Sunday, 2 April 2023
Twenty-four hopeful bird watchers arrived at the Shield Road Depot for a warm, sunny morning’s walk. There was enough bird song from the surrounding trees to keep us occupied until 9:30 when the walk began. The incomparable David Ap-Thomas bravely led the group.
Eastern Whipbird was calling, as were White-naped Honeyeater.
Along the track there was the odd bird call as well as plenty of conversation between the birdos when the birds weren’t so evident.
Laughing Kookaburra (top left), Eastern Yellow Robin (top right) and White-eared Honeyeater (bottom) (photos supplied by Steve Hoptroff) are three endemic species at Yellingbo.
Raptor species can be few and far between at times. This day did not disappoint. Great views were had of this Brown Goshawk. Wedge-tailed Eagle made a couple of appearances as well.
During the Autumn months we are often blessed by the appearance of fungi as they do their remarkable work in the forest.
There were good views of the surrounding hills/mountains as we headed further north along the track. Some of the more observant of the group encountered European Goldfinch and Satin Flycatcher.
This gorgeous bird had been calling during the morning, giving us the occasional glimpse of its beauty.
We slowly headed back to the Depot where we sat to have a well-earned lunch. A few members of the group went off on a second shorter walk led by David after lunch. Thanks for your company everyone!
NEXT BIRD WALK AT YELLINGBO is on Sunday 7 May. Entry via Shield Road at 9:00 for 9:30 walk.
Maryanne Anderson,
Yellingbo Coordinator
easternspinebill@yahoo.com.au
birdlifemelbourne 