Hi Steve,
White-throated Nightjar – best spot is the “helipad” in Bunyip State Park (an easy drive from Narre Warren North). Follow the Princes Highway west through Berwick and Pakenham and exit north at Tynong North Road. Follow this until it intersects with Gembrook-Tonimbuk Road and turn left (east). Turn right (north) onto Link Road. This road is good for Sooty Owls. Follow Link Road all the way to the end and turn right (west) onto Back Creek Road. Follow the signs to the trail bike unloading area – also known as the helipad. Anywhere in the parking area is OK – there’s a covered picnic area that we’ve always found reliable.
Sooty Owl – a very reliable spot (other than Link Road) is Badger Weir near Healesville Sanctuary. A longer drive than Bunyip from Narre Warren North, but well worth it if you get the chance. I’ll let you use Google Maps to find it as the directions would be quite long. You need Badger Weir Road in Badger Creek (very near the Sanctuary). The reserve is closed to traffic in the evenings, but provided you park outside the gate, you can walk in (about a 10 minute walk to the picnic area). There’s at least a resident pair of Sooty Owls that you should be able to hear from the picnic ground.
Hope this helps.
Paul Dodd Docklands, Victoria
