27 April 2024 Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers Species count: 51 for the day Photographs by Steve Hoptroff
A bright sunny morning greeted 40 members who gathered in the car park at Lilydale Lake. We were informed that staff from the Fisheries Department had released a quantity of young fish into the main lake and this probably accounted for the large numbers of Australasian Darters and Cormorants which were seen feeding there!
Australasian Darter with Little Pied CormorantAustralasian Darter showing large feet
Walking alongside the lake a huge raft of up to 40 Little Black Cormorants were busy feeding while the Darters were mainly perched drying their wings.
Little Pied Cormorant high in the treeRaft of Little Black Cormorants fishing
Also present were lots of Eurasian Coots, many on the grassy shore, and flocks of Welcome Swallows flying low overhead. Australian White Ibis, Australasian Grebes, Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens. On the first pond on the left, feeding into the lake, there were a few ducks, including Grey and Chestnut Teal and Pacific Blacks.
Welcome SwallowAustralian White Ibis
Beside the path a Little Wattlebird was feeding in some mistletoe. Walking uphill away from the lake small bushbirds were hard to find, but eventually a mixed flock of Brown Thornbills, Grey Fantails and a female Golden Whistler was seen. Just before turning left to cross the bridge opposite the houses, a Wedge-tailed Eagle was sighted way up high. A little used track beside Olinda Creek was taken and here Australian King-Parrots and Eastern Rosellas were found feeding in the trees. Heading back towards the carpark a small group of Australian Wood Ducks were beside a small pond and Superb Fairy-Wrens were feeding by the path. A short detour onto the wetland boardwalk did not produce any new bird species, though a young Rakali (Water Rat) swimming nearby caused some interest.
After lunch most of the group drove the short distance to the Lilydale Wastewater Treatment Plant on Nelson Road, where lots of parking spaces were available.
Black-shouldered KiteAustralasian Grebe
A Black-shouldered Kite perched high on a lighting pole gave excellent views to all. Members then walked along the Yarra Glen Rail Trail to the settlement ponds where a large number of ducks were seen. These included Australasian Shovellers and Pink-eared Ducks, as well as Australian and Hoary-headed Grebes.
Australasian Shoveler behind Eurasian CootPink-eared Duck in flightWhite-faced HeronMasked Lapwing
A White-faced Heron was hunting in the long grass beside the track and in the end pond some Masked Lapwings and two Black Swans were seen. A lone Cattle Egret was seen on the far bank alongside Straw-necked and White Ibis. Walking back towards the cars a Long-billed Corella and more Eastern Rosellas were spotted.
A total of 51 species was recorded on another most enjoyable excursion.
Special thanks to Steve Hoptroff who provided all 12 photographs in this Report.
A daunting Melbourne day with the suburbs under heavy showers and grey skies in abundance, but for those who decided to head off on another midweek birding adventure the drive toward Westernport Bay was blessed with some blue sky, and the rain began to clear. By 10am we had a group of 11 birders and welcomed back two overseas visitors … J from Germany and B from Sri Lanka. G from Inverloch was a new attendee for this group. We were all rugged up and ready for whatever the weather could throw at us!
No rain to begin with, but a rather blustery wind that successfully drowned out any birdsong that might have been near the car park. We did manage to see a couple of Australian Magpies in the adjoining paddock and a lone Sulphur-crested Cockatoo screeched loudly enough to make the beginning of the list. As the track we chose made its way down into the gully the wind eased and allowed some distant birdsong to carry in our direction. So, yes, it was rather quiet to begin with, and the group fell into conversation on mundane things like “why is it called The Gurdies”?
Please see the links below for more information and tips for exploring the area more widely.
As we made our way deeper into the forest, we eventually hit a hot spot and paused to see what might reveal itself. A beautiful male Golden Whistler and a couple of foraging Spotted Pardalotes were the first to be seen, followed shortly by a Grey Fantail. We than had an amusing interlude of “Spot the Shrike-thrush”. We all heard the beautiful call of this bird but even though it was photogenically positioned out on the end of a dead stump it proved decidedly difficult to describe its position for the photographers. Eventually, some lovely photos were obtained.
Grey Shrike-thrush. Photo by John Van DoornGrey Shrike-thrush. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
The density of the understory was not making it easy to see the small birds but after a little more persistence we got onto some Superb Fairy-wrens. A nearby Thornbill proved difficult to positively identify though. Moving further down toward a muddy dam we spotted a Crimson Rosella and heard the call of White-throated Treecreeper. Here, our German friend showed his ecological credentials by sampling the water for signs of life. After deftly removing his shoes and socks he waded into the mud and used his insect net to dredge the water, duly noting the presence of tadpoles.
After some deliberation we retraced our steps for a short distance and took a narrower path through the shrubs. At some point along here our leader John spotted a Bassian Thrush that was also seen briefly by Phillip as it flew off, but unfortunately it could not be relocated for other members of the group. This was not the only disappointment as a little later a short melodic song was tentatively identified as a Brown Gerygone by J. A possible individual was briefly located perched further down the path by Phillip. The bird did not reappear for John who is more familiar with this species, to confirm the sighting, so it was not added to the list. Instead, we got some good sightings of Brown Thornbills and another Superb Fairy-wren.
Hoary-headed Grebe. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
As we made our way gradually back uphill, we heard the call of an Eastern Spinebill and spotted a Red Wattlebird that subsequently flew off revealing the presence of a group of them as they moved on through the canopy. The sunlight through the Stringybarks painted a surprisingly pleasant picture of the forest as we pondered what might have been. Back at the car park a lone Willie Wagtail was heard calling before we closed the list for this location with 14 species. The survey data can be found at the following link.
We made the short 25-minute drive to San Remo for lunch, and for those who also keep personal lists there were sightings of Cattle Egret and Black-shouldered Kite along the way. The foreshore reserve was cold and blustery, and we arrived on the tail end of another rain shower. However, we managed some sheltered seating near the BBQ’s. The Pelican feeding that regularly happens here at 12pm was in progress and provided J with an unexpected spectacle for the day. After lunch we headed over to Phillip Island and the car park at Fishers Wetland. Conditions were still blustery, so after an initial scan of the lake near the hide we chose the path that runs behind the hide and traversed what was the Western, sheltered side of the wetland.
Australasian Shoveler and Grey Teal. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
The section of lake near the hide held some Eurasian Coot, Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, and a Grey Teal. Hoary-headed Grebes were identified after some close-up photo shots.
Hoary-headed Grebe. Photo by John Van Doorn
The small shrub covered promontory held Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Australian White Ibis, Great Egret, and a Cape Barren Goose.
Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill and White Ibis. Photo by Steve HoptroffRoyal Spoonbill and Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Photo by Steve HoptroffYellow-billed Spoonbill. Photo by John Van DoornYellow-billed Spoonbill. Photo by Steve HoptroffRoyal Spoonbills. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Cape Barren Goose. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Welcome Swallows hawked the air above the water, and some eagle eyes spotted two White-fronted Chats foraging along the Eastern edge. Purple Swamphen were noted in many spots around the edges of the water.
White-fronted Chat, in the distance. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
As we moved further around, we obtained some nice views of a group of Australian Shovelers and spotted a few more Grey Teal and Pacific Black Duck.
Australasian Shoveler, female. Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralasian Shovelers. Photo by Steve HoptroffPacific Black Duck. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Black Swans were feeding at the far end. The thick shrubbery along the path again made it quite difficult to get onto the small birds. A Grey Fantail and a Brown Thornbill were noted as well as a few Superb Fairy-wrens. Coming out into an open section John spotted a Swamp Harrier on the Eastern side. After a few minutes it was joined by a second bird, so we got some nice raptor in action views.
Swamp Harrier. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
A few Common Starling were noted resting on a telegraph pole and then an Australian Pelican glided in to make a perfect landing.
The paddock to the West held over a hundred Cape Barren Geese along with quite a few Masked Lapwing, Australian White Ibis, and more Purple Swamphen. The return walk along the track yielded a Red Wattlebird, and more photo opportunities as the Shovelers were not too far away.
“The happy couple”; male and female Australasian Shovelers. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
To complete the afternoon walk we used the boardwalk toward Churchill Island and noted lots more Masked Lapwings and a Chestnut Teal to our right. We walked up to the beginning of the bridge and scanned the shoreline for any loafers and turned up two Australian Pied Oystercatchers, five Pacific Gulls and a White-faced Heron.
Pacific Gulls with Australian Pied Oystercatcher, hiding below. Photo by Steve HoptroffWhite-faced Heron. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Two Little Pied Cormorants and one Great Pied Cormorant were noted flying overhead.
Our bird list for the day totalled 43 species. There were only four species that were seen at both sites. A very good outcome after a quiet start. The sightings for Fishers Wetland may be found at the survey link below:
23 March 2024 Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers Species count: 70
A large group of 43 Beginners assembled at the Southern Carpark in fine but cool weather conditions. After two months with little rain, the bush was very dry and only Crested Pigeons, Eastern Rosellas and Noisy Miners were seen in this area. As the group set off towards the wetlands, a pair of Tawny Frogmouths were located in a tall Eucalyptus tree which was known to be a favourite day perch for them.
Tawny Frogmouth. Photo by Steve HoptroffFemale Darter. Photo by Eleanor DilleyAustralian Pelican. Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralian Pelican. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
To everyone’s delight, there was sufficient water in the ponds to support a large number of species including both Yellow-billed and Royal Spoonbills, Australasian Darters, 3 types of Cormorant, Great Egrets, Australian Pelicans and a variety of duck species.
Royal Spoonbill and Black-winged Stilt. Photo by Eleanor DilleyYellow-billed Spoonbill. Photo by Eleanor DilleyBlue-billed Duck (male). Photo by Eleanor DilleyBlue-billed Duck (female) with ducklings. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Highlights were a female Blue-billed Duck with 3 small ducklings, her more colourful mate, and a pair of Freckled Ducks that caused a lot of interest. Also, a pair of Pink-eared Ducks, alongside a White-faced Heron, munched their way through a shallow water-weed bed.
Freckled Duck. Photo by Eleanor DilleyFreckled Duck. Photo by Steve HoptroffPink-eared Ducks. Photo by Steve HoptroffWhite-faced Heron. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
Several Black-shouldered Kites were seen at various times hovering, fighting and perched eating their catches. Wedge-tailed Eagles, a Nankeen Kestrel and a Swamp harrier were also seen. From the large bird hide Little Black Cormorants were spotted feeding young in a nest and an immature Nankeen Night-Heron was well camouflaged by the surrounding foliage.
Black-shouldered Kite. Photo by Steve HoptroffLittle Black Cormorants feeding. Photo by Steve HoptroffNankeen Night-Heron. Photo by Eleanor DilleyNankeen Night-Heron. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
At the Rookery several more Night-Herons were seen as well as young Darters in a nest and another family of Blue-billed Ducks. A Brown Goshawk put on a flying display, trying, but failing, to catch any of a group of Little Black Cormorants. On the way back to the carpark a second pair of Tawny Frogmouths was found.
Brown Goshawk. Photo by Eleanor DilleyBrown Goshawk. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Members then drove to the northern end of the park and had lunch in the Telford Picnic Area. Birdcall recorded 68 species for the morning. Afterwards, a short walk was taken along the Heathland Trail where 2 more species were added to the total; Yellow-faced Honeyeater and Common Bronzewing. This concluded a very enjoyable day with some excellent sightings and a magnificent total of 70 species.
Many thanks to Eleanor Dilley and Steve Hoptroff for providing the lovely photos used in the Report.
Wet mornings are always difficult decision times for birders and Wednesday the 13th was just such a morning. The rain, although patchy, was not expected to clear until lunch time. On arriving at the rough layby that serves as a parking area here, only a few cars were lined up. Our leader Robert was here and about 4 others. Gradually the numbers improved and when we set off soon after 10am we had a group of 14 keen birders. Thankfully, the rain was barely enough to colour the surface of the grassland that was showing the cracks that appear in the dry. The wind was very light, so no rain blowing into faces.
The Wetland here is a Melbourne Water Constructed Wetland. The following link provides some general information:
Troups Creek is not a reserve or parkland in the everyday sense and as such it can be confusing to source information. The creek itself is at the Eastern end of the wetland and flows down from another Melbourne Water facility further North known as Troups Creek Retarding Basin. The following is the latest published report I could find that has data on this wetland. But note that it covers many other catchment areas and associated wetlands. Melbourne Birdlife is involved in conducting surveys at several sites in the Eumemmering Sub-catchment, and Troups Creek is one of these.
We began the survey list, as usual, from the car park while waiting for any late arrivals. There was a Little Pied Cormorant sitting quietly on a post in that part of the lake near the layby. However, it was having difficulty keeping the attention of the observers as the presence of a showy white duck, strutting its presence near the reeds, competed for “bird of the day”.
Domestic white duck – ‘bird of the day’Little Pied Cormorant
Meanwhile, Spotted Doves flew between the telegraph wires and the grassy patches, and Common Starlings lined up to be counted, along with a Little Raven. A lone common Myna sat above them on the telegraph pole. A few Australian White Ibis and some Purple Swamphen were foraging on the verge near the Hallam Valley main drain, and a Great Cormorant did a fly past.
Australian White Ibis
The wetland consists of a series of lakes surrounded by grassland that is cut from time to time. The lakes are generally fringed with reeds and sometimes have small islands. Tree cover is sparse with little to no very large old trees, but there are areas of shrubs and medium sized trees. In the distance high voltage power lines cross the Eastern side of the wetland. In essence, it is an open environment that favours waterbirds, but also supports those that forage on grassland.
We began by making our way to the North side of the lakes and traversing the grassland in a path that followed the water’s edge. This allowed us to monitor the wet areas and listen for small birds in the shrubs and trees that occur in places. We soon had Pacific Black Duck and White-faced Heron on the list.
White-faced Heron
Superb Fairy-wrens were often heard, and a few observers managed to see a group of 10 birds foraging in the reeds at water’s edge. A Red-browed Finch was noted but not seen by everyone. A single Eurasian Coot seemed content poking around in the reeds on the first lake, but the most obvious birds were the White Ibis and the Purple Swamphen.
Purple Swamphen
An Australian Magpie and a Little Pied Cormorant made an unlikely pair on the limb of a small tree. White-plumed Honeyeaters were noted working the tops of the young Eucalypts, and a New Holland Honeyeater showed briefly.
Little Pied Cormorant and Magpie buddy
For a relatively open landscape raptors were at a premium and none showed in the early part of the walk. Scanning ahead on the grassland revealed more White-faced Herons, some Masked Lapwings and two Magpie Larks.
Magpie-lark with tasty morsel (left) and after having eaten it (right)
The more Easterly lakes held Black Swan and a Great Egret presented well.
Great Egret
Dusky Moorhen were conspicuously absent and Eurasian Coot few and far between. The first Raptor to be spotted was a Black-shouldered Kite hovering beneath the power lines. Soon after we were able to witness the languid glide of four Australian Pelican as they flew into one of the lakes.
Australian Pelicans
We’d covered quite a lot of ground before being able to add further species to the list. Brown Thornbill and Red-browed Finch were working lakeside vegetation and Welcome Swallows were spotted over more open ground to the North. Scrutiny of these birds revealed the presence of two Fairy Martins. Back at the reeds some keen eyes got onto two Reed Warblers and a Little Grassbird showing well as they worked the edge of the reed bed.
A pair of Australian Reed WarblersLittle Grassbird (photo taken in February at South Morang)
Just behind them a Golden-headed Cisticola perched obligingly on the top of a grass stem. By now some of the lead group had got onto some roosting Nankeen Night Herons which we all eventually got a look at. The lake here also provided our first Teal…some Grey and some Chestnut.
Nankeen Night-Heron
Making our way around the far northeastern corner an Australian Kestrel was spotted perched at the top of a power pylon.
Australian Kestrel
Goldfinch were spotted in the grass below but the hunt for Dusky Moorhen continued without success. Walking along the creek we noted another Great Egret, Little Black Cormorant, and a Black-shouldered Kite perched on a low shrub gave a good photo opportunity.
Little Black Cormorant
Black-shouldered Kite
We made our way back to the layby along the path next to the main Hallam drain noting two Willie Wagtails and Two Common Blackbird.
Willie Wagtail
A female Australian Darter presented drain side and turned out to be the last notable sighting on our return leg.
Australasian Darter
We had a late lunch and did bird count at about 1.30pm. Our bird list for the day totalled 44 species. All in all, a very good outcome for what promised to be a rather drab day … but birding is never predictable and always enjoyable! The sightings have been entered into Bird Dta as a survey which is viewable via the link below:
24 February 2024 Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers Species count: 56
Road closures caused a slight delay to the start of the outing as members negotiated their way through the diversions. The weather was pleasantly mild for February. Members waiting in the carpark had time to study a Crested Pigeon on its nearby nest. There were many waterbirds to be seen on the reservoir, where Eurasian Coots were the most common species. Others were Blue-billed and Musk Ducks, Little Black, Great and Little Pied Cormorants. Great Crested Grebes were also seen. A lone Masked Lapwing stood on the rocks at the edge of the water.
Crested Pigeon. Photo by Eleanor DilleyMasked Lapwing. Photo by Eleanor DilleyGrey Teal. Photo by Steve HoptroffLittle Pied Cormorant. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
At the wetlands nearer to the reservoir the only ducks were a few Chestnut and Grey Teal, outnumbered by lots of Dusky Moorhens and yet more Coots. A Yellow-billed Spoonbill was seen flying high overhead whilst a Nankeen Night-Heron provided a lovely view as it rested in a bush just across the water. Both male and female Red-rumped Parrots watched us from a nearby tree.
Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Photo by Eleanor DilleyNankeen Night-Heron. Photo by Eleanor DilleyRed-rumped Parrots. Photo by Steve HoptroffHardheads. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Members then walked across the driveway to the other wetlands and had good views of Australasian Grebes and Hardheads, a single Australian White Ibis and over 50 Australian Wood Ducks. On returning to the previously visited wetlands there was great excitement when a Latham’s Snipe was flushed and flew rapidly overhead, landing just out of sight on a mudbank.
Australian Wood Ducks. Photo by Eleanor DilleyWhite-winged Choughs. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
Lunch was eaten at the top of the hill overlooking the reservoir and during birdcall a Whistling Kite flew by, obviously anxious to be added to the list! It was good to see that a few Nankeen Night-Herons were still using the old Corsican Pine as a roost. A short walk was then taken along the edge of the fence where a group of 13 White-winged Choughs were foraging. Further down the hill and just over the fence, a large mud nest was spotted in a pine tree and to everyone’s delight there was an adult sitting on it with very small heads peering out over the edge. Eleanor stayed watching and saw another adult fly in to feed the young. Other members walked a bit further and saw an Australian Hobby whiz past.
Australasian Grebes. Photo by Eleanor DilleyAustralian White Ibis. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
On driving to the lookout at the far end of the park no further species were added to the list. A creditable total of 56 species was recorded for the day.
A few members then went to the Morang Wetlands on a quest for more Snipe and were rewarded with photos from 2 sightings. Although not taken on the official walk, a photo is included here to show what we missed! It can be very hard to actually see Snipes because of their cryptic markings.
Once again, many thanks to Eleanor Dilley and Steve Hoptroff for contributing photos to the Report.
Our first outing for 2024 began with a somewhat cool and cloudy outlook. But compared to the hot conditions and total fire ban of the previous day this was something of a relief, and our group of 18 keen birders were in good spirits. The parking area at Pound Bend abuts a rather beautiful semi-cleared space. It suits perfectly for picnic gatherings while at the same time retaining some lovely tall eucalypts that provide an excellent playground for some of the larger bird species.
Photo of the group by Loh Kat Mun
Our welcoming party was a somewhat cacophonous orchestration of Parrot calls dominated by Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, with a couple of Galahs and Corellas thrown in.
The reserve here at Pound Bend sits in a fold of the Yarra River and has a backstory around gold prospecting…. For more information about the park please see the links below.
Soon after 10.00am we began by spending a little time in the picnic area. The limbs of a dead tree on the far side of the river provided perching space with clear views. Initially a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike was spotted at the top. It disappeared quickly and was replaced by a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and soon after a Grey Butcherbird assumed the top spot. Opportunities for the photographers here.
Grey Butcherbird. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
After this we headed North upstream along the riverbank path. At several points along the way the path bridges little creeks and gullies. These points often present a more open view across the river or inland Creekside. We soon got onto Yellow-faced Honeyeaters and Silvereyes, plus small numbers of Red-browed Finch along with one or two Brown Thornbills. Eastern Yellow Robins were heard calling, and it wasn’t long before we got a good sighting. Interestingly some of the Red-browed Finch were juveniles suggesting that birds were perhaps having a second breeding period. The rear section of the group spent some time watching the Finches and were able to confirm the presence of at least 20 birds.
This path really does provide a delightful journey along the river. Even though the canopy can seem quite far up and the understory moderately thick and tangled in places, careful listening and patient progress usually proves rewarding. Kookaburras and Rainbow Lorikeets could be heard calling and were eventually spotted.
Laughing Kookaburra. Photos by Loh Kat Mun (left) and Steve Hoptroff (right)
At the little bridges, the opposite bank painted a palette of greys and greens in many shades. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos were inspecting hollows and being noisy as usual.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
The river flows quite quickly in the shallow rocky sections. It slows a little where the water runs deeper near the sometimes-reedy banks and provides a water-bird friendly environment. Dusky Moorhen were noted foraging along the opposite bank and Pacific Black Duck were seen loafing on the water. A Little Pied Cormorant was spotted using a fallen tree to rest and hang out its wings. Some at the back of the group were lucky enough to get some nice views of White-eared Honeyeater.
Little Pied Cormorant. Photos by Loh Kat Mun (left) and Steve Hoptroff (right)
While stopped at a small clearing looking for Yellow Robin, we came across a busy Grey Fantail and were then interrupted by the call of an Australian King-Parrot. We waited a while and were rewarded with short glimpses of a lovely male which it seemed had come to check us out before heading back where he’d come from.
Australian King Parrot. Photo by Loh Kat Mun
A little further on we noted White-browed Scrubwren, and even though we’d heard Fairy-wrens calling we had still not actually seen one. The sound of Gang-gang Cockatoos drifted from the central wooded area, so we stopped to search. It took a while, and not everybody got a visual, but we identified the presence of at least 1 male and 1 female bird. As we approached the more open area where the track moves away from the river, two or three Eastern Rosellas flew past and a couple of Galahs travelled higher overhead.
Crimson Rosella. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Noisy Miners were evident most of the walk but we didn’t really see any until moving away from the river, where a small family group fussed around mid-story. Across the open area and perched silently on a fallen tree we could just make out a White-faced Heron with the naked eye.
White-faced Heron. Photo by Loh Kat Mun
A little Raven was heard calling and then seen flying back in the direction of the river. We headed up the path toward Pound Road to check out the small dam and noted the sound of Pied Currawongs somewhere nearby. More Grey Fantails, Brown Thornbills, and finally a sighting of a Superb Fairy-wren. Three Kookaburras were near the dam.
Laughing Kookaburra. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
We retraced our steps back to the river path as a few tummies were rumbling for lunch, but not without stopping for splendid views of two Tawny Frogmouth, which Claire’s keen eyes had spotted.
Tawny Frogmouths. Photos by Loh Kat Mun
Tawny Frogmouths. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Back at the picnic ground, lunchtime provided us with a fine example of thievery…some of the group had a front row seat to the performance as an Australian Magpie robbed a Noisy Miner of a tasty morsel…apparently right out of its mouth!!
Our afternoon walk took us the short distance to the tunnel and beach area. Magpie Lark and Wood Duck were added to the bird list, and we enjoyed a pleasant interlude just sitting with the sights and sounds of the river and the bush.
Australian Wood Duck. Photo by Loh Kat MunButterfly. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
‘What a lovely start to the year. There is always something that is captured, either by memory or the keen photographers in the group, and the following are just samples…I’m sure you’ll each treasure your own.
So many Red-browed Finches
The calls of the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, the Grey Shrike-thrush, the Gang-gang Cockatoo
The brush of a breeze, the babble of the river, and the fluttering of butterflies.
Great views of a White-eared Honeyeater
Sights and sounds of Australian King-Parrot, and Eastern Yellow Robin
27 January 2024 Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers Species count: 57
In mild, sunny conditions the 32 attendees began by taking a short walk near the Beach road carpark where lots of bushbirds were found. These included Silvereyes, Red-browed Finches, both Yellow and Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Willie Wagtails and numerous Superb Fairy-wrens. A Little Wattlebird made a brief appearance, followed by several Red Wattlebirds. A raptor spotted flying rapidly overhead was, after some discussion and perusal of camera images, identified as a Peregrine Falcon.
Yellow-rumped Thornbill. Photo by Roger NeedhamWillie Wagtail. Photo by Clancy BensonSuperb Fairy-wren. Photo by Roger NeedhamLittle Wattlebird. Photo by Roger Needham
A lone Singing Honeyeater and several European Goldfinch attracted a lot of interest. Especially delighting those who had not seen either species before.
Singing Honeyeater. Photo by Steve HoptroffEuropean Goldfinch. Photo by Roger Needham
Members then drove to the Homestead Carpark and were just leaving their cars when an immature Black-shouldered Kite flew overhead. It obligingly perched on a nearby dead branch, thus enabling everyone to get a really good view. The group then walked down the main drive where a Brown Falcon and a Brown Goshawk were seen.
Juvenile Black-shouldered Kite. Photo by Steve HoptroffPerched Black-shouldered Kite. Photo by Steve HoptroffBrown Goshawk. Photo by Roger NeedhamBrown Falcon. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Upon reaching the beach, at low tide, there were lots of waterbirds just offshore. These included Black Swans, Pied and Little Pied Cormorants, Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers, Pelicans and Crested Terns. Despite walking all the way along the beach to the actual Point Cook, no small waders could be found.
A few of the shorebirds seen from the beach at the Homestead. Photo by Clancy BensonAustralian Pelican. Photo by Steve HoptroffLittle Eagle. Photo by Clancy Benson
On returning to the carpark a Little Eagle flew overhead whilst several groups of Musk Lorikeets calmly fed in the nearby flowering gums.
After lunch members drove to the small wetlands, just a short distance after leaving the Park, situated between the road and a housing estate. Reeds had grown tall and dense making it hard to see the birds, but through the gaps Hoary-headed Grebes, Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Ducks and a Coot were spotted. Keen eyes also saw Australian Reed Warblers flying between the clumps of reeds.
Hoary-headed Grebe. Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralian Reed-Warbler. Photo by Clancy Benson
Moving on, the final stop was at the RAAF Lake carpark. A pair of Masked Lapwings stood at the edge of the water and although other birds could be seen at the far side of the lake the heat haze made it impossible to identify them. Members then walked around the small wetland on the opposite side of the road and saw a Hardhead, Hoary-headed Grebes and Dusky Moorhens.
Golden-headed Cisticola. Photo by Clancy BensonCrested Pigeon. Photo by Clancy Benson
Lots of small bushbirds were heard singing lustily in the adjacent trees. These included Red-browed Finches, Golden-headed Cisticola, Superb Fairy-wrens as well as New Holland and White-plumed Honeyeaters. There had been Crested Pigeons around throughout the day, one of which posed on a bench for all to see and photograph if they wished.
This was another successful outing for the Beginners with 57 species recorded, of which six were raptors. The exceptionally mild weather for January also contributed to the enjoyment of the day. Many thanks to Steve Hoptroff, Clancy Benson and Roger Needham for contributing their excellent photographs.
The last outing for the year and ideal weather…again! We have been fortunate this year to get our outings in without any serious weather disruption. Let us hope 2024 is as kind. We had twenty-five attendees who managed to navigate a late road closure and meet up in an alternate car park along with all the picnickers. This parking area sat a little bit deeper into the manicured environment and provided our initial birding habitat…plenty of large trees but open canopy and tracts of grassland and playground areas. At the end of the day this turned out to be the best spot for the Psittaciformes. This is the taxonomic order including parrots and lorikeets. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Musk Lorikeets were noted regularly as the group members gradually parked up.
Musk Lorikeet. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
First things first though. Our leader for the day, Robert, bravely announced that we would see Australian White Ibis; and so it was…more Ibis than a Pollies promises, beginning with a fly past of 20 or so birds in a neat V formation.
Grey Butcherbird. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Jells Park sits in Melbourne’s outer East and provides mixed habitat. Moving away from the car park area the path Eastward leads toward a Riparian ribbon next to the Dandenong creek, and next to this a pathway skirts the trees and runs near the edge of the large Lake. So, providing plenty of scope for water birds and some bush birds. The path closest to the creek was closed for management, so we used the lakeside path. For more information about the park please see the links below.
Soon after 10.00am we began by heading from the Stringybark Car Park to the Dandenong Creek path. Noisy miners were common near the parking area, and Australian Magpie were using the more open grassy area. Red Wattlebirds were heard calling and Galahs were spotted flying over. Nearer the creek the trees and shrubs grow closer together and provide cover for some of the smaller birds, while the creek itself held a couple of Wood Duck. The smaller birds are harder to spot but Silvereyes were heard chattering in the upper canopy, and a couple of Spotted Pardalote were heard calling. Following the path away from the creek and alongside the lake we had activity on both sides. A Brown Thornbill was spotted in the woodland, and a Rainbow lorikeet presented well as it perched at eye level.
Brown Thornbill. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Lakeside revealed Plenty of Eurasian Coot, a few Purple Swamphen, one or two Dusky Moorhen and a Pacific Black Duck.
Dusky Moorhen. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Four Pelican were spotted flying overhead and not long after that an Australasian Darter was seen circling above. These overhead sightings provide excellent opportunities for picking up the “Jizz” of a species which can often be the best clue to a distant bird.
Australasian Darter. Photos by Loh Kat Mun (left) and Steve Hoptroff (right)
At several points along the way the vegetation lakeside provided gaps where one could stop and peruse the water. Australian White Ibis seemed to be present everywhere and probably masked the presence of other species. Careful scanning failed to find any spoonbills though. Little Pied Cormorants and Great Cormorants were present in small numbers.
Great Cormorant (left) and Australasian Darter (right). Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralian White Ibis (left) and Great Cormorant (right). Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Little Black Cormorants were more numerous and were noted to be breeding with one nest located.
Little Black Cormorants. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Australasian Darters were also nesting with young birds present.
Australasian Darters on nest. Photos by Steve Hoptroff (left) and Loh Kat Mun (right)
A few different duck species were noted but none in large numbers…Pacific Black Duck, Hardhead, Wood Duck, Chestnut Teal, Grey Teal, and Blue-billed Duck.
Hardhead. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
By the time we reached the hide we had noticed Grey Fantail, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike on the wooded side and Australasian Grebe and Hoary-headed Grebe on the lake.
Yellow-faced Honeyeater. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Hoary-headed Grebes. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
A White-faced Heron flew by, and a Pelican struck a beautiful pose as it seemed to stretch itself upward.
White-faced Heron. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Further around, birdsong from the reed bed revealed the presence of Australian Reed-Warbler; Not in large numbers, although these birds are probably in a less vocal period of their summer stay. Superb Fairy-wrens were noted from time to time, a Little Grassbird was heard calling, and a single Dusky Woodswallow was observed circling overhead.
Circling the lake, we turned and headed back Westward. Suddenly a large raptor, quite high on the opposite side of the lake created excitement, especially as we had a guest birder from Germany in the group. This bird proved to be a Wedge-tailed Eagle and it was being bravely harassed by a much smaller raptor that took some time and effort to identify as a Brown Goshawk.
Wedge-tailed Eagle. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
The shrubs around this section held more Yellow-face Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren, Willie Wagtail, and a single Red-browed Finch. We had come almost full circle before getting nice views of 2 Blue-billed Ducks.
Blue-billed Duck (female). Photos by Clancy Benson (left) and Steve Hoptroff (right)
Blue-billed Duck (male). Photos by Steve Hoptroff (left) and Clancy Benson (right)
Taking a shortcut across the grassy area we headed back to the car park to find a shady spot for lunch…noting more Ibis, Australian Magpies, and Magpie Larks.
The lunchtime interlude turned up Crimson and Eastern Rosellas and as we were preparing for a short afternoon walk Australian King-Parrot males provided some excellent close-up views.
Australian King Parrot. Photos by Loh Kat Mun (top); Clancy Benson (middle); Steve Hoptroff (bottom) – see juvenile bottom left.
Our afternoon walk took us back to the Dandenong Creek Trail, which we followed North over the creek for about five hundred metres on and out and back walk. Not much new along here although some in the group were lucky enough to see Golden-headed Cisticola in the grassland to the East of the track.
As we crossed back into the park one keen observer spotted a family of Tawny Frogmouths perched quite close to the path, to the delight, once more, of our German guest.
Because you can never get enough photos of Tawny Frogmouth … Family of Tawny Frogmouth. Photos by Clancy Benson (top 1 and 2 lines); Steve Hoptroff (middle 3 and 4 lines) and Loh Kat Mun (bottom line)
Another enjoyable day birding to end the year. There is always something interesting, challenging, delightful or even awe inspiring in the sightings on the day and the masses of waterbirds were a spectacle in their own way. The photographers in the group have again captured the delights on offer.
Our bird list for the day totalled 58 species and has been entered into Bird Data as a survey which is viewable via the link below.
25 November 2023 Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers Species count: 70
A BOM forecast of very wet weather kept down the number of attendees for the November excursion, but fortunately the rain did not arrive until much later in the day.
Birds were plentiful in the carpark at Newport Lakes with Superb Fairy-wrens, New Holland Honeyeaters and Red Wattlebirds in good numbers. An early sighting by 2 of the photographers was of a Collared Sparrowhawk.
New Holland Honeyeater. Photo by Steve HoptroffSuperb Fairy-wren. Photo by Alan VeeversCollard Sparrowhawk. Photo by Peter Fayle
There was little activity on the main lakes, but by the small pond on the left of the path a female Rufous and an immature Golden Whistler were seen. There had been reports of White-winged Trillers in the reserve and two members at the rear of the group managed to see them. Crossing the stepping stones both Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebes were seen as well as Chestnut Teal and Pacific Black Ducks.
Australasian Grebe. Photo by Steve HoptroffHoary-headed Grebe. Photo by Alan Veevers
Australian Reed-Warblers and Little Grassbirds were calling loudly but they were difficult to see. An immature Great Cormorant was the only occupant of the old stags near the hide. A Tawny Frogmouth was well spotted on the return journey which was an unusual sighting for this reserve.
Tawny Frogmouth. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
After lunch members drove down Maddox Road to the Paisley Challis Hide where the tide was high. Many additional species were seen here including lots of Black Swans, Australian Pelicans, White-faced Herons, Great Egret and a Crested Tern. Through the telescope both Sooty and Pied Oystercatchers could be seen.
Great Egret. Photo by Steve HoptroffBlue-billed Duck (m). Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Members then walked past the saltmarshes to the lagoon by the Quest Apartments where several Royal Spoonbills, Australian White Ibis, Blue-billed Ducks and Hardheads were seen. A highlight was an Australian Spotted Crake pottering about feeding in the shallows very close to the path.
Australian Spotted Crake. Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralian White Ibis and Royal Spoonbill. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Continuing along the path towards Williamstown a mixed group of Pied Cormorants and Black-winged Stilts were resting on rocks on an island, and then a Great Crested Grebe with one offspring was seen on the water. Back on the marshes, a Black-tailed Native-hen appeared out of the reeds with a Buff-banded Rail close by.
Great Crested Grebes. Photo by Steve HoptroffBlack-tailed Native-hen. Photo by Alan VeeversBuff-banded Rail. Photo by Alan VeeversGreenshank. Photo by Alan Veevers
The members then returned towards the carpark where a Horsefield’s Bronze-cuckoo that could easily be heard was eventually located in a tree beside the track. Back at the Paisley Challis Hide a Common Greenshank was seen along with a Little Egret.
A grand total of 70 species was recorded for the last excursion of the year. Members reflected on some great sightings and were delighted not to have received the forecast drenching!
Thanks to Steve Hoptroff, Alan Veevers and Peter Fayle for the splendid photos which they contributed.
Jawbone Reserve sits neatly between housing and the sea … a beautifully preserved and wild piece of Williamstown. Something natural and protective for the wildlife and birds that frequent our shoreline and salt tolerant flora. The weather wasn’t particularly warm, and the sunshine was a rare visitor, but the rain stayed away and the wind, although present, was little more than a breeze and not too cold. All said, quite tolerable conditions for a morning walk and bird watching for the 14 birders in attendance.
Group photo by Qifan Su
Clancy has made this his local patch and regularly visits. His knowledge of birds and his familiarity with the area made a perfect combination for leading this walk.
For those interested I have included the eBird track of the area we covered (see end of the Blog), and further information relating to Jawbone can be found in the links below…
We met up on Crofton drive and couldn’t help but be impressed by the expanse of the environment laid out before us. A vista filled with masses of promise. Toward the South and West there were many Swans and wildfowl feeding out on the sea, and close by, the lakes and reed beds were alive with ducks, waterhen, and smaller birds. Nearer the houses, Doves, Pigeons, Magpies and Mynas. Overhead, Gulls, and mystery flyovers (in the sense that you never know what might fly past).
Spotted Dove. Photo be Steve Hoptroff
Soon after 10.00am our eager group began by walking roughly eastwards toward the arboretum taking in the abundant birdlife in the reed beds and lakes. Eurasian Coot and Grey Teal were about in quite large numbers.
Grey Teal. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Purple Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen grazed on the open grass near the reed beds, and a single Black-tailed Native Hen showed briefly on the outward journey but presented much better views later as we retraced our steps.
Black-tailed Native Hen. Photo by Steve HoptroffBlack-tailed Native Hen. Photo by Qifan Su
Pied Cormorants, and Little Pied Cormorants rested on rocky outcrops that dot the islands. Closer inspection of the lakes revealed Hoary-headed Grebes, Hardhead, a few Pacific Black Duck, and a Great Crested Grebe.
Hoary-headed Grebe (above); Great Crested Grebe (below). Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Great Crested Grebe. Photos by Qifan Su
Hardhead. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
An Egret generated some debate as some members were keen to get an Intermediate Egret… however, we all eventually settled for Great Egret.
Great Egret. Photo by Steve HoptroffGreat Egret. Photo by Qifan Su
A Black Swan was attending to some cygnets, one of which was hitching a ride on Mum or Dad’s back, and what one might describe as “the great Crake temptation” began. Just visible, for a fraction of a second, behind the reeds…lakeside…a likely Crake…that disappeared quickly without a sound or any other hints.
Black Swan with passenger. Photo by Clancy Benson
Disappointment soon evaporated as a Black Shouldered Kite drifted overhead and began hovering before moving on again.
Black-shouldered Kite. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Australian Reed-Warblers and Little Grassbird were calling from the reed beds. Two Pelicans flew past from the East…low, majestic, and eye-catching. Then the flash of a falcon in a rapid low-level flight that later revealed itself to be an Australian Hobby. European Greenfinch, New Holland Honeyeaters, Singing Honeyeater, Superb Fairy-wren, and Red Wattlebird were all spotted in the shrubs that border the reeds in places. Welcome Swallows swooped overhead from time to time…not in large numbers but present.
European Greenfinch (above); New Holland Honeyeater (below). Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Red Wattlebird (left); Red Wattlebird and Crested Pigeon (right). Photos by Steve Hoptroff
In the arboretum a hide overlooks a small pool….and yet another Crake temptation…possibly a Spotless but again not enough visibility or sound evidence to add it to the list. House Sparrows were being obliging enough though and here too were small numbers of Grey Teal and Little Pied Cormorants along with Superb Fairy-wrens.
Grey Teal, White-headed Stilt and Black Swan. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
On the boardwalk…. excitement at the presence of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, A Pied Stilt on a nest, and an end to the great Crake temptation with two Australian Spotted Crakes showing extremely well.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Photo by Qifan SuSharp-tailed Sandpiper. Photo by Clancy Benson
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Australian Spotted Crake. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Australian Spotted Crake. Photo by Qifan Su
Turning our bins to the line of rocks an immature Pacific Gull was noted along with Great Crested Terns, Pied and Little Pied Cormorants, a White-faced Heron and a few resting Whiskered Terns which later showed a little better as they resumed hunting over the saltmarsh and water.
Pied Stilt. Photo by Qifan Su
Pied Stilt (above); White-faced Heron (below). Photos by Steve Hoptroff
As we began our return along the boardwalk a group of 5 Black Swans loomed large in the West and flew over us toward town.
Black Swan. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Retracing our steps in a Westerly direction we spotted Royal Spoonbill roosting in with the Cormorants and got some nice views of Yellow-rumped Thornbills as they left the cover of the shrubs to forage in the grass. Little Ravens turned up overhead for an interlude of cawing and circling before heading away again.
Yellow-rumped Thornbill. Photo by Steve HoptroffYellow-rumped Thornbill. Photo by Qifan Su
Moving West past our starting point we stopped at the cars and kitted up with some scopes and spent a little time looking in more detail at the lakes and beyond. Two Musk Ducks revealed themselves and a Blue-billed Duck was spotted tucked in behind some reeds.
Musk duck (above); Blue-billed Duck (below). Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Musk Duck (above); Blue-billed Duck (below). Photos by Qifan Su
Further away on the sandy area, a few Pied Oystercatcher and a single Sooty Oystercatcher were noted amongst the Silver Gulls. Chestnut Teal were also noticed in small numbers on the lake.
The lakes at the western end held more Eurasian Coot, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, another Great Egret, Royal Spoonbill, a Great Crested Grebe with a chick on its back, and some Little Black Cormorants. Silvereyes, House Sparrows, Greenfinch, and New Holland Honeyeaters frequented the shrubby cover.
Great Crested Grebe with chick. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
The Paisley Challis wetland was given the once over from the path at its Eastern end and turned up a Black-fronted Dotterel and a Red-kneed Dotterel.
Red-kneed Dotterel. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Heading back along the landside of the western lakes we at last got a sighting of a Little Grassbird and located an isolated gathering of about 10 Chestnut Teal. White-plumed Honeyeater were noted along with the ubiquitous Common Myna and Common Starlings.
White-plumed Honeyeater. Photo by Steve Hoptroff, taken at Newport Lakes
We headed off to Newport Lakes for a late lunch, and hopefully, a few different species. We weren’t disappointed as the lunchtime entertainment included a female Rufous Whistler, a couple of Willie Wagtails, and a pair of Pied Currawongs that called and flew nearby. After lunch we did a short walk heading across the causeway and traversing just half the lake area.
Superb Fairy-wren (m). Photo by Clancy Benson, taken on 13 November.
New birds included Golden Whistler, Sacred Kingfisher, Australasian Grebe, Spotted Pardalote, Noisy Miner, White-browed Scrubwren, and a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo.
Sacred Kingfisher. Photo by Qifan SuGolden Whistler (f). Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralasian Grebe. Photo by Steve HoptroffWhite-plumed Honeyeater. Photo by Qifan SuSacred Kingfisher. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
There were many pleasing sightings on the day and the photographs tell most of the story, but it would be remiss of me not to mention the Australian Hobby (good luck getting a photo of that one!) and the Sooty Oystercatcher which was quite distant.
The bird records for the day can be found via the links below. Our total for the Outing … an excellent haul of 65 species. 55 at Jawbone and 32 at Newport Lakes with 10 new species added there.
birdlifemelbourne 