Tuesday, 30 April 2019
Dear Supporter,
Here is our May eNews – we hope you find it useful.
May Bird Walks
We have two great walks coming up in May.
Saturday 4 May – Red, White and Blue Mine Site, Muckleford Forest
As usual, we will do a couple of 20 minute 2 hectare surveys. If we’re really lucky, we may even spot some Swift Parrots at this site! Asha Bannon will lead us on a gentle walk along Bells Track, which is a level and easy-to-follow path. We won’t be going far (2km max). Information about the site’s history, ecological values, and location can be found here.
Please note that there is a dam near the car park and, while the mine is covered, there are some decent-sized gaps in the mesh, so keep a close eye on any children you bring along.
Location and directions: From Castlemaine, take the Castlemaine-Maldon Road. Turn south onto Muckleford-Walmer Road, then right onto the Muckleford School Road. Follow into Muckleford Forest – we will meet at the car park next to the mine, at the intersection of Bells Lane Track and Red, White and Blue Track.
Time: Meet at Red, White and Blue Mine at 8:30am, or to carpool from Castlemaine meet at 8:15am outside Castlemaine Community House (formerly Continuing Ed), Templeton Street.
Following the walk, you are welcome to join us at the AGM (see details in this eNews).
Sunday 26 May – Rise and Shine Reserve, Sandon
Join BirdLife Branches Ballarat and Castlemaine District for a bird walk at Rise and Shine Reserve. Located between Newstead and Daylesford, the Reserve is a hot spot for renowned photographer, ecologist and blog publisher Geoff Park. We will walk a loop on rough dirt vehicle tracks, with the possibility of walking off track through the bush. Afterwards if you’re keen for more bird watching, you can do the Rise and Shine Reserve Nature Walk accessed via Ramsey’s Lane.
Location and directions: Turn off the Daylesford-Newstead Road onto Zumpes Rd, which is narrow a dirt road with blind crests. Continue straight ahead at the first road junction (turning left will take you to private property). Currently there are beehives on your right. Strictly speaking you will no longer be on Zumpes Rd. Shortly after this is another road junction with a ‘No Through Road’ sign on it; find a place to park here.
Time: Meet at Rise and Shine Reserve at 9:00am, or to carpool from Castlemaine meet at 8:30am outside Castlemaine Community House (formerly Continuing Ed), Templeton Street.
Important information about walks: Bring water, snacks, binoculars, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, long pants during snake season, and other weather-appropriate gear.
Walks will be cancelled if the temperature is forecast to be 35 degrees or more during the walk period, severe weather warnings are forecast, and/or if the day has been declared a Total Fire Ban.
Questions? If you have questions about our walks program, you can email us at castlemaine@birdlife.org.au, or call Judy Hopley (0425 768 559) or Asha Bannon (0418 428 721).
Join us for the Annual General Meeting
The BirdLife Castlemaine District Branch AGM will be held on Saturday 4 May at 2356 Pyrenees Hwy, Muckleford South at 11:30am. The AGM will follow the bird walk in the Muckleford Forest. Morning tea will be provided from 11:00am.
A nomination form for Committee positions will be available on the day or can be requested in advance by emailing castlemaine@birdlife.org.au. The positions vacant are Convenor, Secretary, Treasurer and Committee members. Please consider nominating for the Committee (you must be a BirdLife member).
Nomination forms and proxy voting forms should be emailed to castlemaine@birdlife.org.au, OR mailed to: Secretary, BirdLife Castlemaine District Branch, 9 Tingay Drive, Campbells Creek, 3451.
Nominations will also be accepted on the day of the AGM.
Birdata
Birdata is BirdLife Australia’s tool for collaboratively and scientifically collecting data on Australia’s birds – and Castlemaine now has its very own layer in the data! This is a great way to see what species have been recorded in our region – just go to the website and click ‘Explore’ then select Castlemaine from the Regional Group dropdown list. Birdata can also be accessed by downloading the App from the App Store or Google Play.
Follow us on Facebook
We now have a BirdLife Castlemaine District Facebook page. Follow us for all the latest bird news.
Become a Member
Membership of BirdLife Australia is a great way to support a bright future for Australia’s birds. You can find out more about membership or other ways to get involved here.
Kind regards,
The BirdLife Castlemaine Committee
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