25 April 2015; Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers
A hardy group of 33 members gathered on a wet ANZAC day at Birdsland Reserve and immediately enjoyed sightings of Australian King-Parrots in trees next to the car park. The first of the lakes encountered on the walk produced many Eurasian Coots and Dusky Moorhens together with a good sighting of a pair of Australasian Grebes. On the main lake a female Australasian Darter perched on a partly submerged log, then, further along, a male on a dead tree at the water’s edge could be seen in the ‘wings spread’ pose. Briefly crossing the boundary into Lysterfield Park was productive, with several additions to the day-list including Cattle Egrets foraging amongst the accompanying cows. The only raptor seen was a Collared Sparrowhawk which flew low overhead in the direction of the track.
Lunch was taken back at the car park in the picnic shelter, providing a temporary escape from the drizzle. Most people stayed for the afternoon walk which followed a bush track parallel to the entrance road. Good views were had of White-throated Treecreeper, a young Grey Butcherbird and a White-eared Honeyeater.
A total of 42 species was recorded on a damp but enjoyable day.
See the bird list for the outing: BM Apr 2015 Bird List Birdsland
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