A morning at Reef Island

Contributor: Bill Ramsay

Alan Stringer and I had a visit to Reef Island in Western Port (about 8km north east of San Remo) on the morning of 24 February 2023.  The forecast was for a hot day, but fortunately with a predicted low tide at 10:38am (San Remo), an early start was possible.  We set off from the car park at about 8:45am.

Over the years, I have led several MELBOCA and BirdLife Melbourne outings to Reef Island.  It is always a great relief to look out from the car park, and no matter what the tide predictions are, to see the gravel bank that is the access to the island fully exposed, and a dry walk to the island is ensured.  My preferred time to visit Reef Island is late February/early March, because I believe this is the best chance to see what I call the 4 Reef Island specialities – Pacific Golden Plover, Double-banded Plover, Ruddy Turnstone and Grey-tailed Tattler, all on the same day.

It was a beautiful morning, a gentle breeze, a flat sea, and we were well ahead of the coming heat of the day.  We walked along the gravelly beach stopping to look at large groups of Black Swans, numerous White-faced Herons, 40+ Masked Lapwings, 3 Great Egrets, a flock of Crested Terns and several other species  From the gravel bank leading to the island we had great views of numerous Pacific Golden Plovers and Double-banded Plovers working the tidal range.  2 out of 4 target species and we hadn’t even made it to the island!

Double-banded Plover (juvenile). Photo by Alan Stringer

Not far onto the island, looking out to the south, there were about 5 Ruddy Turnstones, 3 adults hunkered down in the rocks, and 2 juveniles in full view standing on top of the rocks.  While viewing the birds, we met up with 3 birders from Cape Paterson.  We exchanged notes.  No, they hadn’t seen any Grey-tailed Tattlers but they did have a sighting of a Broad-billed Sandpiper that took off and could have been anywhere.  We shared our Ruddy Turnstones and moved on to the western end of the island to make our way back along the northern side of the island.  3 out of 4 with just the most difficult to get.

My past sightings of Grey-tailed Tattler have always been on the north side, the birds either hunkered down in the rocks close to the water, or sometimes in view perched on top of a rock.  The walk over the rocks requires a fair amount of concentration that has to be shared with purposeful looking for a Grey-tailed Tattler, not an easy task.  We had probably walked more than 80% of the rocky section with only views of Pied and Little Pied Cormorants and the occasional Pacific Golden Plover.  Things were not looking good when 4 birds took off before we could get a decent look and flew off into the distance.  However, Alan was confident that the call was that of a Grey-tailed Tattler.  Almost immediately another 4 birds took off, making the same call, and not travelling far.  This time they sat on rocks close to where we were and gave us some great views and photo opportunities. 4 out of 4, and back to the car park in time for lunch.  A highly successful morning’s birding.

Grey-tailed Tattler. Photo by Alan Stringer

Reef Island in late February/early March is a great place for a half day’s birding but needs to be undertaken with some caution.  Check the tides and make sure the water level will be low enough to get to the island and return without having to wade through water.  Wear solid footwear with a strong sole, suitable for rock hopping on jagged rocks.  Take all the necessary gear for a day when you might be exposed to the sun.  If you follow this advice you should have a great visit.

Bill Ramsay

Weekday outing to Badger Weir, Yarra Ranges National Park

14 February 2023

Leader: Phillip West

Our first Midweek outing for 2023 saw 16 birders gather at Badger Weir Picnic Ground in glorious sunshine.  With the temperature in the high teens and heading for the low twenties it promised to be a very comfortable interlude amongst the majestic Mountain Ash and the local Avian community.  The Picnic area provided a very pleasing background of birdsong, and we were able to identify many of these before actually seeing them.  Plenty of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, some Crimson Rosella, an Eastern Spinebill, a small flock of Silvereyes, a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and a Pied Currawong.  

Yellow-faced Honeyeater. Photo by Marilyn Ellis

After welcoming some new faces, we commenced our walk by making for the Lyrebird Track. On the way out of the picnic area, we spotted our first Australian Magpie foraging in the grass.  Suddenly 3 Crimson Rosellas flew down onto the path quite near us presenting good opportunities for close-up views.

We crossed the creek and stopped for a while as we noticed the sound of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos overhead. One was seen and then we were able to establish that there were 3 birds flying over. More Yellow-faced Honeyeaters were spotted in the understory ahead of us, so we paused here to listen and watch.  One bird call in particular eluded identification and although it was only heard by some of us, it proved rather frustrating and unfortunately never got resolved.  This was something of a harbinger for the 800-metre trek along the Lyrebird Track …lots of sounds and not much vision!!  We were able to add Brown Thornbill, White-browed Scrubwren and Red Wattlebird to the list, but sadly no Lyrebird.  However, it was difficult to ignore the beauty of this walk.  The contrast of light and shadow, the various shades of green and brown, the sight of basking Skinks, and the gentle sound of the creek all combined to please the eye.  

Right at the end of this part of the walk, just where the track joins up with the gravel road to the weir, there was a lot of bird activity. Although they were mostly Yellow-faced Honeyeaters, Silvereyes and Brown Thornbills, we also found a Grey Fantail.  We went on down to the weir without much new apart from the call of a Striated Pardalote. However, on the way back along the gravel road, Robert Grosvenor cleverly relocated some Rufous Fantails that we had seen in the vicinity on the previous week’s recce.  Excellent views were obtained by the whole group and as luck would have it an Eastern Whipbird was spotted lurking in the shadows just where the Fantails were busily flitting. Thankfully a few members managed to get sight of this often elusive species.  At this point I should say that we were hearing White-throated Treecreepers on a regular basis, and it wasn’t long before somebody spotted one.  Just a little further back toward the picnic ground we located a family of Superb Fairy-wrens and in the wooded area nearby we got some nice views of a White-throated Treecreeper.

Silveryeye. Photo by Marilyn Ellis

The walk back to the picnic ground was punctuated by the now common sound of Silvereyes and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. However, keen ears in the group were able to pick up the call of the Spotted Pardalote that was working the upper canopy somewhere nearby and the clinking call of the Grey Currawong.  With a more open canopy along the road, we got sight of a single Sulphur-crested Cockatoo on several occasions.  Perhaps the same bird initially heard at the picnic ground.

A post-lunch amble around the picnic ground yielded more of the common species of the day plus one Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, giving a somewhat satisfactory total of 20 species for the outing.  

Photos kindly provided by Marilyn Ellis.

Bird Data for the day can be found via the links below:

• Badger Weir picnic ground to weir area
• Badger Weir Picnic Ground

Beginners Outing to Point Cook Coastal Reserve

28 January 2023

Leaders: Roger and Inta Needham

Species count: 49

Despite the forecast for extreme heat and strong winds, 17 members attended Point Cook Coastal Park. At 10am the group walked through the Beach Picnic Area to the beach. Superb Fairy-wrens and Yellow-rumped Thornbills were the most numerous birds seen in the area. A Crested Pigeon obligingly remained close to the path to enable photographers some close shots. On Port Phillip Bay rafts of Silver Gulls could be seen.

Yellow-rumped Thornbill. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Soon after exiting the Beach Reserve carpark, an unnamed lake on the right contained large numbers of ducks including Australian Wood Ducks, Chestnut and Grey Teal and Pacific Black Ducks. Australasian Grebes were seen gliding across the far end of the lake and Magpie-larks were numerous around the shore.

At the RAAF Lake birds were huddled close to the North shore to avoid the worst of the wind and through the ‘scope Australian Shelducks and Pied Stilts could be identified. Alongside the carpark in a patch of Dock Weed two Golden-headed Cisticolas provided all in the group close sustained views.

Golden-headed Cisticola. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Across the road on a small wetland Australian Reed-Warblers were seen flying across the water and landing in the reeds. Both adult and juvenile Dusky Moorhens were seen and members had close views of Australasian Grebes in breeding plumage. Flying over the wetland were Welcome Swallows accompanied by a number of Tree Martins.     

The constructed wetland at Saltwater Coast beside Citybay Drive produced sightings of Eurasian Coot and a Little Grassbird. A Little Pied Cormorant was perched atop a viewing platform. In the gardens surrounding the wetland New Holland and White-plumed Honeyeaters and European Goldfinch were seen.

Little Grassbird. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

The lunch location was under the shady trees beside the Homestead parking area. Numerous Little Ravens and Magpies were in the trees there and a number of raptors were seen hawking over the trees to the south including a Brown Falcon and a juvenile Collared Sparrowhawk.

Brown Falcon. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Members set off after lunch toward the Homestead and most walked along the beach toward the Point. Good sightings were had of Pied Cormorants and the youngest member of our group, picked out two Black-faced Cormorants sitting on the remains of an old jetty. Soon after passing the jetty a cooling breeze from the west arrived.

Black-faced Cormorant. Photography by Steve Hoptroff

At the Point was a multitude of Silver Gulls and numerous Crested Terns. On closer inspection a couple of flocks of Red-necked Stints were noticed foraging amongst the seaweed and a few Common Terns were perched on rocks alongside the Crested Terns. Two Black Swans were also seen there.

Common Tern. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Red-necked Stints. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

The rain received over the past few months ensured that many of the lakes in this area held water and the vegetation looked healthy. Regardless of the heat members enjoyed the opportunity to see the 49 species some of which were new to some members.

View bird list for the dayDownload

Weekday outing to 100 Acres, Park Orchards

12 December 2022

Leader: Rob Grosvenor

It was lovely to see 15 hardy souls gather to birdwatch what could have been 100 acres of sodden bush. Quite a few donned their waterproof over pants in anticipation of a wet outing.  Mercifully, we had two and a half hours of scudding clouds, a little sunshine and only a few drops of rain.  The car park yielded a few species as we waited for everyone to arrive.  A couple of Wood Duck, some Welcome Swallow, Magpie-lark, and a flyover Australian White Ibis.  Little Raven and Noisy Miners were also present. 

Little Raven. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Little Raven. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Noisy Miner. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

We thanked Diane for all her years organising the Midweek outings and welcomed Phillip into the role.

A prior recce of the site had established a few problems with fallen trees and extensive water over some paths. Our route through the woodland was tailored accordingly. After a slow start where sounds dominated, and sightings were restricted to glimpses we were presented with some lovely views of a rather tolerant male Common Bronzewing.

Common Bronzewing. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Common Bronzewing. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

We proceeded past Green Dam and came across both Crimson and Eastern Rosella before being surprised by a beautiful Australian King-parrot. 

Crimson Rosella. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Australian King Parrot. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Australian King Parrot. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Rainbow Lorikeets and Noisy Miners were very active around here along with a Pied Currawong and a Laughing Kookaburra.  

Rainbow Lorikeet. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Laughing Kookaburra. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

An Australian White Ibis was seen landing in a nearby garden, and an Australian Magpie was heard.  The parrot family though, was keen to make its presence felt with a flyover by 2 Galahs and a fly past by 2 Little Corellas, and just as we got near Brown Dam a flyover of 5 Sulphur Crested Cockatoos one of which presented for a photo.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike also turned up here, submitting to the photographer’s lens.  

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Small birds were hard to find, and up to this point we’d managed 1 Brown Thornbill and a heard a few Spotted Pardalotes.  We continued along Ridge Track and heard Grey Fantail as well as spotting a secretive Superb Fairy-wren.  Bird Corner didn’t turn up much for us at the end of the group, but we did hear a Common Blackbird and a White-throated Treecreeper before descending the Northern Boundary Track.  

As we neared Chris’s Track the Red Wattlebirds, which had been evident by their calls, revealed themselves along with a few more Superb Fairy-wrens.  A Grey Butcherbird also made a brief appearance here.

Red Wattlebird. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

Red Wattlebird. Photograph by Steve Hoptroff

Descending to Tadpole Dam more Red Wattlebirds became evident, a Grey Shrike-thrush was calling, and another Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike turned up.  The Olive-backed Oriole’s rolling call was heard again by some in the group, but it proved rather elusive. Tea Tree Track provided a brief spell of LBJ activity with 2 groups of Thornbills – Brown working the middle canopy and a flock of Striated up top.

We then headed back to the car park and doing a final check with the lead group we were able to add a few more species to the list…Eastern Yellow Robin, Eastern Spinebill, and Fan-tailed Cuckoo.  A quick walk over to the far side of the oval yielded some nice views of Eastern Rosellas and an Australian Magpie fossicking around in the grass.  No Water birds apart from the Wood Duck and no Whistlers.  On a more positive note, we didn’t record any Common Starlings or Common Mynas.

Pied Currawong. Photograph by Eleanor Dilley

32 Species all up was a very satisfactory total for the morning.

Photos kindly provided by Eleanor Dilley and Steve Hoptroff.

Phillip.

Beginners Outing to Pound Bend

26 November 2022

Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers

Species count: 50

Thirty-two members gathered in glorious sunshine at Pound Bend Carpark and were greeted by lots of birds, both heard and seen, in the surrounding area. A variety of parrots were feeding on the grass, including Little and Long-billed Corellas, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Galahs, as well as  Australian Wood Ducks with chicks. 

Little Corella. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Long-billed Corellas. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Wood Duck and chicks. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Setting off along the riverside track it was interesting to see the Yarra in full spate after the recent heavy rains. There were many highlights along the track such as an Eastern Yellow Robin sitting on a nest close to the path. It seemed very vulnerable as there were Pied Currawongs, looking threatening, nearby.

Eastern Yellow Robin on nest. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Eastern Yellow Robins. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

A pair of Common Bronzewings came into view walking along the track ahead of us with their wings shining in the sunlight. Seemingly oblivious to our presence they sauntered on, eventually taking wing and disappearing into the bush. Gang-gang Cockatoos and King parrots were among the more unusual birds spotted near the end of the riverside track. 

Male Bronzewing following female. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

White-faced Heron on nest. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

A short circuit walk away from the river was unproductive. However, on regaining the riverside track, a White-faced Heron was spotted standing on its nest in a tall Manna Gum on a small island in the river. Further along, a Laughing Kookaburra was perched, manipulating a large frog in its beak. It quickly flew to a nest hollow, presumably to feed its mate and/or its chicks.

Laughing Kookaburra. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Sacred Kingfisher. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Just before the end of the walk a Sacred Kingfisher was heard and eventually located on a fallen tree in the river.  No Cormorants or Darters were seen, maybe because the river was flowing so rapidly that it would have been hard for them to feed. Many of the expected bush birds were heard but not many were so readily seen. Olive-backed Oriole, Fan-tailed Cuckoo and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo came into the latter category. Good views of Superb Fairy-wren and White-browed Scrubwren were obtained by a section of the group in the right place at the right time.

Superb Fairy-wren, female. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

White-browed Scrubwren. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

After lunch a short walk was taken to the tunnel exit which was a dramatic sight with water gushing through very fast.  No further birds were seen to add to the morning’s total of 50 species. It had been an enjoyable walk in ideal conditions, particularly so for a few members for whom it was their first visit.

Thanks to Eleanor Dilley and Steve Hoptroff for, once again, supplying the excellent photographs.

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Weekday outing to Kurth Kiln

November 2022

Images and story by Steve Hoptroff

Ten brave souls travelled the distance and braved the Stygian gloom of a rather damp Dandenong day around  Kurth Kiln, so named as it is the sight of a charcoal producing kiln built by Dr. E.E. Kurth during World War 2, but more of that later.

Kurth Kiln car park of which there are two, caused a little confusion but we managed to eventually gather together for our day of birding.

In the car park, an Eastern Yellow Robin seemed very curious about our presence in his territory and the Fairy Wrens were very tame indeed, even joining later for lunch hopping around the picnic table. Grey Fantails flitted amongst the bushes.

Eastern Yellow Robin

There was a lot of bird sound, White Throated Treecreepers, Rufous Whistler, Yellow- faced Honeyeater and Kookaburras.

We set off along Thorntons Track (Dedicated to Ron Thornton, the caretaker of Kurth Kiln for many years) in a light drizzle. Once into the tall trees we didn’t notice it. Lots of sound, Rufous and Golden Whistlers, Spotted Pardalotes, GST, Shining Bronze Cuckoo were a few, but no visuals until Phillip at the front of line saw a Superb Lyrebird flit across the track. We waited hopeful that it would reappear. After five minutes it called, very near to us and a few lucky folks caught a fleeting glimpse in the thick undergrowth.

Superb Lyrebird

Continuing along the track we crossed the river to a clearing where we were treated to two minutes of a Shining Flycatcher high in the trees.

Shining Flycatcher

Continuing on Scout Loop we headed back to the car park via Kurth Kiln for lunch watching a pair of wet Kookaburras foraging for grubs on the way.

Laughing Kookaburra

The charcoal produced at Kurth Kiln was used in Gas producing Units to power motor vehicles in WW2 because of the shortage of Gasoline. It was built in 1942 to Dr. Kurth’s patent but discontinued in 1943 due to abundance of Charcoal available from other sources.

Once out in the open the precipitation was more apparent and lunch was  rather a damp affair. Undeterred six of us ventured out again along the Tomahawk Creek circular track to see what birds we could find. The rain got heavier, birds sheltered and kept out of sight except for a pair of White-throated Treecreepers collecting bark nesting material and depositing it in  a hole in a nearby tree of which we had good views.

White-throated Treecreeper

This is a beautiful location and no doubt is stunning on a sunny day. Well worth another visit. The consensus was that it was a day of quality rather than quantity.

Red-browed Finch

Finally two of us decided to go around Thornton Track  again anticlockwise to seek the elusive Lyrebird. Sadly this was not to be but a group of Red-browed Finches and a Crimson Rosella posed for  pictures.

Crimson Rosella

At the end of the walk the sun came out (for a few minutes) and two Golden Whistlers were seen at the edge of the forest.

Golden Whistler

Looking forward to 100 Acres next month!

kurth-kiln-bird-list-20221122Download

Beginners outing to Newport Lakes and Jawbone Reserve

22 October 2022

Leader: Alan Veevers

Species count: 44

Twelve intrepid birdwatchers set off in torrential rain to walk around Newport Lakes. Red Wattlebirds and New Holland Honeyeaters were the dominant species in the trees, while lower down Superb Fairy-wrens were plentiful. Fortunately, by the time the group had reached the far side of the lakes the weather had cleared, making it much easier to spot the birds.

“A wet start”. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Superb Fairy-wren. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

An Australasian Grebe, obviously used to people, swam towards us as we crossed the stepping-stones. A female Australasian Darter was first observed swimming with her snake-like neck protruding from the water and later seen perched on a rock, perhaps hoping for some sunshine to dry her wings.

New Holland Honeyeater. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Australasian Grebe. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

A pair of Black Swans with young fluffy cygnets were on the water along with a Chestnut Teal, one of few ducks seen at this site.  Reed Warblers were calling loudly, but only a few were seen. A Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo was one of the less common birds heard. As we left the amphitheatre we were treated to an “I’m wet-through too” flypast by a Little Pied Cormorant.

Little Pied Cormorant. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Australasian Darter, female. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

An early lunch was eaten in the carpark as the picnic area access track was flooded. Members then drove to Jawbone Reserve, parking on Crofton Drive to give easy access on foot. Walking towards the large pond by the Quest Apartments it seemed that spring was in the air as Great Crested Grebes were busily building a nest while two pairs of Eurasian Coots each had several small chicks. 

Great-crested Grebes at nest. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Swan and Coot families. Photo by Steven Hoptroff

Several more Swan families were observed elegantly swimming amongst reeds. Four male Blue-billed Ducks in fine plumage were admired, but as no females were seen it was conjectured that they might be on  nearby nests. An Australian Reed-Warbler loudly claimed his territory in the lakeside reeds.

Blue-billed Duck, male. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Australian Reed Warbler. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Both European Goldfinch and Common Greenfinch were found, and Little Grassbirds could be heard calling from the reeds. Returning towards the cars an interesting group of Royal Spoonbills and Pelicans was admired. After the official end of the excursion several members walked to another area of the reserve where they were rewarded with good views of White-fronted Chats and a Little Black Cormorant.

European Goldfinch. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Common Greenfinch. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Despite the wet conditions at the beginning of the outing, all those present felt they had enjoyed a good day’s birding with a total of 44 species recorded. Many thanks to Eleanor and Steve who, despite the rain, produced many terrific photos, some of which illustrate this Report.

Bird listDownload

Weekday outing to Corinella area

19 October 2022

Leaders: Alan and Hazel Veevers

Photographs by Steve Hoptroff

Good birding weather met the 17 who initially assembled beside the Corinella cemetery. Our leaders promise of orchids had us “eyes down”. We were not disappointed – there were carpets of milkmaids and trigger plants interspersed with blue and pink sun orchids and the likelihood of more flowers when the sun was higher. 

Crested Shrike-tit

Grey Shrike-thrush

Birds were calling in the cemetery and in the roadside trees. A Striated Pardalote was busy flying in and out of its nest in the top of an electricity pole, and a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo was calling loudly in the trees. Through the cemetery and away from the road there were many birds to be seen and/or heard in the remnant bush area managed by Parks Victoria. These included Grey Fantail, Eastern Yellow Robin, Varied Sittella, Golden Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, and Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Flying above us were Straw-necked and Australian White Ibises, and Dusky Woodswallows. A highlight was a Crested Shrike-tit located near the top of a tall eucalyptus tree. 

Immature Pacific Gull

Australian Pelican

From this bush location we drove to Corinella foreshore, for lunch, followed by a short headland walk. Scopes were put to good use to scan the shoreline and the sandbanks out in the bay. The sightings included Australian Pelican, Silver and Pacific Gulls, Pied Oystercatcher, Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants, and Royal Spoonbill. The highlight was an Eastern Curlew on a distant sandbank. Some of the group were treated to a fly-past by a Wedge-tailed Eagle being heartily pursued by several smaller birds.

Eastern Curlew

Female Musk Duck and chicks

Our final location was Candowie Reservoir, which involved driving on the picturesque country road leading to its elevated position. Here, we parked alongside the boundary fence from where we could see most of the water surface. Being 100% full to overflowing was no doubt part of the reason for the shortage of ducks and other water birds. Great Cormorants and a Musk Duck with two chicks provided good views. In the nearby trees and bushes we had sightings of several species that were already on the day list, but we added Crimson Rosella and Little Corella to it. A closing highlight, seen by some, was another Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring nearby.

The total species count for the day came to 61, which was ample reward for the those who made the trip to Corinella. Thanks go to Steve Hoptroff who contributed the accompanying photographs.

Bird list: Download

Beginners Outing to Hawkestowe Park

24 September 2022

Species count: 62

Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers

Seventeen members gathered at Le Page Homestead carpark and enjoyed watching the many birds which were around. One person recorded 24 species before the walk even started! The deciduous trees, bare of leaves, enabled small birds such as Striated Pardalotes to be seen and photographed.

Striated Pardalote. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Purple Swamphens. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

At the lake just below the homestead a pair of Purple Swamphens on a nest were busy feeding 2 very young chicks. On the larger pond were, Eurasian Coots, Grey Teal, Australian Wood Ducks, and a pair of Australasian Grebes. Near the parterre garden several small birds were foraging, including Red-browed Finches, Grey Fantails and Superb Fairy-wrens.

Red-browed Finch. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Superb Fairy-wren. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Members then took the Wonga Walk Track, alongside the river, and saw several new species including Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Musk Lorikeet and Long-billed Corella.

Long-billed Corella. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

Musk Lorikeet. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Lunch was eaten back near the carpark after which most of the group drove the short distance to Morang Wetlands. There was a lot of water in the lakes and a good variety of birds. A lone Black-fronted Dotterel was feeding on the shore and several Australian Reed-Warblers could be heard but not seen.

Blue-billed Duck. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Black-fronted Dotterel. Photo by Eleanor Dilley

A pair of Blue-billed Ducks, Hardheads, Grey and Chestnut Teal were on the water along with Great and Little Pied Cormorants. Fairy Martins and Welcome Swallows were skimming over the surface feeding on insects. On the ridge track Dusky Woodswallows were seen, and Bell Miners were heard.

Dusky Woodswallow. Photo by Steve Hoptroff

Great Cormorant

Unfortunately, the pair of rare (for this site) Square-tailed Kites, which had been seen on the recce just three days earlier, did not appear. Photos from the recce are included here so that those who return to try and find them can look out for the diagnostic patterns shown on the upper and lower sides of the wings.

Recce photos of Square-tailed Kites by Steve Hoptroff

However, a gratifying total of 62 species was recorded for the day and everyone agreed that it had been a most enjoyable excursion. Thanks to Eleanor Dilley and Steve Hoptroff for providing the above excellent photographs.

See bird list for the day: bm-sep-2022-bird-list-hawkstowe-parkDownload

Weekday outing to Long Forest/Lake Merrimu

20 September 2022

Photographs by Steve Hoptroff

Another ideal day for birding, clear and calm, as we assembled under the leadership of Graeme Hosken. Our enthusiasm did not reach to expecting any of the birds historically recorded here after we read an old list which included Plains Wanderer and Mallee Fowl. We listed a couple of Crimson Rosellas and Red Wattlebirds flying through and a few Brown Thornbills foraging among the lower tree trunks. Over the stile and along the Long Point Track to Coimadai Creek and then the circuit back to the cars. Thirteen people attended and provided plenty of ears to record Spotted and Striated Pardalotes, White-throated Treecreeper and Yellow-faced Honeyeater while eyes recorded Grey Fantail and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.  Fan-tailed Cuckoos trilled incessantly but none were seen.

Yellow-tufted Honeyeater

The only waterbirds of the morning were a pair of Grey Teal on the Coimadai. Raptors were initially a single Brown Goshawk overhead but a Brown Falcon was added on later inspection of a photo.

Brown Falcon

Back at the cars we then drove to the picnic area at Lake Merrimu. This is a very mowed, fenced and apparently unpromising area, with wind sweeping across the lake. Scopes are useful as waterbirds are quite distant. After the Welcome Swallows, Little Corellas and Little Ravens overhead the list from the water and banks grew. Ducks seen were Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck and Australian Shelduck. Australasian Grebe and Great-crested Grebe swam and Masked Lapwing were sighted on a close bank. A walk around the lightly wooded perimeter of the reserve added White-plumed Honeyeater and Common Bronzewing. The only raptor here had been a Nankeen Kestrel over the water when the Bird of the Day appeared as we were winding down. An adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle flew around the bend and was then pursued by the lapwings and landed on the nearer promontory and the water.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

A grand finish to a successful day. Thirty species at Long Forest, 23 at Merrimu and a cumulative total of 46 species. We thanked Graeme for his preparation and knowledge which led to this result.

Diane Tweeddale, coordinator BirdLife Melbourne weekdays outings