello
Ph 0447 625755, email coskoy@bigpond.com

24 people attended our birdwatching outing on Thursday 12 March 2020. The group enjoyed a morning stroll around the southern section of Lake Benalla. We set out from the library towards Jaycee Island and returned via the main bridge in town. We saw several Australasian Darters on our walk, and it was interesting to compare these waterbirds with the Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants which were also present on the lake. Andi Stevenson took a lovely photo of a darter drying its wings.

The group also had good views of the two treecreepers found in the woodland area, the White-throated and the Brown Treecreeper. A number of Grey Fantails were seen well as they flitted above our heads, catching insects among the wattles and red gums. The Western Gerygone remained hidden from view, although its beautiful song was oh so close.   

​Our lake continues to be a treasure for birdwatching. We recorded 32 bird species for the morning. Details can be viewed on this link to our list on the eBird website  https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S66153812

Although U3A activities have ceased until further notice, birdwatching is an enjoyable pursuit which I hope some in the group will be able to continue, without an organised outing.

Kathy Costello

Binoculars make birdwatching much more enjoyable, helping us to see the smaller birds along the track.  

​Here is a link to a help sheet put out by Nikon on how to adjust and focus binoculars. I hope you find it helpful.
https://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/sportoptics/how_to/guide/binoculars/using/using_01.htm

If you have any questions about using binoculars, I’m happy to assist at our outings.
​
Kathy Costello

The birdwatching group will meet for 3 outings in semester 1, 2020. These will run on Thursdays March 12, April 9 and May 14.

Our first birdwatching outing will be a gentle stroll around part of Lake Benalla on Thursday 12 March 2020.   The lake at Benalla provides an excellent introduction to the waterbirds and bush birds of the area.

For most of our outings we meet at the car park behind the Seniors Community Building, but for this one please meet at the edge of the lake behind the library, at 9.30am.

Locations for April and May will be advised nearer the time and advertised in the monthly U3A Newsletter.  Possible places include Reef Hills State Park, Winton Wetlands or other reserves or private properties near Benalla.  
​
What to bring?  Binoculars make birdwatching much more enjoyable.  If you have binoculars please bring them. You should also wear sturdy walking shoes and a hat.  Bring a water bottle and any food you require for the morning.

Please note that if it is a day of Total Fire Ban, the activity will automatically be cancelled.

Kathy Costello

The birdwatching group will meet for three outings in Semester 1, 2020. These will run in March, April and May.

Our first birdwatching outing will be a morning walk at Lake Benalla on Thursday 12 March 2020. For most of our outings we meet at the car park behind the Seniors Community Building, but for this one please meet at the edge of the lake behind the library, at 9.30am.

If you have binoculars please bring them. You should also wear sturdy walking shoes and a hat. Bring a water bottle and any food you require for the morning.

Please note that if it is a day of Total Fire Ban, the activity will automatically be cancelled.
​
Convenor:   Kathy Costello

I have obtained copies of the 2020 calendar just published by the Broken Boosey Catchment Management Network. Because the 2019 calendar was well received, I have again obtained a supply and have put them in the RedB4 bookshop for U3A Birdwatching participants. If you would like a copy, just ask at the bookshop.
​
Each year local people are encouraged to submit their photos of native plants, birds and other interesting animals for possible publication, and the best of them are published in this calendar.
 
For those who would like to see a list of the birds observed at our outings in September, October and November this year, I have attached the lists entered in the eBird database.
Kathy Costello
 
Mt Meg Nature Conservation Reserve, Chesneyvale Road Block
https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S60882378
 
Killawarra Forest
https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S60882270
 
Broken River Natural Features Reserve

​Kathy Costello

Our final birdwatching outing for the year was to the Broken River Natural Features Reserve on Thursday 14 November. Ten of us made the short trip from Benalla, and enjoyed visiting what was a new spot for many. There were a lot of birds in this reserve, with its mix of Grey Box and Red Gum trees. We had close views of a flock of Buff-rumped Thornbills on a large stump, and above them a group of Varied Sittellas working their way along the branches of an adjacent tree. A pair of Leaden Flycatchers were taking turns sitting on their nest in a large Grey Box, while several male White-winged Trillers were seen by most in our group. We then headed to the river bank for morning tea, while finding some different birds in this area. Someone noticed 2 Rainbow Bee-eaters on the embankment across the river. Stunning birds in the sunshine.  A pair of Australian Reed-warblers perched on a dead branch in front of us, while a Sacred Kingfisher dived for fish in the river. We eventually located the Dollarbird that was calling from a tall perch.

It was a lovely morning with 30 bird species recorded. The list can be viewed on eBird at https://ebird.org/australia/checklist/S61697061
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Kathy Costello

Greetings

We will finish our birdwatching program for 2019 at the Broken River Natural Features Reserve on Farrell Road just south of Benalla. I have visited this reserve several times recently and have been impressed by the number of birds present. A few are currently nesting.

Please meet at the Seniors Building car park at 9.30am on Thursday 14 November and bring water and any food you need for the morning. Sturdy shoes, a hat and binoculars are recommended. I hope we have time to sit by the river for morning tea, so if you have a folding chair, bring that also.

The entrance to Farrell Road is on the Midland Highway opposite Reef Hills State Park. The turnoff is on the left about a kilometre past the freeway entrance.

Kathy

Nine people attended our trip to the Mt Meg Nature Conservation Reserve on Chesney Vale Road on 9 October 2019. The reserve is located in the Chesney hills overlooking Winton Wetlands. It was a lovely spring morning, and we enjoyed watching the bird activity all around us, as well as the spring wildflowers.

​Three Rufous Whistlers constantly called and chased each other. We observed 2 pairs of Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes, several Grey Fantails and later a Striated Pardalote, all feeding on insects in the canopy. A colourful male Mistletoebird perched in the sun and was admired by everyone. We did well to find a pair of Western Gerygones, small grey warblers with a beautiful song. It was also good to see several spring migrants from northern Australia; 2 male White-winged Trillers and a pair of Sacred Kingfishers.

Photographs - Andrea Stevenson

We will make a morning visit to a small bushland reserve on Chesney Vale Road near Winton Wetlands, next Thursday 10 October. Please meet at the car park behind the Seniors building at 9.30am. You will need water, sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes and binoculars if you have them.

Would you like to go to the Winton Hub Café for a coffee afterwards, or maybe lunch?? Please let me know if you are interested.

 Kathy Costello
 0447 625755

Eight members of our bird watching group made an enjoyable visit to Killawarra Forest at the northern end of the Warby Ranges on 12 September. Instead of our usual morning outing, this time we each brought lunch to make the most of a lovely place for spring bird watching. As we approached the forest, a magnificent Wedge-tailed Eagle flew up from the roadside, carrying a small rabbit. It flew across the road in front of us, then dropped its prey as it was pursued by a magpie.
 
Our best sighting in the forest was a pair of Hooded Robins flying around Irishtown Track. This is a declining woodland bird that is disappearing from places it has been found in the past. We had good looks at a Pallid Cuckoo calling from high in a dead tree, and were surprised to see a pelican flying over the forest. Some of the other birds we saw included Jacky Winter, Grey Fantail, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Woodswallow and a flock of 18 White-winged Choughs. There were also good numbers of honeyeaters and thornbills which are always a challenge to observe. We also saw a few Leopard Orchids, Pink Fingers and Blue Fingers while walking at the old oval. At one point we were looking for babblers, and someone (was it Bev?) described us as a group of Grey-crowned Babblers. Much laughter.