Wednesday wanderings

Celia M Browne wrote an article in late 2007 summing up a series of walks that she led along the Yarra in the previous three years. These were repeated again in the following three years, off-set by six months so there were different seasons at each location. The reports were originally published in BOCA magazine.

The article is reproduced below with the author’s permission in the hope it will inspire others to repeat the walks or be aware of these locations are birding sites.

The 3-year program of bird walks entitled ‘Wednesday Wanderings – Warrandyte to Westgate, Exploring the Yarra’ came to a fitting end when we cruised down the river from Docklands on board the historic Nepean on a recent winter morning.  Commencing in June 2004 the walks aimed at exploring the numerous reserves and parks, creeks and billabongs along the Yarra River between Warrandyte and the Westgate Bridge.  The outings were voted a great success by Melbourne birders who were looking for bird walks within a 24km radius of the city.  The average size of the group was 25 members, proving that local, morning-only walks are popular.

An article in the April 2004 The Melbirdian predicted that, as well as observing many bird species along the meandering stretch of the river, we would also see kangaroos and koalas, platypus and possums, Common Wombats and Short-beaked Echidnas, lizards and snakes.  And indeed we did.

A walk led by Marlene Lyell at Parks Victoria’s Glynn Reserve in North Warrandyte produced a great bird list of 49 species as well as three snakes, several rabbits, three Eastern Grey Kangaroos and one Common Long-necked Tortoise.  An Australian Owlet-nightjar peeping from a nest box was the highlight of that walk.

Longridge Farm, Warrandyte was opened especially for us by Parks Victoria, and yielded another Koala, five Eastern Grey Kangaroos and a good list of birds.  The layout of this peaceful reserve is most impressive with its attractive riverine camping ground and excellent facilities which, unfortunately, caters for tents only.

Powerful Owl (Jumping Creek Reserve, 27 February 2008). Photo by Janet Hand

The walk at Tikalara Reserve, Templestowe on 2^nd February 2005 will be long remembered for its torrential rain all morning. (This may have been the last time some of us can remember a really good downpour)  Despite the rain, ten members birded with umbrellas from Beasley’s Nursery to the confluence of the Mullum Mullum Creek and the Yarra, and managed to log 25 species including an Azure Kingfisher.  Staff at the nursery tearooms weren’t too happy when ten bedraggled birders sloshed in at lunchtime for hot soup.  In February!

At Sweeneys Flats Reserve, Eltham, a Peacock was added to the bird list of 37 species; we also saw a Buff-banded Rail, five ‘roos and a Koala at this little known and surprisingly pleasant reserve where we walked downstream to Griffiths Park.

In April 2005, 38 members walked from Westerfolds Park upstream towards Candlebark Park, crossed the river by the new footbridge and enjoyed some peaceful birding from the new observation platform at Lenister Farm on the north bank of the Yarra.  Forty-five bird species were listed on that occasion.

Tawny Frogmouths were observed on no less than 13 (out of 34) walks; usually spotted by Geoff Deason who has eagle eyes (or should that be ‘Frogmouth’ eyes?) for this bird.  Australian Wood Duck 32/34; Pacific Black Duck 33/34.

Stunning views of Azure Kingfishers were enjoyed on four walks.  Other birds of note were a Barn Owl at Banyule Flats, a female Rose Robin at Fairfield Park and a Pied Oystercatcher seen from the Nepean in June.

Two Australian King-Parrots were observed at Banksia Park, Bulleen in November 2005 – much further downstream than would have been expected.  The closer we got to the City, the shorter the bird lists and, naturally, more exotic birds were seen and fewer native species.  Sadly Eastern Yellow Robins weren’t sighted after Bellbird Picnic area in Kew and Grey Fantails weren’t observed after the Royal Botanic Gardens.  The reserve which yielded the most bird species was Bulleen Park which included Little Bolin and Bolin Bolin Billabongs.  Sixty-three species were observed here in February 2006 and the list included three Latham’s Snipe in Little Bolin Billabong.  Surprisingly, this park beat Banyule Flat’s score of 58 species.

Thirty-seven birders arrived at Como Landing in February this year for the ‘voyage’ across to Herring Island, opened especially for us by Parks Victoria.  We conducted a bird survey and the list was forwarded to Parks Victoria following the excursion.  Despite the very small area and the drought, the morning turned out to be far more successful than was predicted and the bird list of 35 species was pretty remarkable – almost one per member.  One member joked that two people weren’t really trying!  A highlight was good views of a Nankeen Night-Heron seen on our return journey across the river by punt.

Some of the 56 attendees, 27 February 2008.
Celia in centre front, at Jumping Creek Reserve at the start of the second series. Photo by Janet Hand.

The Royal Botanic Gardens were visited in March this year and, combined with a walk along the Yarra into the city afterwards, yielded 40 species which was a pretty good effort for a warm, blustery morning.  Sadly, no Superb Fairy-wrens were seen on this visit to the gardens.

Perhaps the highlight of the series was the cruise on board The Nepean from docklands down the Yarra past the Westgate Bridge and round the top of Port Phillip Bay on 6 June.  Thirty BOCA members thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour boat trip during which 33 bird species were listed and we enjoyed lunch on board the vessel.  It was most pleasing to welcome three country members on this trip: Val and Peter Blake from Warrnambool and Marlene Lyell from Axedale.

I would like to thank all who attended the 34 walks for making them so successful and my special thanks to guest leaders who stepped in when I was away or indisposed:  Geoff Deason who led three walks, Anthea Fleming for two walks, Marlene Lyell, Lyn Easton and Andrew McCutcheon who led one each.  The total bird list for 34 walks is 123 species.

Due to popular demand the series of Wednesday Wanderings was repeated, commencing in February 2008.

Celia M Browne, Capel Sound

Weekdays outing to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

12 February 2018

Photographs by Bevan Hood, member (unless otherwise indicated)

Australian Wood Duck

The weather was kind to birdwatchers with a cloudy morning, mild temperature and little breeze. We were a group of eleven – members and visitors – with David Plant leading. Bell Miners dominated the area near the H gate entrance and a team of tree surgeons was noisily working there as well. We walked from the disturbance and surveyed the azolla-covered water. It looked stable enough to walk on, very misleading, and areas of bank were taped off to deter youngsters from falling in. Waterfowl paddled and upended among the floating fern, Pacific Black Duck and Chestnut Teal, Eurasian Coot, Dusky Moorhen and Purple (now Australian) Swamphen. Silver Gulls and Australian Wood Duck walked on the lawns, not far from Australian Magpies and Magpie-larks.

Magpie-lark

Occasionally Red Wattlebirds flew past and a couple of Eastern Spinebills were sighted along with one Little Wattlebird. With the Bell Miners these were the only honeyeaters detected. The only parrot species observed was a few Rainbow Lorikeets high in eucalypts. Flyovers of Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants and a solitary White-faced Heron added to the waterfowl list.

White-faced Heron

No raptors were seen today and they seem to be no longer in the gardens after a presence of many years. The ͞big black birds͟ category contained Little Ravens and Pied Currawongs, flying and foraging. Down in the fern gully we were pleased to present David with sightings of White-browed Scrubwrens, a species which is becoming increasingly uncommon in the gardens, possibly from competition from miners plus modifications of the vegetation.

Pied Currawong

As all gardeners know, a garden is never a static place and change is continuous, especially now with climate change. David explained how the gardens were managing their water and power. Little tap water is used, for drinking and toilet flushing (a legal requirement) mostly. Street runoff is collected, litter trapped and the water then purified by plants, many in ͞garden beds that move͟.

Floating island in azolla. Photograph by Diane Tweeddale

It was fascinating to watch the slow dance of the floating gardens, among the lake azolla or high in Guilfoyle’s volcano. Power is another aspect where savings are being made with 35% being generated by solar panels. The aim is to attain self-sufficiency in water and power.

Purple (Australian) Swamphen foraging in azolla

Lunch was taken near the tea room and was only slightly marred by the numerous Common Mynas (they are the most common bird in the gardens) pecking at uncleared lunch remains on the tables. The day was warming so we had a bird call at the tables and then headed back to our starting point, pausing to mourn the corpse of the much-vandalised Separation Tree. Mindless destruction seems much easier than caring for nature or manmade beauty. Before the old tree finally died seeds were collected and it was reassuring to admire the growth of the resulting offspring.

Soon we thanked David enthusiastically for sharing his garden with us and then went our ways, pleased that our list of 34 species did not continue an observed slide but was slightly above the previous year.
Diane Tweeddale, coordinator BirdLife Melbourne weekdays outings

Weekdays outing to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

16 February 2016

Azolla and floating island

Sporadic rain did not deter 18 people assembling near Gate H. Newcomers joined long-term members being led by David Plant as Bell Miners called in the surrounding trees. Early arrivals were met by a young Willie Wagtail confidently foraging nearby. The water levels in all lakes had plummeted since the rains stopped over the previous six weeks or more. The gardens do not receive tap water but are wholly watered by purified road run-off. No run-off, no water. When the rain does fall, the surrounding gutters flow into a series of ponds where pollutants are removed or sequestered by vegetation, often on floating islands. Partially cleaned water is then pumped up to Guilfoyle’s ‘Volcano’ where the final purification proceeds (via more floating islands of vegetation) before it is gravity-fed down to the garden beds where it is distributed where needed by means of a computer-controlled system.

Floating islands on Guilfoyle’s ‘Volcano’

Today the lack of recent rain meant that lake levels were about a meter below normal and birds were walking on mud rather than paddling on water. Another problem is the proliferation of Azolla, a water plant whose dense surface growth blocks all light from deeper-growing vegetation.

Floating island and Azolla

Still, the gardens hosted numerous Silver Gulls, Pacific Black Ducks, Eurasian Coots and Purple Swamphens. There were fewer Dusky Moorhens, which included several well-grown young, and one male Chestnut Teal foraged close to a stripy youngster. Each of the three Black Swans seen was banded on the neck for identification during the ongoing research on breeding patterns. David mentioned that a population of foxes lived among the rockery and had effectively eliminated cats from the gardens, resulting in much less overall predation on the garden wildlife. Several original trees were pointed out, among them a Melaleuca liniariifolia and a swamp gum or ‘kanuka’. Cushiony green lawns are planted with kikuyu which needs no water and resists the wear of heavy traffic.

Azolla and a couple of Eurasian Coots and a Dusky Moorhen

Only a couple of other individual waterbirds were recorded – Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants, a Hardhead seen by only a few and a pair of Grey Teal seen by all. A highlight was at least one Nankeen Night-Heron initially in flight then later by a lake. Bush birds were not numerous. White-browed Scrubwrens and Brown Thornbills were heard, Red and Little Wattlebirds were occasionally seen and many had a fleeting glimpse of an Eastern Spinebill. Little Ravens and Australian Magpies called and a Magpie-lark was initially heard before being seen. A still slightly fuzzy young magpie beside an adult elicited ‘Aaww’ all round.

Some of the group

The final bird count was 33 species, continuing a trend of loss of the garden’s birds. David had shared with us his enthusiasm and encyclopaedic knowledge of the garden’s history and treasures and we thanked him wholeheartedly.

Diane Tweeddale, Coordinator BirdLife Melbourne Weekdays Outings; all photographs by Diane Tweeddale

Weekdays outing to Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

10 February 2015

Floating islands. Photo by Diane Tweeddale

We watched the weather forecasts carefully and the latest maximum estimate of 32^o promised to be comfortable under shade. It was, and a group of 18 met to the calls of many Bell Miners. David Plant led and his long association with the gardens gave us plenty of information about the changes over time. Bell Miners and Common Mynas dominate now but it was not always so and we regretted the disappearance of Superb Fairy-wrens and White-plumed Honeyeaters. No raptor species were seen today but recent sightings had been recorded.The gardeners maintain a lushly green park, kept that way by careful plant selection. For instance kikuyu is a native grass needing no water so lawns are green without irrigation. The return of Guilfoyle’s Volcano also saves water as it collects runoff and then purifies it for use on the gardens. The floating islands were fascinating as they slowly moved with the wind. The volcano itself is planted with colourful drought-resistant species.

Guilfoyle’s Volcano. Photo by Diane Tweeddale

The vandalised Separation Tree has died and is about to be cut back to a trunk to continue its use as a memorial to the modern state’s beginning.

Separation Tree. Photo by Diane Tweeddale

Near it crowds of school children did not deter Silver Gulls, Eurasian Coots and Dusky Moorhens from the area around the kiosk. One member even noted a large dragon near the tea room.

Dragon at tea room. Photo by Ron Garrett

The former House and Eurasian Tree Sparrow populations have, however, vanished. We saw no Nankeen Night-Herons this day. The punt rides were operating and gardeners were working on the edge of one lake so disturbance may have occurred. Ducks were Pacific Black, Australian Wood and Chestnut Teal while a Black Swan with white neck band L07 was part of the ongoing study of swan breeding patterns. The Bell Miners have probably reduced the population of small birds. We sighted one Eastern Spinebill and small groups of Silvereyes while White-browed Scrubwrens were occasionally visible in the low understorey.

Silvereye. Photo by Ron Garrett

Both Red and Little Wattlebirds were the only other honeyeaters. At least one Australian Reed-Warbler was sighted and water birds included the coots and moorhens plus a pair of Masked Lapwings seen by some.

Dusky Moorhen at tea room. Photo by Ron Garrett

This last species is most uncommon in the gardens, being only recorded about once a decade. Perhaps the lush garden beds and sloping lawns do not provide their preferred open surveillance areas. Only some of us heard a Laughing Kookaburra but a highlight for the day was good sightings for most people of an obliging Sacred Kingfisher. The final species count was 39 and we were all very grateful to David for sharing his expertise.

Drought tolerant plants. Photo by Diane Tweeddale

Diane Tweeddale, coordinator BirdLife Melbourne Weekdays Outings

Weekday outing to Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne

11 February 2014, species count 41

Smoke haze from the bushfires was visible as 23 people assembled. Though it was warm in the sun, the gardens provided welcome shade as David Plant led us through his well-known areas. He warned us that waterbirds (with the exception of coots) had been very scarce but unexpectedly there were a couple of Black Swan and a couple of dozen Pacific Black Duck, adult and well-grown young. Some Chestnut Teal, Australian Wood Duck and Little Black Cormorant flew and foraged while Silver Gull was the dominant species. Purple Swamphen and Dusky Moorhen were also noted. The lake levels were very low with gulls able to stand rather than float. A highlight was a sighting of three roosting Nankeen Night-Heron quite close to the lakeside tearoom. The garden now offers moonlight cinema, theatre in the gardens and punt rides on the lake. Is it becoming an entertainment “garden” like those of 18^th century England? Birdlife may vote with its wings. Not so the Grey-headed Flying-fox, which has returned in considerable numbers and to roost in selected taller trees.

David explained that the greenness of the gardens is the result of a sophisticated water collection  and purification system which biologically cleans up runoff from the surrounding roads in several lakes. This is then pumped up into the Volcano and then flows down to selected beds giving plants the amount of water needed via a computer-controlled distribution at night. Floating islands with vegetation on the deep lake of the Volcano were fascinating as they moved with the breeze.

Bushbirds were not numerous though White-browed Scrubwren were vocal. Disappointingly, Common Myna dominated and Bell Miner were common in some areas. Raptors were Brown Goshawk and Collared Sparrowhawk, both species soaring very high. Honeyeaters, as well as the miners, were Red and Little Wattlebird and Eastern Spinebill. Rainbow Lorikeet and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo were noisily present but Brown Thornbill and Grey Fantail took more watching to observe.

Our group finished the day in good spirits, thanking David for his leadership which had given experienced and new birders a good outing to this Melbourne gem.

Diane Tweeddale, coordinator BirdLife Melbourne Weekdays Outings