This page contains reports on outings of the Echuca and District Branch of Bird Observation & Conservation Australia.

It can be assumed that birds like Galah, Magpie, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Superb Blue Wren, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Starling, House Sparrow, Crimson Rosella (yellow form), Red-rumped Parrot, Wood Duck, Kookaburra, Long-billed Corella, Grey Shrike Thrush, Black Duck, Maned Duck, White-plumed Honeyeater, Red Wattle Bird, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Welcome Swallow, Australian Raven, Little Raven, Brown Treecreeper, White-throated Treecreeper, Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon), Crested Pigeon, Magpie Lark, House Sparrow, Blackbird and Willie Wagtail were observed on most or all outings. Hence they are probably not listed.

Reports on outings are included in branch newsletters.

Copyright of all photographs on this site remains with the photographers.

List of birds which have been observed in northern Victoria and/or southern Riverina
Emu
Stubble Quail
Brown Quail
Magpie Goose
Plumed Whistling Duck
Blue-billed Duck
Musk Duck
Black Swan
Aust. Shelduck
Australian Wood Duck (common)
Mallard
Pacific Black Duck (common)
Australasian Shoveler
Grey Teal
Chestnut Teal
Pink-eared Duck
Hardhead
Australasian Grebe
Hoary-headed Grebe
Great-crested Grebe
Australian Darter
Little Pied Cormorant
Pied Cormorant
Little Black Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Pelican
White-faced Heron
White-necked Heron
Little Egret (locally uncommon)
Great Egret
Intermediate Egret
Cattle Egret
Nankeen Night Heron
Glossy Ibis
Australian White Ibis (common)
Straw-necked Ibis (Common)
Royal Spoonbill
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
Black-shouldered Kite
Black Kite Whistling Kite
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Spotted Harrier (uncommon)
Swamp Harrier
Brown Goshawk
Grey Goshawk
Collared Sparrowhawk
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Little Eagle
Brown Falcon
Australian Hobby
Peregrine Falcon
Nankeen Kestrel
Brolga
Buff-banded Rail
Aust. Spotted Crake
Baillons Crake
Purple Swamphen (common)
Dusky Moorhen
Black-tailed Native Hen
Eurasian Coot (common)
Little Button-quail
Painted Button-quail
Australian Painted Snipe (endangered, uncommon)
Latham's Snipe
Common Greenshank
Common Sandpiper
Ruddy Turnstone (usually uncommon)
Sanderling (usually uncommon)
Red-necked Stint
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Curlew Sandpiper
Bush Stone-curlew (locally uncommon)
Black-winged Stilt
Banded Stilt
Red-necked Avocet
Red Knot (very uncommon)
Grey Plover (uncommon)
Red-capped Plover
Double-banded Plover
Black-fronted Dotterel
Red-kneed Dotterel
Banded Lapwing
Masked Lapwing (common)
Australian Pratincole
Silver Gull (locally uncommon)
Caspian Tern
Crested Tern
Common Tern
Whiskered Tern
Rock (Feral) Dove
Spotted Turtle Dove
Common Bronzewing
Crested Pigeon (common)
Diamond Dove (locally uncommon)
Peaceful Dove
Galah (common)
Long-billed Corella (common)
Little Corella
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (common)
Gang Gang Cockatoo
Rainbow Lorikeet (south of region)
Musk Lorikeet
Little Lorikeet
Purple-crowned Lorikeet
King Parrot (east of region only)
Regent Parrot (north-west of region)
Crimson Rosella (yellow form)(common)
Crimson Rosella (Crimson form)
Eastern Rosella
Australian (Mallee) Ringneck
Blue Bonnet (north of region)
Red-rumped Parrot
Budgerigar
Blue-winged Parrot (locally uncommon)
Superb Parrot
Cockatiel
Pallid Cuckoo
Brush Cuckoo
Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Black-eared Cuckoo
Horsfield's Bronze Cuckoo
Shining Bronze Cuckoo
Barking Owl (endangered)
Southern Boobook
Barn Owl
Tawny Frogmouth
Spotted Nightjar (locally uncommon)
Aust. Owlet-nightjar (locally uncommon)
White-throated Needletail
Fork-tailed Swift
Azure Kingfisher
Sacred Kingfisher
Laughing Kookaburra (common)
Rainbow Bee-eater
Dollarbird
White-th'ted Tree-creeper (common)
Brown Tree-creeper
Superb Fairy-wren (common)
Splendid Fairy-wren
Variegated Fairy-wren (north-west of region)
White-winged Fairy-wren
Southern Emu-wren
Spotted Pardalote
Striated Pardalote
White-browed Scrubwren
Shy Heathwren (Hylacola)
Speckled Warbler
Weebill
Western Gerygone
Brown Thornbill
Chestnut-rmpd Thornbill
Buff-rumped Thornbill (common)
Yellow-rumped Thornbill (common)
Yellow (Little) Thornbill
Striated Thornbill
Southern Whiteface
Red Wattlebird (common)
Little Wattlebird
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Noisy Friarbird (common at times)
Little Friarbird
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Noisy Miner (common)
Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
Black-chinned Honeyeater
White-naped Honeyeater
Singing Honeyeater
White-eared Honeyeater
Fuscous Honeyeater
White-plumed Honeyeater (common)
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Brown-headed Honeyeater
Black Honeyeater
Eastern Spinebill
White-fronted Chat
Jacky Winter
Rose Robin
Red-capped Robin
Flame Robin
Hooded Robin
Eastern Yellow Robin
Scarlet Robin
Grey-crowned Babbler
White-browed Babbler
Varied Sittella
Crested Shrike-tit
Crested Bellbird (locally uncommon)
Grey Shrike-thrush
Golden Whistler
Gilbert's Whistler (locally uncommon)
Rufous Whistler (common in bushland)
Restless Flycatcher
Leaden Flycatcher
Magpie Lark (common)
Grey Fantail
Willie Wagtail
Masked Woodswallow
Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike (common)
White-bellied Cuckoo Shrike
Olive-backed Oriole
White-browed Woodswallow
Dusky Woodswallow
White-breasted Woodswallow
Black-faced Woodswallow
White-winged Triller
Pied Butcherbird
Grey Butcherbird
Pied Currawong
Grey Currawong
Australian Raven (common)
Little Raven (common)
White-winged Chough (common)
Australian Magpie (common)
Skylark
Australasian Pipit
House Sparrow (common)
Tree Sparrow
Zebra Finch
Red-browed Finch
Diamond Firetail
European Goldfinch
Mistletoe Bird
Welcome Swallow (common)
White-backed Swallow
Tree Martin
Fairy Martin
Australian Reed Warbler
Little Grassbird
Horsfields Bushlark
Brown Songlark
Rufous Songlark
Golden-headed Cisticola
Silvereye
Blackbird (common)
Starling (common)
Indian Mynah

2010 Outings

Gulpa Island, Millewa National Park
On an overcast and cool day in mid July, nine of us met in Mathoura and spent the day birding on Gulpa Island. Most of Gulpa Island is part of the new Millewa National Park and is bounded by the Edward River and Gulpa Creek. Despite good rains in the weeks prior to the outing, we were able to access much of the island. A highlight was a mixed flock of thornbills and otherr bush birds observed on the sandhills of Sages Track.

During 'morning tea', a male Crested Shrike-tit perched in a tree above the picnic table near Cranes Bridge.

Little water remained in the Reed Beds. There were very few birds to be seen, and the swans and emus which the leader had observed there the previous day had departed. However, their departure was more than made up for by the sighting of a Buff-banded Rail just metres from the hide. The resident Swamp Harrier put in an appearance and flushed up a few Great Egrets .A pair of Flame Robins came to drink at the base of the hide.

About 50 species were observed during the outing.

Wyuna
On an overcast and cool day in mid June, Bev and Alan Curtis led an outing in the Wyuna area.

First stop was a private property near Yambuna Bridge, ‘Inverness’, which has a large wetland alongside the owners’ house.  There were very few water birds on the lagoon, possibly because it was winter and the lagoon had only just received water, and possibly because large numbers of water birds had moved north and inland to take advantage of floodwaters.

Nonetheless, about 28 species were observe there, including Pied Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, Brown-headed Honeyeater and Grey Shrike-thrush.

Next stop was the Allan Corey Roadside Reserve where we were disturbed to see a pile of logs, clay and rubble dumped alongside the memorial sign!

We spent the rest of the outing in the Wyuna River Reserve. This is one of relatively few places in our region where a big area of healthy box forest is alongside a river. We observed 27 bird species in the reserve, including Darter, Red-capped Robin, Scarlet Robin, Hooded Robin, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Jacky Winter, Fantail Cuckoo, Pied Currawong, Red-browed Finch, Eastern Rosella, and four Thornbill species.

The total number of bird species observed during the outing was 51. KS.

Note: May's Perricoota Forest outing was abandoned because of continuous rain and boggy forest tracks.

Big Day Out: Kerang District
In April, seven observers attended an outing to the Kerang area. 70 bird species were observed during the outing.

At Fosters Swamp, we saw 28 species, the highlight being a large mixed flock of Double-banded Dotterel and Red-necked Stint, some showing breeding plumage. We also saw Red-capped dotterel, Black-fronted Dotterel, White-fronted Chat, Black-winged Stilt. On a large, salt-affected area where treated sewage is deposited and allowed to evaporate, there were hundreds of Mountain Duck. Raptors present were Nankeen Kestrel, Black Kite, Brown Falcon and Black-shouldered Kite.

We then moved on to the Ibis rookery at Reedy Lake, which has an elaborate bird hide. The rookery was not active at that time of year but we had a good view of Darter and saw a large, mixed flock of Tree and Fairy Martins.

On our way to Lake Boga, we had an excellent view of a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles roosting on a bank of dirt close to the highway.
We then had lunch alongside Lake Boga which, after having been dry for months, again had water. Whilst we had lunch on the northern edge of Lake Boga, a White-breasted Sea-eagle glided over us.

Post lunch, we drove to Goshen Flora Reserve. The birding there was very good, with plenty of locusts for the White- browed Woodswallows to feast on. We had good views of an Owlet Nightjar roosting at the end of a hollow. There was flock of perhaps 15 White-browed Babblers. Other highlights at Goschen included Hooded Robin, Variegated Fairy-wren, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and Singing Honeyeater. 17 species were observed at Goschen.

White-winged Fairy-wrens were sighted at Korrak Korrak Grassland Reserve and Banded Plover were nearby.
In transit back to Kerang, we saw a couple of flocks of Blue Bonnet. ~ Dallas Wyatt

Bendigo
Our March outing was to Epsom waste water rehabilitation facility (sewasge treatment ponds) and to the Woodvale area. A Nankeen Night-heron was one of the birds observed at our meeting place alongside Lake Weeroona.

During the outing, 60 species were observed. In additon, many members observed additional birds en route to and from the outing, e.g. Fuscous Honeyeaters and woodswallows at Millwood Dam.

Birds observed at the sewage ponds included Blue-billed Duck, Black Swan (with cygnets), Shoveller, Hardhead, Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebe, Little Pied and Little Black Cormorant, White and Straw-necked Ibis, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian Coot, Masked Lapwing, Spotted Dove, Peaceful Dove, Crested Pigeon, Rainbow Lorikeet (uncommon in this area), Musk Lorikeet, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, New Holland Honey-eater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Spotless Crake, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, White-winbged Chough, Red-browed Finch, Tree Martin, Fairy Martin and Little Grassbird.

There were relatively few birds at Woodvale. Some birds observed there included Shelduck, Silver Gull and a Red-necked Avocet (on evoration ponds), Fuscous honeyeater and Red Wattle Bird.

Campaspe River
Our February outing was to a number of reserves alongside the Campaspe River. Because bush bird numbers are so low, it was hoped to also visit some local water rehabilitation ponds (i.e. sewage farms). Indeed, a few members visited some of the ponds under the supervision of a Coliban Water manager the previous weekend. But, at the last minute, the manager had work commitments so we were unable to visit the ponds as planned. Nevertheless, over 50 species were observed during the outing, including Black Swan, Shelduck, Grey Teal, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Pelican, White-faced Heron, Black Kite, Whistling Kite,, Brolga, Eastern Swamp hen, Dusky Moorhen, Red-capped Plover, Masked Lapwing, Peaceful Dove, Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, White-fronted Chat, Crested Shrike Tit, Restless Flycatcher, Pipit and Tree Martin.

Highlights included sighting two Brolga at Greens Lake and a number of Crested Shrike-tits at Runnymeade.

White Ibis Survey
Early in February, the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service conducted a state-wide survey of White Ibis. With only a few days notice, we rounded up a few members and surveyed White Ibis over much of the southern Riverina. Very few White Ibis were observed. There were a few at Moira lake, the Moama Wetlands and one in a house garden in Mathoura which I am assured was not a concrete one. The results were emailed to the Service.

Shinbone Alley
Our first outing for 2010 was to Shinbone Alley, a section of Echuca Historic Features Reserve (Banyula Forest) upstream of the Echuca-Moama Bridge. Leader Michele grew up in a shack on a section of the flood plain, Shinbone Alley, an area of slightly higher land. Today, little evidence remains that dwellings were once here. The bush has regenerated. Birds observed during our riverside walk from the Information Centre to and from Shinbone Alley included Darter, Whistling Kite, Sacred Kingfisher, Dollarbird, Weebill, Varied Sittella, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Red-capped Robin, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, White-winged Chough, Red-browed Finch and Welcome Swallow

Several members of Echuca Landcare Group and the local mayor accompanied us on the walk. A cheque was presented to the Landcare group to help fund the cost of producing a brochure on local birds.

2009 Outings

2009 Challenge Bird Count
With the help of Bev and Alan Curtis, David Ong, Dallas Wyatt and myself, our 15th annual Challenge Bird Count was completed, resulting in 134 species and just over 6,000 individual birds. No more species were added to our overall total, which remains at 189 according to my records.

Due to wet tracks and other weather problems, we were unable to cover some areas west of Echuca. We also missed out on official confirmation of owls, frogmouths and curlews which Dallas had observed earlier in the Kanyapella Basin. The best places were Wyuna River Reserve, the Corop area and the ever-reliable Moama Wetlands. The most disappointing area was along Perricoota Road, including the Ten Mile and around Womboota.

In view of the interest of a couple of Bendigo members and with the help of Murray Chambers, I arranged an outing to the Bendigo waste water treatment works, where some workers assisted with access. From 8am till 14.30 that day, Murray, Alan Spalding, Roger Standen and I searched the whole pondages area and then moved to Kamarooka Forest. We observed 70 species and well over 2,000 individual birds.
Numbers were excellent at the ponds where we observed Freckled Duck, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, White-backed Swallow and hundreds of Coot, Black-tailed Native Hen and Hoary-headed Grebe.

Black-tailed Native Hen (D Ong)

But Campbells Road dam at Kamarooka was a disaster, with just three species and NO honeyeaters! Further along the road, we found a Spotted Nightjar. At nearby Millwood Road North Dam, we found a Hooded Robin and heard Bellbirds.

~ Peter Allan.

Superb Parrot Count
In mid November 2009, 19 observers, many of whom were Echuca District BOCA members, assisted with the annual Superb Parrot count in the Picola region. It was a particularly hot morning and it was hard to count the number of Superb Parrots as they sought refuge from the heat in foliage. 180 birds were observed in the Picola area ~ 41 males, 25 females and 20 juveniles.
Sue Logie reports, “This is 135 birds less than 2008, a very disappointing result, and one of our lowest for several years; pre-count sightings indicated we could have had a high count this year.  One explanation could be due to the lack of food, the birds are gathering in large flocks and feeding on crops on properties, resulting in not much movement and the low numbers of birds counted.”

Superb Parrot (D Ong)

On the same day, Southern Riverina Field Naturalists observed 159 Superb Parrots in and around Gulpa Island, including
64 males, 40 females and 5 juveniles from the current breeding season.

Rick Webster reports: “This is about 30 birds fewer than the 2008 count. So not one of our highest but in the top 50% of counts. The slight drop in numbers could be due to the fact that we only had eight volunteers and could not cover as much country as we did last year.”

Picola organiser for many years, Sue Logie, announced that 2009 was to be her last year as convener of the annual Picola survey. Sue announced that she is to be the next secretary of Southern Riverina Field Naturalists’ Club and that she will therefore participate in the survey on the NSW side of the Murray.

Terrick Terrick National Park
In November 2009, nine members plus a visiting birder from Boston USA, Woody, visited Terrick Terrick National Park. The park had suffered from about 16 years of dry weather and most of the under-storey plants have died or were stressed.  Nonetheless, we observed over 40 species, including Gilbert Whistler, Cockatiel, White-winged Triller and Red-capped Robin.

Gilberts Whistler (D Ong)

After the outing,the Branch Secretary showed Woody the Moama Wetlands where over 20 species were added to the list from Terricks. Whilst travelling home from Terricks, the President observed lots of Banded Lapwing near Mitiamo.

Surveys
During the course of 2009, quarterly surveys were carried out along several reaches of the Gunbower Creek, including Cockatoo Lagoon, Splatts Lagoon, Mahers Creek (immediately upstream of its confluence with Splatts Lagoon, and alongside Sandhill Farm.

Splatts Lagoon is the original course of Gunbower Creek and it still carries some water. However, much water is now carried by the National Channel.

The surveys are being carried out to help determine the outcomes of a rehabilitation project being carried out along the creek. The project involves fencing between private and public land, revegetation, the construction of a fish ladder, the rebuilding of Thompson Weir, and pest control. Much of the work is being done by volunteers and contractors. Funding has been provided by the Australian Government by way of a 'Caring for Country' grant.

Womboota Owl Prowl
On 5th September 2009, Joan Ferguson lead a small group of observers about the Womboota area. Highlights included observing a flock of Cockatiels and a Superb Parrot in the Womboota Cemetery.  After dining alongside the Womboota School of Arts, the group set out in search of night birds. Despite the fact that Barking Owls and Boobooks had previously been observed in the area, only Joan had a fleeting glance of an owl.

Rushworth and Whroo
In mid August 2009, ten members attended an outing to the Rushworth area. After meeting in Rushworth, Bev and Alan Curtis led us to a forest area alongside Tait Hamilton Road that was dominated by box and grass trees (Xanthorrhaea spp).  Birds sighted here included Red Wattlebird, Brown Thornbill, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-throated Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Fantail.

Bev and Alan then led us through farmland along a minor road lined with shrubs. Birds observed along this road included Pallid Cuckoo, White-fronted Chat, Jackie Winter, Red Wattlebird, Galah, Eastern Rosella and Long-billed Corella. At a nearby stop in forest alongside Tait Hamilton Road we added White-winged Chough, Flame Robin, Musk Lorikeet, Golden Whistler, Grey Currawong and Yellow-rumped thornbill to the day’s bird list.

President Peter then led us to Box-Ironbark bushland near the Whroo Cemetery where we added Little Eagle, Varied Sittella, Crested Bellbird, Buff-rumped Thornbill, White-eared Honeyeater to the day’s list.

We then drove to a picnic ground alongside the Whroo Kiosk. Birds added to the list in the bushland here included New Holland Honeyeater and  Wedgetailed Eagle.

Axedale
The day and night prior to our Axedale outing were cold and wet. Yet on the morning of our outing, the sky was clear. Perhaps the previous day’s bleak weather acted as a deterrent, as only six members attended. Two others arrived late and missed us.

After meeting at Axedale, we did some birding near the meeting place. It was here that we sighted a Striated Pardalote, the only pardalote sighting for the day. We then drove a short distance and walked through bushland alongside the O’Keeffe Rail Trail, unsuccessfully trying to find some Grey-crowned Babblers which had been observed in the vicinity.

We then drove to the edge of Kimbolton Pool, Lake Eppalock, and parked on an area which, until recent years, was inundated. There was a little water in the Kimbolton Pool.

Birds observed here included Australasian Pipit, Flame Robin, Darter, Black Swan, Whistling Kite, Grey Teal, Black Duck, Pelican, Silver Gull, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Australasian Grebe and Red-rumped Parrot.

We returned to Axedale and drove north to Russell Bridge. Birds seen in bushland alongside the Campaspe here included Grey Butcher Bird, Purple Swamp Hen, Red-browed Finch, Musk Lorikeet, White-browed Scrubwren and Crested Shrike-tit.

Next stop was further downstream at Rocky Crossing which is the last rocky section of the Campaspe River on its journey to the Murray. Here we added Brown Tree-creeper, Long-billed Corella and Willie Wagtail to the day’s list.

After the others had left for home, two observers stopped off at Avonmore Reserve. This box woodland alongside the Campaspe had recently been badly impacted upon by a wind storm. Some large broken limbs hung from some trees whilst much debris covered the ground. Nonetheless, we soon observed a family of Painted Button Quail and Restless Flycatcher, taking the day’s tally past 50.

Gunbower and Thompson Weir
Our March outing to Gunbower coincided with the opening of the duck shooting season. When planning our outings, we did not think that there would be a duck shooting season because it has been cancelled for several years and, this year, the drought was worse than ever and most local wetlands were dry.
 
When 18 of us met at Gunbower, gunfire could be clearly heard. A local farmer led us to his nearby property away from the creek/shooters. First stop was a recently irrigated paddock...lots of ibis, ravens and shelduck. There were a few white-fronted chats and other birds. The farmer said that he sometimes observed 'Native Companions'. Sure enough, two Brolgas were contently grazing nearby amongst a flock of sheep. John’s sheep do not have wool and so do not have to be either shorn or crutched.

The landholder then showed us his large arboretum of native trees (mainly eucalypts), the flowers and foliage from which are used by one of his daughters, a florist, who does flower arrangements for weddings and special occasions. We then wandered through two ’bushland’ sites which have been revegetated with indigenous vegetation.

Whilst there, I showed participants aerial photos of the two large areas which we have been asked to survey. One site is alongside Mahers Creek at the north-western edge of the large New Zealand-owned dairy property between Torrumbarry and Gunbower. The other site is around the inside of Cockatoo Lagoon.The Department of Primary Industry is organising the restoration and fencing, and would like surveys before fences are constructed separating public from private land and before revegetation works commence on the public land. Repeat surveys are needed over time, e.g. at quarterly intervals. The areas are long and narrow, and some bits look a bit 'snakey' so boots and gaiters may be needed. To do the surveys, it is easier if private land is crossed in places.

Lunch was at the meeting place in Gunbower. A flock of about three dozen Rainbow Bee-eaters flew overhead, the most any of us had seen for years. There were very now few shots in the distance. It was becoming hot. A relative of a participant who has a house near Thompson Weir called and assured us it was safe to visit Thompson Weir.

After lunch, we visited 'Gunbower Estate'. Owned by Jenny Johnson, Gunbower Estate straddles Gunbower Creek between Gunbower and Cohuna. With the help of Jenny Spence of DPI, Jenny Johnson has revegetated much of the estate. We were able to bird alongside Gunbower Creek without hearing gunshots. Jenny’s lives and grew up in the enormous old mansion. Some like the fact that it has not been 'restored'. To others, it is badly in need of restoration. It was fascinating to descend a staircase down to a large, cool cellar. Participants were fascinated with the historic equipment in the homestead's old laundry.

Some members of the group at Gunbower Estate (K Stoickwell)

By this time, it was very hot indeed. Most participants left. Six of us continued on to Thompson Weir. There were next to no waterbirds to be seen. They had been shot, had moved on or were in hiding! After a few minutes, we drove to a house a short distance along a creekside track and sat outside, in the shade, under four outdoor overhead fans

Well over 50 species for the day. Highlights were the Brolgas and the large flock of Rainbow Bee-eaters.

Epsom Sewage Ponds
19 observers met at Epsom sewage treatment ponds on 25th February. Leaders Peter Allan and Jan Cleary recorded the number of each of the 50 or more species observed at the treatment facility, Some of the species observed there included Black Swan, Great Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Shoveler, Chestnut Teal (breeding), Hardhead, Black-winged Stilt, Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-necked Stint, Red-kneed Dotterel, Black-taiIed Native Hen, Silver Gull, Spotted Crake, Australasian Grebe, Coot, Hoary-headed Grebe, Hobby, Swamp Harrier, Grey Butcher Bird, Restless Flycatcher and Little GrassBird.

After a few hours, six of us left the remainder to complete the survey whilst we paid a visit to the Campbells Road dams in Kamarooka forest. We were amazed to find the dams all but empty. DSE has also burnt an extensive area of vegetation on one side of this important drought refuge. We sat and watched birds coming in to drink at a remaining puddle. Birds observed over the course of half an hour or so included Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Purple-gaped Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater and both Spotted and Striated Pardalote. Some woodswallows chirped nearby. Peter then led us along a number of tracks through a variety of vegetation types (including a Quandong patch) on the eastern side of the Kamarooka Forest. Several of the small dams were dry, the vegetation was under great stress, and there were very few birds to be seen. Birds observed in one of Peter’s atlasing sites were Restless Flycatcher, Willie Wagtail, Red Wattlebird, Musk Lorikeet, Fuscous Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater and Striated Pardalote.

Shinbone Alley
The first of our February outings had to be cancelled owing to a Total Fire Ban. Apologies to those who turned up a little late. A few of us waited there until the advertised time to advise of the cancellation. It is hoped that the outing can be rescheduled.

Moama Wetlands
In January, 12 members gathered on a boardwalk over Moama's Horseshoe Lagoon and spent several hours birding in the Moama wetlands. 43 species were observed, including Little Pied Cormorant (nesting), Little Black Cormorant, Great Egret, White Ibis, Darter, Royal Spoonbill, Whistling Kite, Dusky Moorhen, Sacred Kingfisher and Olive-backed Oriole.

Darter at Horseshoe Lagoon

Jingellic
Several Branch members were amongst about 20 who attended BOCAs Christmas-New year camp alongside the Murray River downstream of Jingellic NSW. There were several half-day and full-day outings, one of which was a 4WD trek along Tin Mine Track through Woomargama National Park. Over 100 bird species were observed, including Rainbow Bee-eaters and Dollarbirds which were nesting at our camp site.

2008 Outings

Cohuna Area
On 8th November 2008, 9 members met in Cohuna. Rain the previous day caused a change of plan. Instead of driving on unsealed roads on Gunbower Island to wetlands like Black Swamp, we spent time birding near the meeting place and then travelled alongside Gunbower Creek on the sealed Island Road. After lunch we stopped off at Burkes Bridge before driving to Thompson Weir which can be accessed by an all-weather road. The bushland alongside the weir offered excellent habitat and lots of birds.

70 species were observed, including Black Swan (nesting), Wood Duck (nesting), Grey Teal (with young), Darter (nesting), Little Pied Cormorant (nesting), Little Black Cormorant (nesting), Australasian Grebe, Royal Spoonbill, Whistling Kite (nesting), Swamp harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Coot, Masked lapwing (nesting), Whiskered Tern, Sacred Kingfisher, Weebill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Noisy Friarbird (nesting), Littler Friarbird, Blue-faced honeyeater, Brown-headed honeyeater, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, White-browed Woodswallow, White-winged Triller, Zebra Finch (nesting), Red-browed Finch (nesting), Welcome Swallow (nesting), Tree Martin, Silvereye and Reed Warbler.

Note: some participants found that the VicRoads reference used (edition 4) was different from the map numbers used in later editions.The day of the outing was wrongly listed as Sunday on the web site for a few days prior to the outing. I apologise for the confusion and to those who missed the outing as a result. KS.

Barmah
Late in the afternoon of 25th October 2008, 18 of us met at Barmah Lake picnic ground. We spent some time birding alongside the Murray River before boarding MV Kingfisher for a cruise upstream through The Narrows. After about an hour and a half, the vessel turned and speedily made its way with the current back to the picnic ground.

Birds observed included Emu, Australian Wood Duck, Black Duck, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Pelican, Straw-necked Ibis, Whistling Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Hobby, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Black-fronted Dotterel, Peaceful Dove, Crimson Rosella (yellow form), Eastern Rosella, Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Kookaburra, Dollarbird, White-throated Tree-creeper, Brown Tree-creeper, White-browed Scrubwren, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird, Jacky Winter, Crested Shrike-tit, Rufous Whistler, White-browed Woodswallow, Dusky Woodswallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Pied Currawong, Mistletoe Bird, Tree Martin, Reed Warbler and Little Grassbird. 57 species were observed all up.

Bears Lagoon
In mid August 2008, we met alongside Bears Lagoon. Birds observed here included Purple Swamp hen, Galah, Superb Fairy Wren, Striated Pardalote, Noisy Miner, White-plumed Honeyeater, Willie Wagtail, Pied Butcherbird and Welcome Swallow.

After birding near the lagoon visited the nearby Twigg property. Bill Twigg has spent decades planting indigenous vegetation on his properties and along roadsides in the Bears Lagoon and Serpentine areas.

On the Bears Lagoon property, an 'artificial' lagoon has been created. The lagoon is surrounded with indigenous vegetation. Birds observed here included Wood Duck, Black Duck, Grey Teal, Little Pied Cormorant, Brown Goshawk, Brown Falcon, Purple Swamphen, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Brown Treecreeper, Striated Pardalote, Singing Honeyeater, Grey Shrike Thrush and Welcome Swallow.

After lunch, we travelled to a stretch of land which Bill has revegetated alongside the Loddon River near Serpentine. Birds observed here included Wood duck, Black Duck, Grey Teal, Little Pied Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Purple Swamp Hen, Dusky Moorhen, Bronzewing, Kookaburra, Yellow-rumped Thornbill (nesting), Little Raven, Australian Raven, White-winged Chough and Welcome Swallow.

During the day, over 40 species were observed in the area.

Wyuna (joint outing with Murray Goulburn Branch)
Early in July, 20 members met at Wyuna Recreation Reserve for a joint outing of the Echuca and Murray-Goulburn branches. Led by Bev Curtis, we drove from Wyuna to a quarry along-side McBain Road. Birds observed in the quarry ponds included Shelduck, Shoveler, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Black-fronted Dotterel and Red-kneed Dotterel. After this, we drove back toward Wyuna, stopping en route along McEwan Road. Birds observed along this road included White-faced Heron, a huge flock of Sulphur-crested cockatoos, Australasian Pipit, Grey Fantail, Zebra Finch, Goldfinch and Golden-headed Cisticola.

After a brief stop in Wyuna, we drove to Wyuna River Reserve. We were impressed with the healthy state of the reserve. The under-storey of shrubs appears to be recovering well and there were Box and Red Gum trees of various ages. Some expressed a desire to revisit the reserve again in the near future. Birds observed here either before or after lunch included Little Pied Cormorant, White-faced Heron, Wedgetailed eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Bronzewing, White-throated Treecreeper, Brown Treecreeper, Striated Pardalote, Weebill, four thornbill species (Buff-rumped, Yellow-rumped, Yellow and Striated), Brown-headed Honeyeater, five robin species (Jacky Winter, Red-capped, Flame, Eastern Yellow and Scarlet), Varied Sittella, Crested Shrike-tit, Grey Shrike-thrush, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, White-winged Chough, Red-browed Finch, Diamond Firetail and Silvereye. Whilst sitting alongside the Goulburn River for bird call, we watched a small 4WD back a boat trailer down a particularly steep bank and into the river.

Including some birds seen in transit (Indian Mynah, Starling, Brown Falcon, Crested Pigeon, Spotted Turtle-Dove, Red-rumped parrot, Magpie Lark and Pied Currawong), we observed 66 bird species during the course of the outing.

Inglewood area
On a fine, sunny day in mid June, Simon Starr led an outing into forests to the west of Inglewood. Apart from Simon and another birder from the Pyramid Hill area, 13 BOCA members attended, including visitors from Horsham and Melbourne. Forests visited included Kingower State Forest and the Welha Hill section of Kooyoora National Park. A highlight was the sighting of two Swift Parrots.

61 bird species were observed, including White-faced Heron, Collared Sparrowhawk, Wedgetailed Eagle, Masked Lapwing, Common Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Musk and Little Lorikeet, White-throated and Brown Treecreeper, Spotted and Striated Pardalote, Weebill, four Thornbill species (Chestnut-rumped, Buff-rumped, Yellow-rumped and Yellow), 12 Honeyeater species (including Spiny-cheeked, Yellow-faced, White-eared, Yellow-tufted, Fuscous, Black-chinned, White-naped and New Holland), Jacky Winter and three other robins (Flame, Eastern Yellow and Scarlet), Varied Sittella, Restless Flycatcher, Dusky Woodswallow, Mistletoebird & Indian Mynah.

Rushworth and Whroo
Rain prevailed and those who attended this outing in mid May soon decided it was too wet for birding.

Bowra
A number of members recently went on a private tagalong to northern NSW and the Cunamulla area of Queensland. Places visited included Bowra station, a huge property 120km NNE of Bourke, Cocoparra National Park, North Bourke and Round Hill. Birds observed included Grey Falcon, Halls Babbler, Chestnut-breasted Quail-thrush, Flock Bronzewing, Crimson Chat, Orange Chat, Bourkes Parrot and Red-winged Parrot. As a result of good summer rains, there were large numbers of budgies, Zebra Finches, Diamond Doves, Crimson Chats and wood-swallows. Raptors were plentiful. White-breasted, White-browed and Masked Woodswallows were also abundant. The group saw over 100 bird species on the northern NSW property and over 100 species at Bowra. June 2008.

Some members at Bowra, May 2008

Three consecutive one-day outings
In early May, three consecutive day outings were held in the area served by this Branch.

Day One: Gunbower area
Led by Jenny Spence of DPI Kerang, the first outing was to to the Gunbower area. Those of us who travelled from Echuca met up with Jenny and some Gunbower area birders at a creekside park in Gunbower. There were now 20 of us. Shortly after our arrival, someone spotted an Azure Kingfisher in a tree alongside Gunbower Creek. After showing us some aerial photos of areas we were to visit,

Jenny led us Barry Toll's block which is located on the inside of a meander of Gunbower Creek. The block was once a tobacco farm with some residual vegetation alongside the creek. Much of the small farm is now an agro-forestry plantation, 3,500 trees having been planted already with another 2,500 to be planted when drought conditions ease. We walked over a huge sandhill onto some creekside property owned by a neighbour, Jenny Johnson, who accompanied us all day, and on to some public creekside land. 2.4km of fencing has been erected to protect the residual vegetation. In places, revegetation work has taken place using direct seeding. Drought conditions have resulted in disappointing results. 42 bird species were observed at this location, including Little Pied Cormorant, White-faced Heron, White Ibis, Whistling Kite, Wedgetailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Black Falcon, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Common Bronzewing, Yellow Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Western Gerygone, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Thornbill, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Red-capped Robin, Golden and Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail (lots!), Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Zebra Finch and Silvereye. The Black Falcon and Little Eagle were sighting highlights.

Gunbower Creek alongside Sandhill Farm (D Ong)

After a brief stop in Gunbower, Jenny led us to Rowland Reserve which is alongside Pyramid Creek near Hird Swamp. Before Jenny started work at rehabilitating this area of public land, it had been severely overgrazed by neighbouring land-holders and many of the trees had been cut. There was a lot of rubbish and it was infested with rabbits. Apart from the creek frontage, the reserve has recently been fenced, cattle and rubbish removed and native vegetation has made a dramatic recovery ~ Creeping Saltbush, Ruby Saltbush, Dillon Bush, young Black Box and Lignum.

Nothing seemed to be in flower so there was limited food for birds. Although there were few birds of any species, a total of 20 species were observed including Whistling Kite, Red-rumped Parrot, White-winged Fairy Wren, White-fronted Chat, Australian Shelduck, White and Straw-necked Ibis and Yellow-rumped Thornbill. Given time and some wet seasons here and in the other areas Jenny is working on along the creek, the bird life should increase significantly. Birds seen in transit included Pelican, Black Kite, Red Wattlebird, Grey Currawong, Starling and Common Mynah.

Day 2: Womboota-Bunnaloo area
On the following day, 13 of us met at Moama and travelled along the Perricoota Road to the Ferguson property north-west of Womboota village, stopping en route. First stop was an artificial lake opposite the entrance to the Rich River Golf Club. Birds observed here included Black Duck, Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, and Hardhead.

Next stop was the entrance to Benarca State forest. Birds observed here included White-winged Chough, Restless Flycatcher, Little Pied Cormorant, Brown Treecreeper, White-throated Treecreeper, Pied Currawong and a family of Wood Duck. North-west of Womboota village we stopped to observe a small party of Grey-crowned Babblers.

Morning tea was at Womboo, the Ferguson family's 1,00 hectare property. Joan Ferguson, an Echuca and District BOCA member, outlined the local geomorphology and how local farmers are working to overcome salinity problems. We enjoyed a walk around the house block and lake where birds observed included Restless Flycatcher, Dusky Woodswallow (nine were huddled together on a tree branch), Willie Wagtail, Red-rumped Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Yellow Rosella, Whistling Kite and, possibly, Collared Sparrowhawk. The Fergusons have been planting indigenous vegetation on their property for many years. Joan then led us across along some of the property's tree-lined roads to a large strip of indigenous vegetation. Birds observed in or near this arboretum included Wedgetailed Eagle, Striated Pardalote, Common Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Superb Fairy Wren, Pied Butcher Bird and Kookaburra. After lunch, Joan led us to Rob Meare's [property Bultara Tens of thousands of Old Man Saltbush have been planted in an ancestral course of the Murray River, Green Gully, to reduce the saline water table. The property's saltbush-fed lamb fetches premium prices. Birds observed in the saltbush plantation were Grey Shrike Thrush, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Willie Wagtail, Singing Honeyeater and Magpie.

On the way back to Moama, we stopped at the Five Mile (Moama State Forest). About 37 species were observed at The Five Mile including Varied Sittella, Weebill, Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler, Little Friarbird, Noisy Friarbird, Restless Flycatcher, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Red-capped Robin, Azure Kingfisher, White-faced Heron, Whistling Kite, Weebill, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote and Striated Pardalote. Birds observed in transit on this Monday included Nankeen Kestrel, Brown Falcon, Pied Currawong, Masked Lapwing, Long-billed Corella, White-winged Chough and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. 17 attendees. 68 bird species.

Day 3: Kotta, Pine Grove and Terricks
On the third of the three consecutive day outings 27 of us visited Drew Galley's block of remnant indigenous vegetation at Kotta, areas of indigenous plants on Eris O'Brien's sheep grazing property at Pine Grove and Terrick Terrick National Park (Mitiamo). Some of the 58 species observed on the day were Shelduck, Wedgetailed Eagle, Common Bronzewing, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Horsfields Bronze Cuckoo, Brown Tree-creeper, Weebill, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Thornbill, Southern Whiteface, Singing, Black-chinned and Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Red-capped, Flame and Hooded Robin, Varied Sittella, Golden, Rufous and Gilberts Whistler, Dusky Woodswallow, White-winged Chough and Zebra Finch.

Mathoura Estate
In April, 11 branch members visited Mathoura Estate which is located several kilometres west of Gulpa Island. Our hosts were Lorna and Stan Kerrle. After lunch, we visited an arboretum of indigenous plants and a drought-stricken Gulpa Island.

Mathoura Estate was founded in 1842 by Peter Stuckey, a 19 year -old who had driven cattle overland from Bombala. A few months earlier, Henry Sayer Lewes had claimed Moira station. The two estates were huge, Mathoura estate covering 90,000 acres and Moira 100,000 acres. Both estates remain large today but are of vastly reduced size. Mathoura Estate presently covers over 16,000 acres. After running the estate for 18 years, Stuckey retired to Melbourne ~ Mathoura Road Toorak ~ but died shortly thereafter. Peter¹s son died when the Loch Aird sunk amongst western Victor ia's 12 Apostles. Three subsequent leaseholders battled drought and then the bulk of the estate fell into the hands of a creditor, Goldsborough Mort Ltd. Lo rna's father purchased the property from Goldberg Mort in 1910. It was officially surveyed in the same year. Several 1,000 acre blocks were sub-divided off as soldier settlement blocks after World War One. These proved too small to be economically viable. Lorna was born when her father was quite elderly. She inherited the property and purchased some adjoining irrigated land. Lorna and Stan built their home on the irrigated section, several km south of the estate's shearing shed and workers quarters (they employ three full-time staff). Until about 14 years ago, most of the estate had never been ploughed. Plunging wool prices, however, forced Lora and Stan to plough much, but not all, for lucerne, wheat and barley. Some land remains unploughed. Last year, 4,000 acres of crop failed because of drought, an enormous financial loss. In January, a terrible hail storm battered the workers accommodation and shearing shed, smashing 51 panes of glass windows and even smashing the ball floats in the drinking troughs and the mirrors of vehicles.

After meeting Lorna and Stan in Mathoura (the township is named after the estate), we travelled to the northernmost section, north of Walliston Road. Although there are lots of old box trees in this section, there is relatively little under-storey, few signs of regeneration, and the ground has been ploughed. We observed 16 bird species here, including Peaceful Dove, Bronzewing, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Brown Falcon, Tree Martin and Red-rumped Parrot. We then travelled to a paddock which has never been ploughed. One participant was particularly interested in the indigenous grasses. Again, there were several old box trees but few shrubs. Six species were observed here, including Pied Butcherbird and Grey-crowned Babbler.

Over lunch in the shearing shed ~ there used to be a much bigger shed but vandals burnt it down ~ Lorna and Stan were able to tell us much more about the history of the estate. They have had problems with theft of equipment and sheep. As we drove out of the estate, we observed several kilometres of young trees and shrubs which have been planted to form wildlife corridors. In addition, much land has been fenced and ploughed ready for direct seeding of indigenous vegetation once good rains fall and providing that funding continues to be available (the Australian government has slashed funding for such activities). The planting was organised by well-known Deniliquin botanist Martin Driver.

We drove east from the property along Walliston Road to Gulpa Island State Forest. Our first stop in the forest was at an arboretum just north of Walliston Road, between the Cobb Highway and some billabongs of Gulpa Creek. In conjunction with Forestry NSW, Phil Maher and the Southern Riverina Field Naturalists have planted three vegetation communities: pine, mulga and box woodland. We were greeted by two male emus with a number of young emus. Other birds in or near the arboretum included Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Peaceful Dove, Bronzewing, Striated Pardalote, Brown Tree-creeper, Grey Shrike-thrush, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill and Rufous Whistler as well as some of the most common bush birds. On the adjoining lagoon were White-faced Heron and Wood Duck.

We then drove through Red gum forest to a spot across Gulpa Creek where we added a few more species to the day's list. Final stop was a drought-stricken Langmans Sandhill alongside the Edward River. Unfortunately the Banksia trees appear to have all died and the once thick blanket of Cherry Ballart and Calytrix has all but withered away. To make matters worse, the area surrounding the fenced sandhill has been very heavily logged over the past year or two. Most depressing. What was an area of near pristine beauty has been all but destroyed by drought and loggers. Needless to say, we failed to observe many of the less common birds which used to be resident here. But we did observe Azure Kingfisher, Dusky Woodswallow, Yellow Rosella, Red-capped Robin, Brown Tree-creeper, Grey Fantail, White-browed Scrubwren and several of the more common local bush species. About 47 species for the day. We sincerely thank Lorna and Stan for being friendly hosts.

Kamarooka
On Sunday 16 March 2008 Northern United Forestry Group hosted a visit to Kamarooka by the Echuca and District Branch, Bird Observers and Conservation Australia (BOCA), led by Keith Stockwell. The group was impressed by the transformation of the project site from a salt wasteland to a site with enhanced environmental values. During their visit BOCA members observed Brown Falcons, Magpies, White-fronted Chats, Weebills, and Galahs despite the heat wave being experienced by north-central Victoria at the time. Mal Brown provided an overview of the NUFG Kamarooka Project and Phil Dyson explained the cause of the salinity problem along with the ground water and sap flow monitoring programs. This was the first time that Mal and Phil had seen and heard such numerous Weebills on the site. Perhaps it takes a visit by a Bird Observers Group to bring such species to your attention!   By Mal Brown, NUFG Kamarooka Project Manager

Site of the Kamarooka Tree Project (K Stockwell)

The Kamarooka Tree Project aims to grow forestry trees and increase the carrying capacity of a formerly degraded, salt-affected grazing property. One of the farm forestry trees is Acacia stenophylla. In addition to the farm trees, there are extensive plantings of saltbush and indigenous plants. The carrying capacity of the area has risen from 10 sheep (on 50 hectares) to 400 sheep!

After visiting the tree project site, we drove south-east into the Kamarooka Forest, stopping en route at a large farm dam where we observed Shelduck, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black Swan and other water birds. We then went on a short walk from Black Rock Flat Road to a rock reef where we disturbed an Owlet Nightjar which flew up and landed on a branch a metre or so in front of us (photos below). Other birds here included Red-capped Robin and Buff-rumped Thornbill.

Lunch was taken in the shade of some ironbark trees along Burtonclay Road. We enjoyed good views of a Golden Whistler. A short distance on, we stopped to examine a recently-fenced plot in which endangered plants, including Whipstick Westringia, are now protected from foraging wallabies and kangaroos.

By this time, it was very hot, so we drove to Millwood dam and sat in the shade. A number of honeyeater s came in to drink, including White-eared, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-plumed, Fuscous, White-plumed, Brown-headed and a juvenile Tawny-crowned. Other birds observed included Varied Sittella and Grey Fantail. Peter then led us to a dam on the corner of Millwood Road and camp Road. Here we observed Black-chinned Honeyeater, Hooded Robin, Rainbow Bee-eater, Red Wattlebird, White-browed Woodswallow, Dusky Woodswallow and Tree Martin.

Because of the heat (the temperature was around 38 degrees C), we called it quits about 2.30. Bird call: 59 species. However, two members continued on to nearby Rush Dam to observe an Australasian Grebe with chicks which had been observed the previous day. They also recorded Noisy Miner and Black Duck, birds not seen earlier in the day.

Fortunately, unlike the day either side of our outing, the day was not one of total fire ban or we would have missed out on a terrific day's birding. 20 attended the previous outing, but this time only seven attended. Perhaps the hot weather forecast had deterred many members from attending.

Easter Camp in the Strathbogies
Several branch members attended BOCAs Easter Camp on the Brook property east of Violet Town. 108 species were observed in the area and 57 species on the property. There were day trips to Mount Samaria and to a bush property west of Violet Town. Much of the time was spent birding on the Brook property and its surrounds. One morning Ben Brook led us onto an adjoining property with a lovely (but blackberry-infested) fern gully, the previous owner of which had spent much time building scores of wooden huts. The property was purchased by a benefactor to prevent the property from being purchased by a motor cycle club which intended to construct a cycling complex on it. Now motor cyclists are excluded from private properties and from adjoining pine forests.

Goulburn River near Rochester and Kamarooka East
Although 17 members were on our Branch tagalong in Tasmania at the time, in mid February 2008, 20 members attended an outing led by Peter Allan. It was pleasing that several Cohuna members came along. The outing was advertised as being to the Campaspe River near Rochester. The group did, indeed, stop alongside the Campaspe River for some birding, observing 23 species including Black Kite, Peaceful Dove, Musk Lorikeet, Azure kingfisher, Brown Tree-creeper, Little Friarbird, Crested Shrike-tit, Grey Shrike-thrush, Reed Warbler and some of the area's more common birds. However as the wetlands which we intended to visit were dry, Peter took the group into two areas of the Kamarooka Forest. Species observed at a dam in Clays Road, on the edge of the forest, included Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Australasian Grebe, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-fronted Dotterel, White-fronted Chat, Jacky Winter and Australian Pipit. Within the forest ~ which is now part of Greater Bendigo national Park ~ birds observed included Wedge-tailed Eagle, Common Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Eastern rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Sacred Kingfisher, Brown Tree-creeper, Striated Pardalote, Weebill, Western Gerygone, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, Crested Bellbird, Grey Shrike-thrush, Rufous Whistler, Grey Butcherbird, Red Wattlebird and a range of honeyeaters ~ Yellow-tufted, Yellow-plumed, Fuscous, White-plumed and Brown-headed ~ as well as the more common bush birds. 63 bird species in all, plus Black Wallaby and a Goanna (Lace Monitor). By 11am the day had become very hot and the outing ~ a good social day ~ finished somewhat early, in mid afternoon.

Moama Wetlands
An early morning bird walk in the Moama wetlands in January 2008 exceeded hopes and expectations. Following a rain shower a few weeks prior, town runoff water had entered the wetlands. We observed 43 species over the course of a few hours. And the list did NOT include Magpie, Starling, Sparrow or Blackbird. An enormous flock of Long-billed Corellas made their presence known. Other birds observed included Grey Teal, Australasian Grebe, Darter, Little Pied cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Black Cormorant, Great Egret, Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Whistling Kite (nesting), Purple Swamphen, dusky Moorhen, Peaceful Dove, Azure Kingfisher, Sacred kingfisher, Dollarbird, Weebill, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Thornbill, White-plumed and Brown-headed Honeyeater, Varied Sittella (with young), Crested Shrike-tit, Magpie Lark, White-winged Chough, Silvereye and Red-browed Finch. The wetlands are alongside the Echuca-Moama Bridges.

2007 Outings

Benjeroop-Lake Boga Area
Our big day out to Benjeroop and Lake Boga on 10th November 2007 was very well attended, especially since most of the 'regulars' were unable to come. It was great to meet BOCA members from Barham, Kerang and Cohuna. Spots visited included an unusually shallow Lake Boga, Round Lake, Tresco West Bushland Reserve, a private riverside property at Benjeroop and Kelly Lake. Over 70 bird species were observed, including Avocet, Pink-eared Duck, Musk Duck, Whiskered Tern, Coot, Red-capped Dotterel, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, White-browed Babbler, Rainbow Bee-eater, Variegated Wren, Blue Bonnet, Singing Honeyeater, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Varied Sittella, and Brown Songlark. We missed seeing such common birds as White-winged Choughs, Spotted Pardalote and several thornbill species. It was not until we were on the way home that we sighted our first Black Duck for the day! After the Benjeroop Grey-crowned Babbler reserve was officially opened, we enjoyed a luncheon provided by Benjeroop Landcare Group. The local ABC naturalist was the guest speaker. Unfortunately we did not have the time or, rather, energy to search for the Orange Chats reported to be in low vegetation around Lake Tutchewop or to check out the Cohuna Sewage Treatment Works for Glossy Ibis.

Pine Grove and Terricks
On 15th September 2007, 11 of us met Eris O'Brien at the O'Brien sheep-grazing property Pine Grove where a paddock has been revegetation with indigenous plants. Birds observed here included Black Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Cockatiel, Horsfields Bronze Cuckoo, Brown Treecreeper, Weebill, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Thornbill, Southern Whiteface, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Red-capped Robin, Rufous Whistler, White-winged Triller, Pied Butcherbird and Welcome Swallow. There were lots of wattles and senna in full bloom. The paddock contained lots of Allocasuarina (Bulloke).

After an hour or so here, we drove to Glassons Grassland, a Trust for Nature property managed, in part, by Eris O'Brien. Birds observed here included Wedgetailed Eagle, Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Red-rumped Parrot, Southern Whiteface, Singing Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Australian Pipit, Welcome Swallow and Brown Songlark.

Next place was Terrick Terrick National Park where we were joined by three more members. We enjoyed a picnic lunch at the base of Mitiamo Rock (Mt Terrick) and most of us walked up to the summit and observed Gilbert Whistler, Tree Martin, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Mistletoe Bird, Bronzewing and Southern Whiteface. We then drove to nearby Allan Track where we observed a good range of birds, including White-winged Chough, Weebill, Red-capped Robin, Varied Sittella, Grey Shrike Thrush, Mistletoe Bird, Western Gerygone and Grey Fantail. Most of these birds were also observed in a western section of the park where we added Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin and Black-chinned Honeyeater to the day's list.

About 65 species were observed on the day. This was a very good tally considering that we did not stop at a wetland and considering that the area was badly drought-affected.

Numurkah, including Kinnairds Wetland
In mid August 2007, 14 attended an outing to Numurkah, led by Goulburn Murray BOCA members Gary and Lisa Deayton. Gary works for Moira Shire and is partly responsible for the restoration of Kinnairds Wetland and for the planting of thousands of indigenous plants alongside waterways and lakes within the town itself. Gary helped prepare a brochure on Kinnairds wetland.

Gary Deayton outlining the history of the reclamation of the wetland (K Stockwell)

Kinnairds wetland lies along the Mukatah Depression adjacent to the creek from which it is separated by a levee bank. When the creek is in flood, the waters overflow the levee into the wetland. The wetland is a flood control basin and it last filled in 1993.

Kinnairds Wetland (K Stockwell)

Birds observed in the dry wetland included Dusky Woodswallow, Grey Shrike Thrush, Crested Shrike-tit, Restless Fly-catcher, Golden Whistler, Grey Fantail, Brown Falcon plus more-common birds like Magpies.

Second stop was a lake within Numurkah. Waterbirds observed on the lake included Purple Swamp hen, Eurasian Coot, Dusky Moorhen and Great Egret. The lake made headlines a few years ago when a resort allegedly arranged for some shooters to kill many of the waterbirds. Some shots allegedly narrowly missed adjoining residents, who were furious and distressed. Some children who fed the waterbirds were terribly upset.

Third stop was another lake, the Station Street wetlands, were birds observed included Darter, Grey Teal, Masked Lapwing, Black Swan, Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Rufous Songlark, Straw-necked Ibis, Musk Lorikeet and Little Friar Bird.

Nearly 60 species were observed in Numurkah on the day. Lisa and Gary were a mine of information and helped us enjoy the day.

Yielema North
On a cold July day, we visited an area north-east of Picola. First stop was a water-filled quarry alongside the Murray Valley Highway where a number of water birds were observed, including Black Swans with young. We stopped at the 'Stack Site', Yielema North, the Yielema North football ground and several spots in the Barmah Forest. 59 species were observed, including Grey Teal, Australasian Grebe, Swamp Harrier, Wedgetailed Eagle, Bronzewing, Musk Lorikeet, Weebill, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Jacky Winter, Flame Robin, Hooded Robin, Grey-crowned Babbler, Crested Shrike-tit, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Restless Flycatcher, Grey Fantail, White-bellied Cuckoo Shrike, Pied Currawong, Tree Martin and Little Grass Bird.

One Eye Forest and Mount Ida
In mid June, 15 of us visited One Eye Forest and Mt Ida. It was pleasing to see several Flame Robins, Eastern Yellow Robins and Scarlet Robins in One Eye Forest. Several species of honeyeater were observed, including Yellow-tufted, Black-chinned, White-eared, Fuscous and White-plumed. Other birds observed included Eastern Rosella, Varied Sittella, Crested Shrike-tit, Golden Whistler, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike and White-winged Chough.

Hidden Dam, One Eye Forest (D Ong)

Easter: north of Barham
Over the Easter period, about 60 BOCA members, including some Echuca Branch members, attended a camp north of Barham in southern NSW. At least 129 bird species were observed within a 35km radius.

The camp site was on a 6,000 acre property which borders the Wakool River. About 70 species were observed on the property itself, including Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brown Goshawk, Square-tailed Kite, Wedgetailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Common Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Yellow Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Southern Boobook, Barn Owl, Brown Tree-creeper, Striated Pardalote, Weebill, Chestnut-rumped Yellow and Yellow-rumped thornbills, Southern Whiteface, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Splendid Wren, Grey-crowned Babbler, Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Crested Shrike Tit, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Restless Fly-catcher, Pied Butcherbird, White-winged Chough, Australian Pipit, Diamond Firetail, and Little Button Quail plus the more-common birds of the area.

Access to the property was via Millers/Thomas Road. The end of Thomas Road near the Moulamein-Swan Hill Road afforded particularly good birding ~ some White-winged Fairy-wrens darted in and out of small bushes, a Blue-winged Parrot sat atop a small bush, about 20 Banded Lapwing were hard to distinguish as they stood on ploughed paddocks, an assortment of water birds were feeding on the bottom of a near-empty irrigation channel and a number of raptors soared overhead. There were a good number of water birds in a large quarry across the road from the property. The property has been in the hands of the Thomas family for three generations. Times are tough, with a 14-year drought. The family has to pay tens of thousands of dollars a year to retain their water right despite the fact that this year's water allocation is zilch. That means no crops this year on this property. Neighbouring properties are in the same (stranded) boat.

A major source of income for many of the neighbourhood's farms is rice. Not this year. There are no more than 19 paddocks of rice in the whole of southern (Riverina) NSW this season. It is so dry that farmers have had to sell many/most of their sheep and cattle. Allowing foresters to cut trees for timber and firewood has become the main source of income. Social security payments is another major source of income. Times are really tough. The timber industry is the main industry in nearby Barham-Koondrook. For better or worse, much of the wood provides firewood for Melbourne, a contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. After having lobbied hard, local millers are breathing a sigh of relief that the Victorian Government has decided to order a large number of wooded railway sleepers to upgrade the Melbourne-Mildura line.

The local irrigation scheme provided work during the depths of the Great Depression of the 1930s. Stevens Weir near Werai was built in 1933 to raise the height of The Edward to allow for gravity-fed irrigation water (via Colligen Creek). Rice farming began in the mid 1930s. After a few years, the saline ground water rose within a metre or two of the surface, so a salt-interception scheme was essential. Today, about 60 pumps help lower the water table over 25,000 hectares. The salty water is pumped into evaporation ponds at Tullakool.

We visited a DPI aquaculture research centre at Tullakool. The cold winter nights and hot summer days preclude a whole raft of fish from surviving here. Several species of fish and crustacean have been trialled (e.g. Brown Trout, Oysters, Tiger Prawns, Kuruma Prawns and Silver Perch) but only two fish thrive in the salty water and harsh conditions, Mulloway and Rainbow Trout. These are to likely be farmed commercially.

From a viewing platform (part of the southern NSW Triavian Corridor) overlooking a pond east of the centre, we observed Musk Duck, Black Swan, Chestnut Teal, Pelican, a Silver Gull, White-faced Heron and Hoary-headed Grebe. Some Zebra Finches and White-winged Fairy-wrens flittered about in saltbush alongside the platform at the very edge of the Barham-Moulamein Road. What appeared to be a Greenshank caused a flutter of interest in the observers as it zoomed over us. A Nankeen Kestrel patrolled from the skies above.

We then drove east a short distance to some more evaporative ponds. There were different birds on different ponds, reflecting, perhaps, the level of salinity. Over 100 Pelicans sat in a line along a bank separating two ponds. A solitary Yellow-billed Spoonbill stood amongst them. Some distance further along the chain of Pelicans was a lone Royal Spoonbill. I snapped a few digital photos in the hope of including them in a forthcoming Echuca BOCA newsletter. Some distance away almost beyond the range of our Scopes, a Greenshank fed on a spit, sometimes partially obscuring two Marsh Sandpipers. Behind them, a number of Masked Lapwings fossicked amongst the saltbush. A Black-fronted Dotterel put in an appearance. A little group of Zebra (sorry, Pink-eared) Ducks appeared in the pond behind the Pelicans and then disappeared from view again as they swam in close behind them. Other water birds included Shoveler and Hoary-headed Grebe. Someone spotted a Black Falcon high overhead. Then we spotted a Wedge-tailed Eagle and a Whistling Kite. All the time, Welcome Swallows circled low over the water and saltbush. At the edge of the ponds, Noisy Miners and Pied Butcherbirds called loudly. Marvellous place Tullakool. Even better in summer when migratory waders are present.

One evening, in a wool-shed near our camp, Evan Thomas (who ran the property for many years before handing it over to one of his sons), presented a good old-fashioned slide show, using a very old slide projector, of Barham area birds. Evan has taken magnificent photos over many years. Outstanding shots they were. And without the help of Photoshop ~ no cropping or colouring. Good close-ups of birds like Gilbert Whistler, all in a logical sequence, right way up, without long pauses between slides. Many of Evan¹s photos appear in Peter Discher¹s book.

There was time to explore some of the nearby forest areas. At the suggestion of Evan, Bob Wheller and other local birders, one day we drove south about 25km south to Clump Bend onto Gunbower Island near Koondrook (in Victoria). Just as they had predicted, Clump Bend (35 38 55S; 144 08 34E) proved to be a birding hot spot. It seemed a rather unlikely spot for birds as there were lots of campers alongside the Murray River, with barking dogs and noisy kiddies. A gun shot rang in our ears. We had no sooner parked our vehicles than we observed a group of Grey-crowned Babblers in a nearby roost. Thick Dwarf Native Cherry (Exocarpus strictus) grew under Red Gum. A small group of us took off through the scrub, away from the campers. Over a radius of about 500 metres, we observed White-winged Chough, Kookaburra, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Grey Fantail, Silvereye, Common Bronzewing,Yellow Thornbill, Weebill, Noisy Miner, Whistling Kite, White-plumed Honeyeater, White-throated and Brown Treecreeper, Grey Shrike Thrush, Yellow (from of Crimson) Rosella, Striated Pardalote, Superb Fairy Wren, Willie Wagtail and Golden Whistler. Despite passing traffic throwing up clouds of dust, a party of White-browed Babblers put in an appearance. And the highlight. A male Gilberts Whistler sitting still in the sun on a dead twig of a nearby sapling. None of us had a camera with us. Why is my camera always left in the car when something great puts in an appearance (or the battery goes dead just as the shutter is pressed)?! After having seen Evan's wonderful slides the evening before, it was easy to identify, its nankeen (or should that be rufous?) breast being clearly visible. Then a female Gilbert Whistler appeared and sat still at a similar distance. A Pelican flew overhead and a Brown Falcon patrolled high above. Good spot that. Clump Bend.

Other good birding spots included the sewage treatment ponds, Barham Lake and some bushland around Barham Golf Club where a group of Bush Stone Curlews stood still in the shade of Box trees. The bush around the sewage treatment ponds had been so heavily overgrazed by horses and cattle that not a blade of grass remained. Horses appeared to be eating leaves but, when we approached further, realised that they were scratching at the bare soil and unearthing pieces of Lippia (Phylla nodifolia), an introduced plant used locally as a lawn grass.

Three consecutive day outings
Torrumbarry
Sometimes the best birding spots are private properties with a range of habitats. This was the case in May when 31 of us visited two properties in the Torrumbarry area. Early in May, Peter Allan and I led a group of 31, including several Cohuna birders and visitors from Melbourne, Chiltern and elsewhere, on a BOCA outing to the Torrumbarry area, northern Victoria.

It was to be the first of three consecutive one-day outings.

First stop was a section of Bruns dairy farm bordered by Gunbower Creek, a tributary of the Murray. The owners have about 250 unirrigated acres which is lightly grazed and regarded as a conservation paddock. Apart form the most common local species (Magpie, Galah, Little Raven etc), some of the species observed included Shelduck, Darter, Great Egret, Brown Goshawk, Little Eagle, Peaceful Dove, Red-rumped Parrot, Azure Kingfisher, Brown Tree-creeper, Weebill, Southern Whiteface, Red-capped Robin, Grey-crowned Babbler, Pied Butcherbird, White-winged Chough, Diamond Firetail (nesting) and Tree Martin. Strangely, no thornbills, no whistlers and no pardalotes. We observed 46 species on the property. 46 species. Another few birds and the day could be declared a success.

Lunch was at Torrumbarry Weir where we added a handful of species, including White-browed Scrubwren, to take the tally to over 50.

After lunch, we visited a property on the inside of the horseshoe-shaped Richardsons (Baillieu's) Lagoon. The owner has placed a Trust for Nature covenant on their land. Parks Victoria has recently fenced adjoining crown land. The property includes an orange grove, a sandhill covered in indigenous vegetation plus part of the lagoon itself. We commenced our visit by walking along a track traversing a sand hill. Then we walked down to a dry section of the lagoon. We saw nearly all the species observed on the dairy farm during the morning plus lots of other birds.

Richardsons Lagoon (D Ong)

We observed a White-bellied Sea-eagle nest and then spotted a pair of Sea-eagles. A Swamp Harrier flew overhead. Then we heard Brolgas. A pair of Brolgas took off from the lagoon and disappeared over a ridge. Those lagging in the rear saw the Brolgas return to the lagoon. Some of those near the rear observed Black-fronted and Red-kneed Dotterels. We added Hardhead, White-necked Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Pied Currawong and Eurasian Coot to our day list. At last, someone heard Striated Pardalotes. But still no thornbills or Whistlers. After walking the property for a few hours, someone spotted a Golden Whistler. But still no thornbills. Everyone enjoyed birding on the property so much that it was close to dusk before we thanked the owners and had bird call. 59 species on this property. 75 species for the day, Terrific. Still no thornbills. And only one species of honeyeater. The owner claimed that Powerful Owls, Barking Owls and Bush Stone Curlews live on the property. It was very late in the afternoon and no-one seemed to have the energy to search for the owls or curlews.

Barmah
The following day's outing was to the Barmah-Millewa forest. After meeting at Mathoura, we strolled alongside Gulpa Creek for over an hour. Some of the birds observed were Darter, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Purple Swamp Hen, White-winged Chough, Red-browed Finch, Brown Tree-creeper, White-browed Tree-creeper, Grey Fantail, Grey Shrike-thrush, Silvereye and White- plumed Honeyeater. The tally for the two days rose to 82.

As everyone was in a 4WD, we drove along Sages Road, a seldom-used sandy track across Gulpa Island. We stopped a few times. At last, some thornbills! Buff-rumped, Yellow and Yellow -rumped with Weebills, all in mixed flocks. Southern Whiteface, Diamond Firetail, Hooded Robin, Red-capped Robin and Jacky Winter jumped about the fallen timber. Peaceful Doves called. Tally 85.

En route to Picnic Point for lunch we observed many emus, a Nankeen Kestrel and a Wedge-tailed Eagle. At Picnic Point, a flock of Superb Fairy-wrens scampered about at our feet. Some of us observed White-browed Scrubwrens. We searched without luck for Nankeen Night Herons. The it was off to a near-dry Barmah Lake. Birds observed there included Emu, Pelican, Great Egret, Grey Teal, Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamp Hen, Whistling Kite, White Ibis, Masked Lapwing, Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Jacky Winter, White-throated tree-creeper and Willie Wagtail. A Brown Falcon flew over.

Perricoota Road to Lower Thule
The following morning, our first stop was Tataila Road, at the side of the Rich River Golf Club. Here we observed singing Honeyeater, Zebra Finch, Black Kite, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Red-rumped Parrot, magpie lark and several other birds. Moving around the corner in to 24 Lane, we observed A number of water birds in an artificial lake. A flock of Musk Lorikeets fed on trees alongside the main entrance of the golf club. We also observed our first Red Wattlebird.

We then spent well over an hour at the Five Mile Reserve, alongside the Murray River. This is always a good birding spot. New birds here included Dusky Woodswallow, Varied Sittella and Crested Shrike-tit. Other birds here included Restless Flycatcher, Pied Butcherbird, Jacky Winter, Grey Fantail, Weebill and Golden Whistler. Now we had observed most of the birds I had expected apart from Rufous Whistler, Flame Robin and Spotted Pardalote. Then there was a short side trip along McKindlay Road to the entrance of Benarca Forest. We passed a paddock of ostriches but, being farm stock, we did not tick them off. We did add another bird to the list here, Varied Sittella, but only a few observed them. Peter Allan suggested we stop at the wetland opposite Perricoota Woolshed. A longish search resulted in just 15 species.

It was time for lunch. Although we had hired the Womboota School of the Arts (in case of rain and for its toilets), we ate outside. I thought we had lots of time before our scheduled meeting with a BOCA member who lives along Lower Thule Road. We ambled along Perricoota Road, past Womboo, stopped at Green Gully and stopped again to observe a flock of about nine Grey-crowned Babblers. We arrived at the designated meeting place spot on time, or so I thought at the time. In fact, we were exactly one hour late! (It was not until our host rang me the following morning that I realised I had misread my watch. How disappointing. How embarrassing).

Most of us travelled back to Moama via Bunnaloo and Thyra Road. 96 or 97 species over three days. Another success...apart from the mess up on the final afternoon.

Korong Vale (Wychitella NCR) and Boort
Drought conditions have impacted badly on the Korong Vale area. As our group met in Korong Vale, some Long-billed Corellas and Galahs. I hoped it would get better. Then we sighted a Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater busily feeding in some shrubs across the road.

First birding location was a walk along a narrow track through thick Broombush (Melaleuca spp), Box and Senna in a block of Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve at the edge of Korong Vale. We enjoyed good views of Southern Scrub Robin, Spotted Pardalote, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater and Common Bronzewing. We heard the calls of Gilbert Whistler and wrens.

Second stop was Mt Egbert but rain prevented us from venturing out of our cars. Not heavy rain, but a constant light shower. Badly needed rain. As the rain appeared to have set in, we decided to drove north for about 25km to Boort for lunch. We enjoyed a lovely lunch and great coffee in the local cafe.

After lunch, when the rain stopped, we drove to nearby Little Lake Boort, one of the few lakes in the area which still contained water. There we observed 33 species, including a group of Brown Quail, Shelduck, Hoary-headed Grebe, Intermediate Egret, Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Whistling Kite, Purple Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen, Red-capped Plover and Black-fronted Dotterel, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot and many of the more-common birds.

We then drove south to a track in another block of the Wychitella NCR. A group of White-browed Babblers were busy feeding at the side of the track. Some Weebills came close enough for David to obtain some good photos. Other birds observed along the track included Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Wedgetailed Eagle and Brown Goshawk. Then a sighting to cap off a great day. Just a few hundred metres after leaving Wattle Track to return to a nearby caravan park, members observed a Lowan (Malleefowl) crossing the Wedderburn-Wychitella Road. Another successful day, with well over 50 species observed despite the rain interruption.

Kanyapella Basin
On 18th March, 23 birders attended an outing to the Kanyapella Basin and its surrounds. Led by Dallas, the group observed 73 bird species, a great tally in view of the ongoing drought in this area. The first two stops were in the Kanyapella Reserve, a flood retarding basin. Although management plans were drawn up some years ago, they have yet to be signed off. In the meantime, sheep continue to graze in the area and have impacted upon the ground cover. Those of us who accompanied Dallas on a walk in the forest enjoyed good views of Diamond Firetail, Red-capped Robin, Varied Sittella, Jacky Winter and other bush birds.

We then visited some spots alongside the Murray in Echuca Regional Park. Dallas then led us to a lagoon which supported a good range of waterbirds.

We stopped along O¹Dea Road for Singing Honeyeater.

After that, we visited the Allan Corry Roadside Reserve where most of the shrubs some of us planted last year appear to be thriving. There was a quick stop at a roadside dam.

Final birding stop was a quarry in which we saw Black-fronted Dotterel, Welcome Swallow, Pelican and White-fronted Chat. A highlight was a Black Falcon soaring over the Falcon Hotel. Other species observed included Shelduck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Australasian Grebe, White-faced and White-necked Heron, White and Straw-necked Ibis, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Collared Sparrowhawk, Little Eagle, Hobby, Dusky Moorhen, Bronzewing, Musk Lorikeet, Weebill, Restless Flycatcher, Red-browed Finch and Fairy Martin as well as our more common birds. The day after our excursion saw the best rainfall for several months. Dallas spent much time planning this outing and was assisted by Bev and Alan Curtis. It was whilst surveying for the outing that they discovered the wonderful lagoon referred to above.

The Narrows, Barmah Forest
In February 2007, 18 of us cruised through The Narrows of the Murray River, through Barmah Forest, aboard the MV Kingfisher. 41 species were observed, including Darter, Nankeen Night Heron, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Brown Godshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, Azure Kingfisher (7), Blue-faced Honeyeater, White-breasted Woodswallow and Tree Martin.

Echuca Regional Park
On 21 January 2007, a small group carried out an early morning 5km survey in and around Echuca Regional Park. Around 45 species were observed, most of the expected birds. But we failed to record any Rainbow Bee-eaters, Spoonbills, Coots or Dollarbirds. In a lagoon alongside Boileau Estate, we observed Azure and Sacred Kingfishers plus a number of other water birds. A Little Eagle was observed sitting on a branch looking down at a Red-bellied Black Snake along Stewarts Bridge Road outside Madowla Park. A Wedgetailed Eagle and Peaceful Dove were also seen here. We retired to Cape Horn Vineyard on lawns alongside the Murray River for morning refreshments. After the break, a family of Tawny Frogmouths was observed on private property, within the 5km radius, belonging to three of our members.

2006 Outings

2006 Challenge Bird Count
BOCA organises a bird count in late November or early December each year. The aim is to find as many birds as possible within a 40km radius. This year, we observed 136 species, including those listed in the column to the left plus Feral Goose, Black Swan (breeding), Pink-eared Duck, Chestnut Teal, Darter, Great, Intermediate and Cattle Egret, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Swamp Harrier, Little eagle, Hobby, Nankeen Kestrel, Black-tailed native Hen, Greenshank, Gull-billed Tern, Little Corella (as well as Long-billed), Superb Parrot (nesting), Tawny Frogmouth, Rainbow Bee-eater (just 7, none last year), Dollarbird, Weebill (nesting), Bue-faced honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat (nesting), Grey-crowned Babbler, Crested Shrike-tit, Dusky Woodswallow (nesting), White-breasted Woodswallow (nesting), Olive-backed Oriole, Pied Currawong, Skylark, Pipit,Tree Sparrow, Zebra Finch, Red-browed Finch, Diamond Firetail, Goldfinch, Mistletoe Bird, White-backed Swallow, Little grassbird, Rufous Songlark, Golden-headed Cisticola and Indian Mynah.

Dalyenong Nature Conservation Reserve
In mid September, 11 of us visited a drought-ravaged Dalyenong Nature Conservation Reserve. Many of the wattles and shrubs were dead. Whilst those who attended enjoyed the scenery and flowering plants, we observed just 26 bird species in the reserve, the lowest number observed on an outing for several years. Some participants observed as many species en route to and from the reserve than they did in it. Species observed in Dalyenong NCR included Wood Duck, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Musk Lorikeet, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Kookaburra, Superb Fairy-wren, Striated Pardalote, Spotted Pardalote, Weebill, Red Wattlebird, Fuscous, White-plumed, Black-chinned and Brown-headed Honeyeater, Hooded Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush, Willie Wagtail, Dusky Woodswallow, Little Raven, White-winged Chough, Magpie and a raptor which we could not identify. When visiting in preparation for the outing, Keith observed several Eastern Yellow Robins. During the outing, apart from Michele, no one observed one. Although a few orchids were in bloom, we were about two weeks too early to see large numbers of orchids in bloom. But Astroloma, wattles, Hibbertia (Guinea Flower), Yam Daisy and Calytrix were in bloom. Some participants were determined to revisit the reserve a few weeks later to observe the orchids in bloom and to further explore this interesting reserve.

Deniliquin
Last time we visited Island Sanctuary, we observed a new bird for Tom Wheller's island Sanctuary list, a Purple-crowned Lorikeet. This time Superb Parrots were observed in the sanctuary for the first time. A pair were checking a potential nesting hollow. We observed 84 species in the town, including Australian Shelduck with young, Shoveler, Nankeen Night Heron, Collared Sparrowhawk, Whistling Kite, Black Falcon, Black-tailed Native Hen with young, Banded Lapwing, Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-kneed Dotterel, Eastern Rosella, Azure Kingfisher, White-browed Scrubwren, Weebill, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Varied Sittella, Rufous Whistler, Grey Fantail and Clamorous Reed Warbler. Whilst returning to Echuca, some participants observed several Superb Parrots in box trees at the side of the Cobb Highway. Large numbers of emus were observed grazing in paddocks alongside the highway. Clic

k here to download our Deniliquin pdf brochure.

Gunbower Island
On 19th August, Norma Sheridan and Norm Wilson led 15 of us around Gunbower Island. We drove from Cohuna along Island road, Chettle Track and Wee Wee Rup Track to the Murray River, followed the river downstream,and stopped at Little Gunbower Creek, Black Swamp and Reedy Swamp before returning to Island Road. Several emus were observed, including a flock of about 20 near the start of the Forest Drive. Although we observed a Black Swan with young cygnets, we saw no sign of birds breeding. The region has experienced a decade-long drought, the past five years being the driest since records began. As a result, bird numbers throughout the region have plummeted and the lack of nesting activity is of concern. But a wide range of species was observed including Shelduck, Grey Teal, Australasian Grebe, Darter, Little Black Cormorant, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Whistling Kite, Wedgetailed Eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Coot, Bronzewing, Azure Kingfisher, Weebill, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Red-capped Robin, Flame Robin, Grey Shrike Thrush, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Woodswallow, Zebra Finch and Silvereye. Click here t

o download pdf Gunbower Island brochure

Whipstick Forest
On a cool and overcast day in July, led by Pam and John Land, members visited the Whipstick section of Greater Bendigo National Park. 50 species were observed including Black-shouldered Kite, Musk Lorikeet, Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, White-browed Babbler, Golden Whistler, Black-faced Cuckoo Shrike, Grey Butcherbird and ten species of Honeyeater: Red Wattlebird, Noisy Miner, Yellow-tufted, Black-chinned, White-naped, White-eared, Fuscous, White-plumed, Yellow-faced and Brown-headed. Members then had a meeting to plan forthcoming outings. Click here t

o download our Kamarooka Forest brochure.

Rushworth and Whroo State Forest
Led by Peter Allan, 6 BOCA members visited the Rushworth area early in June. 52 species were observed including Painted Button-quail, Musk and Little Lorikeet, Speckled Warbler, five species of Thornbill, eleven species of Honeyeater (Little and Red Wattlebird, Spiny-cheeked, Yellow-faced, White-eared, Yellow-tufted, White-plumed, Brown-headed, White-naped, New Holland Honeyeater and Eastern Spinebill), three species of Robin (Red-capped, Flame and Scarlet), Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, Grey Currawong, Mistletoebird and Blackbird. The Speckled Warbler was near a tower at the edge of Rushworth.

Mallee Safari
16 BOCA members participated in the Echuca and District safari to mallee country in north-western Victoria and the Riverland of South Australia. A few weeks prior to Easter, we commenced our trip in the Victorian mallee.

John Land has written the following about Mt Crozier in the the Murray-Sunset National Park:

A small group of participants in the Echuca branch of BOCA¹s March/April tagalong camped at Mt Crozier while others who did not fancy the sandy track camped at Hattah Lakes. Mt Crozier is situated in the magnificent Murray-Sunset National Park. This park is Victoria's second largest national park and can reasonably be regarded as true outback. It is remote, harsh and beautiful with abundant wildlife and a profusion of wildflowers after rain. Activities there were varied but of course bird watching was uppermost in every one's mind and the Red-lored Whistler was our special target bird. (More of that later). Plenty of walking was done as a group, or in ones and twos. The walks were delightful. A loop walk scaled Mt Crozier where one could gain sensational views over the sea of mallee which extended as far as the eye could see. Another walk meandered through several very different plant communities like mallee, grassy flats, Allocasuarina and Acacia. One participant was a plant guru so her opinion was in high demand as we discovered plants which we wanted to identify. Alas, we were not able to positively identify the Red-lored Whistler. We heard calls which we thought compared favourably to our BOCA CD of its calls, but we wanted to be 100% sure before we recorded (ticked) it. We had a brief but not good enough sighting, so we had to admit defeat and vow to return another day. The species recorded were - Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brush Bronzewing, Galah (of course), Major Mitchell's (Pink) Cockatoo, Australian Ringneck, Mulga Parrot, Southern Boobook, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Brown Tree-creeper, Superb Fairy-wren, Variegated Fairy-wren, Spotted and Striated Pardalotes, Weebill , Western Gerygone, Inland Thornbill , Chestnut-rumped Thornbill , Red Wattlebird, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Striped Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-fronted Honeyeater, Jack Winter, Red-capped Robin, Hooded Robin, White-browed Babbler, Chestnut Quail-thrush, Varied Sittella, Crested Bellbird, Gilbert’s Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Restless Flycatcher, Willie Wagtail, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Masked Woodswallow, White-browed Woodswallow, Dusky Woodswallow, Grey Butcherbird, Australian Magpie, Grey Currawong, Australian Magpie and Tree Martin. End of John La nd's report.

Those of us who stayed at Lake Mournpall did, however, drive along sandy tracks through mallee-Sunset national Park to meet the others at Mt. Crozier.
En route, crossing the Raak Plain south of the Nowingi Toxic dump site, we observed large mixed flocks of Masked and White-browed Woodswallows. We came across some purple patches where we had good views of the following species: Pied Honeyeater, Southern Whiteface, Brown Tree-creeper, Mulga Parrot, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill , Inland Thornbill , Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and White-backed Swallow. At Mt Crozier, we observed most of the birds which John has listed above (apart from the Owls and Major Mitchell's). It was a little difficult to positively identify some wrens as they were not in breeding plumage, but we concluded that they were Variegated Wrens. We enjoyed good views of Chestnut Quail Thrush but most of us only heard the Crested Bellbird. Upon finally arriving at Mt Crozier, the girls knelt down and kissed the ground, so glad they were that we had survived the last bit of the track which was somewhat challenging. After spending a few hours at Mr Crozier, we decided to return via Pink Lakes and sealed highways.

Those who didn't camp at Mt Crozier enjoyed birding in Hattah National Park.
Birds which we observed near Lake Mournpall included Emu, Wedgetailed Eagle, Australian (Mallee) Ringneck, Regent Parrot, Red-rumped Parrot, Restless Flycatcher, Inland and Chestnut-rumped Thornbill , Grey Shrike-thrush, Crested Bellbird, Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin, Red-capped Robin, Gilberts Whistler, Tree Martin, Weebill , Spiny-cheeked, Singing, White-fronted and Brown-headed Honeyeater, White-browed Babbler, Grey Butcher Bird and White-winged Chough plus lots of Masked and White-browed Woodswallows. Again, the wrens were a little hard to identify but we concluded that the ones we saw here were Splendid Wrens. Whilst birding in some mallee north of the camp ground, our party disturbed a bird that must have been sitting on the ground. It was within a metre of one birder when it flew up. Lagging behind the others, I was the only one who caught a good view: only one of the others caught a glimpse of it and none of us heard a sound. Its flight was silent! The bird was brownish with long wings and it was about the size of a raven. I can only assume it was a Spotted Nightjar. It didn't matter that no one else saw it, however, as we were all to obtain close up views of one at Eremophila Park later in our trip. I would have taken a fantastic close-up photo had the battery of my camera not decided to go flat at the moment when I pushed the Shutter. Always carry a spare battery!!! The weather was ideal. I was pleased that a hard-working dairy farmer (Dallas) found time to join us. And our Branch founder, Jon Hosford, travelled across from Tasmania to be with us. No one enjoyed the trip more than Jon and Dallas!

After several days in the Victorian mallee, we broke camp and headed off to Chowilla in South Australia.
Early in April, we left for Chow a Game reserve, north of Paringa in South Australia. After shopping and refuelling at Renmark, we crossed the Murray back to Paringa and travelled north-east along the Murtho Road. The road was lined with orchards until just before we reached an old customs house. Although the owner of the old customs house (voluntarily) collects the camping fees for the Department of Environment and Heritage, he makes a living from hiring out house boats. Large houseboats. Enormous, luxurious houseboats. He must do a good trade as the car park was all but full. We set up camp in the nearby camping area alongside a very wide Murray River. Chow a Game reserve covers 17,508 hectares and is 280km NE of Adelaide. Much of this wetland area is covered with River Red Gum and Black Box. There is a good understorey of Wattles, Lignum, Hop Bush and other shrubs. Shooting waterfowl is permitted on certain designated days but, fortunately, our stay did not coincide with any of these days. We birded our way around a wetlands walkway, observing lots of birds including Great Egret, Black-tailed Native hen, Pelican, Darter, Great and Little Pied Cormorant, Black Swan, White-faced Heron, Shelduck, Coot, Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill , Grey Teal, Swamp (Marsh) Harrier, Whistling Kite, Brown Tree-creeper, Rufous Whistler, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Little friar Bird, Striped Honeyeater, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush, Peaceful Dove, Yellow (form of Crimson) Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Mallee Ringneck, Little Grass Bird, Pied Butcher Bird, Dusky Woodswallow, Bronzewing and several more-common birds like Willie Wagtail, Black Duck and Magpie. I was particularly pleased to enjoy outstanding views of Striped Honeyeaters, a bird I first recall seeing in the Capertee Valley last year. There were to be lots of them at Gluepot and elsewhere during our trip.

We drove back toward Paringa, stopping off at some dry mallee country south-west of the old customs house. Here we saw lots of Blue Bonnets. A pair of Pied Butcher Birds had young in a nest. A Tawny Frogmouth flew close by to us and landed for everyone to enjoy good views. A group of Chestnut-crowned Babblers attracted our attention and we noticed that their roosts are larger and higher up in the trees than the roosts of either Grey-crowned or White-browed Babblers. A few kilometres along the Murtho Road, we stopped again for a 20 minute 2 hectare survey and observed only Southern Whiteface, Richards Pipit and Tree Martins.

Next stop was Murtho Forest Reserve, alongside the Murray River. Now at Echuca-Moama the Murray is not all that wide and in the nearby Barmah Forest it has no banks at all, being a perched river. But here, near Paringa, the Murray was a most impressive, very wide river with cliffs on both sides. Excellent views were obtained from a cliff top lookout tower. The birding in this reserve proved to be excellent: most of the species listed above, plus Kookaburra, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill , White-browed Babbler, Red-capped Robin, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Crested Pigeon, Weebill , Gilberts Whistler, Australian Raven, Grey fantail, Superb Blue Wren, Dusky Moorhen and more Striped Honeyeaters. There were a few campers here and we wondered what they were thinking as we patiently tried to track down and obtain good views of a Gilberts Whistler. It turned out that some of them had some interest in bird watching and carried bird guides with them.

A farmer member, Dallas, pointed out a lovely drooping wattle, Acacia stenophylla, which he is growing on his dairy farm as a timber tree. Apparently the wood is highly prized for furniture. Trees are ready to harvest for this purpose after about 15 years. But the trees growing here were much, much older. Contrary to common belief, some species of wattle are very long-lived and, according to an expert on allergies, are not a trigger for asthma or hay fever. Dallas and another of our group, Karen, were terrific at identifying native grasses and shrubs for us.

After a few days here we set off for Gluepot with over 100 bird species ticked off for the trip.
We were keen to catch up with one of our members who was the voluntary ranger there, assisted by another of our friends, Bob from Mallacoota. To come: seeking Red-lored Whistlers and Black-eared Miners at Gluepot, lots of Lowan at Eremophila Park, besieged by emus at Stockyard Plains and a 4WD trek through Wyperfeld to visit the O¹Sullivans of Pine Plains. Echuca and District Branch of BOCA¹s Mallee Safari Part 3 On 4th April, from Chowilla, we travelled west to Waikerie where we replenished our supplies and showered before crossing the Murray by ferry and driving north through Taylorville Station to Gluepot. We camped at the Sittella Camp Ground for six days (five nights) and spent each day birding in and exploring different parts of the reserve. Shortly after arriving, I wandered off alone along a nearby walking track and soon spotted a juvenile Pallid Cuckoo and obtained an excellent view of a White-eared Honeyeater. Crested Bellbirds and Red Wattlebirds were calling and a Tree Martin circled overhead. There was a party of Chestnut-crowned Babblers near our camp. The following morning, 5th April, we travelled west, exploring the area around Old Gluepot homestead. We observed several Pied Honeyeaters which appeared to be feeding with a large mixed flock of Masked and White-browed Woodswallows. Other birds observed included Red-capped Robin; Hooded Robin; White-faced, White-fronted, Spiny-cheeked and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater; Splendid Wren; Willie Wagtail; Black-eared Cuckoo; Mulga Parrot; Crested Bellbird; White-browed Tree-creeper and Brown Falcon. White-browed Tree-creeper was a new bird for some members of our party.

On 6th April, we set out for Froggy dam and Broggy¹s Hole. A Little Eagle hovered over the scrub near the Kangaroo Dam site. We stopped alongside an area of porcupine grass (spinifex) in the hope of attracting some different birds. In the distance, Jon, co-founder of our BOCA Branch, sighted some emus and waved a white handkerchief in the air. This attracted the attention of the emus and they came closer and closer until one of our party became somewhat apprehensive and persuaded Jon to stop attracting them. As we were travelling slowly along track 5, Jon heard some unusual calls. So we stopped and obtained wonderful views of a Southern Scrub Robin which seemed reluctant to leave its spot: it made sure we all had a good view of it. Nearby we obtained good views of a Striated Grasswren. Other birds in this purple patch included Masked and White-browed Woodswallows; Striped, White-fronted and Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters, and Crested Bellbird. Large flocks of woodswallows seemed to follow us from Hattah and Mt Crozier to Chowilla to Gluepot! There is more to Gluepot than birds. En route to Froggy Dam, a very long line of processional caterpillars was discovered. For the better part of half an hour, we watched the procession slowly make its way along. One caterpillar decided to stop crawling for a while and those behind it concertined (sic?) into one another and the chain took many minutes to reform, with the offender resuming its place further back in the procession. On the way back to camp we decided to do the Airstrip Walk and were rewarded with good views of Chestnut-crowned Babblers; Chestnut-rumped Thornbills; Striated Pardalote; Jacky Winter; Brown-headed, White-fronted and Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters; Crested Pigeon; Brown Tee-creeper, Weebill and Mistletoe Bird. Late one afternoon, three of us decided to bird near the Babbler camp site and hit another purple patch: in a small area over 15 minutes we observed (in order of sighting) Jacky Winter, White-eared Honeyeater, Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush, Golden Whistler, White-browed Tree-creeper, Rufous Whistler, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Varied Sittella, White-browed Babbler, Yellow-throated Miner, Brown Tree-creeper, Weebill, Red-capped Robin and Chestnut Quail Thrush.

On 7th April, we travelled to the north-western section of the park and completed the walking trail near Picnic Dam (east of the Bellbird camp site).This was quite a long walk. For long periods, few birds called. But in one 500m stretch alongside the northern boundary fence we spotted up to 10 Chestnut Quail-thrush running about on the ground. Jacky Winter and Red-capped Robin flew about and sat on the fence. An emu paraded ahead of us. Other birds in the area included Spiny-cheeked, White-fronted and Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebird, Gilberts Whistler and Crested Bellbird. There was another line of processional caterpillars here. A house fly at the head of the line seemed to be trying to divert them. An ant found its way blocked by the line and crawled up and down parallel to the line before finding its way around the line. All the time, the fly persistently tried to alter the course of the line. Why we do not know. Later, a few of us walked part of a track near Babbler Camp and saw most of the birds listed above plus Splendid Wren, White-browed Babbler and Grey Butcherbird.

On 8th April, we set off for the Mallee Fowl (Callitris) Walk west of Babbler Camp Site. We hoped to find Red-lored Whistler here. I reckon I heard one calling but we could only see Gilberts Whistler and other species which we had already observed elsewhere in the reserve. Still, it was a lovely walk. Some of us returned to the start of the Whistler Walk before returning to camp.

We sighted several miners which we think were hybrids between Yellow-throated and Black-eared. We later learned that Yellow-throated are not common in the reserve, most being Black-eared or hybrids.

On Sunday 9th April, we broke camp and headed back to Waikerie, stopping at the reserve's southern boundary to search in vain for the elusive Red-lored Whistler. We were sad to leave Gluepot as the place had good vibes and lots of birds which we don't often see in our home turf. At Waikerie, we made use of the facilities at the caravan park, stocked up at the supermarket, enjoyed the lovely pasties of the highway bakery and visited a small chocolate factory before setting off for Eremophila Park.

Located east of Waikerie, Eremophila Park is an area of mallee in a sea of cleared land. The property is owned by Stella Mack who, along with her late husband, removed cattle from the bushland area when they purchased the property back in the 1980s. Part of the land is cleared and grazed/cropped. Part of the bushland has been sold to the government and is a reserve. The area of bush which Stella still owns covers a few hundred acres and supports a population of Mallee Fowl. The camping area is very pleasant, with running water in the toilet/shower block. Stella kindly allowed us to use a room in a cottage for a dinner ~ which Jon cooked for us ~ and for bird call. Apart from Mallee Fowl (Lowan), the highlight was being able to locate and observe close up a Spotted Nightjar. It patiently sat still on the ground whilst we crept ever nearer to photograph it. Alas, just as I pushed the shutter on my digital camera I discovered that the battery was exhausted. Always carry a spare battery folks! Fortunately there were two others who captured the bird on film and look forward to seeing the photos. Hopefully there will be a good one for our next branch newsletter (our newsletters can be downloaded from the branch's web site). The worst thing about Eremophila Park was the flies: a thick swarm of flies.

Stella gave us a list of birds which had been observed in her bushland by members of the Fleurieu Bird Observers Group a year or so back. Both of us observed 40 species. Our list was almost identical to theirs except that we missed out on Rainbow Bee-eater and one or two other birds but made up for it with Little Eagle and Spotted Nightjar. We noted that he mallee form of the Spotted Pardalote has a brighter yellow rump than the form found around Echuca.

Please note that you must book before camping at Eremophila Park.

Birds observed on Eremophila Park Latitude 34 14 14 S, Longitude 140 11 02 E By Echuca and District BOCA tagalong members 9th and 10th April 2006 Lowan (Mallee Fowl) Little Eagle Common Bronzewing Crested Pigeon Galah Australian Ringneck Mulga Parrot Southern Boobook (heard) Spotted Nightjar Australian Owlet Nightjar (heard) Brown Tree-creeper Variegated Fairy Wren Spotted Pardalote Striated Pardalote Weebill Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Yellow-rumped Thornbill Southern Whiteface Red Wattlebird Yellow-throated Miner Singing Honeyeater White-eared Honeyeater Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Brown-headed Honeyeater Jacky Winter Red-capped Robin Hooded Robin White-browed Babbler Rufous Whistler Grey Shrike-thrush Restless Flycatcher Grey Fantail Willie Wagtail Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike Grey Butcherbird Australian Magpie Grey Currawong Little Raven White-winged Chough Tree Martin

After a few nights at Eremophila Park, the 15 of us travelled via Waikerie (and its highway bakery) to spend two nights at Stockyard Plains, off the Sturt Highway19km south-west of Waikerie.
Stockyard Plains is a 1,870ha reserve which features a 500ha lake of saline ground-water extracted from beneath a 50km stretch of the Murray River and piped to the site at a rate of 340 litres per second. Much of the water evaporates from the lake and some seeps into the ground. Surrounding the wetland are open saltbush plains and mallee bushland. Needless to say a variety of water birds make use of the wetland. The saltbush and mallee supports good numbers of inland bush birds. Campers and visitors are required to collect a key (and pay a deposit for same) from a government office in Waikerie before assessing the reserve. We received our deposit back less $5 so the camping fee worked out to about 20 cents each! When we arrived, we were unsure as to which of three camp sites to say at. I checked out one of the sites. Before I managed to check out the facilities, I was surrounded by a large mob of inquisitive emus, all the time reporting to the others via UHF radio. They thought I was exaggerating as i am sometimes prone to do. As the site seemed okay apart from the emus, the the others decided to come to this camp site and they too had to fend off emus as they tried to set up tents/vans and eat lunch. I saw one participant using a bread board to fend off an emu from her lunch but it was all to little avail. There was no need to wave a handkerchief over one's head to attract them. It was very windy that day and we saw very few birds. We thought the birder who had recommended this place must have been here in better times. But at least there was a shower at our camp ground and the water, which came via a poly pipe lying on the ground, was very hot.

Next morning dawned and the wind had abated. The lake and its shallow edges were smothered with hundreds of ducks and water birds. It was interesting to observe a small number of Avocets and Banded Stilts feeding together. Thanks to Geoff who was first to observe that the stilts were Banded rather than Pied: the rest of us had not paid them much attention. We observed 73 species at Stockyard Plains including: Emu Musk Duck Black Swan Shelduck Shoveler Grey Teal Chestnut Teal Pink-eared (Zebra) Duck Australasian Grebe Hoary-headed Grebe Darter Great Black Cormorant Pelican Whistling Kite White-bellied Sea-eagle Collared Sparrowhawk Wedgetailed Eagle Little Eagle Brown Falcon Nankeen Kestrel Eurasian Coot Red-necked Stilt Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Banded Stilt Red-necked Avocet Red-capped Plover Masked Lapwing Silver Gull Common Bronzewing Crested Pigeon Australian Ringneck Red-rumped Parrot Mulga Parrot Blue-winged Parrot Spotted Nightjar (heard) Owlet Nightjar (heard) Brown Tree-creeper Variegated Fairy-wren Spotted Pardalote (mallee form) Striated Pardalote Weebill Chestnut-rumped Thornbill Southern Whiteface Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater Yellow-throated Miner Singing Honeyeater Yellow-plumed Honeyeater Brown-headed Honeyeater White-fronted Chat Jacky Winter Red-capped Robin Hooded Robin White-browed Babbler Chestnut-crowned Babbler Crested Bellbird Grey Shrike-thrush Mistletoe Bird Little Grassbird plus the more-common birds like magpies, fantails, ravens &etc.

Since we started our safari in the Victorian mallee, the bird count at the end of our visit here stood at 147.

Most of us went on to attend the BOCA Easter Camp on private property alongside Wyperfeld National Park whilst one couple went on to Mungo National Park to attend a Birds Australia campout.
At and close to Wyperfeld, the now larger group observed over 100 species.

A highlight for some of us was driving on 4WD tracks up to a very dry Pine Plains to visit Susan O'Sullivan who is a friend of Jon's. Much time there was spent recalling a marathon horse race which several of those present had participated in some years ago. The O'Sullivan have long been associated with Pine Plains but lost most of their grazing land when a 99-year lease expired and the land was absorbed into Wyperfeld National Park; they now run a tourist lodge and retain some freehold grazing land. Susan's partner told us that the population of Lowan (Mallee Fowl) in the area has fallen dramatically over the past few years because of the rising numbers of foxes. Rabbit numbers have fallen so foxes are eating Lowan and other native animals. The fact that some rangers have left and not yet been replaced has not helped (the positions have been advertised but cannot be filled).

Some of the 103 or so species sighted by group members at Wyperfeld included Black Falcon (by a few participants but not by any of us who had been on the tagalong); Peaceful Dove; Regent, Australian Ringneck and Mulga Parrot; Splendid Fairy Wren; Spotted and Striated Pardalote; Brown, Chestnut-rumped and Inland Thornbill; 15 species of Honeyeater (including White-fronted, Purple-gaped, Brown-headed, Yellow-plumed, Singing and White-eared); Jacky Winter; Red-capped and Hooded Robin; Varied Sittella; White-backed Swallow, and Tree Martin. Most of us left for home on the Wednesday following Easter. ~ Keith Stockwell.

Torrumbarry Area
In mid March 2006, ten members surveyed bushland on a privately-owned dairy farm at Torrumbarry. 56 species were observed on the property and another ten in the area. The previous morning had been the opening of the duck season and piles of feathers and fresh tyre marks indicated that shooters had been on the property. Shooters were also camped on the other side of the creek which loops around the bushland. The shooting would have reduced bird numbers considerably. Birds observed included Darter, Brown goshawk, Black Kite, Whistling Kite, Hobby, Black-fronted Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Eastern Rosella, Azure Kingfisher, Brown Tree-creeper, Striated Pardalote, Weebill, Western Gerygone, five species of Thornbill (Brown, Chestnut-rumped, Yellow-rumped, Yellow and Buff-rumped), Southern Whiteface, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Restless Flycatcher, Pied Butcherbird, Zebra Finch (nesting), Diamond Firetail (nesting) and Little Grassbird. Blue-faced Honeyeater and Great Black Cormorant were amongst the birds seen at nearby Torrumbarry Weir.

Zebra Finch alongside Gunbower Creek (D Ong)

Early morning at Mathoura NSW
In late February, a small group of members visited the Reed Beds near Mathoura and the northern entrance to Gulpa Island. It was a wet day in Victoria but the rain held off here. 70 species were observed, including Emu, three species of Grebe, Darter, Great Egret, Intermediate Egret, Sacred Ibis (breeding), Straw-necked Ibis (breeding), Royal Spoonbill (breeding), Whistling Kite, Swamp Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Wedgetailed Eagle, Buff-banded Rail, Spotted Crake, Peaceful Dove, Azure Kingfisher, Sacred Kingfisher, Jacky Winter, Grey Shrike-Thrush, Diamond Firetail, Mistletoe Bird, Little Grassbird, Clamorous Reed Warbler and Silvereye. Click here to download our Mathoura brochure (pdf).

Intermediate Egret in the Reed beds near Mathoura (D Ong)

Early morning at Horseshoe Lagoon (Moama Wetlands)
In mid January 2006, eight members attended this early morning session and observed 41 species in bushland near the iron bridge between Echuca and Moama. Birds observed included: White-faced Heron, Sacred Ibis, Straw-necked Ibis, Dusky Moorhen, Sacred Kingfisher, Grey Fantail, Weebill, Little Thornbill, Noisy Friarbird, Little Friarbird (nesting), Brown-headed Honeyeater, Crested Shrike Tit, White-breasted Woodswallow, Red-browed Finch and Silvereye plus all the birds listed in blue above except Starling, Red-rumped Parrot and Sparrow.

Tawny-crowned Honeyeater (D Ong)

2005

Superb Parrot Count 2005
In early December 2005, some members participated in the annual Superb Parrot count around Picola, in Barmah-Millewa Forest and along the Mathoura to Deniliquin railway line. Several hundred parrots were observed. Despite dry seasons, the number of birds seems to be holding or increasing slowly.

Lake Murphy
On a windy late November morning, the Lands and Keith visited Lake Murphy but found it disappointing compared to earlier in the year. There were large numbers of Coot. Other birds observed included Black Swan, Shelduck, Shoveler, Hardhead, Great Egret, Black-shouldered and Whistling Kite and Little Grassbird. They then drove north to Goschen Reserve, a delightful island of bush west of Lake Boga, where they observed Brown Goshawk, Wedgetailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Peaceful Dove, Cockatiel, Variegated Fairy-wren, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Yellow-throated Miner, Singing Honeyeater, Hooded Robin, White-browed Babbler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Masked Woodswallow and white-breasted Woodswallow. Next stop was the Lake Boga golf course where there were several Blue Bonnets but no waders in the lake. At nearby Tresco West Bushland Reserve there were White-winged Trillers and an Owlet Nightjar. An approaching storm deterred them from visiting Johnson Swamp as planned.

Challenge Bird count 2005
On Sunday 27 November, nine members of the Echuca and District BOCA Branch set out to see how many birds they could find within a 40km radius of Echuca-Moama. Last year's tally of 150 was going to be difficult to beat, especially since we had fewer participants this time. Amongst the birds observed were: € a Great Egret with breeding plumes at Barmah Lake € Intermediate and Little Egrets € Southern Whiteface on Gulpa Island € 34 Superb Parrots..numbers appear to be increasing € a Tawny Frogmouth € over 80 Royal Spoonbills nesting in the Reed Beds € hundreds of Straw-necked Ibis nesting in the Reed Beds € lots of Nankeen Night Herons €Grey-crowned and White-browed Babbler € Sea Eagle with a year old youngster € Brolgas A total of 148 species were observed, two fewer than last year. Every year, Rainbow Bee-eaters are easy to find. This year, we went to most of the known breeding places in the Echuca district without success. Last February, an intense cold snap killed chicks and adults alike. The consequences appear far more serious than appeared at the time. To find no fresh nests and no Rainbow Bee-eaters is truly alarming. Nor did we observe Dollarbirds. However, several have been observed over recent weeks. Only one Black-shouldered Kite was observed. A few weeks before they seemed to be everywhere. Obviously, they had moved on in search of food elsewhere. We observed only a few Grey Fantails, Diamond Firetails and Australian Pipits. We failed to find any Bush Stone Curlews this year. Chicks have not been surviving because of habitat loss and predation by foxes, dogs and cats. We were unable to visit a private property where there is still a pair at the request of the owners because of family circumstances. Nor did we locate any Banded Lapwing. They appear to have vanished from their last remaining stomping grounds. By contrast, Brown Tree-creepers appear to have increased in number. There were lots and lots of them in Barmah-Millewa forest and along Perricoota Road. Congratulations to Peter Allan for organising the count and collating the results.

Terrick Terrick National Park
Although clashing with Warrnambird, six attended an outing to Terrick on 6th November. About 42 species were observed. Whilst having lunch, the group saw a Southern Boobook fly by them. Another highlight of the day was a Painted Honeyeater at Riegel Rock. The same day, some Birds Australia members on a Twitchathon also observed a Painted Honeyeater in Terricks. No Diamond Firetails were observed this time, something quite unusual as, at this time of year, they are usually nesting in an area not far from the main park entrance. Other birds observed included Brown Goshawk, Bronzewing, Mallee Ringneck, Southern Whiteface, Jacky Winter with young, Hooded Robin, Gilberts Whistler and Rufous Songlark. A colony of Red-browed Finches has vanished.

Gulpa Island
In mid-October, five of us met at Mathoura and visited Gulpa Island in the Barmah-Millewa Forest. The release of environmental water borrowed by irrigators in recent years into the forest, meant streams and runners were full and some roads were flooded, limiting the areas which could be accessed. Our first two stops were near the Walliston Road/Barkers Bridge entrance. No quail or emus this time, but a good range of bush birds ~ Brown Treecreeper, Rufous Whistler, Pied Butcher Bird, Jacky Winter, Weebill, Grey Shrike-thrush, Yellow (form of Crimson) Rosella, White-plumed Honeyeater, Little Friar Bird, bfcs, Galah. At Langman's Sandhill, a pair of Superb Parrots flew over. We tracked down some White-browed Babblers. Another highlight was watching a group of White-browed Scrubwrens prancing about amongst some fallen branches. This sandhill is always good and this time was no exception: Rainbow Bee-eater, Brown Treecreeper, Grey Shrike-thrush, Rufous Whistler, Yellow Rosella, Sacred Kingfisher, Bronzewing, Western Gerygone, Noisy Friar Bird to name but some. We then made our way onto Sages Road, which winds its way up and around the sand hills across much of the island. On the dunes, the vegetation differs markedly from that of the clay flats. Redgum gives way to box, native pine and Allocasuarina. We did a 2 hectare 20 minute survey and observed Diamond Firetail, Jacky Winter, Brown Tree-creeper, Hooded Robin, Peaceful Dove, Crested Pigeon, Rufous Songlark, Whistling Kite, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Southern Whiteface, Black-shouldered Kite, Yellow Rosella and White-plumed Honeyeater. Nearby, we sighted a party of 12 emus. We turned our car engines off and the inquisitive group slowly approached us. They stayed close by us for some time. Last stop was the Reed Beds bird hide. The Reed Beds have been fed by an overflowing Gulpa Creek. The water was too deep for waders but suitable for Great-crested Grebes, one of which was feeding directly in front of the hide ~ another highlight of the day. We had good views of a Clamorous Reed Warbler. There were Coots and Black Swans, Purple Swamp Hens and a Musk Duck. Lots of Egrets and a Swamp Harrier circled overhead. The final bird count: 67 species.

Mayreef and Kamarooka
On a cold and windy September day , Peter Allan led an outing to Mayreef and Kamarooka Forest, north of Bendigo. Birds observed included Shelduck, nankeen kestrel, Musk and Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Pallid cuckoo, Jacky winter, hooded Robin (nesting), Crested Bellbird, Ducky Woodswallow, Grey Currawong, Rufous Songlark and White-browed Babbler. Nine Honeyeater species were observed, including Blue-faced, Yellow-tufted, White-naped, Fuscous, Brown-headed and Yellow-plumed.

Rufous Songlark (D Ong)

Cussen Park, Tatura
In August 2005, Bev and Alan Curtis led an outing to Cussen Park in Tatura. Formerly a dumping area for rubbish, Cussen Park has been cleaned up and an indigenous garden and wetland created. Town run off water feeds its lake system. Despite an atrocious weather forecast, six observers attended. It was great to catch up with three members following their holidays to northern Australia. Concern was expressed about the frequent fires in northern Australia which threaten species diversity. 44 species were observed at Cussen Park, including Shoveler; Grey and Chestnut Teal; Great Egret; Brown Goshawk and Black-shouldered Kite; Black-winged Stilt; Black-fronted Dotterel; Purple-crowned and Musk Lorikeet; Blue-faced Honeyeater and Little Grassbird.

Bushland areas around Bendigo
The forecast was terrible but five keen birders, including a birder from The Netherlands, attended our July outing to Wellsford Forest. One of the best birding spots that day was in the Mount Sugarloaf Natural Features Reserve ~ a lovely area of Red Stringybark with a rich under-storey ~ on the eastern side of the forest. Birds observed in the Reserve included Collared Sparrowhawk; Little Eagle; Golden Whistler; Weebill; Striated, Buff-rumped and Yellow Thornbill; Spotted Pardalote; Yellow-faced and White-eared Honeyeater and Varied Sittella. Other birds observed on the day included Black-fronted Dotterel; Coot; Australasian Grebe; Yellow-billed Spoonbill; Grey Currawong; Purple-crowned and Little Lorikeet; Brown-headed, Fuscous and White-naped Honeyeater; White-winged Chough and Red-capped Robin. We had observed 41 species when, mid afternoon, rain set in.

Spotted Pardaloted (D Ong)

Kanyapella Basin
Our June outing had to be cancelled owing to wet weather, impassable forest roads and illness.

Seeking Swift Parrots and honeyeaters near Moliagul
On Sunday 29th May 2005, a small group of members led by Simon Starr searched bushland for Swift Parrots. Fortunately, a pair was observed at the first stop, Moliagul Historic Reserve, an area of old gold diggings with lots of Yellow Gum, Grey Box and wattle.

There were lots of honeyeaters in the reserve, including Fuscous, White-naped, Yellow-faced, Yellow-tufted, Black-chinned and White-plumed. Then we drove along Bealiba-Rheola Road and Clay Gully Road to O'Briens Dam. There were lots of honeyeaters here too, including Yellow-faced, Fuscous, White-plumed, Yellow-tufted, White-naped, Brown-headed and Black-chinned. There were three species of Lorikeet: Musk, Little and Purple-crowned. Dusky Woodswallows flew overhead. After this, we drove to a delightful area of public land north of Wehla, similar in appearance to the country in Kooyoora State park, with lots of boulders. There were lots of bush birds most of which were in a mixed flock: Chestnut-rumped and Striated Thornbill, Varied Sittella, Weebill, Grey Shrike Thrush, Silvereye, Eastern Spinebill and Diamond Firetail. There was a flock of White-winged Choughs and a Brown Goshawk and a Wedgetailed Eagle patrolled overhead. This was a great spot for lunch. After lunch we drove past Inglewood Nature Conservation Reserve back through Inglewood (where we had met) to some mallee (of varying height due to harvesting for eucalyptus oil) alongside the Inglewood North Road. Honeyeaters sighted here included Tawny-crowned, New Holland, White-eared Honeyeater, White-fronted, Black-chinned, Yellow-plumed and Yellow-tufted, making a total of 15 for the day (including Red Wattle Bird, which was observed at each stop). Crested Bellbird was heard but not seen. Other birds observed included Peaceful Dove, Welcome Swallow, Chestnut-rumped, Yellow and Inland Thornbill, Superb Blue Wren, Collared Sparrowhawk and Eastern Rosella. Our President produced a list of birds observed in the area over 40 years ago: Bush Stone Curlews were one of the species observed back then but not this day. Only when the sun was about to set did we set off for the long drive home.

Three consecutive day outings, May 2005
Perricoota Road, Moama to Womboota
On 8th May, we visited birding spots along Perricoota Road, the first of three consecutive one day outings in the Moama-Mathoura area. 24 members attended. We stopped alongside Rich River Golf Club, the Five Mile, Womboota, the wetland opposite Perricoota Woolshed and at the TSR reserve bordering McKindlay Road. 84 species were observed, including Shelduck, Hardhead, Darter, Straw-necked Ibis, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Swamp Harrier, Collared Sparrowhawk, Wedgetailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Brown Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel, Black-tailed Native Hen, Coot, Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Weebill, Southern Whiteface, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Scarlet Robin, Varied Sittella, Rufous Whistler, Restless Flycatcher, Grey Fantail, Pied Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, Zebra Finch, Red-browed Finch, Diamond Firetail, White-backed Swallow, Tree Martin and Clamorous Reed Warbler.

Gulpa Island
On 9th May, 27 members trekked through Gulpa Island, with stops at Cranes Bridge, the northern entrance, Langmans Sandhill, Banksia Exclosure & Duggans Lagoon, Picnic Point and the new bird observation structure. A few sandy hills proved a challenge to some vehicles but we all made it through. Around 60 species were observed, including Emu, Black Swan, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, White-faced and White-necked Heron, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Purple Swamphen, Masked Lapwing, Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Eastern Rosella, Azure Kingfisher, Buff-rumped Thornbill (photo), Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy and Little Friarbird, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush, Gilberts Whistler, Grey Fantail, Pied Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, White-winged Chough, Red-browed Finch, Mistletoe Bird and Silvereye. As we sat eating lunch alongside The Edward, a pair of Superb Parrots sat on a branch across the river from us. They seemed to be inspecting a possible nesting hollow. Although most Superb parrots move north for the winter, some remain behind. This pair has over-wintered here for several years.

Barmah
23 members attended an outing to Barmah Forest the following day. Capably led by Bev and Alan Curtis, the group observed 68 species, including Emu, Darter, Pelican, Nankeen Night Heron, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Dusky Moorhen, Masked Lapwing, Peaceful Dove, Bronzewing, Azure Kingfisher, White-browed Scrubwren, Weebill, Noisy Friar Bird, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Crested Shrike-tit, Dusky Woodswallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Pied Butcherbird, Red-browed Finch, Diamond Firetail and Mistletoe Bird. At the last stop, Murray's Mill, five species of robin were observed: Jacky Winter, Red-capped robin, Flame Robin, Hooded Robin and Scarlet Robin. Before they met us at Barmah, Bev and Alan observed a small flock of Superb Parrots. Earlier, those staying at Gulpa Creek Resort heard a Fan-tailed Cuckoo calling. Total for the three days: 106 bird species (plus antechinus and black snake).

Koyuga & Echuca Regional Park
As the designated leaders were unavailable, Dallas led this outing until lunchtime. About eight members attended. No bird list submitted.

A mid-week outing to Torrumbarry was not successful, only one participant turning up. The outing clashed with a BOCA camp.

Gunyah Valley Farm
Early in March 2005, 19 of us visited Gunyah Valley Farm, on the edge of the Wellsford Forest. The farm has been in the same family for five generations. We were shown around by one of the owners who, along with his sister, recently inherited the farm from his late father. The owner told us that Cobb and Coy coaches used to pass through the property, 80 hectares of which has never been cleared. This fenced area is in much better condition than the adjoining State Forest. Doug spoke highly of the Spring wildflower display. The owner, an earth moving contractor, has constructed islands in a large dam so that water birds have a retreat away from foxes & cats. 48 species were observed at Gunyah Valley farm, including Grey Teal, Hardhead, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant and Little Black Cormorant, Wedgetailed Eagle, Little Eagle (wonderful views), Musk Lorikeet, Rainbow Bee-eater, Brown Tree-creeper, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, Jacky Winter, Restless Flycatcher, Dusky Woodswallow and White-winged Chough. Unfortunately, one elderly member stumbled and broke her shoulder.

Kingfisher Cruise
Our first official outing for 2005 was a fully-booked cruise along the Murray River, in the Barmah-Moira Forest, aboard MV Kingfisher. We enjoyed excellent views of both Sacred and Azure Kingfisher as well as a number of raptors and water birds, including White-bellied Sea-eagle, Little Eagle, Little Pied Cormorant and Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Upon alighting from the vessel, we observed a pair of Dollar Birds, one of which sat on a dead branch close by.

Early morning around Echuca-Moama
Unfortunately, this outing clashed with the Southern 80 Ski Race and bushland around Echuca was either closed or too noisy. Arrangements were made to visit the Thompson property near Echuca Aerodrome. 13 members and friends attended and over 45 species were recorded, including most of the birds listed to the left (except Pardalotes, Choughs and Cockatoos), Tree Martin (lots), White-breasted Woodswallow (lots), Hoary-headed Grebe, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Black-tailed Native Hen, Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamp Hen, Sacred Kingfisher, Black Swan, Grey Teal, Coot, Hoary-headed Grebe, Royal Spoonbill, Little Grassbird, Clamorous Reed Warbler and Nankeen Night Heron. A pleasant sunny morning after an unseasonable cold spell which had led to the death of many birds, cattle and sheep. No sign of Rainbow Bee-eaters: those which survived the cold spell may have migrated north earlier than usual.

2004
Hird Swamp
Our first official outing for 2004 was an early morning outing to Hird Swamp, Macorna in January. Only five attended but 60 species were observed in the swamp plus many others en route. Hird Swamp had been topped up several weeks prior to our visit and afforded wonderful habitat for waders and waterbirds. Swamp birds observed included Little Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Hoary-headed Grebe, Australasian Grebe, Darter, Pelican, Black Swan, Shelduck, Shoveler, Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Freckled Duck (3), Hardhead, Musk Duck, Spotted Crake, Glossy Ibis, Royal Spoonbill (25+), Marsh Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Greenshank, Red-kneed Dotterel, Black-winged Stilt, Caspian Tern, Whiskered Tern, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Marsh Harrier, White-fronted Chat, White-breasted Woodswallow, Reed Warbler, Little Grassbird and Zebra Finch. Although six Painted Snipe were observed here a week or so earlier, we were not so lucky and inadvertently did not survey the most-likely area for them until around noon.

A few weeks later, several members helped survey the swamp again and, this time, Painted Snipe were observed by some.

Stroll alongside Campaspe to confluence with Murray
In early February, a small number of members strolled alongside the Campaspe toward its confluence with the Campaspe. Over 30 species were observed over the course of an hour or two.

Barmah
Our second February 2004 outing was to Barmah Forest, upstream of Echuca-Moama, a Ramsar wetland and a Living Murray icon site. Drought conditions prevailed. 61 species were observed, including Royal Spoonbill, Wedgetailed Eagle, Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-kneed Dotterel, Rainbow Bee-eater, Weebill, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Jacky Winter, Restless Flycatcher, White-breasted Woodswallow and Dusky Woodswallow.

Perricoota Forest
Our March 2004 outing was to Perricoota Forest, downstream of Moama in NSW, a Ramsar wetland and a Living Murray icon site. We covered around 150km and observed a number of different habitats, including red gum forest, black box forest and swamps and lagoons. Despite drought conditions, 53 species were observed, including White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron, Wedgetailed Eagle, Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Azure Kingfisher, Weebill, Black-chinned Honeyeater (uncommon), Jacky Winter, Flame Robin, Restless Flycatcher, Dusky Woodswallow and Red-browed Finch. When surveying the route the previous day, our leader observed Emus.

Brolga search: Corop and Colbinabbin
Led by Peter Allan, 14 members attended our Brolga search day early in April 2004. Owing to severe and prolonged drought, the Brolgas appear to have moved on. Lake Cooper, which supported thousands of water birds and waders late last year, was completely dry. Most of the birds we observed were on Green Lake or close to the Campaspe River. It was hard yakka but we observed 55 species, including Black Swan, Shelduck, Darter, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite, Wedgetailed Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Masked Lapwing, Silver Gull, Peaceful Dove, Singing Honeyeater, Crested Shrike-tit, Rufous Whistler, Dusky Woodswallow, Australian Pipit, Zebra Finch and Goldfinch.

Cohuna and Gunbower Island Forest
Led by Denise Morrison, 20 observers visited a Ramsar site which is also a Living Murray icon site, Gunbower Island, late in April 2004. Highlight was the sighting of three Bush Stone Curlews in the wild. For some, this was a 'new' bird. 60 species were observed, including Emu, Great Cormorant, Fuscous Honeyeater, Rufous whistler, Bush Stone Curlew, Common Bronzewing, Striated Thornbill, Tree Martin and Pied Currawong.

Chiltern
24 members and friends attending three one-day outings at Chiltern in May 2004. 101 bird species were observed. The weather was near perfect (apart from cold nights). The caravan park at Chiltern proved an ideal base. Birds observed over the three days included Chestnut Teal; Wedge-tailed Eagle; Dusky Moorhen; Black-fronted and Red-kneed Dotterel; Peaceful Dove; Little Lorikeet; King Parrot, Gang Gang, Turquoise Parrot; Sacred Kingfisher; Striated, Yellow, Yellow-rumped and Buff-rumped Thornbills; Blue-faced, Yellow-tufted, Black-chinned, White-naped, Fuscous, White-plumed, Brown-headed and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters; Eastern Spinebill, Jacky Winter; Rose, Scarlet and Red-capped Robins; White-browed Babbler; Crested Shrike-tit; Grey Shrike-thrush; Restless Flycatcher and White-backed Swallow.

Gulpa Creek
In May 2004, shortly after the Chiltern outing, members enjoyed a sunny day birding at a number of spots alongside Gulpa Creek near Mathoura (NSW). Over 50 species were observed, including Hoary-headed Grebe, Spotless Crake, Azure Kingfisher (3), White-browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Jacky Winter, Red-capped Robin, Flame Robin, Crested Shrike-tit, Golden Whistler & Red-browed Finch. Those present had excellent views of lots of Golden Whistler and Crested Shrike Tit.

About Moama
On a cold June 2004 morning, we visited some great birding spots in Moama. 55 species were observed including Darter, Hardhead, Coot, Little Pied Cormorant, Eastern Rosella, Azure Kingfisher, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Singing Honeyeater & Crested Shrike Tit. Following a few hours putting up with cold, windy conditions, we retired to our Secretary's sunroom for a planning meeting.

Wellsford Forest
Led by Bev Culvenor, on a cloudy July day, around 13 members and potential members toured Wellsford Forest. First stop was Russell's Bridge over the Campaspe River. Brown-headed Honeyeater was the most common bird observed here. On past a huge gold mine to Murphy Road and some lovely bushland at the base of Mt Sugarloaf. Mainly regrowth but about 16 species, including Olive-backed Oriole, White-eared Honeyeater, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Golden Whistler and Scarlet Robin. We ventured on along Little Gunyah Track to Maher's Dam. At Maher's dam we observed Brown-headed, Fuscous, Yellow-faced and Yellow-tufted honeyeaters, Red Wattlebird and Grey Currawong. We heard, but did not see, a Crested Bellbird. After inspecting a lovely patch of Bent-leaf Wattle, we visited the edge of the forest along Yankee Creek Road where we observed Peaceful Dove, Black-chinned Honeyeater and Purple Lorikeet, along with more Fuscous and White-plumed honeyeaters. About 43 species for the trip, not bad for winter seeing that we did not visit a wetland area (apart from Russell's Bridge). A good roll up because many members have migrated north, to Queensland, to ride out the Winter whilst several others had work commitments or were ill. Thanks to Bev for finding great bushland areas which none of us had visited previously.

Kamarooka Forest
Led by Peter Allan, an outing to Kamarooka Forest in mid August 2004 was attended by 16 members; over 60 bird species were observed, including Masked lapwing with young, Little and Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Shy Heathwren, Jacky Winter, Crested Shrike-tit, Gilberts Whistler (heard), Rufous Whistler, Golden Whistler, Grey Butcherbird and Silvereye. Several species of Honeyeater were present, including Red (Wattlebird), Blue-faced, Noisy Miner, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-plumed, Black-chinned, White-eared, Fuscous, Yellow-faced and Brown-headed. Although the forest is suffering its eighth consecutive year of drought, in places, young wattles and other shrubs were sprouting following recent light rains.

Stone Curlew hunt
Led by Peter Allan, a small group (7) searched near Echuca for Bush Stone Curlews on the evening of 31st August 2004. Unfortunately the land-holder had cleared away logs and branches and no curlews were seen or heard. The landholder reported having heard curlews in the distance just after sunset the previous evening.

Mount Black, Heathcote-Graytown National Park
The first time we had a branch outing to Mt Black, we observed Quail-thrush. There was no such luck this September. Following eight years of drought, bird numbers were low. And no wetland areas were visited. However, we were pleased to observe six species of honeyeater. All up, 47 species were observed, including Wedgetailed Eagle, Little Eagle, Masked Lapwing, Musk Lorikeet, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, Fuscous Honeyeater, Brown-headed Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, Crested Shrike-tit, Crested Bellbird (H), Gilberts Whistler (H), Restless Flycatcher, Dusky Woodswallow, Grey Currawong and Diamond Firetail. Mt Black is now part of the new Heathcote-Graytown National Park.

Bendigo Whipstick
18 members visited Epsom, Neilborough and the Land property on 19th September 2004. Led by Pam and John Land, the group observed an incredible 74 species! Lots of waterbirds were observed, including Shoveler, Chestnut Teal, Spotted Crake, Black-tailed Native Hen, Clamorous Reed Warbler, Little Grassbird, Black-fronted Dotterel and Red-kneed Dotterel. Birds of prey hovering overhead included Whistling Kite, Swamp Harrier, Brown Goshawk and Little Eagle. There were lots of honeyeaters and bush birds, including Musk Lorikeet, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Yellow-tufted, Black-chinned, White-eared, Fuscous and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, White-browed Babbler, Crested Bellbird, Grey Fantail, Dusky Woodswallow, Grey Butcherbird, Grey Currawong and Mistletoe Bird.

Kyabram Fauna Park
On 9th October 2004, Bev and Alan Curtis led a group of 13 beginners and others to Kyabram Fauna Park. It was an informative day, Bev and Alan helping the beginners to identify indigenous birds. Some of the exhibits were excellent but concern was expressed about the cages in which Gouldian Finches and Quail were kept. The small quail cage appeared to lack leaf litter and the Gouldians appeared to be unwell.

Terrick Terrick National Park
On 24th October 2004, Parks Victoria ranger Mark Tscharke and Peter led 18 of us to some great birding spots in the national park at Terricks. The park was suffering from drought but there was water in the Bendigo Creek, everlasting daisies were in bloom and 67 species were observed. Birds observed (apart from those listed to the left), included Shelduck, Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Black Kite, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle (sitting on a nest), Black-tailed Native Hen, Bronzewing, Peaceful Dove, Mallee Ringneck, Horsfields Bronze Cuckoo, Rainbow Bee-eater, Brown Treecreeper (nesting), Weebill, Western Gerygone, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Little Thornbill, White-fronted Chat, Jacky Winter (nesting), Red-capped Robin, Hooded Robin, Grey-crowned and White-browed Babbler, Crested Shrike Tit, Gilberts Whistler, Rufous Whistler, Restless Flycatcher, White-browed Woodswallow, White-breasted Woodswallow, Dusky Woodswallow, Diamond Firetail and Mistletoe Bird.

Gulpa Island
Bev and Alan Curtis spent many days looking for good birding spots on Gulpa Island for our 13th November outing. Unfortunately, heavy rains and recent grading works meant many of the tracks which they had planned to lead us on were untrafficable. So we revisited Cranes Bridge, at the start of a walking track alongside Gulpa Creek. 44 species were observed at this spot! We enjoyed excellent views of Spotted Pardalotes, Sacred Kingfishers, Superb Fairy Wrens and Dusky Woodswallow. Noisy Friar Birds were prolific. We drove on, then, to a spot alongside the Edward. Here, we observed well over 50 Nankeen Night Herons roosting on the other side of the river. Rainbow bee-eaters were active. Again, great views of Sacred Kingfishers. At least 27 species were observed here. As rain threatened, we visited the new bird observatory alongside Picnic Point Road. A pair of Great Crested Grebes were observed building a nest right in front of the hide. An Australasian Grebe nearby surfaced occasionally so that we could compare the size. Better views of the two Grebes you would never get! A Swamp Harrier patrolled overhead. There more we looked, the more water birds we observed. Black Swan, Coot, Musk Duck, Pelican, Sacred Kingfishers again, Australian White Ibis, Purple Swamp Hen, Whiskered Tern in the distance and Welcome Swallows galore. A stop near Picnic Point let us add Grey-crowned Babbler and Masked Lapwing to the list. Then, during birdcall, a Mistletoe Bird to add to the list. 68, and Verna¹s Kookaburra made 69. Not bad for a day when many great birding spots had been denied to us because of the muddy state of forest roads.

Annual bird count
12 members surveyed a 40km radius around Echuca-Moama in early December, recording 151 species compared to 139 the previous year ~ and about 7,000 individual birds (cf 12,000 the previous year). A pair of Blue-faced Honeyeaters were observed nesting at Picnic Point. Brown Songlarks, Richards Pipit and White-winged Wrens were observed in or near a reserve on the Patho Plain. Bev and Alan Curtis observed a nesting pair of Bush Stone Curlew in a Lockington garden. A water bailiff directed Bev and Alan to a group of 10 Glossy Ibis. They also observed a Black Falcon. For the first time, Brown Quail and Marsh Sandpiper were observed on our count. A usually reliable spot off Picnic Point Road lacked birds this year, possibly as cattle were grazing there, but the following were observed opposite, from the new bird structure near Mathoura: Great-crested Grebe, Australasian Grebe, Swamp Harrier, Little Eagle, Sacred Kingfisher, Black Swan, Little Pied Cormorant and Little Black Cormorant. It was pleasing to observe some Diamond Firetails near Picnic Point. We failed to observe Olive-backed Oriole, Brolga, Azure Kingfisher or any of the winter migrants such as Flame Robin and Pied Currawong. Thanks to Peter for co-ordinating the survey.

The following day, Sunday 5 December, was the Superb Parrot count on Gulpa Island and in the Picola area. Lots of Superbs were observed along Line Road (alongside Mathoura to Deniliquin railway) but relatively few in Barmah-Millewa Forest, probably because young birds had left the nest earlier. The survey may have been two weeks too late. Many observers in the forest did not sight a single Superb whilst those near the railway line filled their sheet. Keith observed excellent views of a pair sitting on a branch over Taylors Bridge. Five members surveyed across the Murray, near Picola. The team observed around 250 Superb Parrots, most of which were feeding in plantations of indigenous shrubs. Grey-crowned Babblers were observed nesting in native shrubs planted just three years ago. Over 200,000 shrubs have been planted for the Parrots and Grey-crowned Babblers in the Picola District, and there has been great success with direct seeding.