Lyrebird Tales

Volume 28 Number 3 September 2019

A TRIP TO THE U.K. 2019

(OR; THOUGHTS TO MULL OVER ) By Doug Pocock

Nuthatch photo © Alan Spellman

Our list started with a Great Heron on the river and then Blue, Long-tailed and Great Tits, Nuthatch, Chaffinch and Rock Wren. We knew we were back in the UK! At the head of the gorge was a small weir and many Sand Martins were feeding on the . We were impressed by the local authorities who had installed a large wooden board against a bank of earth and had drilled Martin size holes to enable the to breed.

Continued on page 2

Contents

1-3. Trip to the UK by Doug Pocock

4. Toora, Gippsland by Warren Cousins

5-6. Challenge for high-rise real estate by Valerie Fowler

6. Interesting sightings. Whose ? Committee Looking over Loch na Keal, Mull photo © Alan Spellman 7. Proposed outing to Mud Islands notice. We left home on May 27th and flew one stop to Edinburgh. Lillydale update. Birdlife Yarra Valley camp notice. Here we picked up our hire car and were off. In the past we The one that nearly got away. found it best to pre-book accommodation so we headed for 8-9. Reports of Meetings and Outings New Lanark mill town. This was a fascinating place to stay, built by Richard Owen, an early reformer, as an enlightened 10. Calendar of Events place of employment. For instance he did not employ children under the age of ten instead he provided schooling for them. After a good look around the mills and museum we went for a walk along the River Clyde. No dirty industrial ship yards here but delightful wooded gorges and waterfalls.

Lyrebird Tales

at our hotel at Glencaple overlooking the River Nith estuary. Walking along the river before dinner we saw Great Crested Grebe, Black-backed Gull, Shellduck and Whimbrel. Our reason to stop here was to visit the Caerlaeverock wetland centre next day, run by Peter Scott’s Wetland and Wildlife Trust (WWT). Near the reception centre were bird feeders and we had a good look at both House and Tree Sparrows, I think I can now reliably tell them apart. Others joining in the feeding melee were Greenfinches and Yellowhammers with Rock Doves enjoying the scattered and nuts on the ground. Walking around the wetlands we saw Canada Geese, Lapwings, Widgeon and Little Egret.

Stonechat photo © Alan Spellman

On to the Mull of Galloway to a B&B at Drummore seeing Sparrows and Starlings along the way. It’s odd to happily include these on a list! We stopped briefly at Culzean Castle where we added Mute Swan, Mallard and Moorhen, then onto the coast near Stranraer. With the tide out we spotted Mergansers, Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks and Ringed Plovers. Thick mist and a heavy drizzle greeted us next morn so we went to Port Logan (Black-headed Gulls and Rock Pipit) and Port Patrick (Fulmars on the cliffs and a lone Black Guillemot in the harbor) as the weather was clearing after lunch we went down to the tip of the Mull of Galloway. There is an RSPB site there and we met a very enthusiastic young warden. Walking over the heathlands, and hoping not to get Meadow Pipit photo © Alan Spellman blown away in the strong wind, we saw Skylarks, Stonechat Moving right along we travelled in England staying at and Redstart while down on the cliffs were Kittiwakes, Lancaster then on to Wales staying at Prestatyn. It was here Common Guillemots and Razorbills. We had hoped for Puffins that we did a very pleasant walk through the sand dunes to but in the strong wind we couldn’t hold the binoculars steady the RSPB site where there is the only breeding colony of enough to scan the rookeries. Little Terns in Britain. We again met a very enthusiastic warden protecting the site. A Peregrine Falcon flew over causing consternation amongst the terns but it didn’t get a feed. Returning through the dunes we saw Meadow Pipit and Reed Warblers. From here we went back into England to visit friends and rellies, castles and cathedrals. Not a lot to see in the more urban areas though we did see Common Buzzard, Red Kites and Jays as we drove along.

On the south coast in Sussex we went to Arundel castle, the home of the Duke of Norfolk. After touring the castle the duke didn’t invite us to stay for afternoon tea so we went up the road to the Arundel wetlands run by the WWT. Now this was a conundrum for us. Apart from being a sanctuary for migratory birds it is also used to breed endangered of ducks and geese. So which are part of the breeding program, therefore not a tick, and which are truly wild and using the Yellowhammer photo © Alan Spellman reserve as part of their natural migration? Magpie Geese, Wandering Whistling-duck and Australian Wood Duck we Next morn the weather was better as we headed off. At could rule out. (Incidentally we have never seen a Wandering Newton Stewart we diverted to an RSPB site, the Wood of Whistling-duck in Australia but we think it is cheating to Cree. After seeing a lot of extra countryside we finally found count that in our Australian list). There were many American, the site. We had lunch there after a pleasant short walk. Asian and African ducks which were interesting but not in the Going via a Neolithic chambered cairn we found the lovely field guide. We didn’t count the Long-tailed Duck, Smew, village of Gatehouse of Fleet. It would have been nice to Northern Pintail, White-fronted Goose or Mandarin Duck even spend more time there but we had to travel on finally arriving though they are in the field guide. 2 Lyrebird Tales Lyrebird Tales

However we ticked Egyptian Goose, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, and Widgeon.

Leaving the south we had two days near Oxford with Jan’s South African cousins (explanation too long) and then quickly up to Scotland to see my son, Gareth, and his wife and our grand-daughter. They live just south of Edinburgh in a quiet village with plenty of vegetation. From the backyard we saw Great Spotted Woodpecker, Bullfinch and Chiffchaff. After a few days celebrating birthdays and housewarmings we headed up to Mull for a few days. Many readers would have met Alan Spellman from Mull on outings and club meetings, we were lucky as we contacted him and were able to arrange to meet him. Alan very generously gave us two days of his time and drove us around Mull to see birds and beauty spots. Our list with Alan started with the White-tailed Eagle and Common Sandpiper photo © Alan Spellman then Common Sandpiper, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Whinchat, Hen Harrier, Hooded Crow, Wheatear, Arctic Tern, Curlew, Reed Bunting, Redstart, Redshank and Golden Eagle. Apart from the beaut birds we saw some corners of Mull which we would never have seen without him. He also showed us lots of beautiful terrestrial orchids.

While on Mull we arranged to visit friends on the Isle of Iona. Alan had told us that the UK twitching world was preparing to descend on Iona in large numbers as there was a report of a Great Spotted Cuckoo on the Island, the first for 50+ years. Our friends lived near where the cuckoo was reported but we saw lots of twitchers but no cuckoo. However we did hear a Corncrake and saw a Great Northern Diver. Back on Mull, while visiting Governor Lachlan Macquarie’s mausoleum we saw Treecreepers and Coal Tits.

We returned to the mainland and back to Gareth for a few more days and then home. We had a total of 106 birds on Hooded Crow photo © Alan Spellman our list.

Mull Orchids photos © Alan Spellman

Common Spot Orchid & Greater Butterfly Orchid Wheatear photo © Alan Spellman

Northern Marsh & Heath Spot & (R) Pyramidal Orchids Right photo Hen Harrier (male) © Alan Spellman September 2019 3 Lyrebird Tales

Toora, South Gippsland by Warren Cousins perched waiting for the sun to rise. I saw both a couple of times later in the walk, now in hunting mode. Eastern Just prior to my long-awaited trip to the Simpson Desert, Rosellas were quite plentiful; outnumbering it seemed their Brenda and I visited her sister who lives in Toora, South Crimson mates. Also saw some Eastern Spinebills, Flame Gippsland. It is a small farming town with a population of I Robins, Grey Currawong, Grey Shrike-thrush, and White- believe less than 600, and is situated at the foot of Mt Best eared Honeyeaters. with Mt Fatigue to the north. Both offer spectacular views of Corner Inlet and Wilsons Prom. In the north east of the town As we set out for home, one of my favourite birds, a Wedge- is one of 's first wind farms and the spectacular Agnes tailed Eagle, was there to see us off, soaring quite low over Falls - the state's highest single span waterfall. Agnes Falls is the nearby hills. This brought my Toora total to 53 species. easily accessible by car from Toora. I'm sure this will increase as we return here in the future.

On arrival I walked the 9km return trip to the nearby internationally recognized wetlands site. There is a bird hide located there, but unless you are quite small, the window cutouts seem much too low, and you get quickly uncomfortable hunched down. As we were here in winter, all the migratory birds were of course long gone. However it's always nice to see Black Swans, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, Pacific Gulls, White-faced and White-necked Herons, and Australasian Grebe. When we visited on prior occasions I also saw Eastern Curlews, Crested Tern, Great and Little Pied Cormorant, Eastern Great Egret, and Yellow- billed Spoonbill. There is also a boat launch area close by, so this gives another viewing area.

Pied Oystercatchers photo © Peter Fowler

Black Swan photo © Peter Fowler

On day 2 I wanted to walk the 10km stretch from Welshpool to Toora, part of the Great Southern Rail Trail that runs from Crested Tern photo © Peter Fowler Leongatha to Port Welshpool, a distance of 74 km. The weather forecast was ominous with heavy rain predicted from late morning. Sacrificing a sleep-in I got up early, had breakfast and drove the short distance to Welshpool, thus being able to start walking at 7am and hopefully be home before the rain hit. Just how much can you trust the weather bureau radar predictions? Turns out this time I was lucky. Got home before 10am and the rain started at 10.30; PHEW!

This trail is a lovely scenic walk. Although it was darkish for the first 45 minutes, once things cleared, there were gorgeous views of Corner Inlet as you travel through areas of bushland and dairy farms. You also pass over the Agnes River as it flows towards the sea. The birding improved as the light became better. There were lots of Superb Fairy- wrens, Red-browed Finch, Silvereyes, Goldfinch, the ubiquitous Ibis (both White and Straw-necked), Starlings etc. Silvereye photo © Valerie Fowler I got nice early views of a pair of Black-shouldered Kites

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Challenge for high-rise real estate

It is not just people who are competing for accommodation in the suburbs but also the birds due to a lack of tree hollows.

At 10.06am, the Cockatoo was attacked from behind by a pair of Common Mynas. They have previously used the same hollow many times successfully chasing off intruders.

Early in June this pair of Rainbow Lorikeets challenged several other pairs of the same species for this hollow.

The Cockatoo takes a stance, defending itself by stretching its wings and screeching with its crest erect. They started to excavate the hole.

However at the end of July during mild weather the Having scared off the pair of Common Mynas the Cockatoo competition stepped up and a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo continues to excavate the hollow. arrived whilst the pair of Rainbow Lorikeets was away feeding at 10am. It started to peck at the hollow entrance.

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Interesting Sightings

June 2019 Crescent Honeyeaters (more abundant than previous years) - Toolangi. Manfred Hennig

16/6/19 Fork-tailed Swifts (a bit late in the season) - Badger Creek. Graeme George

27/6/19 Red-rumped Parrots (12-15) - Coldstream. Valerie Fowler

1/7/19 Yellow Thornbills and Brown Thornbills in mixed flock - Chum Creek. Michael Feller

3/7/19 Crescent Honeyeaters flock (30-40) – Toolangi. Manfred Hennig

20/7/19 Eastern Rosellas (10+) - Lillydale airport boundary. V & P Fowler

But the pair of Common Mynas return chasing off the Cocky. 26/7/19 GT Cormorant (4) - Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler

26/7/19 Crimson Rosellas (flock of 16) - Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler

26/7/19 Great Egrets (11) flying over Lillydale Lake. V & P Fowler

27/7/19 Straw-necked Ibis (11) – Chum Creek. Michael Feller

June & July Black Swans (pair) - Wetlands, Lillydale. Warren Cousins

BirdLife Australia Yarra Valley Branch

P.O. Box 1172, Healesville Vic. 3777

email: [email protected]

The pair of Mynas return to the hollow preparing to take Committee ownership. Convener: Warren Cousins

Deputy-Convener: Manfred Hennig

Secretary: Alma Mitchell Treasurer: Michael Feller

Conservation Officer: Michael Feller

Other Members: Jan Llewelyn. Doug Pocock

Whose feathers are these?

But immediately the Rainbow Lorikeets return chasing off the Common Mynas reclaiming their abode and not 10 minutes has passed from the start. Which species will eventually breed in this hollow only time will tell. The Manna Gum is one of only a few mature trees in the area, the majority have been removed to make way for sub-divisions to provide mostly rented accommodation for humans. Answer on page 9

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Proposed Outing to Mud Islands, Y.V. BIRDLIFE CAMP October 2019 Bay January 2020 This will be a come and go to suit you camp over the 11-14th October. People can arrive on Thursday 10th in the We are trying to organise a trip to Mud Islands. As the afternoon to take advantage of a full Friday’s birding. The number of passengers is limited to twenty if you are camp will be on a private conservation property in interested please email [email protected] for Wedderburn. There is plenty of room for tents and caravans. contact details for Michael Feller, Leader, as soon as possible There is some tank water available, shelter for birdcall if the and your name will be placed on the booking list. weather is crook and it will be possible to have a campfire. The bird list for the property is about 140 species seen.

Book with Doug or Jan at [email protected] or phone 5964 The one that nearly got away 4581 and we will send you information. We need to know the numbers to organize toilets.

Lillydale Lake Update

Great Cormorant photo © Valerie Fowler

In July whilst walking around Lillydale Lake our attention was drawn to movement in the water between the two islands. A Great Cormorant had caught a fish approximately 30cm long and was having a great deal of trouble trying to swallow it. The bird was flapping its wings in the water when the fish got Lights in exercising area photo © Peter Fowler stuck in its throat. This attracted the attention of a second Great Cormorant which was perched upon a rock which was 400 metres away. This second bird flew over to investigate and then dived on top of the bird with the fish submerging it. As both birds surfaced the Cormorant with the fish stretched its neck and tried again to swallow; the of the fish was visible poking out of its beak. The second bird again tried to overwhelm the first by jumping on its back whereby both birds were again submerged; they tussled and then surfaced with lots of splashing. The first Cormorant had still not completely swallowed the fish. This happened several times and attracted the attention of a third Great Cormorant which joined the scrimmage. By now things were getting serious with the two Great Cormorants ganging up on the first and trying to force the first bird to give up its fish. At one point Photo © Peter Fowler the fish did indeed appear fully again having been On the 26th of July LED lights were erected in the dog regurgitated whole. These birds continued to scuffle for some exercise area at Lillydale Lake, the hours that they will time. For a short while it seemed that perhaps the fish had illuminate this area can also be controlled by the council. got away. But no, it was again hooked on a Great Apparently this area can become very boggy in the winter. Cormorant’s beak but we could not tell if it was with the first bird that originally caught it. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes Extra soft lights have been erected alongside the path around after we started observing the fracas it was all over, the fish Lillydale Lake and two shelters containing seats have been was swallowed after several attempts and the fight was over. built too for those walking around the lake to stop and Surprisingly an Australian Darter nearby did not join in. admire the view whilst resting their legs. Valerie Fowler September 2019 7 Lyrebird Tales

Reports of Meetings and Outings June 8th – Outing to Warburton Trail. Millgrove to Warburton return. May 22nd Outing Autumn Survey RACV Club Healesville On a chilly winter morning, nine intrepid birdwatchers met in Weather: fine, sunny and pleasant for walking. The morning Millgrove for our outing to Warburton. The temperature level started off quite cool, and the birds did not want to show resulted in multiple layers of clothing, including beanies and themselves yet. A single White Ibis was flying over and we gloves in some cases. Despite the coolness we still needed to noticed the two resident Masked Lapwings. We checked the be aware of the many bike riders that frequent this upper dam and flushed out 30 to 40 Wood Ducks and about magnificent trail, certainly travelling at a fast pace compared 20 Pacific Black Ducks. to our sedate group. For the first hour or so we saw virtually Further on the walk there was a lone male Butcher Bird no "little" birds; presumably they were hunkered down singing his wonderful tune. Three Gang Gang Cockatoos flew awaiting the promised 18 degrees forecast for today. overhead, and we heard the squeaking calls of the Australian Crimson Rosellas, King Parrots, Pied Currawongs, and King Parrots (during the day we saw nearly 20 of them). Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were abundant and active. The sharp eyes of Marian (our Tawny expert) spotted in a distant Eastern Rosellas were quite common, grazing on grass seeds, tree a very large, presumably male , in the usual repose and the occasional Crimson Rosella was seen (about 6 or 7). parked high up in a gum We heard a few Kookaburras, sighting 4, and watched them ambushing unsuspecting worms. As we were approaching Warburton we had good views of a female or juvenile Satin and were encouraged to It started to warm up and we saw flocks of Sulphur Crested also see big fast moving flocks of Brown Thornbills. We heard Cockatoos coming over from the racecourse. We also noticed first and then saw quite a number of Eastern Spinebills, one small flocks of Long-billed Corellas and the occasional Galah. of which was looking quite magnificent and several From miles away we could hear Rainbow Lorikeets and Noisy commented it was one of the best specimens they had ever Miners, and found them all in a small but fully flowering seen. eucalypt. After arriving at the information centre, the group consensus In the wooded and bushy section of the Golf Course – usually was to get a warming coffee so we stopped for refreshments busy and populated with birds – we noticed a couple of at a local shop before proceeding on the return journey. By Striated Thornbills, Brown Thornbills and Eastern Spinebill. A this time the sun had come out beautifully and we all felt Spotted Pardalote, a Golden Whistler, and a White-eared quite reinvigorated. On the walk back nothing much new Honeyeater were heard. eventuated but the lovely trail was more than adequate A couple of families of Australian Magpies were on different compensation fairways, waiting for golfers to throw them a crumb. They Summary for the day was a total of 25 species. Until next recognise the golfers who feed them, and run towards them. time. Warren Cousins

Further on we saw Grey Fantails, one Willy Wagtail. We made June 26th Outing to Buxton Silver Gum Reserve, Buxton our way to the lower section of the Golf Course, near the Park & Fernshaw Reserve and pondage. There have been lots of new plantings over the last 12 months which has attracted Weather: Clear blue sky, extremely cold. Frost remnants on Thornbills, Silvereyes, and Red-browed Finches. A couple of grass. Little Ravens made an appearance, as well as a family of Seven keen observers braved the cold, and if it hadn’t been Magpie Larks. for the road sign, some could have ended up in Alexandra or On the pondage we saw several species of ducks, including even Mt Buller … some Chestnut Teals. There were half a dozen Purple In the car park, there was a great flurry of activity with 30- Swamphens, 1 Dusky Moorhen, and 20 to 30 Eurasian Coots. 40 Thornbills - both Striated and Brown - eating microscopic We were lucky to see 3 different types of Cormorant – Little sized insects at the tips of the silver wattles. A few Yellow Pied, Great, and Little Black. Ian spotted a couple of Common Robins joined the feasting. From the car park we also saw Bronzewing Pigeons, and Welcome Swallows were flying Galahs, Fairy Wrens, a couple of Kookaburras and a few around the club house. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos. Two Wood Ducks flew past, and Lastly, the feral Goose. Once domesticated, it has been living then we were on our way. wild at the RACV for the past 2-3 years, and having lost its On our walk birds were few and far between. They popped partner, now has to be friends with the ducks. out to occasionally surprise us, such as a Crimson Rosella, The outing started slowly, but we ended up with 41 species, then a female King Parrot, some Eastern Spinebills and a few including the Goose. Manfred Hennig White-throated Tree Creepers. The staccato chatter of the Lewin’s Honeyeater and the fast “chowk chowk chowk” of White-eared Honeyeaters were heard, but the birds stayed hidden. Led on by their distinctive “Egypt” call, we did spot some Crescent Honeyeaters.

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Then the bird of the day: One beautiful Yellow Tufted main cafe, and we three got away earlier than normal, and a Honeyeater (the rare Gippsland form), perched on a bare bit wetter. Warren Cousins branch just above the path. A good photo opportunity. July 24th Outing to Baluk Willam Nature Conservation Grey Shrike Thrushes and White-browed Scrubwrens were Reserve heard and seen numerous times. A male Eastern Whipbird Ten of us gathered at this small but important reserve. There was heard, but there was no female answering. was enough wind to keep the temperature down and while Back in the car park we saw a Red Wattlebird, and a few the sun frequently shone it was not enough to raise the Silvereyes. We made our way to Buxton Park where we were temperature. The notice at the car park reminded us why this greeted by some New Holland Honeyeaters plus an Australian reserve is so special, there are 73 species of terrestrial and Little Raven. A Common Blackbird scuttled away, but a orchids recorded here, more than one third of all Victorian Grey Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, and Pied Currawong species. were all waiting for us. At the other end of the oval we However we were not here for the orchids but for the birds! noticed movement in the grass, there were 6–8 There were a few sighted while waiting for the group to female/immature feeding. Then on the way to the gather, a lovely Grey Shrike-thrush posed for us in a dead Three River Junction car park we saw approximately another tree and a Purple Swamphen was seen on a fence post of 20 Bowerbirds, 8–10 Currawongs and lots of Magpies all the neighbouring property. The walk started with a small loop feeding together in the grass. That was the surprise of the from the car park, not a lot of bird activity so some of the outing. botanically inclined enjoyed orchids and small shrubs in On our return we stopped at Fernshaw reserve, but no new bloom. We saw a few Striated Thornbills but when we birds were recorded. A total of 32 species were observed on reached the open paddock there were Grey Butcherbirds, the day. Manfred Hennig Grey Currawongs, Wood Ducks and Magpie Larks amongst others. As we walked along the track we met a keen orchid July 13th Outing to Sherbrooke Forest enthusiast, he was the orchid equivalent of a twitcher. His keen-ness was contagious and for a while it looked as if the group were going to change their allegiances, however stern words from the leader brought everyone back into line.

We crossed the road and picked up a foot track on the side of the road, we very soon got a sighting of the first of many Eastern Yellow Robins. White-eared Honeyeaters and Eastern Spinebills were also noted. There were many Rainbow Lorikeets flying over as well as Crimson and Eastern Rosellas. photo © Michael Feller. Following tracks through the woodland was very quiet until we met a mixed feeding flock which gave us Brown Thornbills In light of the awful wet /cold weather over the last few days, with Striated higher up in the canopy, Spotted Pardalotes and it was no surprise to see only three brave birdwatchers turn Golden Whistlers. The track came out to the road and we up to Grants. Indeed it was still cold with a max of only about crossed over and picked up another track which headed back 8 degrees, and rain was definitely on the agenda. to the cars. Along the way we saw White-throated Nevertheless Tom, Michael and Warren proceeded with Treecreepers, Silvereyes and White-browed Scrubwren. intrepid intentions (plus umbrellas at the ready). The usual Lunch was enjoyed at the cars and we had tantalizing Crimson Rosellas were seen in abundance, and we heard a glimpses of a raptor through the trees. Eventually, we had a couple of Superb Lyrebirds virtually immediately. good enough look for Geoff to identify it as a Brown Kookaburras were everywhere and it was nice to see small Goshawk. We assumed it was the one that had caused groups of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos. consternation amongst the birds earlier but we couldn’t see After 30 minutes or so, it did start to rain. This made it. effective birdwatching difficult with both wet binoculars and After lunch we drove to Mount Morton. There were extensive the handling of umbrellas. We kept going just a further short views through the trees from the top, Melbourne in the distance before admitting defeat and heading back. We were distance and the opposite way and the nevertheless rewarded with good views of Yellow Robins and Dandenongs between. Common Mynahs were the only new White-throated Treecreepers, plus shortly after a solo male birds seen (don’t tell Val) and something calling from over Lyrebird scratching nearby for tucker. It was also amusing to the road would not show itself so went unrecorded. Bird call later see another Lyrebird (juvenile) right back at the main gave us 29 species which we were pleased with considering carpark in plain view. It was well framed by the track there were no trees blooming and it was quite cool all day. signpost under which he was grubbing away quite Probably the pick of the day was the Golden Whistler. contentedly. Doug Pocock In light of the awful weather and shortened walk, we only Answer to whose bird feathers? Wood Duck scored 15 species. A hot coffee and cake awaited us at the

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Birdlife Yarra Valley Calendar January to March 2020 email: [email protected] Basic dates only. Check next newsletter or Birdlife Yarra Valley website for further details. Postal address: Birdlife Australia, Yarra Valley Branch, P.O. Box 1172, Healesville, Vic. 3777. January

Meetings are held in the Badger Creek Hall Meeting Room at Sat 11 - Breakfast with the Birds – at Margaret Lewis 7.45 p.m. Badger Creek Rd. Badger Creek (next to CFA). Reserve, Coldstream. Meet at 8:30am. Bring your own Melway Edn 39 278 F8. breakfast. Coming from Lilydale on Maroondah Highway, turn Meetings and Outings automatically cancelled on days right into Ingram Road, then left and follow Reserve fence of Total Fire Ban in the Central and North-central Fire line to parking lot on left. Melway Edition 46 Map 281 B11. Districts. (Central unless notified otherwise) This will be followed by a visit to Murrup Brarn Yarra Flats Billabongs near Yarra Glen. Turn right off Melba Hwy. just Calendar October to December 2019 after crossing the into the parking lot. Melway Edition 46 Map 275 A2. Leader: Warren Cousins. October Tuesday 14 – Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA Tuesday 8 - Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA. Wed 22 – Proposed outing to Mud Islands, Port Phillip Saturday 11-14 Birdlife Yarra Valley Camp at Wedderburn. Bay. We are trying to organise a trip to Mud Islands. As the Book with Doug or Jan at [email protected] or phone number of passengers is limited to twenty If you are 5964 4581 and we will send you information. We need to interested please contact [email protected] as soon know the numbers to organize toilets. See notice inside this as possible and your name will be placed on the booking list. magazine. See Notice on page 7. If this trip cannot be organised an Wednesday 23 - Park. Directions: Melway alternative venue will be chosen and those who have Map 120 H11. Meet at main car park Silvan-Monbulk Road at contacted us will be informed otherwise check the Birdlife 9.30 a.m. Yarra Valley website for updates. November February

Saturday 9 - Outing to Coranderrk (Bushland) Nature Sat 8 Outing to Heritage Wetlands, Chirnside Park. Meet at Conservation Reserve. Directions: Melway Map 278 F10. 9:30am at car park at the end of Lower Homestead Road. Meet at 9.30 a.m. sharp at Gate 1 (opposite Fleay Road), Melway Edition 46 Map 279 B4 Badger Avenue, Badger Creek. Gate will close at 9.30 a.m. Tuesday 11th - Meeting. Speaker: John Barkla. Subject: sharp. “Twelve journeys across the Nullarbor”.

Tuesday 12 - Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA. Wed 26 – Outing to Warburton Trail, Seville to Wandin and Wednesday 27 - Outing to RACV Healesville Country Club, return (carry lunch) Meet at 9:30am at site of Seville Railway Healesville-Kinglake Road, Healesville. Directions: Melway Station, just past intersection of Station and Victoria Roads, Map 269 J12. Meet at 9.30 a.m. at lower first car park on Seville. Melway Edition 46 Map 119 K7. Leaders: Doug the right. Pocock and Jan Llewelyn. December March

Saturday 14 - Outing to Badger Weir Park, Badger Creek for Tuesday 10 – Meeting. Speaker and Subject TBA Christmas break-up and BYO picnic lunch. Directions: Melway Sat 14 - Doongalla Forest Park, Dandenong Ranges National Map 278 K9. Follow Badger Weir Road to car park. Meet at Park. Meet at 9:30 am at the first picnic area. Melway Edition 9.30 a.m. 46 Map 66 D 5. Followed by Liverpool Retarding Basin Melway Edition 46 Map 65 G5. Meet at entrance carpark. Leaders: Doug Pocock and Jan Llewelyn. Wed 25 - Toorourrong Reservoir Meet 9:30am at first car park. From Whittlesea take Kinglake West Road, look for Jack’s Creek Road on your left, and the Toorourrong Sign. Melway Edition 46 Map X910 N11 Followed by . Park first picnic area off Reservoir Rd Melway Edition 46 Map X910 M11.

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