April Bird Walk – Saturday 4 April – Rise & Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Sandon

Our April monthly walk will be held 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. 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. Recent sightings include Scarlet and Red-capped Robin, Dusky Woodswallow, Peaceful Dove, Red-browed Finch, Musk and Little Lorikeet, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-
faced, Fuscous, White-plumed, and Brown-headed Honeyeaters, Brown, Striated and Buff-rumped Thornbills.

Your walk leaders are Judy and Gary Smith.

ALL WELCOME!

Where: 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. 3.5KM then turn right onto the Daylesford-Newstead Road (C285). Travel approx. 3.1KM 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. Google Maps Link is here. 

When: Meet at 9:00am.

Bring / wear: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, long trousers and sturdy closed-in shoes (for snake protection).

More info: Jane Rusden 0448 900 896, Bob Dawson 0417 621 691. Please note there are no toilets available at the Reserve.

Acknowledgment of Country

BirdLife Castlemaine acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands we will walk, the Dja Dja Wurrung people, and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise and are grateful for the immense contribution of Indigenous people to the knowledge and conservation of Australia’s birds.

Important Information Regarding Cancellation of Walks

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, a Total Fire Ban is declared, or some other safety issue is identified. Please check our Facebook page or email castlemaine@birdlife.org.au the day before the event in case there is a cancellation.

Nature Journaling with BirdLife Castlemaine District

April nature journaling will be at the Coliban Water Bird Hide, Castlemaine.

Nature journaling is a combination of science, art and mindfulness. Enjoy a quiet time with nature, observing the ebb and flow of our local birds, other wildlife and native plants, as we explore with our curiosity and record observations in a sketchbook. Guided by Jane Rusden, artist, birder and environmentalist.

No experience necessary, all welcome.

We leave no trace, be kind and thoughtful of wildlife and their habitat … sit beside plants to draw them or take a photo. We don’t pick plants or flowers. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife, so we don’t disturb them or make them nervous. Use binoculars or telescopes to get a closer look. Enjoy those special moments when we find a unique bloom or wildlife chooses to come closer to us, as we sit quietly.

What to bring / wear:

– Wear suitable clothing and sturdy shoes (for sun and snake protection). Be prepared to walk up to 500 metres return, on rough ground and perhaps off track.

– A small selection of art materials such as paints, pencils, pens, coloured pencils, pastels, paper, water container if applicable, camera or phone and binoculars if you have them. A bag to put it all in.

– Something to sit on.

– A hat and sunscreen.

– Water and snacks.

– Your sense of curiosity.

When and where: Sunday 5 April from 9:30am – 11:30am. Coliban Water Bird Hide, Castlemaine. Near the Pioneer Cemetery, 11 Langslow St, Castlemaine.

Please keep Coliban Water access and gateways clear.

GPS: -37.0750174, 144.1971589

Tasmanian breeding Silvereye lateralis, on the studio bench ready for installing in All At Once, Castlemaine State Festival. Acrylic on sandwich wrap paper, by Jane Rusden.

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Become a Member

Membership of BirdLife Australia is a great way to support a bright future for Australia’s birds – and it would also make a perfect gift for a bird-lover! Learn more about membership or other ways to get involved here.

Kind regards,

The BirdLife Castlemaine Committee

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