More places to visit EAST GIPPSLAND BIRDING GUIDE While in East Gippsland there are a variety of places to visit. Some can be a quick picnic stop, while at others you may wish to stay awhile or return to, because several are sites for seasonal migrant . Buchan On the web at www.birdlife.org.au/locations/ Guide b ir d lif e -e a s t -g ip p s la n d No. Location 1. BAIRNSDALE 2. LINDENOW 3. MITCHELL RIVER Postal Address Box 825 Bairnsdale, NATIONAL PARK , 3875 4. PAYNESVILLE Em a il 5. NICHOLSON [email protected] 6. METUNG 7. LAKES ENTRANCE 8. LAKE TYERS 9. BRUTHEN 10. BUCHAN 11. NOWA NOWA

12. MARLO Chestnut-rumped Heathwren - John Hutchison 13. OMEO

14. MALLACOOTA

Bird watc h ing aro u nd 2. Buchan

Buc h an Also the Chestnut-rumped Heathwren can be The picnic area at The Caves carpark has BBQ, found in the heath and Turquoise Parrots may a kiosk and toilet facilities available. A camping also be present in the rough grassed areas. ground is adjacent to the picnic area. It is also an excellent place for birds. Buchan is well known for its underground Both the Restless and Leaden Flycatcher inhabit wonderland of caves. Frank Moon discovered A number of walks are available including Spring the Fairy Cave in 1907 and three years later the area near the golf clubhouse. A good variety of Honeyeater, Whistler, Thornbill and Gerygone Creek Walk (3km return); Moon Hill Walk in 1910 the Royal Cave was discovered. South (0.5km return); Caves Reserve Track ( 4km of the town is the Buchan Racecourse and could also be seen. return); and Granite Pools Walk (4km return). Golf Course. The Superb Lyrebird can be sighted along the Spring Creek and Granite Pools Walks. 1. Canni Creek Other species in the area are:-Australian King “Canni Creek” is the local name for the Parrot, Australian Raven, White-winged , Buchan Golf Course and Race Track. Canni Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Yellow-tufted Creek is worth a visit as the various habitats, Honeyeater, Golden and Rufous Whistler, Eastern including heath, supports a rich diversity of Yellow Robin and the Restless Flycatcher. species. Park maps are available at the kiosk. To get to Canni Creek from the south take the turn off from the Bairnsdale/Buchan Road on For further information see the Bird List Brochure the right, just after crossing Canni Creek. The “Birds that may be seen at Buchan Caves track is lined with Callistemons so watch for Reserve” Honeyeaters when the Callistemons flower in spring.

The track forks – the left fork takes you to the race track, while the right leads to the golf course. As golfers may be using the course it is better to park around at the race track. It is, however, worthwhile to take a walk right around the area including the far side near the golf club rooms.

The Hooded Robin was once resident at Canni Creek however it has not been seen for a number of years now. However, it may return so is worth keeping in mind while birding at

Canni Creek. Other species of robin found here include Scarlet, Flame, Rose and Eastern Yellow Eastern Spinebill by Margaret Alexander, Lindenow Robins. The Southern Emu-wren is difficult to find but is Information prepared by Nancy Taylor, 2004 regularly found in the heath and Callistemon Updated June 2012 vegetation.