May 2019 bird walks with BirdLife Castlemaine

Posted on 1 May, 2019 by Ivan

Come and join Birdlife Castlemaine District on two great walks coming up in May! For details, please see the following information from Birdlife Castlemaine.

Saturday 4 May 2019 – 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 (2 km maximum). 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, continuing 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 8.30 am, or to carpool from Castlemaine meet at 8.15 am outside Castlemaine Community House (former Continuing Ed), 30 Templeton Street, Castlemaine VIC.

Following the walk, you are welcome to join us at the BirdLife Castlemaine District Annual General Meeting.

Sunday 26 May 2019 – 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 Ramseys Lane.

Location and directions: Turn off the Daylesford-Newstead Road onto Zumpes Road, 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 Road. 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 9.00 am, or to carpool from Castlemaine meet at 8.30 am outside Castlemaine Community House (former Continuing Ed), 30 Templeton Street, Castlemaine VIC.

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 BirdLife Castlemaine at castlemaine@birdlife.org.au, or call Judy Hopley (0425 768 559) or Asha Bannon (0418 428 721).