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Naturalist Gail Hill leads Wildlife
Walkabout at selected sites on the
Sunshine Coast of Queensland and the
adjoining hinterland and various sites in
South- East Queensland for individuals,
couples or small groups. As well as
identifying species Gail offers participants
the opportunity to learn more about the
behaviour of animals.
She helps to answer the how, what and why
questions of natural history. During the
walks we watch the animals, listen to their
calls and note body movements as they
interact in their natural environment. Using
all the contextual clues available we
examine topics such as how an animal’s form
affects its foraging and prey capture
strategies, or what behaviours are used to
evade predators. Gail’s in-depth knowledge
of animal behaviour (especially birds) helps
as she encourages you to describe your
findings. The ensuing discussion provokes
many questions and revealing
insights.
When the activity of deducing plausible
explanations for animal behaviour is a
collaborative effort, the knowledge gained
is owned by each and every one of the
participants.
Novice and seasoned natural historians,
and indeed anyone curious about the animal
world enjoy this activity as it sharpens
their observational skills and frequently
opens the door to studying animals in
greater depth.
Walkers receive a three-leaf brochure that
outlines some behavioural characteristics
and includes photographs of two species that
occur at the site. The brochure details
various topics that may be discussed during
the walk. Additionally Gail provides a
checklist to record the bird species
encountered.
Group size is dependent on the walk site;
usually the maximum number is 10 people.
Morning or afternoon walks (between 2.5
and 4 hours) can be arranged, as well as
half day, full day or longer walks to fit
your schedule
Costs: $30/couple/hour; discounts may
apply for group bookings.
For further details please phone or
e-mail Gail via the contact page. |
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©
2005 Robert McArthur |
I just spent a fascinating 2 hours
‘birding’ with Gail Hill. Apart from
identifying many species and their
calls, Gail shared her knowledge of
mating rituals, nesting, foraging
and anti-predator habits. As we were
birding Gail spotted a platypus
which we watched for sometime and
also a snake swimming across the
creek, activities that I would have
missed. All in all it was a great
natural high.
Thanks.
From Wendy of Brisbane
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Recently
we were fortunate to join a small group
led by Gail Hill, ornithologist, to
observe the birdlife surrounding the
beautiful Kenilworth Bluff Winery. Gail
encouraged input from our group as we
paused to study, in depth, the habits
and characteristics of each species
we encountered during our two hour ramble.
Gail’s enthusiasm and passion
has left us determined to make full
use of our eyes and ears to learn much
more about this fascinating subject
previously so much taken for granted.
A candlelit dinner at the winery rounded
off a most rewarding experience.
R& N Macfarlane, Nth Canterbury
NZ
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There
is much to learn about the species pictured.
Below are some sample questions that Bimbimbie
Ornithological Services will help you to answer
as you let your curiosity and imagination
take flight.
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Why
do birds join flocks?
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What
is this bird's sex? Is bower building hardwired
or is it learned behaviour?
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What is the special habit of this
harmless snake? |
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How do the hairs of this caterpillar aid
it?
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Testimonials: |
I recently attended a “Bird Watching
Afternoon” conducted by Gail Hill at
Kenilworth Bluff Winery and what a very
enjoyable experience it turned out to
be! As a long term resident of
Kenilworth and interested in our native
flora, fauna and birdlife, I have come
to know some of the species. I really
appreciated the approach she took in
showing us how to observe closely the
actions of the birds that we spotted. I
learned quite a lot about the birds that
we watched and I think her way of
imparting knowledge is a better approach
than just identifying the birds in the
confines of the Winery. Thank you for a
great afternoon! I am very happy to
recommend her bird watching sessions to
anyone with an interest in our native
wildlife.
Yours sincerely, Shirley Moreland |
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'Gail's
love and fascination for the birds we encountered
was infectious and encouraged us to a deeper
awareness and appreciation of life in the
forest. Regardless of whether you are an
urbanite or country dweller her knowledge
and insights are sure to help you to develop
respect for birds in their many and varied
forms and also to respect their habitats'.
Rosemary Spencer, Melbourne
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Thanks for a very enjoyable few hours birding, my
tally showed 25 different birds but, more
importantly, I learnt a great deal about their
characteristics and behaviour. Thanks especially for
catering to my preference and organising the kayak
so we could get out on the water for our
observations. Your local knowledge was very
impressive'.
Elizabeth Rich, Sydney |