Crested Shrike-tit by David Ong
This page lists outings, surveys, camps and other activities planned by the Echuca and Disgtrict Branch of BOCA over forthcoming months.
All BOCA members, not just those who reside in the greater Echuca district, are welcome to attend our outings and safaris. Potential members are also welcome.
In some cases, e.g. safaris and cruises, bookings are necessary. Where bookings are required, this is stated in the text about the event.
On outings, please bring a fold- up chair, morning tea (if you desire it) and, on outings, lunch.
Please bring binoculars if you have them.
It may be a good idea to download the latest newsletter and, especially if travelling a long distance, ring the leader beforehand: if you are not an Echuca resident, an alternative meeting place may be possible, saving travel time and distance.
Echuca and District Branch, Bird Observation & Conservation Australia
Hobby by Murray Chambers
Coming outings & surveys
Quarterly surveys
Following a request made by DPI Kerang, the Branch has agreed to assist water authorities and DPI Kerang to carry out quarterly bird surveys at specific locations alongside Splatts Lagoon (the course of Gunbower Creek prior to the construction of The National Channel), other areas alongside Gunbower Creek and Cockatoo Lagoon.The surveys are associated with assessing the success of environmental works. Fences are being repaired and built to prevent cattle from damaging public land and polluting the creek (which provides drinking water). Where necessary, indigenous vegetation will be planted and rabbit warrens destroyed.
Splatts Lagoon/Mahers Creek surveys are planned for 11 August and 26 October. Survey dates for other stretches have not yet been set Please contact Dallas Wyatt if you are prepared to help (his mobile phone number is on the front page of the latest newsletter).
It is likely that some other areas will be surveyed on a quarterly basis.
Reports of outings which have taken place over the past few years are on a separate page. (To enter, click Outing reports button at top of this page).
2, 3 and/or 11th August
Quarterly bird surveys: Mahers Creek and Splatts Lagoon (note change of meeting place)
Leader: Dallas Wyatt. IMPORTANT: Please contact Dallas on his mobile number if you are prepared to help with surveys so that a suitable date can be arranged.Sunday 21st August
Mount Black, Heathcote-Graytown National Park
Leader: ?. Meet 9am at the crossroads in Graytown (VicRoads Map 45H7). Note: Graytown is a locality only. Bring lunch. Please contact President Peter prior to coming.Saturday 11th September
Bael Bael Grasslands
Leader: Eris and/or Dallas. Visit one of Victoria’s newest conservation reserves at a time when many grasses, lillies and peas may be in flower. Several inland birds have been observed here. (see ‘Interesting Sightings in our December newsletter). Much walking is involved. Bring lunch. Meet Atkinson Park, Murray Valley Highway, Kerang (VicRoads 7th edition Map 592 B5).Friday 17th - Sunday 19th September
Australian Bird Fair, Leeton (Yanco College)
This year's bird fair is to be followed by the bi-annual BOCA conference.Friday 1st - Sunday 3rd October
Camp at Terrick Terrick National Park
Birding and work bees in Terrick Terrick National Park. Organised by Friends of Terrick Terrick National Park, the weekend also features guest speakers and a variety of activities. Camping sites available at Davies Homestead. Arrive after 4pm Friday afternoon. Evening sessions seeking Plains-wanderer. Half-day bird outing in the Park on Sunday 3rd..The weekend after the Friends of TerrickTerrick National Park weekend, BOCA plans a camp at Yanac North, in the Mallee, near Broken Bucket. Echuca and District Branch's secretary is organising this camp. Should you wish to arrive earlier or stay longer, there is a camping area with toilet at Broken Bucket Reserve.
Late in October, over the Melbourne Cup 'long weekend' BOCAs photography group plans to have a photographic workshop based on Gunbower Island. For details, contact PhotoBOCA via the email address on BOCA headquarters web site.
Outings for November and December are to be listed here later in 2010.
Sunday 14th November
Annual Superb Parrot Count
The Superb Parrot count is conducted annually in the Picola region of Victoria and over the border in Millewa National Park. Contact the Branch Secretary for details.The Challenge Bird Count will be conducted early in December. Contact President Peter Allan if you wish to participate.
The Branch's AGM and Christmas luncheon is to be held on the second Sunday of December, i.e. Sunday 12 December 2010.
Click next button for reports of recent outings
Click menu button for index to the northern Victoria and southern Riverina conservation and environment site
