The June BirdLife Castlemaine District Branch bird walk will be held on Saturday 7th June 2025 at the Rise & Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Sandon.
The area is rich in natural and human history. Well over 100 bird species have been recorded in the area, which has three distinct plant communities. The traditional owners of the land are the Jaara Jaara people. Following European settlement, gold was extracted in the 1850s and 60s. A water race was built during the 1930s depression and brought water from Daylesford to the Newstead reservoir until the 1980s. Gravel was quarried from parts of the reserve for road building until the 1980s. The loop track is about 3Km and is largely flat or relatively gentle rises and falls. Interesting sightings in the last few months are Speckled Warbler, Restless Flycatcher, Dusky Woodswallow, Scarlet, Eastern Yellow and Flame Robin, Peaceful Dove, Brown Falcon. Musk Lorikeet, Golden Whistler along with several, Pardalote, Thornbill and Honeyeater species.
Our walk leaders are Gary and Judy Smith.
Bring: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, and we also strongly recommend that you wear long trousers and closed-in sturdy shoes.
More info: Jane Rusden 0448 900 896, Bob Dawson 0417 621 691.
Note there are no toilets at the reserve.
To discover more about Rise & Shine Nature Conservation Reserve click here:
https://www.goldfieldsguide.com.au/explore-location/235/rise-and-shine-nature-conservation-reserve/
Please note that walks will be cancelled if severe weather warnings are in place, persistent rain is forecast, the temperature is forecast to be 35C or above during the walk period, and/or a Total Fire Ban is declared. Please check our Facebook page the day before the event in case there is a cancellation.
ALL WELCOME!
Rise & Shine is located off the Daylesford-Newstead Road, near Strangways. From Castlemaine, take the Pyrenees Hwy (B180) to Newstead, continue through Newstead, crossing the Loddon River and then turn left onto the Hepburn-Newstead Road (C285). Travel approx. 3.5k then turn right onto the Daylesford-Newstead Road (C285). Travel approx. 3.1k then turn right onto Ramseys Lane, in 700 metres the unsealed road turns sharply left. You will see a picnic shelter on the right which is at the entrance to the reserve. Park anywhere off the road.
GPS: -37.15923, 144.07697.
