Since 2004 we have run spotlighting walks in the native grasslands of the Patho plains in Northern Victoria primarily in search of this critically endangered and unique bird which is endemic to Australia. We only run tours after prior reconnaissance and when we expect there is a good chance of success, however very occasionally we will miss the bird. The native grasslands have a variety of other interesting birds, animals and reptiles to look for.

Up to 5 people are able to participate each night and the meeting place is in the small town of Pyramid Hill in northern Victoria. Participants will need to arrange their own transport to and from Pyramid Hill plus accommodation in the area. From January 2024 the cost is $180 per person and the tour commences an hour or so before dusk. It involves walking for up to 3 hours in open flat grassland, so a moderate level of fitness is required. We may visit more than one grassland area. A thermal imaging scope is utilised on these tours to assist in locating birds and animals. A portion of the profits are donated to Trust For Nature who are working with landholders to conserve Plains-wanderer habitat

The Plains-wanderer is the sole member of its family Pedionomidae with DNA results revealing its closest living relatives are the Seed-snipes of South America. Imagine a quail crossed with a shorebird and you might be getting close. The male tends the nest and rears the young, whilst the female is larger and more brightly coloured. Loss of habitat has reduced the numbers of this bird to perhaps just 1000 (numbers fluctuate) most of which occur in northern Victoria and southern NSW.

TOUR DATES :

After successful tours on public and private land in April and May 2024 we are giving the birds and grasslands a break as the Plains-wanderers enter their breeding cycle. We are planning to set up some dates in April and May 2025 . Autumn is a great time to spotlight in the grasslands when they are drier following summer, and with potentially more Plains-wanderers present following their spring/summer breeding season

If interested in being added to our mailing list to hear first about future tours please send a message via the contact page

Other grassland fauna is also likely to be encountered depending on the season. Stubble Quail are present year around, with a peak in summer and autumn. Little Buttonquail are also present year around, however they are much more likely to be encountered in summer, with very low numbers in winter. Australian Pipits, Singing Bushlarks and Brown Songlarks are often seen. Red-chested Buttonquail can occur, usually after periods of high rainfall. They peaked in 2010 through to 2012, and again from 2022 to 2024 Fat-tailed Dunnarts, a small native marsupial are regularly sighted, preferring drier years.

On warm nights in summer some reptiles may be observed, most commonly the Curl Snake (Suta Suta), occasionally Tesselated Gecko and in just a few locations the rare Eastern Hooded Scalyfoot (Pygopus schaderi). After rain various frogs appear, including the Suddell’s Frog or Common Spadefoot (Neobatrachus suddelli) a species of burrowing frog. Spotted Marsh Frog and Eastern Banjo Frog are also sometimes seen

Our tour operators licence details guidelines to follow when observing wildlife, including keeping our distance and limiting the time spent with each animal. Birds found with young or a nest are immediately left alone. Images above are taken with a zoom lens and cropped.