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BirdWIMMER A

GUIDEA “where to find” guide to birds in the Wimmera

PUBLISHED BYBirdLife Australia, Horsham

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Barking Owl

Shy Heathwren

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ContentsIntroduction ............................................................................................................................................................4

E A S T O F H O R S H A M1 Brynterion State Forest ........................................................................................................................ 5 2 Marma Lake Murtoa .............................................................................................................................6 3 Murtoa Golf Course ............................................................................................................................... 7

W E S T O F H O R S H A M4 Quantong Reservoir ..............................................................................................................................8 5 Box Swamp ..............................................................................................................................................9 6 Quantong Cemetery ..............................................................................................................................9

N A T I M U K A R E A7 Mt. Arapiles.............................................................................................................................................11 8 Tooan State Park ...................................................................................................................................11 9-15 Natimuk Douglas Lakes ................................................................................................................11-12 16-17 Cooack & Nurcoung ...................................................................................................................... 12-13 20 Jane Duff Reserve........................................................................................................................... 12-13 18-19 Black Waterhole & Kalingur State Forest ..................................................................................... 14 21 Ellis’ Crossing Pimpinio ...................................................................................................................... 14 Area Map (50km radius from Horsham) ............................................................................................... 16-17 22 Little Desert West of Ellis’ Crossing ......................................................................................... 19-20 23-24 Wail State Forest, West Wail Flora Reserve ...........................................................................21-22

H O R S H A M U R B A N A R E A25 Wimmera River Horsham ........................................................................................................... 22-23 26 Police Paddock .....................................................................................................................................23 27 McKenzie Creek ................................................................................................................................... 24 28-31 Horsham Lakes.............................................................................................................................. 24-25 Responsible Bird Watching ............................................................................................................................. 26 Birds of the Horsham Region .................................................................................................................. 27-29 Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................................................... 30

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IntroductionThe Wimmera region around Horsham is principally a grain growing area, renowned for its high quality grain production. The seemingly endless landscape is broken in many places by remnant areas of dry country open bushland. For example, the riverine woodland adjacent to the Wimmera River, the salt and freshwater lakes around Mt. Arapiles and the Mt Arapiles Tooan State Park.

Because of this wide range of habitat type, the region supports a large range of different species of birds, with around 270 being recorded for the region. Because of the general openness of much of the habitat, most birds are easily seen. In recent years the best easily accessible areas for birdwatching have been Mount Arapiles (7) and Nurcoung Flora and Fauna Reserve (17) for dry country bush birds and Natimuk Lake (13), White Lake (12) and Taylor’s Lake (30) for more unusual water birds.

Almost all of the described areas are accessible in all weather but be careful to check road conditions if it has been raining. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential in the Little Desert and the Wail State Forest. Most areas have an all weather road at least to the perimeter. Check with local authorities if in doubt.

Wimmera CMA conducts yearly catchment condition reports describing the state of the local natural environment. CMA uses a range of data to validate and describe the condition. Bird monitoring and surveying data is used as an indicator of catchment health.

Observing and reporting bird sightings in the Wimmera also plays an important part in influencing and shaping current and future projects.

Thank you in advance for sharing this valuable information. If you would like to further discuss bird monitoring results or catchment condition reports, please contact the office on (03) 5382 1544 or email wcma.vic.gov.au or visit our website www.wcma.vic.gov.au.

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E A S T O F H O R SH A MThe Murtoa Golf Course, Marma Lake and the Brynterion State Forest are all east of Horsham. A full day would be needed to see and observe fully all of these areas. En route to these places keep an eye out for all the raptors mentioned in “The Plains North of Horsham” section and especially for male Brown Songlarks perching on the fence posts in the spring. Galahs and Long-billed Corellas can regularly be seen flying across the plains.

1 - Brynterion State Forest

This excellent area of remnant Yellow Gum, Grey Box and Buloke bushland has shown extensive regeneration since 1996 when grazing ceased. The “Brynterion”, as it is locally known, supports a number of common dry country and open bushland birds and at various times, some uncommon or rare species. Most months of the year you could expect to see: Sulphur Crested Cockatoo, Galah, Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Brown Treecreeper, Red Wattlebird, White-plumed Honeyeater, Kookaburra, Striated Pardalote, White-winged Chough, Musk and Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Crested Pigeon, Common Bronzewing and Dusky Woodswallow. Wedge-tailed Eagles periodically nest here and Peregrine Falcons have bred in old Eagles nests. Less common are Swift Parrot, they are recorded mostly in years when the Yellow Gum and Grey Box flower. Little Lorikeets, Black-chinned, Fuscous, White-fronted, Yellow-faced, Brown-headed, Spiny-cheeked and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater have all been recorded, mostly during winter.

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Periodically in spring, large flocks of White-browed and Masked Woodswallows descend into the forest to feed on the Yellow Gum blossom. Some birds will stay long enough to breed, others move on just as quickly as they arrive. Take the Henty Highway from Horsham towards Dooen. Three kilometres past Dooen turn right onto the Wimmera Highway and continue 34 kilometres to Rupanyup. Turn right at Rupanyup and continue towards Stawell for nine kilometres. Turn right at Brynterion sign onto a gravel road and continue for another three kilometres until bushland becomes apparent on both sides of the road. Park anywhere along the road and walk in. Tracks in the forest must only be driven on when dry. Note: Brynterion State Forest now has I/D signs but no track signage.

2 - Marma Lake - Murtoa

This small lake normally holds a good number of water birds. Most of the common species can be found here but from time to time, rarer species have been recorded. Great Crested Grebe, Chestnut Teal, Musk Duck and the Australian Shoveler have been recorded here. Little Grassbirds are often present in the Cumbungi at the southeast corner. The lake has a walking track around the perimeter that can be accessed from all four sides. If you do not wish to walk around the lake, a lawn area besides the rotunda provides a view of the whole lake. Follow the same directions as for the Murtoa Golf Course but where the Wimmera Highway turns left to Rupanyup, continue straight on and turn down the next street to the right at the south end of the football ground. Then follow the streets that circumnavigate the lake. A small wetland is also present at the north end of the lake and is worth checking out.

3 - Murtoa Golf Course

Set in natural bushland adjacent to the Barrabool State Forest, the Murtoa Golf Course has many of its fairways bordered with planted native shrubs and trees. Substantial areas of excellent habitat exist between the well spaced fairways and around the perimeter of the course itself. A good number of the bushland birds on the Wimmera Birdlist can be found here and anyone visiting the course to do some serious birdwatching will inevitably end up with a good tally.

Look for Hooded Robin, Spotted Pardalote, Red-capped Robin, White-throated Treecreeper, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Mistletoebird, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill and several Honeyeater species during winter, especially White-fronted Honeyeater. The Spotted Nightjar and Powerful Owl have been recorded here.

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Winter and spring is the best time to visit but be aware that golf is played from April to October. Please respect golfers rights and conduct your birdwatching activities quietly and move through the area between the fairways, if golfers are present.

Take Henty Highway from Horsham towards Dooen. Three kilometres past Dooen turn right onto Wimmera Highway and continue twenty kilometres to Murtoa. The Highway turns right at Murtoa and then left towards Rupanyup. Do not turn left to Rupanyup but continue straight on leaving a Football Oval on your right. Seven kilometres further on, the Golf Course will be on your right, adjacent to the road. Park your vehicle in roadside car park and walk in. The Murtoa Golf Course is one of the best birding spots east of Horsham.

The Barrabool State Forest should also be considered for a visit. When returning from the golf course towards Murtoa, take the first left and first left again at the crossroads. This dirt road continues through the middle of the forest. These tracks are not all weather roads so care must be taken during wet weather. The bird list is similar to the Golf Course and a Barking Owl was recorded here. Regeneration has been very good since grazing was stopped in the mid nineties.

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W E S T O F H O R SH A MQuantong Area

A pleasant three or four hours can be spent just to the west of Horsham in the Quantong area. While driving between sites keep an eye on the roadside, fences and powerlines for larks, pipits, quail, robins, chats, ravens and raptors.

4 - Quantong Reservoir

After leaving Horsham travel towards Natimuk on the Wimmera Highway for 9.5 kilometres and turn left into Pelchen’s Road. Travel south along this road for 3 kilometres and you will reach the Quantong Reservoir. When there is water in the reservoir it is a good place for water birds, waders, raptors and bush birds some of which include: Australian Reed-warbler, Little Grassbird, Swamp Harrier, Black Kite, Whistling Kite and Diamond Firetail.

5 - Box Swamp

After returning to the Wimmera Highway continue towards Natimuk for 0.6 kilometres and turn right into Quantong Cemetery Road. Travel along this road for 4.6 kilometres and turn

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right into O’Brees Road. Box Swamp is 1.2 kilometres on the left. A dry weather dirt track circumnavigates the swamp that consists of Black Box trees with lots of unusual ground covers. On the Eastern side of the swamp there is a sandy ridge which is sparsely covered with large Yellow Gums and a few Bulokes.The ridge has good numbers of parrots, honeyeaters and pardalotes, while the swamp has a lot of treecreepers, honeyeaters, raptors and sometimes woodswallows. Birds to look out for include Spotted and Striated Pardalote, Little Eagle, Whistling Kite, Brown Goshawk and Dusky Woodswallow.

6 - Quantong Cemetery

Return to the O’Brees Road/Quantong Cemetery Road corner and turn right. Travel north for 2.5 kilometres to the Quantong Cemetery. The area behind the cemetery is covered with Callitris sp, Buloke and reasonably thick understorey. This area is usually good for large numbers of birds including: Spotted and Striated Pardalote, Peaceful Dove, Common Bronzewing, Mistletoebird, Spiny-cheeked, White-naped, New Holland and White-plumed Honeyeater.

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Natimuk Area

Natimuk is a small town located on the Wimmera Highway 27 kilometres southwest of Horsham and is a good base for birding in the west Wimmera region. The best months are September to December when the numerous fresh and salt-water lakes are likely to be full and the spring flowers are abundant. In autumn the bush has dried out but mistletoes provide a good food source.

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The Mt. Arapiles-Tooan State Park is located 10 kilometres west of Natimuk. The total area of the park is 5050 hectares, and is in two parts, of which Mt. Arapiles is the smaller. Rock climbing is the major attraction in the Mt. Arapiles area but it is also known for its wide variety of plants representing one seventh of the State’s flora. There are always some species in flower and this encourages a wide variety of birds to visit this relatively small area. There are stands of Yellow Gum, Brown Stringy-bark, Black and Grey Box, Mallee, Casuarina and Pine and a great variety of shrubs.

7 - Mt. Arapiles

There is an all weather road to the summit and one through the park which is closed in winter. Most areas can be reached by walking in from the peripheral roads. Best birding is around the campground and Central Gully, Pharos Gully and along the Golf Course Road, particularly near a dam a few hundred metres past the golf club on the right. At least 119 species have been seen here including Brush Bronzewing, several Cuckoos, Speckled Warbler, Shy Heathwren, Purple-backed Fairy-wren, Gilbert’s Whistler, Hooded Robin, Mistletoebird, and Diamond Firetail. Peregrine Falcon and Nankeen Kestrel soar around the rock faces and other raptors including the Wedge-tailed Eagle work the open country.

8 - Tooan State Park

The Mount Arapiles area is joined to the Tooan section by a wildlife corridor that is a continuation of Golf Course Road. Tooan consists of poorer country but is a large undisturbed habitat ideal for birds. The major access point is St. Mary’s Lake. This can be reached by turning off the Wimmera Highway at the Mitre signpost or off the Natimuk-Goroke Road at the Tooan signpost. The tracks inside the park can be treacherous and there are several sandy spots where an ordinary car can become bogged so a four-wheel drive vehicle is an advantage. Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Shy Heath-wren, Purple-backed Fairy-wren, Southern Scrub-robin and Crested Shrike-tit are present and Long-billed Corella can be seen in the surrounding paddocks.

9-15 - Natimuk - Douglas Lakes

Seen from the top of Mt. Arapiles many fresh and salt water lakes are a feature of the landscape. Thousands of Banded Stilts arrive in spring and feed on the brine shrimp in the lakes, they are often joined by Black-winged Stilt, Whiskered Tern, Avocet, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Red-capped Plover and Red-necked Stint, while Blue-winged Parrot feed on the surrounding salt bush.

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13 - Natimuk Lake, 14 - St. Mary’s Lake, 15 - Connan’s Swamp.

The freshwater lakes have a large variety of birds and the shallower lakes are often the most prolific in species but run the risk of drying out in the summer. Seasonal conditions such as inland droughts bring rarer visitors down from the north. The closest lakes are Natimuk Lake (13), St. Mary’s Lake (14) and Connan’s Swamp (15). When the water level in Natimuk Lake is low there is often a huge amount of birdlife, at least 148 species have been recorded here. Species seen here include Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck, Glossy Ibis, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Spotted and Spotless Crake, Banded Stilt, Little Grassbird and Australian Reed-warbler.

16 - Cooack, 17 - Nurcoung Flora Reserve, 20 - Jane Duff Reserve.

The Little Desert is at its best in the spring with its many flowering plants. The southern edge known as the Cooack (16) is only a short drive away and gives a good example of the desert country. Travel from Natimuk on the Goroke Road, just before you come to

To reach White Lake, go west from Natimuk along the Edenhope road and turn left just before reaching Mt. Arapiles on to the road to Clear Lake. Pass through Clear Lake and about five kilometres further on turn right along the road to Douglas. At Douglas turn Left on the Kanagulk Rd. About three kilometres further you reach White Lake.

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Mt. Arapiles turn right onto the Grass Flat Road and continue for about 12 kilometres to a T junction Turn left and continue to next T junction and turn right and follow the road along the edge of the Little Desert. Much can be seen by walking in from the surrounding roads but a four-wheel drive is advisable on the interior tracks. Most of the vegetation is stunted making sightings easier. Birds seen may include White-eared, Brown-headed, Tawny-crowned and Black-chinned Honeyeater, Southern Scrub-robin, Rufous Fieldwren, Purple-backed Fairy-wren, Shy Heathwren and Hooded Robin.

The Nurcoung Flora Reserve (17) north of Mitre is one of the southernmost areas to have active Malleefowl nests. It is one of the best spots to search for dry country birds in the Wimmera. At least 96 species have been seen here including: Brush Bronzewing, Australian Owlet-nightjar, sixteen Honeyeaters including Purple-gaped Honeyeater, Shy Heathwren, Gilbert’s Whistler, Red-capped Robin, Eastern Yellow Robin, Southern Scrub-robin and Diamond Firetail. To reach Nurcoung take the Goroke Road and turn right at Mitre, follow the road for 7.8 kilometres and turn left onto a dirt track opposite the Cooack Fire Access Track. After approximately 150 metres turn right and follow a fenceline westwards, after one kilometre this will bring you to the reserve. Access may be difficult in wet weather and some of the tracks are very sandy in summer.

The Jane Duff Reserve (20) adjoins the Goroke Road and has a good walking track. It backs on to farm land and Southern Whiteface and Yellow-rumped Thornbill frequent the fence line. Quail are sometimes flushed in the grass.

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18 - Black Waterhole, 19 - Kalingur State Forest.

The Black Waterhole (18) consists of a patch of scrub about 27 kilometres from Natimuk on the left hand side of the Edenhope Highway. It is small and easily accessible with an interesting swampy patch. Latham's Snipe are regularly seen here, Thornbills and Hooded Robin are common and Diamond Firetail and Southern Scrub-robin are about. When the Yellow Gums and Banksias are in flower there are hundreds of Honeyeaters including Black-chinned, Brown-headed, White-naped, White-plumed, White-eared, Tawny-crowned and Eastern Spinebill. Further down the highway, turn right onto the Nhill-Harrow Road and on the left is the Kalingur State Forest (19) with fine specimens of local trees and a swamp. Parts can be explored on foot but a four-wheel drive is necessary to see it all.

21 - Ellis’ Crossing On Wimmera River West Of Pimpinio

From Horsham, take the Western Highway 17 kilometres to Pimpinio. At the north end of the town turn left on bitumen that is signed, West Wail Road. Once the bitumen ends continue on gravel to the Wimmera River. ln dry weather, Ellis’ Crossing can be accessed by two-wheel drive but four-wheel drive is essential in the Little Desert. Do not go after rain.

The east side of the river at Ellis’ Crossing consists of riverine Black Box flood plain with grassy understorey. To the north along the river, Melaleuca thickets as well as Red Gum and Native Pine help provide a complex and varied habitat for a wide range of species.

Birds of interest in the area are Diamond Firetail, Yellow Robin, Red-capped Robin, Hooded Robin, Peaceful Dove, Painted Button-quail, Spotted Pardalote, Boobook Owl, White -throated and Brown Treecreeper and several species of Honeyeater including White-fronted. Just north of the crossing on the east side is a large red gum. It has a huge burl just over head high on the north side. Look for Fairy Martin mud nests attached to the bottom of the burl.

A good two or three hours can be spent here but be careful when searching along the river to the north where the bush becomes reasonably thick, it tends to all look the same and you could become lost.

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Spotted Pardalote

Black-winged Stilt

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2122

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273128

2930

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Crested Skrike-tit

Mallefowl

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22 - Little Desert West Of Ellis’ Crossing.

Cross over the river to the west onto the access track to the Little Desert. The first part of the track meanders through blackbox woodland until you reach a gate - usually closed. Through the gate turn left and then experience at first hand, the very varied habitat that is part of the Little Desert. Once through the gate into the Desert, turn left - a four-wheel drive vehicle is now needed.

Follow a fence line along on your left where any areas to the right are worth checking out, particularly if you spot any bird movements from the vehicle and also if the banksias are in flower, usually late autumn early winter. This is a great place for Tawny-crowned and White-fronted Honeyeater. Keep following the fence on your left for approximately two kilometres until the fence line turns at right angles to your left and where you are at a very sandy intersection. You now have two choices and both are worth exploring. To the left again with the fence line on your left, continue on for about a kilometre until you see bushland on your right. This area is known as Duchembegarra and the bushland and desert area to the north support many species of birds, especially in late winter and spring.

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There have been more than ninety species seen in this area. Southern Scrub-robin, can usually be easily sighted here, especially where the understorey is a little thicker. Rufous and Golden Whistler, Jacky Winter, Varied Sitella, Grey Fantail, Mistletoebird, Tree Martin, Silvereye and Musk and Purple-crowned Lorikeet can also be found here. In the desert area there are Purple-backed Fairy-wren, Slender-billed Thornbill, Rufous Fieldwren and Shy Heathwren. Look over the farmland to the east where Wedge-tailed Eagle, Spotted Harrier, Australian Hobby and Brown Falcon can often be sighted.

Return to the intersection and continue on through it to the north and you are now into typical Little Desert heathland and in Shy Heathwren and Rufous Fieldwren habitat. From the intersection continue for approximately one kilometre to Eagle Swamp, a saline wetland with an area of bushland to the east. A variety of birds can be found here including Purple-backed Fairy-wren and Superb Fairy-wren and several species of Thornbill. Eagle Swamp is an ideal place for lunch. The track to the northwest from Eagle Swamp is signed and named McCabe’s Hut Track. Anywhere along here for two to three kilometres Slender-billed Thornbill can usually be found. They keep very low and are secretive in the heathland but you can pick them up sometimes by seeing them darting along a track ahead of the vehicle.

Continue on this track until you have a quite sizeable sand hill on your left covered with taller vegetation than the flatter areas, then, on your right, approximately 200 to 300 metres further on, you will see a sand ridge, vegetated with banksias and stringy bark. Both spots are good areas for Slender-billed Thornbill, Inland Thornbill, Tawny-crowned Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater and White-fronted Honeyeater. Unless you have a good map and want to cross the Desert to the Nhill - Harrow Road, return to Ellis’ Crossing and back to Pimpinio. A full day can be spent in the area.

23 - Wail State Forest

The Wail State Forest is situated on the east side of the Wimmera River, adjacent to the Little Desert National Park. It consists of sandy heathlands, open eucalypt forest with some Acacia, Callitris and Casuarina. It is a very attractive area especially in spring when wildflowers bloom and the acacia is in flower. Because of the varied habitat and permanent waterholes in the river, a wide range of species can be found here. Eastern, Yellow, Hooded, Red-capped and Scarlet Robin, White-eared, Spiny-cheeked, Tawny-crowned, New Holland, White-fronted, Yellow-faced and White-naped Honeyeater, Rufous, Gilbert’s and Golden Whistler, Brown and White-throated Treecreeper, Red-browed Finch and Diamond Firetail, Superb and Purple-backed Fairy Wren, Southern Scrub-robin, Black-faced and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Striated and Spotted

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Pardalote, Common Bronzewing, and Peaceful Dove, along with Eastern Rosella, Galah, Musk and Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Red-rumped Parrot and Thornbill make an impressive list for this forest. In late spring and summer, Woodswallow and Rainbow Bee-eater can also be seen.

Take the Western Highway to Pimpinio. Continue through Pimpinio on the highway for approximately 8–9 kilometres until you come to the Wail Railway overpass. Turn left on the bitumen at the beginning of the overpass ramp and follow the signs and bitumen 1–2 kilometres to the Wail Native Plant Nursery which is now closed. On the west side of the old nursery complex a walking track leaves the carpark and continues through varied habitat. At the gate turn right and then left and continue past a right angle turn some 400 metres on right. Some 300 metres further on veer left onto track. This a now four-wheel drive only. This track will now more or less take you through the forest to the Wimmera River. There are numerous sidetracks that can be taken. Although the area is not large a GPS would be useful if you are not familiar with the area.

Bush-stone Curlew

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24 - West Wail Flora Reserve

This small reserve has similar but arguably slightly better habitat than the Wail State Forest but expect to see similar species. Swift Parrot have been recorded here. From Horsham take the Western Highway 17 kilometres to Pimpinio. At the north end of the town turn left onto a bitumen road that is signed West Wail Road, four kilometres along this road turn left onto gravel. You will be turning onto the Polkemmet/Wail Road. Continue on for around 3.5 kilometres until you come to the Reserve on your right. Several tracks go through the reserve but are dry weather tracks only.

Plains North Of Horsham

The vast grain growing plains north of Horsham often produce good numbers of bird species, especially in the winter and spring. Nankeen Kestrel, Black-shouldered Kite, Brown Falcon and Spotted Harrier occasionally Wedge-tailed Eagle, can be seen hunting over the plains or perched on fence posts. In spring, Brown Songlark are usually common as well as Australasian Pipit, Horsfield’s Bushlark and White-fronted Chat. A quiet drive along any of the roads, especially the less well-used ones may even flush a Stubble Quail in spring and if it has been very dry, Orange Chat may be found. Do not drive on any roads other than gravel or bitumen if it is wet.

H O R S H A M U R B A N A R E A

25 - Wimmera River In Horsham

The Wimmera River has a healthy bird population and a stroll along the well maintained walking tracks are likely to reveal good numbers of birds (map available from The Horsham Information Centre). Special attention should be paid to the wetland areas that have been constructed along the river as these contain large numbers of birds and often have some of the more unusual species.

Common birds that are often seen along the river include Hardhead, Darter, Nankeen Night Heron, Royal Spoonbill, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Black-shouldered Kite, Black-tailed Native-hen, Black-fronted Dotterel, Red-kneed Dotterel, Long-billed Corella, Rainbow Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Purple-crowned Lorikeet, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Southern Boobook, Sacred Kingfisher, Brown Treecreeper, Superb Fairy Wren, Striated Pardalote, Spotted Pardalote, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Fantail, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Clamourous Reed-warbler and Little Grassbird.

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Some of the more unusual birds seen along the river include Pied Cormorant, Australasian Shoveler, Australian Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Australian Hobby, Buff-banded Rail, Baillon’s Crake, Spotted Crake, Spotless Crake, Bush Stone-curlew, Black-winged Stilt, Common Bronzewing, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Little Corella, Little Lorikeet, Cockatiel, Pallid Cuckoo, Tawny Frogmouth, White-winged Triller, Rufous Songlark, Brown-headed Honeyeater and White-breasted Woodswallow.

26 - Police Paddock

The Horsham Police Paddock forms part of an important wildlife corridor providing connecting habitat to the Wimmera River. The reserve features a Black Box swamp that is a remnant of the endemic vegetation of the area. There are also extensive man made wetlands that provide habitat for many species of birds. (a map is available from Horsham Information Centre)

Because of the variety of habitat at the Police Paddock there is a large number of species that use the area. Some of the more unusual of these include Darter, Blue-billed Duck, Hardhead, Pink-eared Duck, Swamp Harrier, Little Eagle, Tawny Frogmouth, Black-tailed Native-hen, Common Bronzewing, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Pallid Cuckoo, Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo, Red-capped Robin, Rufous Whistler, Australian Reed-warbler, Little Grassbird, Weebill, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Yellow Thornbill, and Brown-headed Honeyeater.

Rainbow Bee-eater - Constructing a nesting tunnel

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27 - McKenzie Creek

About eight kilometres south of Horsham, McKenzie Creek crosses the Henty Highway and the creek reserve provides good habitat for a large number of birds. Mackleys Road is a sealed road which turns right off the Henty Highway just before the McKenzie Creek bridge and follows along the creek until it joins Wards Road which eventually turns north to join Golf Course Road and leads back to Horsham past the Golf Course. Redgum trees dominate the area with Cherry Ballart, Native Pine and Grey Box scattered throughout. The understorey is mainly melaleuca and wattle with some native and exotic grasses. Birds found here include Superb Fairy-wren, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, White-browed Babbler, Mistletoebird, Peaceful Dove, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike and Crested Shrike-tit. The Painted Honeyeater has been seen nearby so it could be possible to find it here.

Horsham Lakes - 28, 29, 30, 31

Southeast of Horsham there are four freshwater lakes – Green Lake, Dock Lake, Pine Lake and Taylor’s Lake. When they are holding water these lakes are wonderful areas for many species of birds. Dock Lake is worth a visit even when dry to find Golden-headed Cisticola and Brown Quail in the grass of the dry lake bed.

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Taylor’s Lake is about 20 kilometres east of Horsham and because it is used as part of the water distribution system it always holds water, so in dry conditions it is the most likely place to find water birds. Leave Horsham on Williams Road that becomes Lubeck Road, the road veers right at the Drung Golf Course and after five kilometres turns left towards Lubeck. Follow the road past Pine Lake to the Taylors Lake Hall. Turn right along the east side of the lake on a sealed road for one kilometre to the boat ramp. After the boat ramp continue south on the sealed road for 1.4 kilometres and enter a paddock through a farm gate on the right hand side of the road. Continue on the dirt track to the waters edge. Remember to close the gate and not to leave rubbish behind. Also remember that the track will be impassable after even a small shower of rain. Birds likely to be seen include a large number of water birds, bush birds, Whistling Kite and White-bellied Sea-Eagle are resident.

There is a gravel road that leaves the Lubeck Road on the west side of the lake and leads to a boat ramp. The treed area to the north is good for bushbirds and the reeds provide habitat for Golden-headed Cisticola. Along the lake edge Tree Martin, Fairy Martin and Woodswallows are found. White-breasted Woodswallow are often seen in spring and summer.

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Responsible BirdwatchingB I R D S

The welfare of the birds must always have the highest priority. Do not cause stress to the birds or expose them to danger by approaching too closely or interfering with their natural behaviour.

Adjust your behaviour to the location. Walk slowly, speak quietly, drive cautiously. Watch from a distance.

Approach nests carefully and do not stay for long periods. Your visit may assist predators to find eggs or young; your continued presence may drive parents away.

Do not harass ground birds by repeated disturbance.

Accept good distant views of a bird rather than risk causing stress by approaching too close.

Do not harass rare or vagrant birds by long periods of intense observation. They may be in strange territory and vulnerable to exhaustion and predation.

H A B I T A T

Keep habitat disturbance to the minimum around nests, eggs, display areas, and roost sites. Removal of vegetation near nests for photography is unacceptable.

Wherever possible, walk or drive on formed roads and tracks; nests low to the ground in dense vegetation are easily destroyed.

P E O P L E

Respect the rights of landholders and seek permission to enter their land.

In groups, respect the rights of the observers. Raising your voice or pointing excitedly may spoil the sighting for the rest of the group.

Taken from: “Code of Ethical Birdwatching” by BirdLife Australia.

A successful birdwatcher needs to be quiet, patient and prepared to persist. Above all, common sense will ensure many hours of good bird watching.

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Ratites (Emus Etc)Emu C

MoundbuildersMalleefowl U

QuailStubble Quail CBrown Quail U

Geese, Ducks, SwansPlumed Whistling Duck RBlue-billed Duck RMusk Duck CFreckled Duck RBlack Swan CAustralian Shelduck CAustralian Wood Duck CPacific Black Duck CAustralasian Shoveler UGrey Teal CChestnut Teal UPink-eared Duck CHardhead CMallard U

GrebesAustralasian Grebe CHoary-headed Grebe CGreat Crested Grebe R

DarterDarter C

CormorantsLittle Pied Cormorant CPied Cormorant ULittle Black Cormorant CGreat (Black) Cormorant C

PelicanAustralian Pelican C

Egrets, Herons, BitternsAustralian Bittern RWhite-faced Heron CLittle Egret UWhite-necked (Pacific) Heron CGreat Egret CIntermediate Egret UCattle Egret UNankeen Night Heron C

Ibis, SpoonbillsGlossy Ibis RAustralian White Ibis CStraw-necked Ibis CRoyal Spoonbill UYellow-billed Spoonbill C

Kites, Eagles, HawksBlack-shouldered Kite CLetter-winged Kite RSquare-tailed Kite RBlack Kite UWhistling Kite CWhite-bellied Sea-Eagle RGrey Goshawk RSpotted Harrier USwamp Harrier CBrown Goshawk CCollared Sparrowhawk CWedge-tailed Eagle CLittle Eagle U

FalconsBrown Falcon CAustralian Hobby UBlack Falcon UPeregrine Falcon UNankeen (Aust) Kestrel C

CranesBrolgas U

Crakes, RailsGallinulesBuff-banded Rail UBaillon’s Crake RAustralian Spotted Crake RSpotless Crake RPurple Swamphen CDusky Moorhen CBlack-tailed Native-hen CEurasian Coot C

Button QuailLittle Button-quail UPainted Button-quail URed-chested Button-quail R

Snipes, SandpipersLatham’s Snipe UMarsh Sandpiper U MCommon Greenshank U MRed-necked Stint C MLong-toed Stint R MSharp-tailed Sandpiper C MPectoral Sandpiper R MCurlew Sandpiper C MRuddy Turnstone R M

Bustard Australian Bustard R

Stone CurlewsBush-stone Curlew U

Painted SnipePainted Snipe R M

Stilts, AvocetsBlack-winged Stilt CBanded Stilt C MRed-necked Avocet C M

Plovers, LapwingsRed-capped Plover C

Birds of the Wimmera RegionC • Common U • Uncommon R • Rare M • Migratory

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Double-banded Plover RBlack-fronted Dotterel CInland Dotterel R MPlains Wanderer RRed-kneed Dotterel CBanded Lapwing UMasked Lapwing C

PratincolesAustralian Pratincole R

Gulls, TernsSilver Gull Whiskered (Marsh) Tern CGull-billed Tern RCaspian Tern R

Pigeons, DovesRock Dove (Feral Pigeon) CCommon Bronzewing CBrush Bronzewing UCrested Pigeon CDiamond Dove RPeaceful Dove CSpotted Turtle-dove U

CockatoosRed-tailed Black Cockatoo UYellow-tailed Black Cockatoo CGang Gang Cockatoo UMajor Mitchell Cockatoo UGalah CLong-billed Corella CLittle Corella USulphur-crested Cockatoo CCockatiel U

ParrotsRainbow Lorikeet CMusk Lorikeet CLittle Lorikeet UPurple-crowned Lorikeet CAustralian Ringneck URegent Parrot UCrimson Rosella C

Eastern Rosella CBlue Bonnet USwift Parrot R MRed-rumped Parrot CMulga Parrot UBudgerigar UBlue-winged Parrot UElegant Parrot R

Cuckoos, CoucalsPallid Cuckoo C MFan-tailed Cuckoo C MBlack-eared Cuckoo U MHorsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo C MShining Bronze-Cuckoo U M

Hawk, OwlsPowerful Owl RSouthern Boobook C

Barn OwlsBarn Owl CBarking Owl R

FrogmouthsTawny Frogmouth C

Night JarsSpotted Nightjar R

Owlet-NightjarsAustralian Owlet-nightjar U

SwiftsWhite-throated Needletail RFork-tailed Swift R

Tree KingfishersLaughing Kookaburra CRed-backed Kingfisher RAzure Kingfisher RSacred Kingfisher C M

Bee-EatersRainbow Bee-eater C

TreecreepersWhite-throated Treecreeper CBrown Treecreeper C

Fairy Wrens, Emu WrensSuperb Fairy-wren CSplendid Fairy-wren UPurple-backed Fairy-wren UWhite-winged Fairy-wren RSouthern Emu-wren R

PardalotesSpotted Pardalote CStriated Pardalote C

Gerygones, Thornbills, WhitefacesWhite-browed Scrubwren CChestnut-rumped Heathwren UShy Heathwren URufous Fieldwren RSpeckled Warbler RWeebill CWestern Gerygone RWhite-throated Gerygone RBrown Thornbill CInland Thornbill UChestnut-rumped Thornbill CBuff-rumped Thornbill CSlender-billed Thornbill RYellow-rumped Thornbill CYellow (Little) Thornbill CStriated Thornbill CSouthern Whiteface C

Honeyeaters, ChatsRed Wattlebird CLittle Wattlebird CSpiny-cheeked Honeyeater CBlue-faced Honeyeater UNoisy Miner CYellow-throated Miner RPied Honeyeater RYellow-faced Honeyeater CSinging Honeyeater C

C • Common U • Uncommon R • Rare M • Migratory

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White-eared Honeyeater CYellow-tufted Honeyeater CYellow-gaped Honeyeater RYellow-plumed Honeyeater UFuscous Honeyeater UWhite-plumed Honeyeater CBlack-chinned Honeyeater CBrown-headed Honeyeater CWhite-naped Honeyeater CPainted Honeyeater RCrescent Honeyeater RNew Holland Honeyeater CWhite-fronted Honeyeater CTawny-crowned Honeyeater CEastern Spinebill UBlack Honeyeater RStriped Honeyeater RLittle Friarbird ROrange Chat RWhite-fronted Chat CCrimson Chat R

Australasian RobinsJacky Winter CScarlet Robin CRed-capped Robin CFlame Robin URose Robin RHooded Robin CEastern Yellow Robin USouthern Scrub-robin C

BabblersGrey-crowned Babbler RWhite-browed Babbler C

Quail-ThrushesChestnut Quail-thrush USpotted Quail-thrush

SittellaVaried Sittella C

Whistlers, Shrike-thrushEastern Shrike-Tit C

Gilbert’s Whistler UGolden Whistler CRufous Whistler CGrey Shrike-thrush CCrested Bellbird R

FlycatchersRestless Flycatcher CSatin Flycatcher RMagpie-lark CRufous Fantail R MGrey Fantail CWillie Wagtail C

Oriole, FigbirdOlive-backed Oriole U

Cuckoo Shrikes,TrillersBlack-faced Cuckoo-shrike CWhite-bellied Cuckoo-shrike CWhite-winged Triller C M

Woodswallows, Magpies, Butcherbirds, CurrawongsWhite-breastedWoodswallow U MMasked Woodswallow C MWhite-browedWoodswallow C MBlack-faced Woodswallow UDusky Woodswallow CGrey Butcherbird RPied Butcherbird RAustralian Magpie CPied Currawong RGrey Currawong C

Ravens, CrowsAustralian Raven CForest Raven RLittle Raven C

Chough, ApostlebirdWhite-winged Chough C

Larks, PipitsHorsfield’s Bushlark CSkylark CAustralasian Pipit C

Old World SparrowsHouse Sparrow C

Grass FinchesZebra Finch URed-browed Finch UDiamond Firetail C

Old World FinchesEuropean Goldfinch CGreenfinch R

MistletoebirdMistletoebird C

Swallow, MartinsWelcome Swallow CTree Martin CFairy Martin C

Old World WarblersAustralian Reed-warbler C MLittle Grass-bird C MRufous Songlark C MBrown Songlark C MGolden-headed Cisticola R

White-EyesSilvereye C

True ThrushesCommon Blackbird CBassian Thrush R

StarlingsCommon Starling C

C • Common U • Uncommon R • Rare M • Migratory

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N O T E S

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A C K N O W L E D G E M E N T S

The Horsham Branch of BirdLife Australia gratefully acknowledges the assistance given by the following organisations and individuals in making this publication possible

Horsham Rural City CouncilWimmera Catchment Management AuthorityIan Morgan - PhotographerWimmera Design and Print

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Owlet Nightjar

Painted Snipe

32

Scarlet Robin

Hooded Robin

Yellow Robin