A monthly walk/wander in a promising birdy location, to observe, identify and learn about the varied habits and habitats of our bird life. The locations for each month’s session are checked a week beforehand, to try to ensure that we will see a reasonable number of species. We try to limit driving times to less than 20 minutes. During morning tea at the end of our birding session we hold a bird-call – making a list of the species seen.

Note: Due to Corona virus, these arrangements had to be suspended for April and May. A walk in the Botanical Gardens was held in June. Arrangements for future months are being considered.

We meet on the second Tuesday of the months of February to December, starting from the Octopus (opposite motel in Duke Street). Following a decision by last year’s members, we will start earlier in the summer months:

In February, March, November and December, meet at the Octopus at 8.15 am to arrange car sharing and leave at 8.30 am.

All other months, meet at 8.45 am for a 9 am departure.

The only pre-requisite is a pair of binoculars – we welcome everyone interested in watching birds, from beginners to experts. We can advise on suitable types of binoculars.

After each session, a brief report with a bird list and a photo or two is added to the Bird Watching section of the U3A website’s News page.

Birds hide away on very hot days, and if it is raining steadily – so sometimes we need to cancel the sessions.

Rosemary Turner (leader)

Peter Turner (class rep).

Useful references:

Castlemaine Bird Walks – a guide to walks and birds in the Castlemaine district by Damian Kelly covers many of the places we will visit.

The field guides by Pizzey & Knight, Michael Morecombe, Simpson & Day and Slater are all recommended. The recent Australian Bird Guide (CSIRO, 2017) is up to date and comprehensive, but more a reference than a field guide.

There are smartphone apps for both the Morecombe and P&K guides that include bird songs.