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:
Starting can often be difficult and today’s outing was no exception. Grey skies and a bothersome shower of rain as we gathered in the car park at Coolart probably qualified as an uninspiring start to the day for the 13 keen birders attending. However, our weekday group seems to have some sort of inner sunshine. The day just got better and better; the rain held off and the birds showed up. The car park yielded some early species for the bird list including Crimson Rosella, Noisy Miner, Red Wattlebird, Galah, Black-shouldered Kite, Australian Raven, and Grey Butcherbird. Fan-tailed Cuckoo were also heard calling.
Red Wattlebird. Photo by Steve HoptroffGalah. Photo by Robert Sinclair
Brian, a past ranger at Coolart was well qualified to lead this walk and proved to be a knowledgeable and observant guide. He still helps survey the birdlife on a regular basis.
For information relating to Coolart. Please refer to the links below:
We began with an orientation using the map in the atrium of the visitor centre. There we got an overview of a loop walk beginning at the Luxton wetland and winding its way through the lagoons. Skirting the formal garden and heading through the old farm buildings toward the wetland we detoured into an old barn. A pair of Willie Wagtails have used the barn as a nesting site in the past. The nest structure was most unusual and demonstrated the determination of these birds to make a success of their build … a structure rather precariously engineered around a horizontal wire. Several collapses were evident in the tiered remains of what resembles a multi-story nest!
Leaving the barn, we noticed a pair of Eastern Rosellas before skirting the heavily vegetated South-eastern side of the Luxton lagoon and checking what was about.
Eastern Rosella. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Two Willie Wagtails and a Grey Fantail were using the pathway, and Purple Swamphens were browsing the manicured areas around the homestead. Coots, Moorhens and Chestnut Teal were foraging in the waters at the base of the trees. Brown Thornbill and Superb Fairy-wren were also noted here.
Grey Wagtail. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
We made our way to the path that leads to the Minsmere hide and were surprised by the appearance of two Australian King-Parrots. Apparently, this species has become established on the peninsula. Goldfinch were heard, then seen, flitting through the tops of the trees, still winter-bare, that line the lagoon. Then, as we neared the hide, we were welcomed by the call of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters.
Yellow-faced Honeyeater. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
We headed up the steps and into the top level where we had a great view over the lagoon and gradually commenced identifying what was around … approximately 50 Australian White Ibis on their nests with some young birds in evidence.
Australian White Ibis. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck, Blue-billed Duck and Hoary-headed Grebe were all spotted on the water.
Grey Teal. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Pink-eared Duck. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Blue-billed Duck, female. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Blue-billed Duck, male. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Welcome Swallow nests lined the wall along the rear of the inside of the hide and these lovely birds offered us very privileged views as they perched and hawked very close to the hide. They were, understandably reluctant to fly into the hide with so many of us in there but the show of colour as they swooped around the building was just magnificent.
Welcome Swallow. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Leaving the hide we were treated to a sighting of a male Golden Whistler, and as we got back on the main pathway, the tantalising call of a Shining Bronze Cuckoo. Locating the bird at the source of this call took a few minutes but it was well worth it as everyone in the group got excellent views of a very obliging individual.
Shining Bronze Cuckoo. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
We left the main path and headed onto a rough pathway through the extensive wetland lagoons. Straw-necked Ibis and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike were noted flying overhead, and the familiar calls of Grey Fantails and Grey Shrike-thrush were evident on a regular basis.
Grey Shrike-thrush. Photo by Robert Sinclair
The next stop was the Antechinus Hide where there were more water hen and duck plus a couple of Little Pied Cormorant.
Little Pied Cormorant. Photos by Robert Sinclair
Left: Australasian Shoveler, Blue-billed Duck. Right: Australasian Shoveler. Photos by Steve Hoptroff
Spotted Pardalote calls were occasionally picked up from the surrounding bush, and on our way out of this section we heard the call of a Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo which showed briefly as it flew quite quickly over the treetops.
Heading back toward the homestead we passed a known Tawny Frogmouth haunt, and sure enough, one keen eyed member of the group picked out a bird roosting in the mid-level where everyone was able to obtain excellent views of this often cryptic species.
Tawny Frogmouth. Photo by Robert Sinclair
We decided on a relatively early lunch at the picnic tables so we could fit in an afternoon walk to the beach. Lunch, as often happens, not only provides material sustenance but also settles us into a location for twenty minutes or more. Birds will often turn up, perhaps out of curiosity or maybe to sneak a crumb or two. Today was no exception as we were treated to a pair of Eastern Yellow Robins and an immaculate Grey Shrike-thrush, in the bushes, right next to our table … and who should show up on a nearby grassy patch but an Australian Magpie (just reminding us not to forget him!).
Eastern Yellow Robin. Photo by Robert Sinclair
After lunch we took a delightful walk through the woodland and headed down to Merricks creek and across to the beach. More Red Wattlebirds, Grey Fantails, Brown Thornbills and Superb Fairy-wrens shared the journey with us. Little Wattlebirds could be heard calling and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters announced their presence every now and then.
We were relatively sheltered in the woodland but as we crossed onto the bridge over the creek the wind began to make its presence felt. A White-faced Heron flew upstream and landed to forage on the bank and a New Holland Honeyeater perched briefly atop a bush before heading under cover again. The wind at the beach was even stronger and the sea grey and choppy. Three Silver Gulls flew over but not much else was close enough to identify. No plovers to be seen unfortunately. Heading back over the creek we spotted a female Golden Whistler, and a Great Egret flew upstream.
Golden Whistler. Photo by Steve HoptroffGolden Whistler. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Then, an unusual outline of a bird perched out in the open on a dead limb set off a debate among the back markers as to what it might be … some sort of honeyeater perhaps? The backlight was hiding the colours in the plumage making things more difficult. Brian returned to see what we were looking at and confirmed that it was a Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. This species has become more common around Coolart in recent years.
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
The rain looked like returning at this point, so we skipped the longer loop back and headed for the observatory to do the final bird list in comfortable surroundings. Phillip made a quick trip to the car park to get the checklist and managed an Eastern Spinebill, Spotted Dove and Common Bronzewing before returning. To top off the day a Swamp Harrier turned up outside the observatory and treated us to some aerobatics as it searched the area.
Swamp Harrier. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
There were many pleasing sightings on the day but some rate a special mention…
Shining Bronze Cuckoo … For showing so well for so long.
Tawny Frogmouth … For not hiding its colours.
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater … For providing the challenge of the day.
Swamp Harrier… For its display of agility.
The bird records for the day can be found via the link below. Our total for the Outing … an excellent haul of 56 species.
A fine weather forecast no doubt helped in attracting 46 members to Cranbourne Botanical Gardens for the August Beginners Outing. It was misty as the group assembled at Stringybark Carpark, seeing Superb Fairy Wrens and Grey Shrike Thrushes whilst listening to the trilling call of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo. As the walk began the Cuckoo was spotted close to the track, but the poor light made it hard to distinguish its colours. Soon afterwards several other species were sighted, including Eastern Rosellas and Brown Thornbills and, some distance away, a large Koala was found reclining in the fork of a tall tree.
A female Flame Robin provided fleeting glimpses as she flew up to perch briefly on the new boundary fence before returning to forage in the grass. An Eastern Yellow Robin was sighted high up in a tree and this proved to be the first of many of this species seen on the day. As members left the wooded area the mist cleared, and the rest of the day was bright and sunny. A Brown Goshawk was circling overhead in the clear blue sky, and, to the delight of the watchers, it was soon joined by an impressive Little Eagle.
Spotted Pardalote. Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralasian Shoveler. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
Just before reaching the wetlands a small flock of Spotted Pardalotes were observed feeding low down in small trees, giving excellent views. On the first pond there appeared to be only Pacific Black Ducks, but then a lone Australasian Shoveler was seen at the far side of the water. There was a greater variety of birds on the second pond, including Chestnut Teal, Dusky Moorhen and both Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebes. On the way back towards the carpark there were lots of Swamp Wallabies showing themselves and, as if not to be outdone, a large flock of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos appeared flying overhead. Fortunately, a few of them landed in a nearby tree thus providing a longer and much closer view of them. A Grey Butcherbird was heard many times before it showed itself to some of the group.
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. Photo by Steve HoptroffGrey Butcherbird. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
It was pleasing to see that there were very few Noisy Miners in the park, the result being that there was a greater variety of honeyeaters than on many of our recent excursions. New Holland Honeyeaters were the most common but there were also White-eared, White-plumed, White-naped and Yellow-faced, as well as Eastern Spinebills.
New Holland Honeyeater. Photo by Steve HoptroffAustralasian Grebe. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
After lunch most of the members drove the short distance to the Australian Garden Carpark and, as they approached, Bell Miners could be heard beside the road. Shirley (one of our members and also a Friend of C.B.Gardens) gave some information on the gardens and pointed out some spectacular flowering plants as she led a walk to the far end of the gardens. Highlights included Little Pied Cormorants, more New Holland Honeyeaters, and a family of Pacific Black Ducks with a dozen very small ducklings.
Pacific Black Duck with chicks. Photo by Alan Veevers
Some of the group were fortunate to see a young Southern Brown Bandicoot foraging near a picnic table, seemingly oblivious to human observers.
Southern Brown Bandicoot. Photo by Alan VeeversLittle Pied Cormorant. Photo by Steve Hoptroff
A grand total of 57 bird species was recorded on what was a most enjoyable and productive excursion. Thanks to our two photographers for the day, Steve Hoptroff and Alan Veevers, who, despite the early mist, managed to produce some excellent photographs to illustrate the Report. Also, thanks to Shirley Smith for leading the afternoon walk in the Australian Garden.
The group numbered 16 when we assembled by the information centre on Tuesday at 13.00 in calm sunny weather, perfect for birdwatching.
Group with Phillip Island Bridge in the background. Photo by Katmun Loh
Our leaders were Sally and Derek Whitehead, keen birders who live on the island. They were very familiar with the Cape Barren Goose population but those visiting from the Melbourne branch were very interested to see the recovery of this once-threatened species. Almost to plague proportions according to some disgruntled land owners.
Cape Barren Goose. Photo by Bevan Hood
Cape Barren Goose goslings. Photo by Bevan Hood
The geese were quiet but that cannot be said of the numerous Masked Lapwings. These noisy neighbours appreciate the mowed grasses and clearly you were not an islander if your block didn’t boast a pair, preferably breeding. Meanwhile the sky was filled with skeins and small groups of Ibis, mainly Straw-necked though there were a few Australian White.
Straw-necked Ibis. Photo by Bevan Hood
Our first location was the Newhaven jetty where both Silver Gulls and Pacific Gulls were observed, the latter mostly immatures in their mottled brown plumage and looking somewhat scruffy.
Silver Gull. Photo by Bevan Hood
Pacific Gull, immature. Photo by Bevan Hood
The area also hosted Black Swans and Australian Pelicans while cormorants included Little Pied, Pied and Little Black.
Black Swan, Australian Pelican and Royal Spoonbill. Photo by Bevan Hood
Out to sea an Australian Gannet was briefly viewed and then confirmed as it plunged after fish. Around the houses ringing the jetty area we also noted Welcome Swallows, Galahs, Australian Magpies and Wattlebirds, Red and Little.
Australian Pelican. Photo by Katmun Loh
Australian Pelican. Photo by Bevan Hood
Australian Pelican. Photo by Bevan Hood
Then it was across to Fisher’s Wetlands, Newhaven, where there were ducks, Chestnut Teal, Australian Wood Ducks, Australasian Shovelers and Australian Shelducks.
Australasian Shoveler. Photo by Katmun Loh
Australian Shelduck, male and female. Photo by Katmun Loh
Both Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebes were present while Black-winged Stilts foraged on the far side of the water.
Musk Duck, female. Photo by Katmun Loh
A Royal Spoonbill shared a roosting islet with swans and pelicans and a Whiskered Tern fluttered and dipped near them. From the bush we could hear a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo calling while a Swamp Harrier and then a Brown Falcon started our raptor count for the visit.
Brown Falcon. Photo by Katmun Loh
Black-shouldered Kite. Photo by Bevan Hood
The birding is usually excellent at Fisher’s Wetland and today was no exception. The bush was home to Yellow-rumped and Brown Thornbills plus White-eared Honeyeaters and Grey Fantails.
White-eared Honeyeater. Photo by Katmun Loh
White-eared Honeyeater. Photo by Bevan Hood
On checking Rhyll inlet from the cliff top (scopes are recommended for this location) we were able to include several new species. The sand spit hosted Bar-tailed Godwits and Australian Pied Oystercatchers and a Caspian Tern flew past while the highlight here was Whimbrels on the rocks at the cliff base.
Australian Pied Oystercatcher. Photo by Katmun Loh
We were kept so busy observing and recording that we decided to drive over to the Shearwater estate and complete the day with a bird call there rather than visit the Rhyll yacht club as originally planned.
Galah. Photo by Bevan Hood
The yacht club might have similar results to the Newhaven jetty area while the estate contains central wetlands for water management and is well worth a visit. Yes, there were Little Grassbirds calling and many watchers managed to see an Australian Reed-Warbler as it foraged along the reed base. Highlights here were Fairy Martins collecting mud for nests under a culvert and a pair of Superb Fairy-wrens glowing brilliantly in the late afternoon light as they perched on the reeds.
Superb Fairy-wren, male. Photo by Katmun Loh
We called the list and were gratified to number 68 species for the afternoon. Thanks to Sally and Derek.
Next morning we assembled at 08.30 without two of our number who were only available for the Tuesday. The first stop was the Oswin Roberts Reserve on Harbison Rd, Rhyll, another excellent birding location.
Common Starling. Photo by Bevan Hood
We didn’t need to leave the car park to record Musk and Rainbow Lorikeets, Laughing Kookaburra, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Eastern Rosella and Fairy Martin.
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. Photo by Katmun Loh
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. Photo by Bevan Hood
Eastern Rosella. Photo by Bevan Hood
Walking around the short circuit by the car park we had the good fortune to locate and then actually see a calling Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, to watch brilliantly coloured Striated Pardalotes and to encounter a couple of feeding Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.
Shining Bronze-Cuckoo. Photo by Katmun Loh
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. Photo by Katmun Loh
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. Photo by Bevan Hood
Fan-tailed Cuckoo proved challenging to locate but most of us were finally able to view the birds. A fortunate group actually observed not one but three Fantail Cuckoos in the same binocular view.
Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Photo by Bevan Hood
Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Photo by Katmun Loh
Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Photo by Katmun Loh
Along the track we encountered a couple of Swamp Wallabies while checking the understorey. Then it was time to drive to the Nobbies for seabirds. Here the raptor count increased as we recorded Peregrine Falcon, Nankeen Kestrel and Whistling Kite.
Peregrine Falcon. Photo by Katmun Loh
Many smiles resulted from the glimpses of Little Penguins in their nesting boxes on the side of the hillside as we traversed the board walk. Crowds of tourists and families were taking advantage of the school holidays and beautiful weather. The calm settled conditions for the previous couple of days were not likely to have driven any albatrosses inshore so we were not surprised when none were seen.
It was not a far drive to Swan Lake from the Nobbies and most of us were soon smiling as pairs of Black Swans led their fluffy grey cygnets and a pair of Chestnut Teal boasted seven ducklings.
Black Swan. Photo by Bevan Hood
Chestnut Teal. Photo by Bevan Hood
There were raptors, Swamp Harriers and Whistling Kites, as we walked the board walk and some of us wondered how many cygnets, ducklings and goslings would make it to adulthood. We decided to have the bird call here and made ourselves comfortable but the usual “bird call calls” rang out with White-browed Scrubwren and Silvereye joining the list at the last minute. The morning’s list totalled 66 species and the cumulative total for the two days was 90 species. It goes almost without saying that we thanked both Sally and Derek whole-heartedly for all their preparation which had gone into such a successful session.
Black Swans, Silver Gulls and mangrove. Photo by Diane Tweeddale
Pacific Gulls at various stages of development outnumbered the birdwatchers and were in turn outnumbered by the Silver Gulls at the Grantville foreshore while we assembled in the car park under a grey sky. We numbered 14 and Alan and Hazel Veevers, much appreciated organisers of the monthly beginners group, were our leaders. While everyone arrived we noted Red and Little Wattlebirds in the adjacent bush before carpooling to drive to the Candowie Reservoir.
The group at Candowie Reservoir. Photo by Katmun Loh
The water level was very low because the dam was the water source for firefighting aircraft taking tanker loads to fight the recent fires in the area. The continuing drought has prevented any replenishment. A lone White-faced Heron patrolled the bank and a couple of Little Ravens foraged. The most numerous species was Eurasian Coots at water’s edge but other species were also over the mud – Australasian Shoveler and Chestnut Teal were closer than the Black Swans.
Australasian Shoveler. Photo by Katmun Loh
Two sightings of grebes sequentially added Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebes while distant views using scopes added Blue-billed Duck and Hardhead after some discussion. Australian Wood Ducks were seen around the point after a short drive to move the cars. Sadly one of them appeared to be dead on an old tree stump. Turning our backs to the dam we were fascinated to observe a Black-shouldered Kite on a dead branch with its tailed prey, possibly a large mouse or a small rat, in its talons. Probably the viewing highlight of the outing.
Black-shouldered Kite with prey. Photo by Katmun Loh
Another hunter in this area was a Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike using the fence as a perch. A pair of soaring Wedge-tailed Eagles was the third raptor of the day (the first had been a Whistling Kite sending up the Silver Gulls near the foreshore). The bush by the dam also held Grey Butcherbird, Grey Shrike-thrush and Magpie-lark while both Australian White and Straw-necked Ibis passed overhead.
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike. Photo by Diane Tweeddale
We drove on to the Grantville cemetery and walked the adjacent Gurdies track listening and watching. An Australian Magpie and a Masked Lapwing seemed to be alone among the gravestones but along the track we recorded a Golden Whistler, heard several honeyeaters including White-eared and White-naped and glimpsed a White-browed Scrubwren in the understorey.
Wedge-tailed Eagle. Photo by Katmun Loh
Both Crimson Rosella and Laughing Kookaburra were listed as we walked back. Back to the car park for lunch where the local Superb Fairy-wrens came out confidently once we were all seated quietly. A beach walk after lunch yielded no waders as the water level was against us and there was little mud. Mangroves seem to be growing well along the shore. By walk’s end there had been 30 species listed for the reservoir and 38 for the foreshore and the adjacent Gurdies Nature Conservation Reserve. The total for the day was 56 species which was a very pleasing result in the continuing drought and we thanked Hazel and Alan for all their preparation which yielded such a satisfactory result.
Leaders: Hazel and Alan Veevers; Species count: 50
Musk Lorikeets and Noisy Miners were plentiful near the car park as 38 members arrived in perfect weather conditions at Yan Yean Reservoir. From the top of the dam wall a scope was useful in identifying a pair of Australasian Darters perched on a log, in typical wing-drying pose, on a distant shore. Hardheads and Eurasian Coots were numerous, but were also on the opposite side of the reservoir!
Eastern Rosella. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
The group then drove in convoy to the car park adjacent to the main wetland area. Bird life was plentiful, with Little Grassbirds watched for several minutes whilst an adult fed its chick in the shadows at the water’s edge. Superb Fairy-wrens and White-browed Scrubwrens were also foraging in the dense undergrowth. On entering the fenced area across the road, Eastern Rosellas and Red-rumped Parrots were perched in trees, and on the first pond there were several immature Australasian Grebes, still showing some baby streaks in their heads.
Immature Australasian Grebes. Photo by Alan Veevers
On the second pond were several Black-winged Stilts, both adult and juvenile. On the third pond the highlight was a Common Sandpiper seen feeding at the water’s edge and bobbing its tail in its typical manner.
Juvenile Black-winged Stilt. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
Common Sandpiper. Photo by Alan Veevers
Leaving the fenced area and crossing back over the road, a pair of Australasian Shovelers and several other species were observed. Suddenly, a flock of Nankeen Night-Herons, mainly juveniles, flew up from a hidden roost and circled, for some time, high above us.
Australasian Shovelers. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
Juvenile Nankeen Night-Heron. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
Lunch was eaten up near the old keeper’s cottage where members enjoyed the beautiful view across the reservoir to the distant hills. A very old Canary Island Pine was the roost for another flock of Nankeen Night-Herons, mostly adults, and these were closely observed by members.
Juvenile Nankeen Night-Heron. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
Roosting Nankeen Night-Heron. Photo by Alan Veevers
Walking down the hill to the boundary fence revealed two Great Crested Grebes and a male Musk Duck, repeatedly diving and staying submerged for several minutes, which provided a challenge for beginners to try to find them again.
Great Crested Grebe. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
Great Crested Grebe. Photo by Eleanor Dilley
A final short walk was taken at the opposite end of the park, but no additional species were seen. The day’s total remained at 50, recorded at the previous locations. It was a very successful day, with some unusual sightings in a most attractive setting, in ideal weather conditions.
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