Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park and surrounds, north-east Victoria
The National Park consists of a number of separate blocks and includes various different vegetation types and wildlife habitats. The towns of Chiltern, Eldorado and Beechworth are nearby. The Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail, which extends from Wangaratta to Beechworth and to Wandiligong is located to the south of the park.
Information about the park, including links to maps, can be found at http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/chiltern-mt-pilot-national-park
Information about the park, including links to maps, can be found at http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/chiltern-mt-pilot-national-park
April 2016
BirdLife Australia members camped at Eldorado near Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park from 21 to 26 April, 2016. Below are photos I took at various locations visited during the camp.
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Above: Rain moth Trictena atripalpis on a sunny brick wall in Eldorado after a night of light rain, 22 April 2016. The larvae of this species live in underground tunnels. The emergence of adults from their pupal cases is associated with rain events.The cases are left sticking part way out of the ground at the end of a tunnel. Interesting information about the species can be found at http://lepidoptera.butterflyhouse.com.au/hepi/atripal.html
This Restless Flycatcher took off from its perch just as I took its photo. Near Eldorado, 24 April 2016
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This spider was seen at Bartley's Block, north of the town of Chiltern, 23 April 2016. It might be a Wheel Weaver Araneus / Eriophora / Backobourkia heroine. I'm not sure about the genus name, but it seems to have been changed from A to E to B over time. Here is a good site for spiders of Chiltern-Mt Pilot NP: http://friendsofchiltern.org.au/index.php/biodiversity/galleries/spiders-of-chiltern-mt-pilot-np
On that site a spider that resembles the one above is called Eriophora heroine.
On that site a spider that resembles the one above is called Eriophora heroine.
On the last day of the camp, after most people had left, various birds arrived. This Turquoise Parrot landed not far away and began to feed on heliotrope. Janice Mentiplay-Smith of the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority says it is a major food source for the species. 26 April 2016.
November 2011
The following photos were taken during the Bird Observation and Conservation Australia (BOCA, as it was known before joining with Birds Australia to become BirdLife Australia) camp at Eldorado from 28 Oct to 2 Nov 2011.
Eucalypt bark hanging from a tree.
In the shape of a bird...or two? 
Red-capped Robin. Alert, searching for food.
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Three young Barking Owls. Both parents were nearby.
Bartley's Block. Wildflowers beneath the eucalypts.
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