23 May 2015; Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers
Species count: 50
Thirty-six members met at the Visitor Centre on a fine but cool day and began the walk into the feral-fenced wetlands area. The larger of the two hides provided the most interest, including Australasian Grebes and Eastern Great Egret. Continuing uphill to the lookout on the Woodland Track, highlights were a pair of Eastern Yellow Robins, a White-eared Honeyeater and several New Holland Honeyeaters. Old gum trees provided many hollows, already being investigated by Galahs, Eastern Rosellas and Rainbow Lorikeets. The mournful call of a female Fantail Cuckoo was heard whilst Spotted Pardalotes and Grey Shrike-thrushes quietly foraged in the tree canopy. Back at the car park 60+ Little Corellas were feeding close by.
After lunch most of the group walked up to the Homestead disturbing, en route, a mixed flock of Australian White and Straw-necked Ibis which gave a wonderful display of silent formation flying. In contrast, a huge ragged flock of wailing Little Corellas temporally deafened some of the group, one of which likened the experience to rush-hour in an East Asian capital city. A Black-shouldered Kite and a Nankeen Kestrel were seen over nearby paddocks and a family of Wood Ducks moved aside as we headed back to the cars.
A total of 50 species was recorded at the end of a relaxed and enjoyable outing.
birdlifemelbourne 