Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Dear Supporter,
Welcome to our May eNews!
This month’s issue includes details of our upcoming May walk in Malmsbury, and May nature journaling in Gower. We’ve also got all you need to know about our Pride Bird Walk, and the Nature Journaling Weekend Campout. As always, meet Bird of the Month, and don’t forget to test your bird knowledge with the Quiz!
May Bird Walk – Saturday 3 May – Malmsbury Botanic Gardens & Viaduct Walk
Our May bird walk will be held on Saturday 3 May at the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens & Viaduct Walk.
The habitat is varied with old established native and exotic trees in the park, riparian and reedy areas along the Viaduct Walk and we may also check out the Malmsbury Common Reserve where there has been a lot of native planting and habitat restoration over the last few years. Species seen in the area include Darter, Great Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Whistling Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Red-browed Finch, Eastern Spinebill, plus various Honeyeaters, Thornbills and Silvereye, etc. Hopefully the resident Little Eagle will make an appearance.
Our walk leader is Bob Dawson.
ALL WELCOME!
Toilets are available at the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens.
Where: We will meet at at the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, Ellesmere Place, Malmsbury. From Castlemaine, travel approx. 12KM east along the Pyrenees Highway (B180) toward Melbourne then turn right onto the Calder Highway (C794), travel 12.6KM at which time you will be in Malmsbury. Turn right into Ellesmere Place, just over the Coliban River bridge. We will be at the end of Ellesmere Place, approx. 300mtrs from the main road. If coming from Melbourne or Bendigo, take the Malmsbury exit from the Calder Freeway (M79), travel approx. 2KM and turn left into Ellesmere Place.
GPS: -37.19114, 144.382068.
When: Meet at Malmsbury Botanic Gardens at 9:00am.
Bring / wear: Water, snacks, binoculars, sunscreen, hat, long trousers, sturdy closed-in shoes.
More info: Jane Rusden 0448 900 896, Bob Dawson 0417 621 691
To discover more about the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, Viaduct Walk and the Malmsbury Common, click here:
https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Parks-Gardens-Reserves/Find-a-park/Malmsbury-Botanic-Gardens
https://www.alltrails.com/australia/victoria/malmsbury/walking
https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/See-Do/Parks-Gardens-Reserves/Find-a-park/Malmsbury-Common
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 for May is taking place at the Quince Trees, Muckleford Conservation Reserve, Gower, exploring nature and recording what you observe. Led by artist and bird nut, Jane Rusden. No experience is necessary and beginners are very welcome.
What to bring / wear:
– Wear long trousers, long sleeve shirt and sturdy shoes, for sun and snake protection, and a sunhat. As temperatures are dropping as we move through autumn, please also bring warm clothing. Note we will be on rough bush tracks, occasionally off track and will walk up to a few hundred meters, possibly carrying your art materials.
– 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, such as a camp chair or rug.
– Water and snacks.
– Your sense of curiosity.
When and where: Sunday 4 May from 9:30am – 11:30am. Quince Trees, South off Pullins Rd, near 30 Pullins Rd, Muckleford Conservation Reserve, Gower.
GPS: -37.0381246, 144.1007342
Pen and ink drawings at Quince Trees, by Jane Rusden.
Our April bird walk took place at Glenlyon, on a chilly but beautiful autumn morning.
Thirty-four species were identified; the full list of birds seen or heard can be found here.
Many thanks to Giles and Nina for leading the walk.
Join us for a bird-watching wander along Campbells Creek Trail, where you can connect with nature and fellow queer folks! Whether you’re a seasoned bird nerd or looking for a welcoming introduction to the world of birds, this event is for you. Kids are encouraged – bring the whole rainbow fam!
When: Saturday 17 May
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am for the walk. Morning tea will be provided at Stak’s Cafe at 11:00am.
Where: Campbells Creek Trail – starting and ending at Lewis Drive (next to the Salvage Yard). Please meet at the Lewis Drive overflow car park (turn left just before the entrance to the Salvage Yard and Good Op shop carpark).
Cost: Free but secure your spot here: https://www.trybooking.com/DAKJE
About the Event The walk will be at a relaxed pace, led by Jane (BirdLife Castlemaine) and Anna (Connecting Country). Additional volunteers from BirdLife Castlemaine will be scattered throughout the group to help ensure everyone has a great time – spotting birds, listening for calls, and identifying what you see and hear.
About the Trail Campbells Creek Trail is a shared gravel path that follows the creek. The surface is mostly dirt with some fine gravel, so we recommend wearing sturdy shoes with good grip. The path is mostly gentle but includes a few short, steep sections.
What to Bring / Wear Binoculars aren’t essential but can enhance the experience. We’ll provide tips on using them, and a limited number will be available to borrow on the day. Please consider bringing a hat, sunscreen, and shoes with good grip.
Facilities Toilets are available at the Good Op Shop at the start and end of the walk.
This event is made possible through the collaborative efforts of Connecting Country, BirdLife Australia, Stak’s Café, The Good Op Shop and Castlemaine Community House.
We acknowledge 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.
Photography: Jane Rusden
This year we are very lucky to have our annual Nature Journaling Campout on an incredible private property, within 10 minutes of Wedderburn. Habitats include huge areas of Mallee, stands of Bull Mallee with enormous roots and massive areas of indigenous flora rich from direct seeding supporting vibrant bird communities. Birds seen over Easter include White-browed Babblers, Red-capped Robins, Grey Goshawk, Hooded Robin and Southern White-face.
Cost: $15 CASH ONLY per person attending, to go towards the upkeep and rehabilitation of the property. It is a labour of love and a huge amount of work and expense, so you may choose to give more than $15. Sorry, no receipts. Those wishing to participate must email Jane Rusden to register, and you will be sent the property address details.
Program:
Campers arrive from 3:00pm Friday 23 May. The gate will be locked prior to this, so there is no point coming earlier.
Nature journaling program: 9:00am – 4:00pm Saturday 24 May 9:00am – 2:00pm Sunday 25 May
Book accommodation in Wedderburn or camp on the property. The campsite on the property has a large bush shelter, one pit toilet and Telstra phone reception.
It’s likely to be cold and may be wet, so rug up well and bring waterproofs. Bring your own camping gear, including:
Wedderburn has a good cafe, a pub, IGA supermarket, service station, caravan park and hotel. It also has some very beautiful bird murals around town.
Please note, we have been told not to walk off track in the Mallee habitat by the landowner, because it is very easy to get lost as it all looks the same and there are no landmarks. However, there is plenty of beautiful bush and birds to see, and we can view the Mallee area from its edge. Malleefowl, Diamond Firetails and Hooded Robins have all been seen many times, outside the Mallee vegetation.
Photo at Wedderburn, by Jane Rusden
Jane says “I used to think ducks were pretty straightforward. However, after four years of writing Bird of the Month with the incredible Damian Kelly, I’ve changed my mind.”
This month Damian uncovers some weird and wonderful facts about Pink-eared Ducks – read more here.
Flock of Pink-eared Ducks and a Red-necked Avocet. Photo by Damian Kelly.
Test your bird knowledge in this month’s quiz with the questions below, then check the answers at the end of this eNews. Big thanks as always to quizmaster Ash Vigus.
Question 1 (Easy): Multiple Choice
What species of species of Albatross has the largest wingspan?
1. Shy Albatross 2. Yellow-nosed Albatross 3. Sooty Albatross 4. Wandering Albatross 5. Black-bowed Albatross 6. Buller’s Albatross
Question 2 (Intermediate): Spot the Feathers
All four bird species pictured below are found in the Castlemaine district; what do you think these four birds are?
Question 3 (Advanced): Who Am I?
• I’m a small bird, approximately 13 to 19 centimetres in length. • I’m found in every mainland Australian state and territory. • My diet consists of insects found by gleaning on tree trunks or branches, moving downwards or along branches. • I’m found in eucalypt woodlands and forests. I prefer rough-barked trees like stringybarks and ironbarks, or mature trees with hollows or dead branches. • My nest is a deep open cup, like a cone of bark and spider web, decorated on the outside with long pieces of bark, camouflaged to look like the fork or branch where it is placed. • A social bird, I’m usually seen in small flocks, moving swiftly between trees, or foraging busily over branches or the trunk. • I’m a short-tailed, dumpy bird, my plumage is greyish above and white below, with varied streaking. The upper tail coverts are pale, with dark-barring underneath. My tail is dark with a white tip. The upper wings are dark; in south-eastern Australia my upper wings have an orange-rufous band. • I have a long and slender bill that is slightly up-turned, with a yellow eye-ring, legs and feet.
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Become a Member
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Kind regards,
The BirdLife Castlemaine Committee
Forward to a friend
Sunday 4 May – Nature Journaling Location: Quince Trees, Muckleford Conservation Reserve, Gower Leader: Jane Rusden
Saturday 17 May – Pride Bird Walk Location: Campbells Creek Trail In partnership with Castlemaine Pride and Connecting Country
Sunday 1 June – Nature Journaling Location: Maldon Rail Trail, Sinclairs Lane, Walmer Leader: Jane Rusden
Saturday 7 June – Bird Walk Location: Rise & Shine Nature Conservation Reserve, Sandon Leaders: Gary and Judy Smith
Quiz Answers
Question 1: The Wandering Albatross, with a measured wingspan of 3.5 metres has the largest wingspan of any species of Albatross.
Question 2: Clockwise from top left – New Holland Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren, Diamond Firetail, Black-shouldered Kite.
Question 3: Varied Sittella.
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