Hi everybody -
I would be grateful for some feedback on a new venture. We are hoping to
put together and publish a guide to birding in, around and from Melbourne.
We have national birding guides, and ones for Perth and Sydney and many
other places, but nothing really current and comprehensive for Melbourne.
We get continual enquiries (as does BIRDING-AUS) from people overseas or
elsewhere in Australia who may be visiting Melbourne on business, or
possibly on holiday with non-birders, with the odd day or two - maybe a
weekend - to do some birding. This guide would be for them, as well as for
residents of Melbourne or country Victoria who would appreciate some advice
from expert birders (that's you) on the best birding sites around.
I am looking for suggestions about good birding sites in three categories
(using the Central Business District as a base):
1. Half day. Within the city and suburbs; accessible from the CBD within an
easy hour or two for visitors without cars, on foot or by public transport,
or possibly by hired bike or boat.
2. Day trip. Within a relaxed day's return journey from the CBD, probably
mainly by car - although some longer trips by bike or public transport could
qualify.
3. Weekend getaway. Longer trips taking 2-3 days for special birding
places, special birds or special habitats.
I am not asking for information on sites that are particularly sensitive and
unsuitable to be publicised, although restricted sites would be acceptable
if there are appropriate protocols in place regulating access.
It would be good to get information from as wide a range of people as
possible; experienced Melbourne-resident birders, less experienced birders
who have their favourite places, and people resident away from Melbourne who
have visited and have their own perspective on what is special about
Melbourne as a city to go birding in and from.
If you let me know (directly please, rather than to the whole list) what
your favourite sites in the above categories are, with notes on why they are
so and any comments on access or seasonal constraints, I will try to
summarise the information and post to the list what you consider are the
best birding places around Melbourne. Those providing substantial
information useful for a guide will be acknowledged in it.
Additional comments and suggestions about the project (maybe collaborators?)
would also be welcome.
Regards, Hugo.
Hugo Phillipps,
Birds Australia Conservation & Liaison,
Australian Bird Research Centre,
415 Riversdale Road,
Hawthorn East, VIC 3123, Australia.
Tel: (03) 9882 2622. Fax: (03) 9882 2677.
O/s: +61 3 9882 2622. Fax: +61 3 9882 2677.
Email: <>
Web Homepage: http://www.vicnet.net.au/~birdsaus/
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