We appreciated the time and expertise of Neale and Janeen Coutanche of Cowra Woodland Birds Group spotting honeyeaters, warblers, whistlers, weebills, thornbills, scrub-wrens, tree-creepers by sight, flight, call and nest along the Ironbarks track.

A few beautiful Cowra Open Gardens were viewed the Sunday before by seven members, walking seven or eight kilometres, earning a long lunch at the Quarry.

Just two days earlier on Friday, October 20, Rudds’ allowed another half-dozen the privilege and hospitality on their property near Bigga.

A spectacular sight from 800m is the meandering Lachlan below Reid’s Flat as it broadens into the upper reaches of Wyangala Dam, with Grabine and the main body of the dam visible as well.

Not a bad rocky outcrop to enjoy lunch, topped off by a wedge-tail eagle soaring away.

Just before that was the three to four day spectacle of the Warrumbungle long weekend.

Fourteen walkers reached the Grand High Tops and Breadknife on Saturday after the previous sunset from Whitegums Lookout.

The park's recovery from the horrendous fires nearly five years ago is good to see, at least with regard to trees, if not yet animals and birds.

Pilliga Sandstone Caves Gamillaraay people's sacred sight is a delight; also visited were Pilliga Pottery, Crystal Kingdom and Wambelong Creek walk, maybe 25km of walking for a thousand km of driving.

Coming up this Sunday, November 5 is Rocky Bridge Creek and beyond, including Neville Hotel, a full day (driving and walking) in and around Pennsylvania State Forest, lead by Geoff.

Then our monthly meeting on Melbourne Cup Tuesday, 7:30pm at Cowra Ex-Services Club, when we may have a couple of additional walks for Sunday November 12 and 26 added, either side of the overnight Blackheath including Centennial Glen walk.

Don't forget our ULB Christmas Party on Saturday, November 25 at the Imperial Hotel, which may well wind up the year's activity (other than canoeing) before the heat and dry really set in. RSVP to Donna.

Most Sunday walks leave the Cowra Visitor Information Centre at 9am.

Walkers are requested to contact the walk leaders a few days prior to the walk. Membership is only $20 annually, covering Insurance and ULB affiliation with Bushwalking NSW. Cars to walks are shared, as is the cost.

Non-members including accompanied children are welcome along on three walks as guests before joining. Catch one of us involved for more info or email upperlachlanbushwalkers@outlook.com