Hilltops Bird Trail Takes Flight

Hilltops Bird Observers has launched the Burrowa Burundhang Bird Trail, covering the Hilltops Local Government Area.

Trail creator, Patrick Downey said they had chosen Indigenous names for the trail to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land and water within the Hilltops region, the Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri People.

The trail has 15 sites spread across the region, including three accessible sites.

Over 40 potential sites were assessed, but only sites that were readily accessible, with safe parking made the trail.

As a result, some very good birding sites missed the cut.

Chinaman’s Dam with its rich waterbird population and excellent accessible facilities; and Koorawatha (Koorawatha Falls) and Illuine Nature Reserves and Travelling Stock Reserves did make the list.

Mr Downey said birding was for everyone so it was imperative that he find accessible sites.

“While many people need to be thanked, including the Hilltops community for their input, Cumberland Bird Observers Club (CBOC) are at the top of the list,” Mr Downey said.

“Thanks to a CBOC Memorial Fund grant, we could print the bird trail.”

The trail includes a map identifying the sites, a list of some key species that may be glimpsed at each site, some general information about the flora geography of Hilltops, and a complete list of birds known to live in the Hilltops Shire.

It is an interactive trail, allowing participants to tick seen species and to help bird conservation studies by reporting sightings of threatened species, if they have also been seen.

The printed trail is available at all of the Hilltops Visitor Centres and work is underway to have a digital copy available on the Visit Hilltops website.

If you like birds and are interested in joining Hilltops Bird Observers and attending their monthly field trip held on the third Sunday of every month, email hilltopsbirdobservers@gmail.com for more information.

Mr Downey said the Hilltops Bird Observers was a small, but friendly and enthusiastic group, welcoming people of all ages to join the fun.

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