| Wed 30 | | Swift Parrot
La Trobe University Bundoora Campus |
| Heard the chattering and clinking calls, then saw and heard around 5-10 Swifties in trees next to carpark 8. Good views, but they often flew between trees and wouldn't settle for long. Reported to Dean Ingwersen. eBird checklist |
| Owen Lishmund 30/7 #218952 |
| Tue 29 | | Swift Parrot
Davey track (northern section) Mandurang block Greater Bendigo National Park |
| One Swift Parrot flying south and calling this morning. Two Swifties seen in the same location, but flying eastwards, last Saturday morning. |
| Phil Robertson 29/7 #218940 |
|  | Beach Stone-curlew
Anderson Inlet, Inverloch. |
| On a cold + blustery day, the Beach Stone-curlew was initially located hunkered down in the dead trees on the small beach behind Rotary Park along the Esplanade. It later flew out and walked along the beach and into the grassed area. |
| Philip Jackson 29/7 #218939 |
| Mon 28 | | Ruddy Turnstone
Mushroom Reef, Flinders |
|
| 8 Ruddy Turnstones still present along with 9 Double-banded Plovers, 2 Hooded Plovers and 7 Red-necked Stints. High Tide and plenty of birds offshore. |
| Colin Mulvogue 29/7 #218943 |
| | Australasian Bittern, Pink Robin
Seaford Swamp |
| Once a regular at Seaford each winter, this is only about the third record of Aussie Bittern in last 10 years. Seen hunting frogs (Crinea signifera) in southern section of wetlands. Pink Robin a probable female (based on call and bill base colour)- only the third bird recorded in 20 years of surveys. Also 185 Blue-billed Ducks, the highest number recorded at this site. |
| Sean Dooley 28/7 #218925 |
| | Noisy Friarbird
Price Park, Viewbank |
| The bird is still present along Lyon Rd below the toilet block, it's been there for about a week now if anyone wants to have a look, mostly vocal and active around mid morning from what I have seen and heard. |
| Greg Cobern 28/7 #218917 |
| | Olive-backed Oriole
Great Alpine Road Tarrawingee |
| An early return.The birds have been about for a few days now. They usually arrive here in the middle of August. I have not seen or heard them this early before. (Moderator's note: the idea that Olive-backed Orioles (and many other birds we perceived as spring-summer migrants) is not completely correct with some birds not migrating at all, or birds from further south being migrants as well possibly in this part of the state. Orioles have been seen at Chiltern and Killawarra in NE Victoria throughout winter, and although not as common as in spring some are still around). |
| Micheal O'Sullivan 28/7 #218912 |
| | Swift Parrots
Muckleford |
|
| Numbers have increased to approx. 20 birds. Watched them for about an hour this morning feeding in Sugar Gums. |
| Debbie Worland 28/7 #218909 |
| Sun 27 | | Brolga
Western Highway, between Beaufort and Ballarat, near Brewery Tap Rd. |
| Two Brolgas approached flying from the south and passed over our car, about 1.40 pm. |
| Anthea Fleming 28/7 #218922 |
| | Regent Honeyeater
Chiltern Box-Ironbark NP |
| At least 1, possibly 2 birds on Ryans Road. Great views of a banded bird and fleeting glimpses of a second bird in the same area. (Banded bird had an orange band - I would be interested in whether this was a captive-bred individual). Interesting that the several previous recent sightings at this site were of an unbanded bird. (Moderator's note: the banded bird is orange/white a captive bred female released in 2010!) |
| Greg Oakley and Tom Evans 28/7 #218906 |
| | Marsh Sandpiper
Western Treatment Plant (Werribee)--T Section Ponds |
| Saw 2 very worn-plumaged Marsh Sandpipers in the southernmost pond next to the road at the T-Section Lagoons. I haven't heard of any of this species overwintering here, & it would be unusual for Marsh Sandpipers to winter here, so I'm wondering if they could be early arrivals? I can't remember seeing this species in winter before. Also present hundreds of Curlew Sandpipers, Red-necked Stints, about 50 Double-banded Plovers, & quite a few Banded Stilts. |
| Kevin Bartram, Scott Baker 27/7 #218900 |
| | Crested Shriketit, Grey Shrike-thruah, Golden Whistler etc
Western Treatment Plant (Werribee) |
|
| In the late afternoon we found a puddle on the intersection of Point Wilson & Beach road on the east side with a bit of bird activity. We flushed a number of birds from the road, including 1 Crested Shriketit, 1 Grey Shrike-thrush, 1 adult male Golden Whistler, at least 3 Flame Robins. Also present were Red-browed & Zebra Finches, & Silvereyes.
I've never seen the Shriketit or the Shrike-thrush at the WTP prior to this. Also had Blue-winged Parrots at the Borrow Pits, heaps of Swamp Harriers, & 1 adult Spotted Harrier around the Austin Rd area. |
| Kevin Bartram & Scott Baker 27/7 #218899 |
| | Swift Parrots
Muckleford |
| At least 12 swifties this morning, having a wash in the top leaves of a River Red Gum. |
| Debbie Worland 27/7 #218872 |
| Sat 26 | | Lewin's Rail
Gisborne Racecourse Marshlands Reserve |
| Single Lewin's Rail calling from a densely vegetated drainage line on eastern edge of swamp this afternoon just before 4pm. Very little else on swamp, although looks great for Aus. Bittern with shallow water (<300mm) throughout and many vocal frogs. |
| Steve Davidson 26/7 #218864 |
| | Lewin's Rail
Gisborne |
| Single Lewin's Rail "kek, kek, kek"ing in dense vegetation along Jackson's Creek next to Kilmore Rd. Further upstream behind the council offices there were 2 Spotless Crake calling as well. |
| Steve Davidson 26/7 #218863 |
| | Beach Stone-curlew
Inverloch |
| Previously reported. At 4pm, 200 m East of Jetty. Thanks to Geoff and Rohan for locating it. |
| Terry Gourley 26/7 #218862 |
| Thu 24 | | Freckled Duck
Lake Guthridge, Sale |
|
| 300+ Freckled Ducks |
| Tristan Kennedy 25/7 #218846 |
| | Spotted Harrier
Lara |
| Two birds gliding over the park near Hovell's Creek near Rennie Street crossing. Good to see them back after a couple of months absence. eBird checklist |
| Russell Woodford 25/7 #218841 |
| Wed 23 | | Pink Robin
Eynesbury Forest and Grasslands |
| Single female on west side of main road. |
| Dave Torr, Iian Denham, Mark Buckby 24/7 #218829 |
| | Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo
Ryans Road Happy Valley south of Linton |
|
| A flock of about 50 YTB with 1 leucistic bird |
| Wayne Wignall 24/7 #218825 |
| | Noisy Friarbird
Price Park, Viewbank |
| 1 bird seen and heard in flowering gums along Lyon Rd; mimicking a mix of red and little wattlebirds to some effect as it wasn't getting hassled. It was also heard on the 22nd July. |
| Greg Cobern 23/7 #218819 |
| | Beach Stone-Curlew
Anderson's Inlet Inverloch |
|
| Between 1.30 and 2.15pm today on a beautiful tranquil Inlet with the tide half out a small group of local enthusiastic birdos watched a this solo adult nonchalantly feeding on Soldier crabs on the sand flats near Screw Creek. Once it had taken its fill it wondered to the high tide mark to roost among the tide rake. From all accounts it has been at Inverloch for 2 or 3 weeks having been seen near the jetty, Point Norman and flat rocks. |
| Steve Johnson 23/7 #218818 |
| Tue 22 | | Beach Stone-curlew
Mot's Beach ( Marlo ) |
| Further to Renee Mead's sighting and photograph of the Beach Stone-curlew at Mots Beach last Tuesday, Jacquie and I flushed it again while completing our winter 2020 Shorebird counts along the "backwater" east of the Snowy River entrance. Low tides had exposed extensive sandy/muddy flats. The bird settled there and began feeding oblivious to our presence. The downside to today's surveys was the presence of four discrete sets of deer tracks clearly indicating that Sambar Deer had crossed the shallow inlet waters and made their way through the primary dunes onto the ocean beach. eBird checklist |
| Len and Jacquie Axen 22/7 #218804 |
| | Rose Robin
Mine Road Nutfield |
| Male Bird on Fence along mine Road ( Eastern end) Did a quick UTurn but could not locate. However saw a pair of Scarlet Robins about 50mts south. Bird had too much colour for female Scarlet , quick view but certain of ID. |
| Colin Mulvogue 22/7 #218803 |
| | Red-rumped Parrot
Edwin Road Templestowe |
| Though not uncommomn for area and normal to see in large winter flocks, I was amazed at numbers seen on nature strip and in tree's . I counted 117 birds from photos. Earthworks have been carried out in area and (Telstra) repair works included a liberal layer of grass seed that I doubt will germinate. Numbers could be more like 130+ birds. |
| Colin Mulvogue 22/7 #218802 |
| | Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Red-necked Avocets, Crested Bellbird
Crusoe Reservoir, Bendgo |
| Definitely 2, possibly 4 Chestnut-rumped Heathwrens along gully at Southern end of reservoir 7, Red-necked Avocets circling & landing all morning & 1 Crested Bellbird heard. |
| Ken Dredge 22/7 #218796 |
| Mon 21 | | Azure Kingfisher
Bolin Bolin Billabong |
| Lone bird hunting in the last remaining body of water next to Bulleen Road. Watched it flying between perches and even hovering. Great to have one back, first time in several years I've seen one in the area. eBird checklist |
| Owen Lishmund 21/7 #218783 |
| | Australasian Bittern
Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands--Edithvale |
|
| About 1.30 pm an Australasian Bittern flew in front of the viewing platform at Edithvale Wetlands and disappeared into the reeds south of the bird hide. |
| Wayne Butterworth 21/7 #218781 |
| Sun 20 | | Swift Parrot
Tunstalls Nature Conservation Reserve |
| Six Swift Parrots were calling and gleaning the leaves of grey and red box trees. An excellent opportunity to observe them.
Hooded Robins were observed as we entered the Tunstalls area from the Whela road. |
| Heather Freemantle 20/7 #218768 |
| | Swift Parrot
Warby-Ovens National Park--Killawarra Forest |
| One foraging on lerp and sparse ironbark blossom, another possibly heard. There have been very few records around the local area this year. eBird checklist |
| Michael Ramsey 20/7 #218766 |
| | Scarlet Robin, Laughing Kookaburra
Royal Park |
| Scarlet Robin (male) just above Trin Warren Tam-boore and 2 or 3 Laughing Kookaburras near the tramline. |
| Chris Lester 20/7 #218764 |
| Sat 19 | | Australasian Bittern
Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands--Edithvale |
| 1 adult bird observed in a gap between thick reedbeds standing totally motionless with its head tilted upwards and in the 10 minutes I observed it it did not move, it finally flew into some dense reed thickets when a Large Egret landed nearby. It was near the observation deck in the wetland area on the left side of Edithvale Rd around 3.30 pm. |
| Greg Thompson 29/7 #218935 |
| | Grey Goshawk white morph
Lorne |
|
| One Grey Goshawk being hassled by two crows in trees in front of Pub opposite Lorne Pier. |
| Debbie Worland 22/7 #218807 |
| | Swift Parrot, Scarlet Honeyeater, Gilberts Whistler
Bailieston Historic Area Block 3 |
| Sixteen members birded Blocks 1,3 & 4 in the box ironbark. The 2 Swift Parrots were quietly feeding on lerps in the tree canopy at Block 3. Scarlet Honeyeater & female Gilberts seen at about 3.30 near the quarry (Block 1). Many eucalypts blooming there. eBird checklist |
| BirdLife Murray Goulburn 21/7 #218778 |
| | Swift Parrot
Toongabbie |
| 7 Swift Parrots seen (and others possibly heard) moving between isolated old growth Gippsland (Forest) Red Gums in paddocks and house blocks on Hower St, just south of the town. |
| Sean Dooley 21/7 #218777 |
| | Freckled Duck
McLeods Waterholes, Drysdale |
| Minimum 240 at this Wetland, also 2 at Lake Lorne, Drysdale; 92 at Begola Wetland, 80 at Bluewaters Lake, Ocean Grove. At least 414 Freckled Ducks across these 4 wetlands on Bellarine Peninsula. eBird checklist |
| Craig Morley, David Tytherleigh. 19/7 #218754 |
| | Freckled Duck, Peregrine Falcon
Blue Waters Lake Reserve, Ocean Grove |
| At least 80 Freckled Ducks under willow on S shore and (low number) scattered elsewhere. Also Peregrine Falcon seen briefly OH with fresh kill: lorikeet sp. eBird checklist |
| Craig Morley, David Tytherleigh, Denis Sleep. 19/7 #218753 |
| Fri 18 | | Possible Grey-headed Albatross & possible Blue Petrel
Mornington Peninsula National Park--Cape Schanck |
| In follow up to initial posting -
NOTE: Neither bird have been counted for Vic Twitch as ID was not 100% confirmed
Possible Grey-headed Albatross:
Whilst scouring the ocean, I spotted what I initially thought was another Buller's Albatross. Before dismissing it, I noticed that it did not have the white cap that I normally associate with this species. I have however seen a Buller's before without much of a light cap but upon closer inspection it seemed less and less like a Buller's. It came in much closer than the Buller's did directionly from out to sea kind of heading towards land. It flew quite differently to the Buller's I have seen in the past. It soared with much elegance above the water, though the Buller's had seem to fly a lot higher off the water. Buller's head colour a lot lighter too. A paler grey as opposed to this very dark grey. Little wing movement whatsoever. It was an adult bird with an entirely dark grey head that extended across the neck into the dark brown black wings and back. The dark, shady grey colour almost seemed velvety and would gleam when the sun hit it. Beak had the thick black in the centre with goldeny yellow upper and lower bill. I also observed a dark eye. Underwings were quite dark along the front and back wing edges with obvious black streaks that reminded me of fingers towards each tip of the wing. White rump with dark tail tip. It was these elements that led me to the presumption of a possible Grey-headed Albatross.
Possible Blue Petrel:
About 30 minutes apart. 1st at 2.27 and 2nd at 2.58. Close into shore coming from west. Small, blue wash with dark head and bill. Tiny little white tail tip. White underneath with prominent dark collar. Presumed Blue Petrel, unable to confirm 100% eBird checklist Further information |
| James Mustafa 23/7 #218820 |
| Thu 17 | | Turquoise Parrot
Snowy River flood plain, Alpine National Park, 400metres below Sandys Ck |
| 10 Birds observed feeding on ground for 20 minutes, with 1 Red-capped Robin. Within 100 metres of this, 3 Scarlet Robins, 2 Flame Robins and 1 Hooded Robin. Numerous deer, wild pig and wild horse sign as well. |
| Federation Training, Lakes Entrance Students per Roger Bilney 18/7 #218735 |
| Wed 16 | | Blue-winged Parrot
Blackgate Rd, Breamlea Saltmarsh |
| Lots of these wonderful birds feeding in saltmarsh/pasture. Several reports of high numbers since late May from Tracey Pennington, Penne Kwiat, Tom Fletcher, Gordon McCarthy, Rod Coranaldi. This morning there were at least 230 Blue-winged Parrots in the area (realistic and careful minimum!). No OBPs observed but worth keeping an eye on this area. N.B. this is a VERY busy road AND it is private property over the fence on both sides of road. eBird checklist |
| Craig Morley, Elizabeth Macpherson 16/7 #218725 |
| | Red-necked Avocets
Anderson Inlet |
| Flock of about 60 birds loafing at high tide, west of Mahers Landing. Also small flock of Double Banded Plovers east of the landing.
Little Egret at the entrance to Screw Creek, Inverloch. |
| Deb Crosby 16/7 #218719 |
| Tue 15 | | Pacific Golden Plover
Gippsland Lakes |
|
| One bird, presumed to be first year juvenile, on sand islands at south end of Jones Bay. Photo by John Saxton. |
| BirdLife East Gippsland (per Chris Healey) 21/7 #218784 |
| | Powerful Owl
Seaford |
| Seen at 6.15am sitting in Gum in backyard, assumed it was local Frogmouth, until got torch from shed. Sat for 30 seconds (approx.) then flew off to East. Many Possums seen in area in recent times. Great start to a work day. |
| Colin Mulvogue 15/7 #218709 |
| | Freckled Duck
Blue Waters Lake Reserve, Ocean Grove |
|
| Approximately 70 birds on the lake this morning, with 95% of these loafing under one Willow, around 250 meters from the east end along the southern track. |
| Denis Sleep 15/7 #218687 |
| Sun 13 | | Hooded Plover
Barwon Heads Bluff/ Mt Colite |
| There were 6 Hooded Plovers on the rocks on the 13th Beach side of the Bluff early on Sunday morning. eBird checklist |
| Margaret & Richard Alcorn 15/7 #218685 |
| | White-bellied Sea-eagle
Surfcoast Highway, Mount Duneed |
| At 12:03 hrs, a sub adult was seen soaring over the highway as I traveled toward Torquay. |
| Peter Bright 13/7 #218669 |
| | Rose Robin
Castlemaine Botanical Garden |
|
| A pair of birds spotted along the main walking track as it curves towards the playground. Taken early afternoon. |
| Gary Oliver 13/7 #218648 |
| | Blue-winged parrots
Blackgate Rd, Breamlea |
| 30-40 blue-winged parrots feeding on the beaded glasswort in the swamp paddock alongside the road. |
| Rod Corinaldi 13/7 #218647 |
| Sat 12 | | Lewin's Rail
Opposite St Cuthberts Church, Gembrook-Belgrave Road, Menzies Creek |
| Spotted foraging on the grassy verge of Gembrook-Belgrave Road 10 meters from any cover. Turned our vehicle around and watched for 5 minutes. Didn't seem to be worried by the cars travelling past at 60kph but when we crawled past to have a better look he put his head down and scurried for cover. Occasionally flush them in our paddocks in summer and have had the broken wing act so they are breeding. Never seen any in this location, in winter nor as bold. |
| Will Ashburner and Jessica Ashburner 14/7 #218672 |
| | Rose Robin
Hancocks Daffodill Farm, cnr Grantulla & Gembrook-Belgrave rds Menzies Creek |
|
| Noticed a group of 1 male and a number of brown birds foraging in our display garden and around a giant old Chestnut. Weather very cold and sleeting. Never seen Rose Robin on our property before and certainly the habitat is rather open for them. |
| Will Ashburner 14/7 #218671 |
| | Buff-banded rail
All Nations Park, Northcote |
| The bird was clearly visible for 20 seconds before disappearing into the reeds in the small lake in the park. I regularly visit this lake and have never seen a Rail there before. Yesterday there was also a Little Pied Cormorant, 5 Purple Swamphens, and the usual Pacific Black Ducks and Welcome Swallows. |
| Susan Pepper 13/7 #218640 |
| | Spotted Harrier
Junction of Fisheries road and Frankston /Tooradin road. |
| Seen flying across the road at Midday. |
| Keith Caldecott 12/7 #218637 |
| | Southern Emu-Wren, Lewins Rail
Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve (Lake Connewarre) |
| Southern Emu-Wrens in lignum and Lewin's Rail flushed from sedgeland on southern shore of Lake Connewarre. Glorious White-bellied Sea-Eagle perched on fence on one of the delta islands. |
| John Newman 12/7 #218636 |
| | Pacific Golden Plover, Double-banded Plover
Great Salt Swamp, Barwon Heads Rd, Connewarre |
| A single Pacific Golden Plover amid 104 Double-banded Plovers and numerous Red-necked Stints and Red-capped Plovers on partially filled ponds. |
| John Newman 12/7 #218635 |
| | Swift Parrots
Muckleford |
| Still approx. 12 swifties in the same area as last week. Feeding up high. |
| Debbie Worland 12/7 #218624 |
| Fri 11 | | Scarlet Honeyeter
Ewing's Morass Wildlife Reserve |
| One Scarlet Honeyeater (possibly two) were heard calling from flowering mistletoe along Old Station Road this morning. |
| Jacquie and Len Axen 12/7 #218629 |
| | Rufous Songlark
Yarrawalla |
| A singing Rufous Songlark has returned to private property along Marfleets road. Although I've seen the occasional wintering bird in the north of the state, I can't recall hearing one singing so early. |
| Simon Starr 12/7 #218618 |
| | Black Kite
Karkarook Park |
| A Black Kite flew over the park at 10:30am. |
| Lewis Hiller 11/7 #218603 |
| Thu 10 | | Jacky Winter
Garfield North |
| 3 birds seen in paddocks near water reservoir, Princes Freeway 500m east of Garfield North Road. |
| Colin Mulvogue 11/7 #218617 |
| | Black-faced Cormorant
Ricketts Point, Beaumaris |
| One bird roosting on rocky islet a 20 metres offshore with about 10 Little Pied and 1 Pied Cormorants. Have now seen all five cormorants at this site in the last three years. |
| Sean Dooley 10/7 #218595 |
| Wed 9 | | Caspian Tern
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park (Hattah Lake) |
|
| An amazing sight to locate 19 Caspian Terns on the almost dry small pond/sand pan behind Lake Hattah on the scenic drive route. I have never seen such large numbers of this species together. |
| Bernie OKeefe 9/7 #218588 |
| | Mallee Emu wren
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park (Konardin Track) |
|
| Following up at report from James Mustafa on July 1 and his subsequent advice, a group of around 8 birds were located on the Konardin Track at 10.50am. The birds were calling loudly exactly 100 metres up the track from the Nowingi Track junction, about 50 metres off the road on the left hand side coming from the junction. As quick as they appeared, they soon disappeared just as quick. |
| Bernie OKeefe 9/7 #218587 |
| | Striated Grasswren
Murray-Sunset National Park |
|
| Thanks to precise instructions from Hedley Earl and Jenny Spry, at least 3 grasswrens were located together 700 metres from the start of the Mt.Crozier Track from the Pink Lakes end. Located and photographed at 8.10 am on the right hand side of the road coming from Pink Lakes, about 100 metres in off the road. Birds were calling loudly. This particular spot appears to be a very reliable location for this species as this is where Hedley and Jenny have seen this species in the past. |
| Bernie OKeefe 9/7 #218585 |
| Tue 8 | | Beach Stone-curlew
Snowy River estuary |
| The Beach Stone-curlew first reported from the Yerrung River inlet (20/6) was observed around noon on Tuesday roosting in exactly the same position as per earlier Mots Beach observations (28/01-23/03). Could it be the same bird? Locating it has been extremely difficult due to extremely high tides that have covered all the sand and mud flats east of the Snowy River entrance. |
| Len and Jacquie Axen 12/7 #218628 |
| | Barn Owl
Queenscliff |
|
| Barn Owl seen near the yacht club and bike path in Queenscliff, initially seen by Susan Russel on the road next to the bike path, Lachlan Manley rang wildlife rescue but the bird was able to fly, it was found by Lachlan Manley and Jennifer Carr later in the evening on a pole by the side of the road and bike path. |
| Susan Russel, Lachlan Manley and Jennifer Carr 10/7 #218599 |
| Mon 7 | | Spotted Harrier
Clyde North |
| Juvenile Spotted Harrier seen flying over open farmland halfway between Clyde and Berwick. Mobbed by ravens and magpies. |
| Andrew Martin 8/7 #218568 |
| | Freckled Duck
McLeods Waterholes, Drysdale. |
| At least 370. 300e flushed from loafing in willows at SW cnr by dog onshore, onto open water. Another 70+ around edges of main lake. In complete survey of Lake Lorne in prev hr: nil Freckled Ducks. Further information |
| Craig Morley, David Tytherleigh 8/7 #218565 |
| Sun 6 | | Pied Butcherbird
Hillview Estate Municipal Reserve, Bacchus Marsh |
|
| Another sighting of possibly the same butcherbird seen on April 21st. In the same location beside the train line on the southern side of Bacchus Marsh. Calling from an exposed perch, early in the morning. |
| Bernie McRitchie, David Whelan 8/7 #218575 |
| | White-bellied Sea-eagle
Laanecoorie Reservoir |
| Two White-bellied Sea-eagles were perching high in trees then soaring over the waterways near Ankers Causeway at Laanecoorie Reservoir. |
| Heather Freemantle 7/7 #218557 |
| | Spotted Harrier
Sorrento Back Beach |
| Hunting along road right at park entrance. |
| Kevin Conlan 6/7 #218535 |
| | Swift Parrot (6)
Woodlands Historic Park (Greenvale) |
| Six Swifties seen feeding high in gums near northern edge of dense woodland section - just to the west of where the two major paths intersect. Stayed in the same area feeding for at least ten or fifteen minutes or so, calling constantly. |
| Rohan Long 6/7 #218531 |
| Sat 5 | | Regent Honeyeater
Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park |
|
| One Regent Honeyeater seen at previous reported location at Teal track junction at approx 3pm and viewed for 25 minutes. We had been on site since 10am. It was imitating red wattlebird calls, also as previously reported. |
| Brett Whitfield and Bob Dawson 7/7 #218546 |
| | Shy Albatross
Mornington Peninsula National Park (Cape Schanck) |
| Seawatching from the end of the boardwalk between 1530 and 1700 this afternoon produced 30 Shy Albatross including adults and immature birds with some attributable to Salvin and Cauta races, 1 unidentified smaller immature Albatross appeared to have a darker (if not all dark) bill and a more extensive collar and hood than the immature Cauta it was flying close by with could have been an Eremita race or even a Buller's Albatross, 1 Black- browed Albatross, 3 shearwaters looked like 2 Hutton's and 1 Fluttering but couldn't be certain, 1 White fronted Tern, 1 unidentified tern looked very much like a non-breeding White-winged Black Tern in plumage and with its noticeable jizz, 1 pr of Sooty Oystercatchers, 5 Black-faced Cormorants, 1 Silver Gull. 1 Brush Bronzewing on road to car park plus 1 Nankeen Kestrel along the cliffs. |
| Richard Hook 5/7 #218526 |
| | White-winged Triller
Carmichaels Road (Yarrawonga) |
| An odd, out of season sighting on a cold winter afternoon. A male in non-breeding plumage with a small flock of Willie Wagtails by the roadside. Further information |
| Michael Ramsey 5/7 #218518 |
| | Little Lorikeet, Noisy Friarbird.
Lake Tyers State Park |
|
| A fine Sunny morning spent in the Burnt Bridge - Cherry Tree area of the park. The forest was alive with birdlife particularly Honeyeaters & Lorikeets which were feeding on the eucalypt blossom. There were many flocks of Little Lorikeet prevalent. We were surprised to encounter a flock of 50+ Noisy Friarbirds competing with the local Red Wattlebird & Bell Miner population at Burnt Bridge Picnic Area. |
| Keith & Judy Humphreys 5/7 #218513 |
| Fri 4 | | Caspian Tern
Hattah Nature Drive, Hattah-Kulkyne NP |
|
| A flock of 31 seen at 1120 hours roosting on a small salt pan between Lake Hattah and Lake Bulla. |
| Charles, Emma, Reuben and Joseph Silveira 13/7 #218641 |
| | Swift Parrot
Muckleford |
|
| Approx 12 swifties this morning feeding up high in River Red Gums. |
| Deb Worland 4/7 #218489 |
| Thu 3 | | Eastern Osprey
Estuary waters behind Betka Beach. Mallacoota. Croajingolong NP. |
|
| Seen yesterday morning coming in from the ocean mouth towards the waters of the main estuary lagoon. Co-incidentally, I hadn't realised I had sighted the same bird 2 day's previously because the image was too small too decipher.
Local birding people say there is only one in the vicinity, to their knowledge and it is most unusual for their region apparently.
|
| Jenny Stephens 4/7 #218503 |
| | Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
Eltham North |
| Nice flock of ~50 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos in flight and then perched in Eucalypts along Diamond Creek around midday. |
| Rohan Clarke 4/7 #218491 |
| | Spotted Quail-thrush
Lake Tyers Forest Park - Morass Break Track |
|
| An unusually large number of these birds seen today foraging along the forest tracks. Along the Morass Break Track which is around 3km long we saw 4 birds. We saw another 3 birds in the same small area along various tracks branching off the Lake Tyers House Road.
There's been a lot of rain down here, we were wondering if that may have contributed to the birds foraging along the tracks?
Managed to obtain a reasonable image amongst dense vegetation. Not seen by us for 5 years previous to today. |
| Keith & Judy Humphreys 4/7 #218486 |
| | Double-banded Plover, Banded Stilt
Lake Tutchewop |
|
| 10+ Double-banded Plovers and more than 100 Banded Stilts (with Red-necked Avocets) near the creek at the south side of Lake Tutchewop. |
| Malcolm Cousland 3/7 #218481 |
| | Freckled Duck
Begola Wetlands, Ocean Grove |
| Upwards of 100 Freckled Duck on Wetland this evening. Count assisted by the appearance of one Swamp Harrier. |
| Denis Sleep 3/7 #218480 |
| | Regent Honeyeater
Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park |
| The Regent Honeyeater / Red wattle bird convert still very actively feeding at reported site at 8am this morning. |
| John Weigel 3/7 #218473 |
| Wed 2 | | Singing Honeyeater
475 Shanley Street, Wangaratta |
| Singing Honeyeater attacked by 5 or 6 resident Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters. Aggressively driven so it flew into plate glass sliding door, knocked out, fell to ground, and then killed by the Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters. We have seen similar behaviour by the Yellow-tufted Honeyeater residents against cuckoos in the past. |
| Helen Van Riet 24/7 #218828 |
| | Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
Beside old quarry near Bailieston |
| At least two birds feeding together with Red Wattlebirds |
| Laurie Macmillan, Peter Mitchell, David Wakefield 3/7 #218472 |
| | Freckled Duck
Lakelands, Lara |
| Five Freckled Ducks seen at the western end of the main lake.
I also saw thirteen Spoonbills (six Yellow-billed and 7 Royal). |
| Carolyn Edwards 3/7 #218471 |
| | Malleefowl
Murray Sunset National Park |
|
| Total of six Malleefowl seen in vicinity of Honeymoon Hut Track, beginning with two tree-roosting individuals at first light (!), and including two birds heard, then seen in vicinity of active mound (crater). Also most of the Mallee specialties were seen over six-hour walk, but alas, not the targeted Red-lored Whistler. Also today, Striated Grasswrens at Pink Lakes as per Jenny Spry's recent posting, but a bit further up the Mt Crozier Track, and about 300m to the west of the track. Bad photo attached. |
| John Weigel 2/7 #218469 |
| | Yellow tailed Black Cocatoo
Castlemaine Botanic Gardens |
| 60+ Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos flying over the Castlemaine Botanic gardens playground to Pine trees over the creek today 1.30pm. Haven't seen any there this year and never in these numbers.
Also 2 Hardhead ducks in the lake at the gardens. |
| Greg McKay 2/7 #218465 |
| Tue 1 | | Olive Whistler, Satine Bowerbird
Tarra-Bulga NP |
| 1:45-4pm single Olive Whistler and Bassian Thrushes at the visitor centre along with a winter flock of 15 Satin Bowerbirds (predominantly) green birds. Along trails least 5 Superb Lyrebirds, 1 Whipbird and 1 Pilotbird. |
| Richard Hook 8/7 #218572 |
| | Regent Honeyeater
Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park (Ryans Road) |
|
| One bird seen on both the 1st and 3rd of July at the reported spot. It was great to see this bird during our lunch break :-) A new bird for Dave.
|
| John Harris - Wildlife Experiences and David Coleman 6/7 #218534 |
| | Brown Songlark (6), Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo (2), Orange Chat (4), Spotted Harrier
Neds Corner Station |
|
| Spent the morning birding at Neds Corner Station and found some interesting sightings including 6 (most likely many more) Brown Songlark, 2 Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo, 1 Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Additionally, 4 Orange Chat, 1 Spotted Harrier, 1 Neophema sp., 3 Stubble Quail, 12 Chestnut-crowned Babbler and variety of other North West Vic species. Further information |
| James Mustafa, Scott Baker 1/7 #218461 |
| | Mallee Emu-wren (10+ birds)
Hattah-Kulkyne National Park |
|
| Originally spotted 2 Mallee Emu-wren birds (M & F) along Nowingi Track which were extremely obliging with photography. We then stumbled across a massive party of 8+ (most likely more) birds along the Konardin Track that seemed to be everywhere calling very loudly. Excellent to see such awesome numbers of such rare and special bird species. Further information |
| James Mustafa, Scott Baker 1/7 #218459 |
| | Regent Honeyeater
Chiltern-Mount Pilot National Park (Ryans Road) |
|
| Previously reported unbanded bird found near Teal Track junction without any difficulty. In loose association with, and frequently mimicking Red Wattlebirds. Also of interest was a female type Rose Robin, seen at close range near Greenhill Dam Further information |
| Tim Nickholds 1/7 #218453 |
| | Australian Raven
Werribee Gorge State Park |
|
| Watched and heard an Australian Raven for c. 20 minutes this morning. I took several recordings of it calling and could compare it to the Little Ravens that were also present. At one stage it sat near a Wedge-tailed Eagle. Some poor photos were taken also. Further information |
| Bernie McRitchie 1/7 #218450 |