Susan Myers wrote:
> Susan Myers
> Email:Susan Myers
> Hi Eric,
> >Would you mind giving me some more specific directions to that Smokin'
> >Bird? I think I might go in search of it on Saturday (along with all the
> >other crazed twitchers! - now you've done it....)
> >I'd really appreciate it.
> >cheers,
> >Susan
Well it seems this stirred up some interest. Apologies for not responding
in
time for the weekend - just wasn't anywhere near my PC on Friday. I've
copied this to the mailing list as well.
So. Instructions to the starting place.
Drive NW out of Maldon (C10, map 521 in the new Melway). I recall that the
signposting would be to Newbridge/Dunolly, not Bendigo. Some 6km from
Malden
turn left (W) to Baringhup. Pass through Baringhup (don't blink), crossing
the Lodden River with the caravan park on your left. Turn right (NW) at the
first bitumen road (signposted for Eddington, perhaps Dunolly). The road is
barely 1km from the caravan park. Then some 3 or 4 km turn right again at
the first bitumen road. If you come to a 'T' intersection (10km?) you've
gone
too far (This 'T' has a dirt road to the left and continues on bitumen on
your right).
If you've got the right road (remember 1st right on tar out of Barinhup and
1st right on tar again), you should be heading NE toward the river again,
some 2 or 3 km away. This road crosses the Loddon River again at a low
bridge. There is an open area for picnic/camping on both sides, but don't
cross the river, turn left into the picnic area. There are no facilities
here, but, "you can't miss it" (oh god, did I have to put that in the
instructions?).
Just to clarify the above, turn into the parking area that is downstream and
south/south-west of the Lodden River crossing. You'll come to a fenced
property. Walking time. Head downstream. The track is well worn and
follows the river.
This is where you're on your own. 10 mins (extreme approximation here) from
the parking area, I believe between the 2nd and 3rd fences (1st being the
parking area) is where I flushed the falcon. Don't quote me on the number
of
fences.
As I recall, the bank was too steep to gain access to the water, so you're
walking in the tree line, not on the river. So you're up in the paddock,
walking between good sized eucalypts. If you look across the paddocks you
may be able to sight the 1st road that continues to the 'T' intersection,
and
farmhouse/out buildings should be off to your left if you are facing away
from the river (ie at about 10 to 11 o'clock, if the river is at 6).
Sorry I can't be any clearer than this, but I was tramping the river for
trout and merely took my binoculars out of habit (there are a number of reed
warbler types that I wanted to get a grip on) and since I was geared for
fishing didn't make enough notes on the bird locations. Can find the spot
where I saw the largest wild trout in my life though. Still there too. And
no, I'm not telling.
As an aside. The parking area is fine for picnics and the river by the
bridge is low and has a nice sandy 'beach'. So you could quite readily make
a family day of it, especially if you're a fisher as well.
Keep an eye out for the Rainbow Bee-eater that's nesting in the south bank
some 3km downstream.
I intend to go back this summer, for both the fish and the birds, so unless
someone beats me to it, I'll repost better instructions rather than going
from memory (and a Melway). Only just started making field notes of my
birdwatching and obviously not paying enough attention. Guess I'm not
'twitchy' enough yet. I spend a great deal of time verifying a sighting for
my own satisfaction in the field and note generally where I saw a bird.
Looks like I'll have to be more detailed in future.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
--
Eric Hocking "A closed mouth gathers no feet."
Remove "nospam." from address to email.
http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ehocking/
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