Day Trip Details

Day Trips

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos by David Simpson

Watagan Mountain Birding

Wild birdwatching is so exciting in the cool forests of the Watagan Mountains. North of Sydney, rimming the bottom of the Hunter Valley, we will be looking to introduce you to Bassian Thrushes, Rufous Fantails and Black-faced Monarchs. With those under our belt, a dam or two could bring a Chestnut Teal or even a Jacana. Escape the heat with a day's guided birdwatching.

Departs
Killara - 8.30am, return 5.30pm approx
Bathurst Street - 8.00am, return 6.00pm approx

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Great Egret by Christina Port

Narrabeen Lake Boardwalk & Deep Creek

A brand new boardwalk right beside Narrabeen Lake has been completely and it should provide unparallelled views of birdlife surrounding these shores. Whistling Kites, pelicans and cormorants are frequent feeders and as we make our way into the recesses of Deep Creek's gorge the thornbills, black cockatoos and teals will be sure to give us prime views. There has been an osprey nesting further along the Forest Way and given some luck there maybe sightings still obtainable. But you'll never never know if you never never go.

Departs
Killara - 8.30am, return 5.00pm approx
Macquarie Street - 8.00am, return 5.30pm approx

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Yellow-faced Honeyeater by David Simpson

Honeyeater Migration through the Blue Mountains

At this time of the year the migratory honeyeaters pass through the Blue Mountains and providing the conditions are right they make a spectacular sight. Hundreds of birds passing over that never seems to end. Where do they all come from and where do they go? Find out from the expert ornithologist who leads the excitement with breathlessly recounted information.

The magnificent Blue Mountains in autumn leaves, with its sheer escarpments, tiny moss covered grottos and delightfully unique mountain plants is a day's satisfaction in itself. Discover the birds and their habits, the plants that only grow in this area and of course enjoy the amazing views and the geological features that make the mountains so special.

Departs
Killara - 8.30am, return 5.00pm approx
Macquarie Street - 8.00am, return 5.30pm approx

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Courting Pelicans by Christina Port

Courting Pelicans

On Brisbane Water this time of year the Pelicans are a courting. This marvelous display involves one female swimming close to shore alluring several males to fly in with a lot of deep honking (very masculine!) and lots of circular paddling. Then the truly beautiful dipping and synchronized swimming begins. Join this leisurely day out participating in a lot of leisurely walking and quite a bit of sitting watching nature take its loving course.

Departs
Killara - 8.30am, return 5.00pm approx
Bathurst Street - 8.00am, return 5.30pm approx

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Powerful Owl by Christina Port

Spotlighting in Royal National Park

Every year we try to run this exciting night tour and every year over the past 3 years it not only rains but pours, to the extent that the trip is cancelled long before the day arrives, but this year all the numbers are right so ...close to solstice, night comes so early that night spotting is just begging to be taken advantage of. FTB's intrepid birders will be itching to sight an Owlet-nightjar and Tawny Frogmouth on these level walking areas, wide awake and a-hunting; quite different from the daytime views of these beautifully feathered birds. Afternoon tea will be served about 5.00pm. Dress warmly, bring a torch and a snack if you need something to hold you over till dinner.

Departs
Killara - 2.00pm, return 7.30pm approx
Bathurst Street - 2.30m, return 7.00pm approx

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Cygnets by Christina Port

Birding for Beginners

The two day course for beginners, and all those who have ever wanted to ask questions on how to identify birds. This course differs from others with an emphasis on practical application immediately in the field. This means that the participants will be practising techniques of identification in small groups.
From binoculars, telescopes and field guides, to habitats, migration and conservation, these two days in the field will subtly embed the information and new skills. You will emerge delighted new birdwatchers.

Course program on request.

Departs
Killara - 25th 8.00pm, return 5.30pm approx; 1st 8.30am, return 5.00pm approx
Bathurst Street - 25th 8.30m, return 5.00pm approx; 1st 8.00am, return 5.30pm approx

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Little Lorikeet by Neil Fifer

Ellalong Lagoon & The Lower Hunter

An all day tour to the Ironbark Box Woodlands and wetlands of the Cessnock area. At this time of the year Spring is bursting and Ellalong Lagoon, recently gazetted a National Park, hosts an array of waterbirds such as Black-winged Stilt, Musk Duck and Great Crested Grebe. We will be keen to check out this new Park with facilities to match the majesty of the enormous expanse of water area we hope. Nearby, Aberdare State Forest can be expected to produce Brown Treecreepers and Fuscous Honeyeaters. And the towering Spotted Gum and Grey Box may be in flower attracting honeyeaters and an array of lorikeets. The glorious Hunter is deservedly renown for undulating byways, frameded by serene blue eucalyptus hills; a beautiful birding area.

Departs
Killara - 8.00am, return 6.00pm approx
Bathurst Street - 7.30am, return 6.30pm approx

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Wedge-tailed Shearwater by Nevil Lazarus

Seabirding at Botany Bay NP

Seabirds are the main items on the menu today and we are hoping for complimentary weather conditions. This day trip takes the seasick out of boat trips with your feet well planted on solid ground you can still witness gannets, shearwaters, and maybe an albatross. Book in for some great discussion on seabird ID, as well as Southern Emu-wren possibilities, waders, and the elusive Lewin's Rail.

Departs
Killara - 7.30am, return 6.00pm approx
Macquarie Street - 8.00m, return 5.30pm approx

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Yellow-faced Honeyeater by Neil Fifer

Belanglo State Forest

Belanglo State forest is west of Moss Vale and is mainly dry woodland on fabulous Sydney sandstone and, commercial pine forest. We'll walk Miners Despair Loop an easy grade with a slow upward slope towards the end, overlooking a beautiful deep fern-clad gully. Birds to be on the look out for are Scarlet Robin, Leaden Flycatcher, Rockwabler, Common Bronzewing and maybe a Grey Currawong. Of course this is an infamous spot - come, hold your breath and see where the legendary disappearances began, and sadly - ended.

Departs
Killara - 7.30am, return 6.00pm approx
Bathurst Street - 8.00am, return 5.30pm approx

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Golden Whistler by Neil Fifer

Ku-ring-gai NP to The Basin & Palm Beach Ferry

Spring has sprung, the grass has ris' and the birds are in the sandstone peninsular of the beautiful Broken Bay. We will start our day's course with a gentle walk down the Basin fire trail looking for honeyeaters that will be gathering there to feed on the Banksias. Sea Eagles and Whistling Kites no doubt will soar overhead whilst we catch the ferry across to Palm Beach; there the bus will meet us in time for a late afternoon explore for that elusive little bird, the Quail.
Bring $10.00approx for the Ferry Trip.

Departs
Killara - 8.30am, return 5.00pm approx
Bathurst Street - 8.00am, return 5.30pm approx

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Olive Backed Oriole by Neil Fifer

Dairy Swamp Vagrants & Visitors