Published by BirdLife Australia , Horsham Branch

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Barking Owl

Shy Heathwren

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Introduction .................................................................................. 4

EAST OF HORSHAM

1 Brynterion State Forest ............................................................. 5

2 Marma Lake Murtoa .................................................................. 6

3 Murtoa Golf Course ................................................................... 7

WEST OF HORSHAM

4 Quantong Reservoir .................................................................. 8

5 Box Swamp ............................................................................... 9

6 Quantong Cemetery................................................................... 9

Natimuk Area

7 Mt. Arapiles ................................................................................ 11

8 Tooan State Park ....................................................................... 11

9-20 Natimuk Douglas Lakes ....................................................... 11

21-22 Little Desert & Ellis’ Crossing Pimpinio .............................. 14

Area Map (50km radius from Horsham) ................................... 16-17

HORSHAM URBAN AREA

23 -24 Wail State Forest, West Wail Flora Reserve.................. 21-22

25 Wimmera River Horsham......................................................... 22

26 Police Paddock ........................................................................ 23

27 McKenzie Creek ...................................................................... 24

28, 29, 30, 31 Horsham Lakes .................................................... 25

Responsible Bird Watching .......................................................... 26

Birds of the Horsham Region ....................................................... 26

Acknowledgements ...................................................................... 30

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The Wimmera region around Horsham is principally a grain growing area, renownedfor its high quality grain production. The seemingly endless landscape is broken inmany places by remnant areas of dry country open bushland. For example, the river-ine woodland adjacent to the Wimmera River, the salt and freshwater lakes aroundMt. Arapiles and the Mt Arapiles Tooan State Park.

The Grampians, Little Desert and Wyperfeld National Parks are also in this area buthave been thoroughly dealt with in other guides so are not covered here.Because of this wide range of habitat type, the region supports a large range of different species of birds, with around 230 being recorded for the region.Because of the general openness of much of the habitat, most birds are easily seen.

Almost all of the described areas are accessible in all weather but be careful to checkroad conditions if it has been raining. 4 wheel drive vehicles are essential in the Lit-tle Desert and the Wail State Forest. Most areas have an all weather road at leastto the perimeter. Check with local authorities if in doubt.

Between 2004 and 2009, the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority ran abiodiversity monitoring project which used birds as indicators of

environmental health. The Wimmera Bird Monitoring Project surveyed birds from 170sites across the catchment.

Over 1600 surveys were completed, most by community volunteers. The results are being used to guide catchment strategy and management

decisions, including revegetation, landscape rehabilitation and biodiversity protection.Monitoring is continuing at 30 sites to obtain a long-term view of changes in catchment

health, as measured by birds.If you would like to fine out more about Wimmera CMA programs and

activities, please contact the WCMA on (03) 5382 1544, by email(wca@wcma.vic.gov.au) or visit our website at www.wcma.vic.gov.au

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EAST OF HORSHAM

The Murtoa Golf Course, Marma Lake and the Brynterion State Forest are all eastof Horsham. A full day would be needed to see and observe fully all of these places.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 Songlarksperching on the fence posts in the spring. Galahs and Long Billed Corellas canregularly be seen flying across the plains.

1 - BRYNTERION STATE FORESTThis excellent area of remnant yellow gum, grey box, buloke bushland has shown ex-tensive regeneration since 1996 when grazing ceased. The "Brynterion", as it is lo-cally known, supports a number of common dry country and open bushland birdsand at various times, some uncommon or rare species. Expect to see most monthsof the year. Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, Galahs, Eastern Rosellas, Red- Rumped Parrots, Brown Treecreepers, Red Wattlebirds, White-plumed honeyeaters, Kookaburras, Striated Pardalotes, White-winged Choughs, Muskand Purple-crowned Lorikeets, Crested Pigeons, Common Bronzewings andDusky Woodswallows. Wedge-tailed Eagles periodically nest here and Peregrine Falcons have bred in old Eagles nests. Less common are Swift Parrots,in years when the grey box flowers profusely. Little Lorikeets, Black-chinned, Fus-cous, White-fronted, Yellow-faced, Brown-headed, Spiny-cheeked and Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters have all been recorded, mostly during winter.

Lubeck Rd

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Periodically in spring, large flocks of White-browed and Masked Woodswallowsdescend into the forest to feed on the Yellow Gum blossom. Some birds will staylong enough to breed, others move on just as quickly as they arrive. Take the HentyHighway from Horsham towards Dooen. Three kilometres past Dooen turn right ontothe Wimmera Highway and continue 34 kilometres to Rupanyup. Turn right at Rupanyup and continue towards Stawell for nine kilometres. Turn right at Brynterionsign onto a gravel road and continue for another three kilometres until bushland becomes apparent on both sides of the road. Park anywhere along road and walkin. Tracks in forest must only be driven on when dry. Note: Brynterion State Forestnow 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 commonspecies can be found here but from time to time, rarer species have been recorded.Great Crested Grebe, Chestnut Teal, Musk Duck and the Australian Shovelerhave been recorded here. Little Grassbirds are often present in the cumbungi at thesoutheast comer.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 areabesides the Rotunda provides a view of the whole lake. Follow the same directionsas for the Murtoa Golf Course but where the Wimmera Highway turns left to Rupanyup, turn right through the Memorial gates and drive down to the Rotunda.A small wetland is also present at the north end of the lake and is worth checkingout.

3 - MURTOA GOLF COURSESet in natural bushland adjacent to the Barrabool State Forrest, the Murtoa GolfCourse also has many of its fairways bordered with planted native shrubs and trees.Substantial areas of excellent habitat exist between the well spaced fairways andaround the perimeter of the course itself. A good number of the bushland birds onthe Wimmera Bird List can be found here and anyone visiting the course to do someserious birdwatching will inevitably end up with a good tally.

Look for Hooded Robins, Spotted Pardalotes, Red-capped Robins, White-throated Treecreepers, Chestnut-rumped Thornbills, Mistletoebirds,Blue-faced Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebills and several Honeyeater speciesduring winter, especially White-fronted Honeyeaters. 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 Aprilto October. Please respect golfers rights and conduct your birdwatching activitiesquietly and move through the area between the fairways if golfers are present.

Take Henty Highway from Horsham towards Dooen. Three kilometres past Dooenturn right onto Wimmera Highway and continue twenty kilometres to Murtoa. TheHighway 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 oneof the best birding spots east of Horsham.

The Barrabool State Forest should also be considered for a visit. Immediately southof the Murtoa Golf Course it is accessed by tracks from the east and west. Thesetracks are not all weather roads so care must be taken during wet weather. The birdlist is similar to the Golf Course and a Barking Owl was recently recorded here. Regeneration has been very good since grazing was stopped in the mid nineties.

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WEST OF HORSHAM

QUANTONG AREAA 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 andpowerlines for larks, pipits, quail robins, chats, ravens and raptors.

4 - QUANTONG RESERVOIRAfter leaving Horsham travel towards Natimuk on the Wimmera Highway for 9.5 kilo-metres 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 theReservoir it is a good place for water birds, waders, raptors and bush birds some ofwhich include: Clamorous Reed-warbler, Little Grassbird, Swamp Harrier, BlackKite, Whistling Kite and Diamond Firetails.

Lanes Ave

Jost Ave

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5 - BOX SWAMPAfter returning to the Wimmera Highway continue towards Natimuk for 0.6 kilometres and turn right into Quantong Cemetery Road. Travel along this road for4.6 kilometres and turn right into O’Brees Road. Box Swamp is 1.2 kilometres on theleft. A dry weather dirt track circumnavigates the swamp that consists of Black Boxtrees with lots of unusual ground covers. On the Eastern side of the swamp there isa sandy ridge which is sparsely covered with large Yellow Gums and a few Bulokes.The ridge has good numbers of parrots, honeyeaters and pardalotes whilethe swamp has a lot of treecreepers, honeyeaters, raptors and sometimeswoodswallows.Birds to look out for include Spotted and Striated Pardalotes, 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. Travelnorth for 2.5 kilometres to the Quantong cemetery. The area behind the cemetery iscovered with Callitris , 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 Honeyeaters.

In order to reach Ellis’ Crossing from here continue north along Quantong CemeteryRoad for 1.8 kilometres and turn right into Polkemmet Road, travel east for 1.6 kilometres and turn left into Courtney’s Road. Travel north for 3.7 kilometres andturn left at a T-intersection. Travel west for 300 metres and turn right into Ellis’ Road.Continue north for 5.2 kilometres and turn left into West Wail Road. After 6.1 kilo-metres in a westerly direction this will bring you to Ellis’ Crossing.

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NATIMUK AREANatimuk is a small town located on the Wimmera Highway 27 kilometres southwestof Horsham and is a good base for birding in the west Wimmera region. The bestmonths are September to December when the numerous fresh and salt-water lakesare likely to be full and the spring flowers are abundant. In autumn the bush hasdried 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. Thetotal area of the park is 5050 hectares, and it is in two parts, of which Mt. Arapilesis the smaller. Rock climbing is the major attraction in the Mt. Arapiles area but it isalso 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 birdsto visit this relatively small area. There are stands of Yellow Gum, Brown Stringy-bark, Black and Grey Box, Mallee, Casuarinas and Pines and a great variety of shrubs.

7 - MT. ARAPILESThere is a road to the summit and one through the park although this is closed inwinter. Most areas can be reached by walking in from the peripheral roads. Bestbirding is along the Golf Course Road and the northwest and north sides.Likely birdshere include White-fronted and Yellow-plumed Honeyeaters, Mistletoebirds andHooded Robins. Peregrine Falcons and Nankeen Kestrels soar around the rockfaces and other raptors including the Wedge-tailed Eagle work the open country.

8 - TOOAN STATE PARKThe Mount 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 largeundisturbed habitat ideal for birds. The major access point is St. Mary’s Lake. Thiscan be reached by turning off the Wimmera Highway at the Mitre signpost or off theNatimuk-Goroke Road at the Tooan signpost. The tracks inside the park can betreacherous and there are several sandy spots where an ordinary car can becomebogged so a 4WD vehicle is an advantage. Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters, Shy Heath-wrens, Variegated Fairy-wrens, Southern Scrub-robins and Crested Shrike-titsare present and Long-billed Corellas flock in the surrounding paddocks.

NATIMUK - DOUGLAS LAKESSeen from the top of Mt. Arapiles many fresh and salt water lakes are a feature ofthe landscape. They were remarked on by Major Mitchell, the first European explorer of the Wimmera. Thousands of Banded Stilts arrive in spring and feed onthe brine shrimp in the lakes. The most accessible of these are Mitre Lake, LakeWyn Wyn, Oliver’s Lake and White Lake at Douglas. To reach White Lake, go westfrom Natimuk along the Edenhope road and turn Left just before reaching Mt. Arapiles on the road to Clear Lake. Pass through Clear Lake and about 5 kmsfurther on turn right along the road to Douglas. At Douglas turn Left on the Kanagulk Rd. About 3 Kms further you reach White Lake.

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Often Black-winged Stilts and Avocets mix with the Banded Stilts and Blue-winged Parrots feed on the surrounding salt bush. The freshwater lakes havea large variety of birds and the shallower lakes are often the most prolific in speciesbut run the risk of drying out in the summer. Seasonal conditions suchas 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).

There are many unspoilt bush areas nearby. The Little Desert is at its best in thespring with its many flowering plants. The southern edge known as the Cooack isonly a short drive away and gives a good example of the desert country. Travel fromNatimuk on the Goroke Road, just before you come to Mt. Arapiles turn Right ontothe Grass Flat road and continue for about 12 Kms to a T junction Turn Left and con-tinue to next T junction and turn Right and follow the road along the edge of the Lit-tle Desert. Much can be seen by walking in from the surrounding roads but a 4-WDis advisable on the interior tracks. Most of the vegetation is stunted making sightingseasier: these may include White-eared, Brown-headed, Tawny-crowned andBlack-chinned Honeyeaters. Owlet-nightjars are present in the Nurcoung FloraReserve north (17) of Mitre and it is also one of the southernmost areas to have ac-tive Malleefowl nests. Access may be difficult in wet weather.

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The Black Waterhole (18) consists of a patch of scrub about 27 Kms from Natimukon the left hand side of the Edenhope Highway. It is small and easily accessible withan interesting swampy patch. Latham’s Snipe have been seen here, Thornbills and Hooded Robins are common and Diamond Firetails and Southern Scrub-robins are about. When the Yellow Gums and Banksias are inflower there are hundreds of Honeyeaters including Black-chinned, Brown-headed, White-naped, White-plumed, White-eared, Tawny-crowned and East-ern Spinebills. 10 km Further down the highway is the Kalinga Reserve with fine specimens of local trees and a swamp. Parts can be explored on foot but a 4-WD isnecessary to see it all.

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 Thornbills fre-quent the fence line. Quail are often flushed in the grass.

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21 - ELLIS’ CROSSING ON WIMMERA RIVER WEST OF PIMPINIO

22 - LITTLE DESERT WEST OF ELLIS’ CROSSING

These two areas, adjacent to one another have in recent times been two of the bestbirding spots close to Horsham. The east side of the river at Ellis’ Crossing consistsof riverine black box flood plain with grassy understorey. To the North along the river,melaleuca thickets as well as red gums and native pine help provide a complex and varied habitat for a wide range of species. Over the crossing to thewest is the access track to the Little Desert. The first part of the track meandersthrough blackbox woodland until you reach a gate – usually closed. Through thegate turn left and then experience at first hand, the very varied habitat that is part ofthe Little Desert.

One patch of melaleuca, approximately 1 kilometre north of the crossing contains aPowerful Owl roosting site. Other birds of interest in the area are Diamond Firetails, Yellow Robins, Red-capped Robins, Hooded Robins, Peaceful Doves,Painted Button-quail, Spotted Pardalotes, Boobook Owls, White -throated andBrown Treecreepers and several species of Honeyeaters including White-fronted.Just north of the crossing on the east side is a large red gum. It has a huge burl justover head high on the north side. Look for Fairy Martins mud nests attached to thebottom of the burl.

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

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Spotted Pardalote

Black-winged Stilt

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Polkemmet Rd

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Edenhope

Goroke

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Pimpinio

Western H

wy

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Williams Rd

Lubeck Rd

Grampians NP

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•2729

28 •31

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1

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Mallefowl18

Crested Shrike-tit

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Once through the gate into the Desert, turn left – a four-wheel drive vehicle is nowneeded. Follow a fence line along on your left where any areas to the right are worthchecking out, particularly if you spot any bird movements from the vehicle and alsoif the banksias are in flower, usually late autumn early winter. This is a great placefor Tawny-crowned and White-fronted Honeyeaters. Keep following the fence onyour left for approximately two kilometres until the fence line turns at right angles toyour left and where you are at a very sandy intersection. You now have two choicesand both are worth exploring. To the left again with the fence line on your left, con-tinue on for about a kilometre until you see bushland on your right. In spring this areaof bushland supports many species of birds.

Most of the aforementioned species plus the Southern Scrub-robin, can usually beeasily sighted here, especially where the understorey is a little thicker. Rufous andGolden Whistlers, Jacky Winters, Varied Sitellas, Grey Fantails, Mistletoebirds, Tree Martins, Silvereyes and Musk and Purple-crowned Lorikeets can also be found here. Look over the farmland to the east where Wedge-tailed, Eagles, Spotted Harriers, Australian Hobbies and Brown Falcons can often be sighted.

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Return to the intersection and continue on through it to the north and you are nowinto typical Little Desert heathland and in Shy Heathwren 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 hereincluding Variegated and Superb Fairy-wrens and several species of Thornbills.Eagle Swamp is an ideal place for lunch. The track to the northwest from EagleSwamp is signed and named McCabe’s Hut Track. Anywhere along here for two tothree kilometres Slender-billed Thornbills can usually be found. They keep very lowand are secretive in the heathland but you can pick them up sometimes byseeing them darting along a track ahead of the vehicle.

Continue on this track until you have a quite sizeable sand hill on your left coveredwith taller vegetation than the flatter areas, then, on your right, approximately 200 to300 metres further on, you will see a sand ridge, vegetated with banksias and stringybark. Both spots are good areas for Slender-billed Thornbills, Brown Thornbills,Tawny-crowned Honeyeaters, New Holland Honeyeaters and White-frontedHoneyeaters. Unless you have a good map and want to cross the Desert to theNhill, Harrow Road, return to Ellis’ Crossing and back to Pimpinio. A full day can bespent in the area.

From Horsham, take the Western Highway seventeen kilometres to Pimpinio. At thenorth 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.In dry weather, Ellis’ Crossing can be accessed by two-wheel drive but four-wheel drive is essential in theLittle Desert. Do not go after rain.

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23 - WAIL STATE FORESTThe Wail State Forest is situated on the east side of the Wimmera River, adjacentto the Little Desert National Park. It consists of sandy heathlands, open eucalypt forest with some acacia, callitris and casuarinas. It is a very attractive area especiallyin 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 canbe found here. Eastern Yellow, Hooded, Red-capped and Scarlet Robins, White-eared, Spiny-cheeked, Tawny-crowned, New Holland, White-fronted, Yellow-faced and White-naped Honeyeaters, Rufous, Gilbert’s and Golden Whistlers,Brown and White-throated Treecreepers, Red-browed Finches and DiamondFiretails, Superb and Variegated Fairy Wrens, Southern Scrub-robins, Black -faced and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrikes, Striated and Spotted Pardalotes,Common Bronzewings, and Peaceful Doves, along with Eastern Rosellas,Galahs, Musk and Purple-crowned Lorikeets, Red-rumped Parrots and Thornbills makes an impressive list for this forest. In late spring and summer,Woodswallows and Rainbow Bee-eaters can also be seen.

Take the Western Highway to Pimpinio. Continue through Pimpinio on the highwayfor approximately 8– 9 kms until you come to the Wail Railway overpass. Turn lefton the bitumen at the beginning of the overpass ramp and follow the signs and bitumen 1 – 2 kms to the Wail Native Plant Nursery. At the gate turn right and thenleft and continue past a right angle turn some 400 metres on right. Some 300 metres further on veer left onto track. This a now 4 wheel drive only. This track willnow 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 wouldbe useful if you are not familiar with the area.For those not having the advantage ofa 4-wheel drive, good birding is possible within the confines and surrounds of theNative Plant Nursery. Check with the owners before looking through the nursery.

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24 - WEST WAIL FLORA RESERVEThis small reserve has similar but arguably slightly better habitat than the Wail StateForest but expect to see similar species. Swift Parrots have been recorded here.Take the Western Highway 17 kms to Pimpinio. At the north end of the town turnleft onto a bitumen road that is signed West Wail Road. 4 kms along this road turnleft onto gravel. You will be turning onto the Polkemmet/Wail Road. Continue onfor around 3.5 kms until you come to the Reserve on your right. Several tracks gothrough the Reserve but are dry weather tracks only.

PLAINS NORTH OF HORSHAMThe vast grain growing plains north of Horsham often produce good numbers ofbird species, especially in the winter and spring. Kestrels, Black-shoulderedKites, Brown Falcons and Spotted Harriers occasionally Wedge-tailed Eagles,can be seen hunting over the plains or perched on fence posts. In spring, BrownSonglarks are usually common as well as Richard’s Pipit, Singing Bushlarks,White-fronted Chats, Ravens, both Australian and Little, and Magpies. A quietdrive along any of the roads, especially the less well-used ones may even flush aStubble Quail in spring and if it has been very dry, Orange Chats will often befound. Do not drive on any roads other than gravel or bitumen if it is wet.

HORSHAM URBAN AREA25 - WIMMERA RIVER IN HORSHAMThe Wimmera River has a healthy bird population and a stroll along the well maintained walking tracks shown on the map (available from The Horsham Infor-mation centre) are likely to reveal good numbers of birds. Special attention shouldbe paid to the wetland areas that have been constructed along the river as thesecontain 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, StriatedPardalote, Spotted Pardalote, Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Fantail, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Clamourous Reed-warbler and LittleGrassbird.

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Some of the more unusual birds seen along the river include Pied Cormorant, Australasian Shoveler, Australian Goshawk, Collared Sparrowhawk, PeregrineFalcon, 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, RufousSonglark, Brown-headed Honeyeater and White-breasted Woodswallow.

26 - POLICE PADDOCKThe Horsham Police Paddock forms part of an important wildlife corridor providingconnecting habitat to the Wimmera River. The reserve features a Black Box swampthat is a remnant of the endemic vegetation of the area. There are also extensiveman 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 ofspecies 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, Horsfields Bronze-cuckoo, Red-capped Robin, Rufous Whistler, Clamorous Reed-warbler, Little Grassbird, Weebill, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, YellowThornbill, Fuscous Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater and Brown-headedHoneyeater.

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27 - McKENZIE CREEKAbout eight kilometres south of Horsham the McKenzie Creek crosses the HentyHighway 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 beforethe McKenzie Creek bridge and follows along the creek until it joins Wards Roadwhich eventually turns north to join Golf Course Road and leads back to Horshampast the Golf Course.Redgum trees dominate the area with Cherry Ballart, Native Pine and Grey Boxscattered 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, PeacefulDove, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike and Crested Shrike-tit. The Painted Honeyeater has been seen nearby so it should be possible to find it here.

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HORSHAM LAKES - 28, 29, 30, 31Southeast 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 dryto find Golden-headed Cisticola and Brown Quail in the grass of the dry lake bed.

Taylor’s Lake is about twenty kilometres east of Horsham and because it is used aspart of the water distribution system it always holds water so in dry conditions it isthe most likely place to find water birds.Leave Horsham on Williams Road that becomes Lubeck Road, the road veers rightat the Drung Golf Course and after 5 kilometres turns left towards Lubeck. Followthe road past Pine Lake to the Taylors Lake Hall. Turn right along the east side ofthe lake on a sealed road for 1 kilometre to the boat ramp. Park in the car park andwalk towards the south. After the boat ramp continue south on the sealed road for1.4 kilometres and enter a paddock through a farm gate. Continue on the dirt trackto 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, WhistlingKites and sometimes White-bellied Sea-eagles.

If the weather is fine there is a dirt road that leaves the Lubeck Road on the westside of the lake and meanders along the lake edge. This area is good for bushbirds,Tree Martins, Fairy Martins and Woodswallows (White-breasted Woodswallows are seen in Spring and Summer).

Ballyglunin N

orth Rd

Lubeck Rd

Lubeck Rd

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RESPONSIBLE BIRDWATCHING

Birds...The welfare of the birds must always have the highest priority. Do not cause stressto 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 assistpredators 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 approachingtoo close.

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

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

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

People...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 SWANSBlue-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 C

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 BITTERNSWhite-faced Heron CLittle Egret U

White-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 HAWKS etcBlack-shouldered Kite CLetter-winged Kite RSquare-tailed Kite RBlack Kite UWhistling Kite CWhite Bellied Sea Eagle 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 C

Dusky 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 MSharp-tailed Sandpiper C MCurlew Sandpiper C M

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 CBlack-fronted Dotterel CInland Dotterel R MRed-kneed Dotterel CBanded Lapwing UMasked Lapwing C

PRATINCOLESAustralian Pratincole R

GULLS TERNSSilver Gull CWhiskered (Marsh) Tern C

1.6.2012 237 No.

C - Common U – Uncommon R – Rare M – Migratory

28

PIGEONS DOVESRock Dove (Feral Pigeon) CCommon Bronzewing CBrush Bronzewing UCrested Pigeon CPeaceful Dove CSpotted Turtle Dove U

COCKATOOSRed-tailed Black Cockatoo UYellow-tailed Black Cockatoo CGang Gang Cockatoo UGalah CLong-billed Corella CLittle Corella USulphur Crested Cockatoo CCockatiel U

PARROTSRainbow Lorikeet CMusk Lorikeet CLittle Lorikeet UPurple-crowned Lorikeet CCrimson Rosella CEastern Rosella CBlue Bonnet USwift Parrot R MRed-rumped Parrot CBudgerigar UBlue-winged Parrot U

CUCKOOS COUCALSPallid Cuckoo C MFan-tailed Cuckoo C MBlack-eared Cuckoo U MHorsfield’s BronzeCuckoo 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 CSacred Kingfisher C M

BEE-EATERSRainbow Bee-eater C

TREECREEPERSWhite-throated Treecreeper CBrown Treecreeper C

FAIRY WRENS, EMU WRENSSuperb Fairy- wren CVariegated Fairy-wren USouthern Emu – wren R

PARDALOTESSpotted Pardalote CStriated Pardalote C

GERYGONES, THORNBILLSWHITEFACESWhite-browed Scrubwren CChestnut-rumped Heathwren UShy Heathwren USpeckled Warbler RWeebill C

Brown 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 RYellow-faced Honeyeater CSinging Honeyeater CWhite-eared Honeyeater CYellow-tufted Honeyeater CYellow-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 RLittle Friarbird ROrange Chat RWhite-fronted Chat CCrimson Chat R

C - Common U – Uncommon R – Rare M – Migratory

29

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

SITTELLAVaried Sittella C

WHISTLERS, SHRIKETHRUSHEastern Shrike-tit CGilbert’s Whistler UGolden Whistler CRufous Whistler CGrey Shrike-thrush C

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

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, PIPITSSinging 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 C

SWALLOW, MARTINSWelcome Swallow CTree Martin CFairy Martin C

OLD WORLD WARBLERS Clamorous Reed-warbler C MLittle Grass-bird C MRufous Songlark C MBrown Songlark C MGolden-headed Cisticola R

WHITE-EYESSilvereye C

TRUE THRUSHESCommon Blackbird C

STARLINGSCommon Starling C

1.6.2012 237 No.

C - Common U – Uncommon R – Rare M – Migratory

30

Notes:

AcknowledgmentsThe 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 Authority - Special thanks to Jonathan Starks

Ian Morgan - PhotographerWimmera Design and Print

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Owlet Nightjar

Painted Snipe

Scarlet Robin

Hooded Robin

Yellow Robin