August Bird Walk – Saturday 1 August – Castlemaine-Maldon Trail, Walmer

Our August monthly walk will be held on Saturday 1 August at the Castlemaine-Maldon Trail, Walmer. The trail runs alongside the Victorian Goldfields Railway where an historic steam train runs on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The trail is an easy flat walk. Our route will go past the historic Muckleford Creek Trestle Bridge and we may see a steam train go by. The habitat varies from eucalypt forest to open farmland. Endangered Swift Parrots have regularly been seen in the area of late (as recently as last month), and hopefully some are there on the day we do our walk. Other species seen in the area recently are White-necked Heron, Peaceful Dove, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Brown Treecreeper, White-browed Babbler, Little and Musk Lorikeet, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Australian Hobby, Speckled Warbler, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike and Flame Robin, as well as several species of Honeyeaters.

ALL WELCOME!

Where: We will meet where Sinclairs Lane crosses the trail and rail line, in Walmer. From the roundabout in Castlemaine, drive west along Forest Street for approx. 1KM, and turn right into Farnsworth Street. Drive to the end of Farnsworth Street and turn left into Walker Street, then follow around the bend where it becomes Richards Road. Drive approx. 1KM and after passing the Don factory the road bends left and becomes the Muckleford-Castlemaine Rd. Follow the Muckleford-Castlemaine Rd for a further 6.3KM and turn right into the Muckleford-Walmer Road. Drive about 1.2KM and turn left into Carpenters Lane. Travel approx. 2KM and turn left into Sinclairs Lane. We will be on the right about 500 metres along Sinclairs Lane just before the rail line.

Please note there are no toilets available at this location.

GPS: -37.0123, 144.13094. Google Maps Link is here. 

When: Meet at 9:00am at Castlemaine-Maldon Trail.

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

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.

July Activities Wrap Up

We held two bird walks in July. The usual Saturday one took place at Wewak Track, where 18 species were seen or heard despite the wintry weather. For the full list visit Birdata here. Thanks to Jenny Rolland and Euan Moore for leading this walk.

Our second July walk was a midweek outing along the Campbells Creek Trail, with 28 species seen or heard. For the full list visit Birdata here.

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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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