Bird watching retirees wanted

Killcare Wagstaffe Birdwatchers have invited interested local retirees to join them for bushwalks and bird watching in the local area and beyond, and to remember the group's founder, Judy Adderley.

Group member Ms Ann Bowe said that Judy, who passed away two years ago, led the group for years.

"She marshalled us like children so that none of us became lost and insisted that we stopped talking so as not to frighten the birds," Ms Bowe said.

"This way we did hear and see many bush birds, such as pardalotes, wrens, honey eaters of various species and sea eagles, as well as identifying the plant varieties which abounded.

"Gradually Judy's memory started to fail her and she became more and more frail.

"Not long before her death, she was still joining us at our Christmas walk if only to have lunch with us in a comfortable spot."

Long-time group member and bird watcher Alan Cameron is now the group's "bird expert".

"We still amble along, listening to and watching the birds at a leisurely pace, enjoying the companionship of our fellow retirees," Ms Bowe said.

"We go from Pretty Beach tops to Mt Bouddi Spur to the Point Clare wetlands."

Group member Tom Jackson said that the group usually consisted of about 20 bird-walkers.

Interested persons can telephone Erica Frank on 4360 2267 or Tom Jackson on 4360 1706.

Newsletter, 8 Jun 2007 Ann Bowe, Bouddi News