Excursion 14: Serendip Sanctuary

Leader: Jeff Dagg
Facilitators: Caroline and John Booth

We met at Serendip at 8.30 am and were joined by Serendip Ranger Ruth and Steve who is in charge of the Friends group. After a talk on the history and future plans of Serendip, we started our walk joined by Ruth and Steve.

All participants were encouraged to walk and explore at their own pace. We ended up forming three loose groups, slowly walking around the various points of interest.

The day was overcast but not cold. Everyone seemed to enjoy observations of their own particular interests, (plants and animals). Many questions were answered by Ruth about the new gardens and ongoing works at Serendip.

The gem birds (Magpie Geese) had left the sanctuary only days before for another wetland. Thousands of these geese often arrive at the sanctuary in summer. They roost at the wetlands and feed in surrounding farm areas before dispersing in mid-autumn.

A variety of wildlife was seen and our bird count was 37 species, as well as a few Eastern Grey Kangaroos and captive Tasmanian Wallabies.

A special thank you to Caroline for her help assisting some participants and also to Ruth and Steve for volunteering to drive some less agile members of the group to some locations.

Many people noted that they would try and return to Serendip Sanctuary in the spring.