Birdline Victoria

Overview

Birdline Victoria is a site for the reporting of rare or unusual birds outside their normal range, unusually high or low numbers, early or late arrivals or departures for migrant species and interesting behaviour or unusual habitat usage.

Birdline Victoria is sponsored by Birds Australia - Victoria, co-ordinated and hosted by Eremaea Birds and moderated by Chris Tzaros, Margaret Alcorn, Simon Starr and Tim Dolby. Register for weekly summary emails, species notifications and the ability to enter full lists.

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Recent Sightings

      

Reports published in the past 30 hours.

February 2010

Mon 8 Baillon's Crake Mt St Joseph Pond, Altona
A single Baillon's Crake showing consistently for half an hour from approx 9am this morning. It was working the reeds along the edge at about 1 o'clock to the south platform. Spotted Crake also showing. Everything but the Baillon's very nervous after a fox raced into the centre of the pond after the young teal.
Joy Tansey 8/2 #12440
Sun 7 White-bellied Sea-Eagle Jamesion River - Otway Ranges
Juvenile sea eagle seen gliding up the beach before roosting in a tree at the end of the point.
Aaron Ledden 8/2 #12442
Freckled Duck, Marsh Sandpiper, White-winged Black & Whiskered Tern, Glossy Ibis, Red-capped Plover Lake Mokoan
Freckled Duck: 1, roosting on log in middle of the lake. Marsh Sandpiper: 2, probably the same birds observed here over the last few weeks. White-winged Black Tern: 1, found with the hundreds of Whiskered Terns. Glossy Ibis: 4 birds on the southern side. Whiskered Tern: 400+, very common, breeding confirmed, now the water level of the lake has dropped could walk out further and see a large breeding colony with many near fledged young being fed by busy parents. Red-capped Plover: 15, around the expansive mud on the northern side. Also an odd sighting was a free flying Greylag Goose that was roosting and flying around with Black Swans near the spit. It seemed quite happy with the other waterfowl. Full list
Michael Ramsey 8/2 #12441
Gould's Petrel + other seabirds Off Portland
The Birds Australia Vic Group pelagic that got out off Portland had 3-4 Gould's Petrels around the vessel at the first berley point beyond the shelf. Also seen on the day were Wandering Albatross, Pomarine and Arctic Jaeger, Wilson's, Grey-backed and White-faced Storm-Petrels and White-chinned Petrel. Further information
Rohan Clarke et al. 8/2 #12439
Little Eagle Royal Park, Melbourne
A single bird seen soaring high up over the grassland behind the Childrens' Hospital. Also a Grey Butcherbird calling in the trees nearby.
J and A. Flack 8/2 #12434
Painted Honeyeater Cosgrove Reservoir, Creswick.
A single Painted Honeyeater was seen at Congrove Reservoir near Creswick (just nth of the Creswick Koala Park), in conjuction with large numbers of Dusky Woodswallow and Tree Martin.
Tim Dolby 7/2 #12433
Long-billed Corella (Cacatua tenuirostris) Karkarook Park, Moorabbin
more than 40 Long-billed Corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris) grazing at sunset in front of the park information center Further information
Frank Arnold 7/2 #12432
Latham's Snipe and Spotless Crake Seaford Swamp
Went to check out Sean Dooley's sighting of a Spotted Harrier. Parked at the end of McKenzie St and walked the short distance to the excellent viewing platform. Could see on the far shore crakes but ID was difficult. When panning to the right side spotted a Latham's Snipe and in trying to get closer to the lake side, when it flew away, got an excellent view of a Spotless Crake which was fairly close.
Patrick Scully and Deb P 7/2 #12429
Lewin's Rail Mt St Joseph pond, Altona
Lewin's Rail seen briefly by myself and another birder opposite the south platform, and also 20m to the left of there around 7.30 Saturday morning. A couple of even briefer sightings at similar times and locations Sunday morning by myself and Andrew McCutcheon, and also wading among the reeds nw of the platform. These birds all seemed even more skittery than normal. Water level is about 1.05m, and it needs to lose a couple more cm to start getting the longer sightings I was getting a week ago again.
Peter Shute 7/2 #12423
Sat 6 rufous night-heron (2 adults), buff-banded rail (2) Banyule Flat
No sign of spotless crake today, water level has risen
Richard Loyn 7/2 #12415
Ruddy Turnstone, Hooded Plover Lake Tyers, East Gippsland
A single Ruddy Turnstone was foraging on the ocean beach close to a pair of Hooded Plover at 10 am. The Turnstone appeared to be immature.
Ken Sherring 7/2 #12413
Black Honeyeater Serendip Sanctuary, Lara
1 male - Just past North Arm causeway, in fenced-off area. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 6/2 #12410
Spotless Crake, Buff-banded Rail Banyle Flats
A couple of Buff-banded Rail and a single Spotless Crake were located at the small pond (to the north-east of the large lake). Also a couple of Brown Goshawk roosting in a nearby tree.
Greg Oakley 6/2 #12406
Scarlet Honeyeater, Pallid Cuckoo, Varied Sittella Black Flat, Warrandyte SP
Stumbled onto a great little "hotspot" in the outer suburbs today - Fantastic bird activity with mixed feeding flocks of Spotted and Striated Pardalote, Varied Sittella, Weebill, Rufous and Golden Whistler, a solitary Pallid Cuckoo, Horsfield's Bronze and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Olive-backed Oriole, White-winged Triller, Dusky Woodswallow and a couple of Scarlet Honeyeater. Park at the end of Nelson Road and walk about 500m (just past the second gate).
Greg Oakley 6/2 #12405
Fri 5 Lewin's Rail Mt St Joseph Pond, Altona
One adult Lewin's Rail seen walking along the bank NW of the south platform about 8am. The recent rain has added 10cm or so to the pond, so most of the mud exposed yesterday is covered now. There's still a little opposite the south platform, and to the left of there, so if today's rain doesn't cover them too, they are the most likely spots for sightings now. The bank there has a lot of leafy plants at the edge, so the birds can move along in and out of cover. It can make them easy to miss, so constant scanning is necessary.
Peter Shute 5/2 #12394
Thu 4 White-breasted Woodswallow Private property, Emu Creek, Bulla
Two birds, loosely associated with Dusky Woodswallows.
Lawrie Conole 8/2 #12438
Powerful Owl Woori Yallock Creek
one juv. and adult seen on the Woori Yallock Creek near Ewens Rd, Silvan
Matt Vinicombe 4/2 #12383
Wed 3 Wood Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
A Wood and Pectoral Sandpiper in Pond 4 at the T Section lagoons. Red Knot also at T Sec. lagoons. 3 Golden Plovers at Kirk Point. 4 White-bellied Sea-eagles, 1 adult, 1 sub-adult and 2 imm. Also, at Beach Rd 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles and 2 Peregrine Falcons.
Maarten Hulzebosch 4/2 #12388
Scaly-breasted Lorikeet, Gang-gang Cockatoo Wattle Park, Surrey Hills
A few Scaly-breasted Lorikeet in amongst hundreds of Musk and Rainbow Lorikeet feasting on flowering eucalypts in Wattle Park this morning. Also a pair of Gang-gang Cockatoo and a few Long-billed Corella.
Greg Oakley 3/2 #12373
Little Tern, White-bellied Sea-Eagle Lake Tyers beach
Parents of a Little Tern fledgling driving off an adult WBSE flying over Tern Island (size does not matter). All Little Terns bar this pair have departed Lake Tyers now, successfully rasing 27 fledglings for the season.
Faye Bedford 3/2 #12372
Lewin's Rail, Australian Spotted Crake, Spotless Crake Mt St Joseph Pond, Altona
Two Lewin's Rails seen briefly deep in the reeds north east of the south platform, probably a juvenile and then an adult, around 6pm on Tuesday night with Bill Ramsay. An adult seen on the mud 20m to the right of the south platform this morning about 8am with Peter Crabtree. The west end of the pond is now dry up to the south platform, and the far east end is dry. The birds have mostly been seen directly opposite that platform till now, then heading to the west end, but with the lower water level attention should perhaps be directed to any areas of mud where the water is within a metre of the reeds. There is still a puddle at the very overgrown north platform, so the birds might still be seen there and going to and from the main pond. Spotless Crakes are out most of the time, and Spotted Crakes are becoming easier to see now too.
Peter Shute 3/2 #12371
Mon 1 Spotted Harrier Werribee Zoo, Werribee
Spotted Harrier seen at the northern end of the zoo. This is the first record for Spotted Harrier for the zoo. Last number of days 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles have also been present.
Maarten Hulzebosch 4/2 #12389
Little Corella Strathmore
The "Northern Suburbs Corellas" flock as recently reported by Con Baltas and myself is apparently broadening. Morning noisy flyovers over Strathmore are now starting closer to 6.00 am than 7.00, and not ending until well after dark. On the night of Fri Jan 29 there was a huge mob flying over and calling and waking us up well after 11.00 pm. For those who want to see these birds, I'd suggest Woodlands Park @ North Essendon in the early/late hours, or the sites suggested by Con in his recent postings. Personally, I'm just about over them, because my caged cockatiel (inherited from my now deceased parents) responds to them regardless of how early in the morning or late at night it is!
Trevor Manley 1/2 #12361

January 2010

Sun 31 Spotted Harrier Seaford Swamp
In an otherwise disappointing survey (part of the swamp best for birds had completely dried up since December) Spotted Harrier seen at first on the ground in a paddock with some prey and then later in flight. By amount of feathers missing in wing and overall plumage, was thought to be a first year immature that was still moulting from juvenile plumage.
Sean Dooley, Andrew Silcocks 2/2 #12365
Brush Bronzewing Campbells Rd, Old Distillery Dam, Kamarooka Forest
These birds are extremely flighty so it is better to walk in to the dams from Campbells Rd if you want to get a photo. Observed in the shade of a tree on one of the dam banks. Day was about 35c time about 2.00pm. Campbells Rd crosses the Bendigo Tennyson Rd. Leaving Huntly it is about 1/2 way along that road to the Bendigo Raywood Rd.
Greg McKay 1/2 #12364
Painted Button-quail, Mallee Ringnecks Terrick Terrick picnic ground near Mitiamo
In an hours birding (it was too hot to do any more 35C at midday) we were lucky enough to see 2 Mallee Ringnecks, 1 Painted Button-quail, 3 Southern Whitefaces, a flock of about 10 Varied Sittellas and at least 10 Rainbow Bee-eaters. Also had a good sighting of a Wedge-tailed Eagle sitting on a telphone pole just out of Mitiamo.
Greg McKay 1/2 #12363
Tawny Frogmouth Bangholme , Greenpatch Drive
A pair of Tawny Frogmouths sitting in the tree at approx 5:00 pm, motionless, trying to imitate a trunk. Further information
Frank Arnold 1/2 #12352
Freckled Duck Western Treatment Plant
Adult male caught in flight 85WB Lagoon. I found this among photos I took of ducks after I got home! Shoot first ask questions later?
Kevin Bartram 31/1 #12351
Little Corella Bellevue and Munro Streets - Coburg West.
Upon visiting my in laws today guess who also dropped in for a visit, The Gilpin Park Corellas! Just as Trevor Manley has previously reported, I was awoken at 6.00pm this afternoon (from my siesta) by a noisy flock of about 50 Little Corella's. Stepping outside in the most welcomed rain, and walking along the street, I saw the birds feeding in Eucalypts and in small Conifers across the street. Birds were perched on roof tops eating on small cones and were flying around the area up until 7.00pm this evening. Sorry, but I had no camera with me!
Con Baltas 31/1 #12350
Little Curlew Western Treatment Plant
2 Little Curlews on western side of Austin Lagoon. Bit of a puzzle when I first saw the first bird with shelducks, head was tucked in, looked very strange & buffy & I couldn't work out what would have a pale central crown stripe, but when it stuck it's bill out it was short & slightly downcurved, I knew it was a Little Curlew. Later saw another bird with it. Unfortunately too closely associated with a flock of nervous shelducks, so flew away when I tried to get photos, but got identifiable shots of perched birds & better ones in flight. Had a Wood Sandpiper in south-west corner of Austin Rd. Nice views of 2 Spotless Crake on north side of Little River Ford. Too dull for good photos.
Kevin Bartram 31/1 #12349
Powerful Owl Shepherds Bush
Single bird seen on path between Shepherds Bush and golf course, in early evening. Full list
Bruce Wedderburn 31/1 #12346
Fairy Martin Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
1 seen flying with a group of Welcome Swallows. IDed by light head, square tail and white rump. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 31/1 #12333
Speckeld Warbler Warby ranges near Glenrowan
Adult sighted in same place as dead juvenile found January 18 - in our backyard near bird bath. Now feel sure of original sighting.
Jan Osmotherly 31/1 #12329
Sat 30 Spotless Crake Banyule Flat
One feeding in open at grotty pond in full sunlight late morning.
Richard Loyn 7/2 #12414
Sooty Owl, Black-faced Monarch, Pilotbird, Satin Bowerbird, Scarlet Honeyeater, etc Cabbage Tree Palms reserve, near Marlo.
Sooty Owl heard and then seen after dark, 3 or 4 BFMonarchs calling and seen, 2 Pilotbirds heard, 1 seen next to creek, lots of Scarlet and Crescent Honeyeaters. 3 Satin Bowerbirds close to a bower, S.Lyrebird, Rose Robin, Rufous Fantail, Brown Gerygone, Azure Kingfisher, Olive-backed Oriole, etc !. Also many Grey-headed Flying Fox and Yellow-bellied Glider.
Simon Starr 1/2 #12354
Southern Emu-wren, Turquoise Parrot, Powerful Owl, White-throated Nightjar, Wonga Pigeon, seabirds Cape Conran
Camped a week at Cape Conran coastal park. Seabirds from the cape included numbers of Fluttering Shearwater, and 3 seperate Jaegers, 2 Arctics and a probable Pomarine. Wonga Pigeon strolling in the campground, Powerful Owl encountered whilst spotlighting along the Old Coast Road. Pair of Turquoise Parrots also along Old Coast Road. Scarlet Honeyeaters, Large-billed Scrubwren and Rufous Fantail in coastal woodland, White throated Nightjars seen along Old Coast road and also on Cabbage tree Conran road. Also Black-faced Cormorant, Sooty Oystercatcher, Azure Kingfisher.
Simon Starr 1/2 #12353
Blue-billed Duck Hamilton Sewerage Farm
About 6 birds seen on ponds, at least one male bird looking fantastic with sky-blue bill. Also lots of Aust' Shovelers, Pinks-ears and Aust' Shelduck. see Full list
Samantha Greiner 30/1 #12324
Scarlet Honeyeater and Little Eagle Bend of Islands
Male Scarlet Honeyeater seen 30/1, female seen 28/1. Same location as reported by others on 9/12/09. Little Eagle observed, flying high, on 28/1/10. Bend of Islands is 33km ne of Melbourne.
Frank Pierce 30/1 #12322
Lewin's Rail, Spotless Crake, Australian Spotted Crake Mt St Joseph pond, Altona
Between 7 and 7.30 this morning I had several views of Lewin's Rails opposite the south platform. First a brief view of one adult, later a much longer view of an adult which was then joined briefly by another. A little while after, a juvenile, which I managed to photograph in flight as it departed to the left. Then Paul and Ruth arrived, and after about 40 minutes a bird appeared in the reeds opposite then flew to just below the platform. Spotted Crakes were in view most of the time, and at least two Spotless Crakes appeared from time to time. An escaped canary was an odd sight sitting in the reeds.
Peter Shute, Paul Dodd, Ruth Woodrow 30/1 #12317
Fri 29 Brolga 5 km SW of Stockyard Hill
Flock of 9 birds flying east, observed from Eurambeen-Streatham Rd.
Geoff Park 29/1 #12313
Thu 28 Common Koel Metung, East Gippsland
One male heard 3 times on two evenings/nights in Metung township. Called loudly over about 2-3 minute period and gave both unusual "woor woor" followed by classis "cooeee" call.
Jamie Matthew 2/2 #12366
Baillon's Crake Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
While searching (unsuccessfully) for reported Ruff, we looked down momentarily from our scopes to see the crake casually strolling by. Also 3-4 Wood Sandpiper.
Mark Bennett and David Richardson 28/1 #12311
Black-winged Stilts Bosses Swamp - Princess Hwy Nicholson (East Gippsland)
Very distinctive flock of 25 BWS feeding and preening in shallows of Bosses.
Faye Bedford 28/1 #12305
Wed 27 Musk Lorikeet Dendy Park, Brighton
Hundreds of Musk Lorikeets congregating in the trees all over the park at sunset
Frank Arnold 28/1 #12306
Crested Shrike-tit Bushfield, north of Warrnambool
Displaying crest while searching beneath bark of dead eucalypt.
Lisette Mill 27/1 #12294
Nankeen Night-Heron Shiel Place, North Melbourne VIC 3051
Juvenile seen perching 7:30-8pm in fruit tree in small back yard off the laneway. Melways ref 2A F6. Site is approx. 1.35 km (in direct line) from the Zoo in Royal Park, where it is understood there is a small colony of these birds (aka Rufous Night Heron). Heron flew off after being hassled by Common Mynas.
Kaye Oddie 27/1 #12293
Cockatiel Croajingolong
2 Cockatiels were seen flying over bushland along Mallacoota Rd near Double Creek. This may be a first record for Croajingolong and east Gippsland.
Tim Dolby 27/1 #12291
Nankeen Night-Heron Mt St Joseph Pond, Altona
There has been a juvenile Nankeen Night-Heron in the pond for at least the last few days. I've only ever seen Night-Herons roosting before, I assume because they feed at night, but this one has been moving around in the pond in the daytime, so I thought it was a bittern at first. But, apart from having a dark crown, it isn't as timid, and takes its time slinking away. This morning I saw it momentarily, deep in the reeds as it passed a gap. If I hadn't seen it before, I might still be wondering if I'd seen a bittern.
Peter Shute 27/1 #12284
Tue 26 Banded Lapwing Paddock near Terrick Terrick. OnKow Swamp Mitiamo Rd. East side. 1 Km nth Jungaburra Rd intersection
40 plus Banded Lapwing in paddock. In afternoon many sitting in the shade of the timber fence posts, very visable from the road.
Barbara Burns 29/1 #12312
Superb Parrot, Grey-crowned Babbler Barmah Forest (Barmah Lakes)
Superb Parrot: 2 - 1 at end of Trickey's Lane (at management vehicles gate), 1 on Lyles Road (off Trickey's Lane). Grey-crowned Babbler: 5-6 on Lyles Road (off Trickey's Lane). Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 27/1 #12300
Grey Plover Nelson Estuary
One Grey Plover observed on the sand bar below the Estuary Lookout carpark.
Chris Connelly 27/1 #12285
Wedge-tailed Eagle Balnarring race course
Two wedgetailed eagles soaring over Australia Day picnic races at Balnarring. Very appropriate for the day!
S. King 27/1 #12283
Black Honeyeater, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, White-throated Needletail Bailieston
Counted 4 male (some moulting from immature into adult male plumage), & 3 brown birds at Bailieston Quarry. Also had light morph WBCS fly over. c20 White-throated Needletails flew north just west of Quarry.
Kevin Bartram 26/1 #12281
Common Myna Uniting Church grounds Hamilton (opposite KFC & McDonalds!)
I have heard and hope this was not true but bird has been sighted today, very unaustralian! Removal of this individual will be looked into, its bad enough having sparrows & starlings taking all the small bird space in town with out these bullies moving in!
Samantha Greiner per Marlene Greiner 26/1 #12277
Lewin's Rail, Spotless Crake, Australian Spotted Crake Mt St Joseph pond, Altona
Between 7.00 and 9.00 this morning I had short views of what I think were three individual Lewin's Rails, and heard what may have been a fourth. After an hour's wait at the south platform, during which time I had several views of at least two Spotted Crakes and a Spotless Crake, an adult and a juvenile Lewin's suddenly tumbled out of the reeds opposite, ran in and out then disappeared. It appeared that the juvenile was chasing the adult. A short while later, the juvenile appeared for long enough to get a photo, and then the adult, which may have been a female, as it had a fairly pale red head. A little while later, I heard another from the east end, but can't be certain it wasn't one of those same two birds. 15 minutes later at the north platform, I had a brief view of another adult. This one's head looked darker red to me, so may have been a male. I've attached photos of each. A Latham's Snipe was flushed by Swamphens, and circled then landed at the east end. A Nankeen Night-Heron was seen wading down that end on Sunday morning.
Peter Shute 26/1 #12275
White-throated Gerygone Langwarrin
White-throated Gerygone heard calling then spotted foraging among Eucalypts for insects, some of the Eucs flowering. A new record for my list in this area.
Ash Herrod 26/1 #12273
Mon 25 White-throated Needletail, Spotted Quail-thrush Bright district
White-throated Needletail: 20+ circling over Clearview (lookout overlooking Bright) at dusk. Spotted Quail-thrush: 5 on Demon Ridge Track between 7:00am and 9:00am. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 27/1 #12299
Buff-banded Rail, Rufous Fantail Jumping Creek
One buff-banded rail seen along the creek near Brysons rd as well as a few Rufous fantails
Matthew Vinicombe 26/1 #12274
Little Corella, Long Billed Corella & Sulphur Crested Cockatoo Pascoe Vale (my home), Sherwood Receptions & Long Forest nature Reserve
Trevor Manley's Little Corella's are congregating with Long Billed Corella's and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos, (see photo) and are forming huge noisy flocks of many hundreds of birds, making for a spectacular sight. I have been able to track them down at two horse ranches, one at Sherwood Receptions on Somerton road (opposite the Woodlands Historic Park), and over at Long Forest nature reserve, on long forest road. At these two locations the birds come in to feed on spilt grain & to drink at the water holding horse troughs, late in the afternoon. From here, the Little Corella's disperse off into smaller groups and can often be seen flying over Melton, Strathmore and Pascoevale (see photo), as reported by Trevor. I don't know if the Brunswick birds are part of this same group?
Con Baltas 25/1 #12269
Song Thrush Lavers Hill
A single Song Thrush on manicured lawns on edge of town. Seems to be a little out of range?
Graeme Brown 25/1 #12257
Sun 24 Budgie, Masked W/swallow, Diamond F/tail, Painted & Lt Button-Quail, Stubble Quail & Plains Wanderer Terrick Terrick National Park
The Field Naturalists Club of Victoria did a fauna survey at Terrick Terrick NP over the Australia Day long weekend. Highlights among the birds were 100's of White-browed Woodswallows with a number of Masked Woodswallows. Separate flocks of Budgies, numbering up to 20, Diamond Firetails and Painted Button-Quail all seen throughout the forested areas of the Park. While Plains Wanderers ( male and female) seen in separate paddocks and Little Button-Quail recorded in separate paddocks including a male with four young.
John Harris and members of FNCV Fauna Survey Group 31/1 #12332
Turquoise Parrot, Speckled Warbler, Western Gerygone, Leaden Flycatcher, Black-eared Cuckoo, White-t Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park (Chiltern)
Turquoise Parrot: 4 - Bartley's Block. Speckled Warbler: Bartley's Block. Western Gerygone: Bartley's Block. Leaden Flycatcher: Skeleton Hill Road. Black-eared Cuckoo: Heard - Bartley's Block. White-throated Gerygone: Bartley's Block. White-browed Babbler: Cyanide Dam (Honeyeater Picnic Ground). Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 27/1 #12298
Firetails, Turquoise Parrots and WTNTs Cape Conran area
A weekend trip to Cape Conran, Cabbagetree Palms Res and Yeerung River area gave a total bird count of over 100 species including a flock of 12+ Turquoise Parrots on Conran-Cabbagetree Rd, Beautiful Firetails at Yeerung River bridge and 800 to 1000 WTNTs and a Spotted Quail-thrush near Cabbage tree Palms Res, Scarlet Honeyeaters everywhere and a dark phase White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike near Bruthen.
Jenny Spry, Helen O'Donnel, Barb Williams and Joy Tansey 26/1 #12276
Eastern Curlew Shallow Inlet (east of Wilsons Promontory)
Fished for 5 hours at Shallow Inlet and saw dozens of eastern curlews flying off as the tide rose. On the sand flats, hundreds of small waders at low tide. Didn't have the binoculars so couldn't ID them, suspect red capped plovers. Flocks of yellow tailed black cockatoos in the coastal banksias.
James Dredge 25/1 #12267
Little Corella Strathmore
There has been a substantial flock (30-50 birds total , but often travelling in multiple smaller groups of 4-10) flying over Strathmore morning and evening for the last two weeks or so. Heading pretty much due north in the mornings (and acting as an unwanted alarm clock), then south in the evenings. I doubt this is the same group reported as resident from Gilpin Park, Brunswick, last week, as the travel directions don't fit. My surmise from their flying directions is that these birds might roost at Woodlands Park, North Essendon ( which is home to a big flock of Sulphur-Crested cockies also), and spend their days either on Moonee Ponds Creek or Northern Golf Course - maybe Con Baltas might have some obs on the latter conjecture?
Trevor Manley 25/1 #12266
Cockatiel, Brown Quail Beach Rd, east of Avalon Airport
Thanks to Alan and Hazel for pointing the 6 Cockatiels out to me. Thought I'd throw in my photo. Also flushed 3 Brown Quails at Beach Rd gate in evening.
Kevin Bartram 25/1 #12265
Scarlet Honeyeater Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve
Last month heard a single Scarlet HE only. Today saw and heard approx. 8 birds spread throughout the reserve. Very active and loud calling. Elsewhere watched a single eucalypt tree over a 10-15min period and counted 13 different bird species passing over it. I think that qualifies as a Hot Spot/Tree. Full list
Jackson Airey 25/1 #12263
Cockatiels Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
A group of 6 Cockatiels were seen in flowering gums on Beach Road just past the apiary site opposite the Banded Lapwing paddock ( which we were able to show to Kevin Bartram who also photographed them). Possibly a family group, preening each other and dropping into the adjacent paddock to feed. A highlight of another good day at the plant.
Alan and Hazel Veevers 24/1 #12254
Ruff (1)and Wood Sandpiper(9) Lake Wendouree, Ballarat
Superb views of an amazing 9 wood sands in south east corner of the lake and a very obvious Ruff with Sharp-tailed sands. Both new species for Lake Wendouree where conditions are great for waders at present but drying out rapidly. You will need to wade out to see Ruff which today was about 100m from central south side. Water is not above gumboot level.
Murray grant,Roger Thomas,Ian and Amanda Ashton. 24/1 #12253
Pink Robin Forest Road, Bunyip State Park
2 Females, one juvenile
Wendy McWilliams 24/1 #12251
White-bellied Sea-Eagle Tarnook, near Benalla
Second year/sub adult Sea Eagle on a large dam along Basin Road. Many unsuccessful swoops mostly on Shelduck and domestic Geese escapees. When it did land it was seriously harassed by Willie Wagtails.
Bill Morecraft 24/1 #12249
Zebra Finch Nagambie
A flock of about 25 Zebra Finches with quite a few Juveniles and mixed in with them 4 or 5 European Goldfinches. The birds were located at the intersectioon of Ballantynes and MacDonalds road. Going out from Nagambie on the left hand side there is a Shearing shed, dam and some hay stacked right at the crossroads and this is where the birds were located. the flock was observed here on 2 occasions 2 hrs apart.
Greg mckay 24/1 #12245
Song Thrush, Latham's Snipe, Australian Spotted Crake Tirhatuan Wetlands Conservation Reserve
Song Thrush: Two birds, possibly three seen in fruiting bushes. Latham's Snipe: Two birds seen in recently exposed mud. Australian Spotted Crake: Single bird close to path, also in recently exposed mud. Also had a Peregrine Falcon flying overhead. Full list
Bruce Wedderburn 24/1 #12244
Wedge-tailed Eagle Laverton Native Grassland, cnr Princes Hwy & Kororoit Creek Rd.
A pair of Wedge-tailed Eagle seen at first light perched on fence along edge of grasslands, whilst en route to WTP.
Steve Davidson & Andrew Hurnard 24/1 #12242
Weebill, Scarlet Honeyeater The 100 Acres Reserve, Park Orchards
Weebill: 2 seen calling from a Red Box. Scarlet Honeyeater: 3, including a female feeding a juvenile. Full list
Richard & Margaret Alcorn 24/1 #12241
Sat 23 Red-kneed Dotterel, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Morley Swamp, Gippsland Lakes
A flock of approximately 50 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and 6 Red-kneed Dotterels were feeding in Morley Swamp located between Lake Wellington and Lake Victoria. This is the first time I have seen Red-kneed Dotterel in the area after frequent visits over a period of well over 10 years.
Andrew McCutcheon 28/1 #12308
Red-browed Treecreeper, Satin Flycatcher Mount Samaria State Park
Red-browed Treecreeper: Two heard, one seen. Satin Flycatcher: Female. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 27/1 #12296
Wood Sandpiper Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Single bird on lagoon near Beach road gate.
Scott Baker, Peter Lansley 24/1 #12240
Blue-billed Duck, Clamorous Reed-Warbler, Little Grassbird and Common Bronzewing. Karkarook Metro Park (Kingston)
Displaying Blue Billed Ducks are a joy to watch. Superb Fairy-wrens actively feeding around the Lakes. Flushed 1 Latham`s Snipe from the reeds, along with an unidentified Crake. The now common, calling Little Grass Birds, can be heard around the various small lakes. Common Bronzewing Pigeon feeding out in the open, along with large feeding groups of Rainbow Lorikeet and Long Billed Corella. Little Pied Cormorant drying its wings, in the evening sun.
Con Baltas 23/1 #12235
Southern Emu-wren, Olive Whistler, Blue-winged Parrot Buttongrass Trail, Bunyip State Park
Male & female Emu-Wrens observed in usual spot approx 2/3 around loop walk. Olive Whistler seen approx 1/3 around & 3 x BW Parrot seen near intersection of Link & Camp Roads. Also saw 2 x rehabilitated/reintroduced koalas we think may have been rescued from burnt areas last year (orange ear tags).
Claire, Ziggy & Eva Wolinski, Barbara & Philip Richardson 23/1 #12233
Painted Honeyeater Killawarra Forest
Single bird seen along Matamia Road
Bill Morecraft 23/1 #12231
Sacred Kingfisher Kororoit Creek, More Park, Ardeer
Single bird observed in streamside vegetation near childrens playground (Melways 25 K10)
Mel Mitchell 23/1 #12230
Australian Pelican Western Freeway, Melton.
Driving from Taylors Lakes to Bacchus Marsh,at 12:26hrs I observed a lone Australian Pelican flying low above the western side on - ramp on Coburns Road at the Western Freeway at Melton. Heading south towards the Exford Weir where they have been recorded previously.
David Whelan 23/1 #12225
Brolga, Magpie Goose Reedy Lake, Bellarine Peninsula
Two adults & an imm in paddock just north of the lake. (3 birds seen & photographed & reported at same location 25/12/09). 15+ Magpie Geese at the lake edge.
Glen White 23/1 #12224
Fri 22 Brown Falcon, Little Eagle, Australian Hobby, White Browed & Dusky Woodswallows White Winged Triller Woodlands Historic Park (Providence road side)
Excellent birding is currently being offered at the Woodlands Historic Park, (North West of Melbourne). The best birding at the moment appears to be on either side of Providence road, with 4 resident Brown Falcon patrolling the open grasslands, a calling Little Eagle circling above the Aboriginal cemetery and a whole host of smaller woodland birds feeding young, including White Winged Triller, Brown-headed Honeyeater and family groups of Woodswallows. Crested Shrike-Tit, Crimson Rosella, Red-browed Firetails and calling Shinning Bronze-Cuckoo, also present.
Con Baltas 23/1 #12234
Broad-billed Sandpiper Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Single Broad-billed Sandpiper on mudflat east of 145W drain outlet (which we were able to show to Will Steele, Richard Loyn, Danny Rogers and 2 other people). In 106 species for the day best of the others included Red Knot (30+), Bar-tailed Godwit (about 10), Black-tailed Godwit (4), Glossy Ibis (2), Great Crested Grebe (3), Buff-banded Rail (1), A. Spotted Crake (3), Black Falcon (1), Peregrine Falcon (1), Little Eagle (1), Dusky Woodswallow (2) and tens of thousands of Ducks (but no Freckled).
John Barkla, Fred Smith & Wendy McWilliams 22/1 #12221
Stubble Quail Royal Park - native grassland
At least two Stubble Quail heard calling then one flushed in the central grassland area around 8am today.
Nicole Spillane 22/1 #12216
Thu 21 Pied Butcherbird Portarligton Beachside Resort
I was watching the tennis in my caravan when I heard what I suspected was some type of butcherbird calling directly in the pine tree above my caravan. Upon closer inspection it took flight and was able to positively id it as a Pied Butcherbird. A Grey Butcherbird was seen and photographed at the same location this time in 2009.
David Whelan 23/1 #12227
Little Corella Gilpin Park, West Brunswick
A flock of around 50 Little Corella turned about a week ago and arrive every evening in this area around 6pm. Maybe the same flock that was in the area about the same time in 2008.
Nicole Spillane and Paul Jacobson 21/1 #12210
Black Honeyeater Deer Park (western Melbourne)
In escarpment scrub and plantings of the Kororoit Creek, Esmond Road, Deer Park, near the footbridge to Rockbank Road. Definitely 1 male, perhaps 2 birds. Various flowering eucalypts in the area - few other honeyeaters or lorikeets. Further information
Lawrie Conole 21/1 #12207
Sacred Kingfisher Numurkah
Seen in the garden on our property near Sampsons Rd Numurkah ,a long way from permanent water,given all our dams are dry ! Maybe a young bird looking for habitat and stopped for a rest and a feed .
Paul Huckett 21/1 #12206
Wed 20 Barbary Dove, Common Sandpiper, Singing Honeyeater kororoit creek estuary
one lone Barbary Dove at the angling club, apparently the last one left, also 20 Crested Pigeons, several Spotted Turtle-Doves and ~50 House Sparrows. (And the number of sparrows was more surprising to me than the number of Crested Pigeons: haven't things changed?). A Comon Sandpiper beside creek, a few Sharp-tailed Sandpipers in nearby saltmarsh. Also Singing Honeyeater - pair with young.
Richard Loyn 7/2 #12417
Collared Sparrowhawk Newport Lakes
a male attacked a common myna and then red wattlebird in shrubs
Richard Loyn 7/2 #12416
Glossy Ibis, Red-kneed Dotterel, Black-fronted Dotterel, Latham's Snipe Bird Hide, Edithvale Wetlands
Also present Black-winged Stilt with young, Whiskered Terns, Grey and Chestnut Teal, Black Duck, Shoveler, Black Swan with cygnets, White-faced and White-necked Herons . . .
David Clark 21/1 #12211
Common Sandpiper Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
While leading a Melbourne Water advertised outing on a route they had chosen through some areas not open to birders, I saw 2 Common Sandpipers at the east end of the 115E lagoons. Other good birds for a half day outing were Black Falcon, Red Knot (5), Marsh Sandpiper (11), Bar-tailed Godwit (20+) and White-winged Black Tern (10+).
John Barkla 21/1 #12204
White-throated Needletail Montmorency
A pair seen circling over council-owned bushland reserve off Rattray Rd, near the bowls club, around 3.30pm
Ben Darlow 20/1 #12202
Blue-winged Parrot, Red-browed Treecreeper, Varied Sittella Bunyip State Park (various locations within)
Can confirm earlier report of BW Parrot sighting at Bunyip, plus also RB Treecreepers & Varied Sittellas. Other usual suspects seen, however did note that lately Yellow Faced Honeyeaters are very abundant as are the Needletails previously noted by other birders.
Claire & Ziggy Wolinski 20/1 #12201
Tue 19 Dollarbird, Peregrine Falcon Tambo Upper - Rodwell Road
A Dollarbird giving a Peregrine what for, chasing raptor away from large trees where DB’s have been heard every day for past four weeks. Possible nesting occurring.
Faye Bedford 20/1 #12198
Plumed Whistling-Duck Peechelba (NW of Wangaratta)
Approximately 50 birds seen roosting besides a large dam.
Michael Ramsey 19/1 #12192
Red-backed Kingfisher, Spotted Harrier Rutherglen
Red-backed Kingfishers along Great Southern Road have bred successfully. The pair was seen this morning with three young birds, one of which begged for food while perched on powerlines. It was fed a grasshopper or some other insect the adult caught from the adjacent paddock. The juveniles are much duller than the adults, have some mottling on their breast and have a slightly shorter tail and bill. A Spotted Harrier cruising over nearby stubble was also nice to see.
Michael Ramsey 19/1 #12191
Budgerigar Chiltern
Over a dozen birds were seen along Wenkes Road, just south of the railway underpass.
Michael Ramsey 19/1 #12190
Mon 18 Speckled Warbler (juvenile) Foot of Warby Ranges - near Glenrowan
Found dead in backyard 2 or 3 metres from birdbath. Very hot day. Similar bird sighted 1 week prior here. Difficult to identify as no photos of juvenile speckled warblers in identification books we have. Occasional adults seen within 800 metres in past 10 yrs but rarely over past 3 or 4.
Glen Scholfield 30/1 #12321
Black Honeyeater Longerenong College, near Horsham
Male flying along avenue of pines after apparently being disturbed by a group of Yellow Thornbills around 8.45pm. Heard calling 10 minutes later some 50 metres further down the avenue. Plenty of flowering eucalypts around the campus at present.
Dale Tonkinson 19/1 #12189
Sun 17 Little Corella Lakes Entrance township
Three Little Corella seen on the 14th and 17th Jan in town feeding on banksia seeds on ground. Not sure if this is unusual but listed as rare on EGBOC birdlist. Also Scarlet Honeyeaters still abundant around Lakes Entrance north arm and Lake Tyers with many immature males as well as adults sighted and heard throughout area.
Anthea Stubbs 21/1 #12208
Buff-banded Rail Begola Wetlands, Ocean Grove
Buff-banded Rail showing well, late afternoon beneath pedestrian bridge, western end of Begola Wetlands, Ocean Grove.
Ashley Herrod 18/1 #12188
Spotted Harrier Ceres [Geelong]
gliding very low over cropped paddock
Rodney Long 18/1 #12186
White-browed Woodswallow Strathewen
50+ White-browed Woodswallows including juveniles (one found dead on the road) in a flock along Chad's Creek Rd Strathewen. Also several White-winged Trillers in the same area.
Joy & Michael Pagon 17/1 #12179
Satin Flycatcher Greens Bush, Mornington Peninsula National Park
Satin Flycatcher late afternoon, male came quite close. Also spotted 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles, one landed on a grassy hill opposite. Other sightings were the Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Fantail and Laughing Kookaburra.
Colin & Carol Maddock 17/1 #12178
Spotted Harrier, Banded Lapwing Lake Tyrell
Highlights of a very, very windy visit to Lake Tyrell. Harrier quartering over stubble fields beside the lake Full list
Tim Bawden 17/1 #12174
Sat 16 Turquoise parrot East Yeerung Track, just north of Yeerung Gorge
Lone male startled from undergrowth whilst cycling along East Yeerung Track, Cape Conran Coastal Park.
Peter Neyland 20/1 #12199
White-throated Needletail Bunyip State Park
12-15 seen over Link Rd, Bunyip SP, between 10-11am. First I've seen this season in the Greater Melbourne Region. Also there 2 Olive Whistler, Southern Emu-wren, Blue-winged Parrot, etc. Full list
Steven Davidson - The Melbourne Birder 16/1 #12166
Pectoral Sandpiper (2), Australasian Darter, Black Falcon Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Pectoral Sandpiper: 1 - Lagoon immediately after Beach Road gate, 1 - Walshes Lagoon. Australasian Darter: Flew across Little River towards Lake Borrie. Black Falcon: Over Beach Road. Full list
Paul Dodd, Bill Moorhead, Jack Moorhead & Karen Blake 16/1 #12165
Fri 15 White-throated Needletails, Scarlet Honeyeaters, Square-tailed Kite Cabbage Tree Palms Reserve
Notable sightings from the monthly survey within the CTPR included 45+ White-throated Needletails, 27 Scarlet Honeyeaters ( feeding on flowering E. Botyroides ), 9 Black-faced Monarchs, 2 Red-browed Treecreepers and a Square-tailed Kite. A juvenile platypus lazily feeding in the pool directly below the creek crossing capped off a pleasant morning's walk through this site.
Len Axen 16/1 #12167
Chestnut-rumped Heathwren, Black Honeyeater Bailieston Quarry
Inspired by the book Where to See Birds in Victoria, I stopped at the quarry at Bailieston and was inundated with birds for 15 minutes (10:30am). The surprise was the Chestnut-rumped Heathwren (2) appearing only a few metres away, followed almost immediately by Black Honeyeater (1) and Diamond Firetail (2).
Iian Denham 16/1 #12156
Long-toed Stint Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
One Long-toed Stint at the Western Conservation Lagoons. Other birds of interest were one Golden Plover at Borrow Pits and a total of 65 Cape Barren Geese throughout the treatment plant. One Wood Sandpiper sighted where previously reported. High numbers (51) of Banded Lapwing at Beach Road.
Maarten Hulzebosch 16/1 #12152
Whiskered Tern Lake Hamilton beach, Hamilton, Victoria
raising young, possible nested on sit? Full list
Samantha Greiner 15/1 #12151
Cape Barren Goose Ballarat to Clunes Road
Six cape barren geese were in a paddock close to the main road leading from Ballarat to Clunes. They were approximately 15 kms from Ballarat.
Gary Oliver 15/1 #12149
Thu 14 Red-capped Robin Waterholes
One subadult male observed at Waterholes Guest House, approx 25 km N of Bairnsdale. An uncommon visitor to East Gippsland, and a first record for this locality. Attached photo by Diane Pearson (visiting UK birder). Other notable observations include: Cicadabird (male calling), Horsefield's Bronze Cuckoo, Scarlet Honeyeaters.
Chris Healey, Max Markey, Diane Pearson, Mike Pearson (per Chris Healey) 14/1 #12145
Baillon's Crake Macleod Morass, near Bairnsdale
Was trying yet again to spot a Reed-warbler at this site (I can hear them but haven't seen one) when the crake walked out onto some bent reeds. It was there for about a minute before going back into the reeds. Can't find it on the EGBOC list so I assume it's not a common bird in the area. The Reed-warbler still eludes me...
Aileen Collyer 14/1 #12140
Wed 13 Spotted Nightjar Roadside west of Boort
A Nightjar , presumably Spotted, glided across the road about 20 kms west of Boort as I drove home around dusk. This roadside has mallee vegetation only around 20 metres wide, with no bushland areas nearby. There was an irrigation channel nearby also.
Simon Starr 16/1 #12168
Cattle egret Banyule wetlands
In resplendent breeding plumage, but all alone in a swamp ... life ain't easy. Lots of Aust. grebe families too, pair of nankeen night-herons.
Peter Bennet 13/1 #12135
Tue 12 Turquoise Parrot and Buff-banded Rail Bunyip State Park
On Tuesday morning we recorded breeding Turquoise Parrots (adult male feeding young fledgling) and a Buff-banded rail.
Bruce Quinn, Mike Harrison and Clint Schipper 17/1 #12175
Laughing Kookaburra Suburban Garden, Kew, nr. Boroondara Cemetery
Stayed on a low branch observing the garden - perhaps checking out a huge pile of timber from a demolition for snakes. First Kookaburra in our garden in our 35 years. They would also be the first snakes. Remained for approximately 10 minutes.
Vivian Campbell 12/1 #12126
Little Lorikeet Fairhope (12 km N of Bairnsdale)
3 Little Lorikeets in flowering Gippsland Grey Gum by Nicholson River. First record for locality in the 6.5 years we have been here.
Chris & Felicity Healey 12/1 #12124
Beautful Firetail, Southern Emu-wren, Brush Bronzewing, Blue-winged Parrot, Striated Fieldwren Cape Liptrap Coastal Park
Beautful Firetail, Southern Emu-wren, Brush Bronzewing, Blue-winged Parrot, Striated Fieldwren - all seen within an hour in coastal Heath at Cape Liptrap
Greg Oakley 12/1 #12121
Painted Button-quail, Scarlet Honeyeater Bald Hills Wetland Reserve
Pair of Painted Button-quail flushed on the track to the hide at Bald Hills Wetland Reserve near Tarwin Lower. Also a single Scarlet Honeyeater.
Greg Oakley 12/1 #12120
Collared Sparrowhawk Yarraville Gardens (and Banyule Flats)
Cycled through Yarraville Gardens on the way to work this morning and didn't see or hear any signs of the Collared Sparrowhawks. Last saw them on Wednesday last week when they were being harrassed by a small flock of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos. Also stopped in at Banyule Flats on Saturday night (9th) to see if the Owlet Nightjar was still present. It appears to have moved on, probably due to a pair of Rainbow Lorikeets (with young) nesting in a hole directly behind where the bird was roosting. Family of frogmouths (mother and three young) were still present in the patch of trees adjacent to the car park.
Stephen Kaye 12/1 #12119
Mon 11 Pale-headed Rosella 3 Olivetree Close Werribee
In a tree at the front of our house. [Moderator's Note: presumably an escape]
Kevin Maddigan 12/1 #12128
Grey Goshawk Bellarine Hwy between Geelong and Ocean Grove
The bird flew fast across the Hwy and then perched on a powerpole. I was able to observe the bird for around 30 seconds before it flew away.
Joe Park 12/1 #12123
Southern Whiteface 5km N of Axedale.
A single whiteface at the birdbath this afternoon. First one seen for this area. I have seen a small population 4km further north about 18 months ago.
Marlene Lyell 11/1 #12118
Common Tern (70) Seaholme Beach, City of Hobsons Bay.
There were 70 Common Tern on rocks offshore from Seaholme this morning, a very high number for around here.
Steve Davidson 11/1 #12115
Sun 10 Budgerigar Wilby
A flock of 7 Budgerigars was found around home this morning. They were initially in the planted Yellow Gum next to the house. Then they flew down to the front paddock where they fed for a short amount of time with Galahs and Red-rumped Parrots. A flock of White-winged Choughs flew in which scared the flock up into some larger trees. They settled down again to feed on the ground again before flying off high to the north west. The flock consisted of 3 adults and 4 juveniles, which can be seen to the right of the photo. The juveniles were heard giving begging calls so they can't be that old. Where have they bred?
Michael Ramsey 10/1 #12095
Sat 9 Mallee Emu-wren Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
One seen near Nowingi Track about 200m from southern end, about 50m to the east of the track. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 10/1 #12109
Hooded Plover Narrawong Beach
Two pairs nesting & fenced off from public. Full list
Samantha Greiner 10/1 #12100
Little Eagle (dark phase) Bolwara Strawberry Farm, Portland
Two lovely large dark birds with obscure bullseye on under-wing lazily gliding over trees around the strawberry farm (had to stop for strawberries on way to beach!) luckily all bird watching gear in car for day at beach except good id book! Slaters second edition very helpful once home.
Samantha Greiner 10/1 #12099
Little Eagle Werribee Zoo, Werribee
I have been monitoring a pair of mixed dark and light morph birds which produced one young that has now left the nest. As far as I am aware, this is the first (successful) breeding record of Little Eagle for the Werribee Zoo.
Maarten Hulzebosch 10/1 #12097
Fairy Tern-juvenile, Spotles Crake, Buff-banded Rail, Wood Sandpiper etc. Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Found a just fledged juvenile Fairy Tern in pond next to coast just NE of Beach Rd gate. Also 28 White-winged Black Terns on same pond. 3 brownish juvenile Whiskered Terns at T-Section Lagoons also. Plenty of Common Terns around. Went to check out Spotless Crakes (thanks to Mark & David for the tipoff) on Little River reed bed. Saw 2 adults with 2 tiny black fluffy chicks there & 2 Buff-banded Rails also. Wood Sandpiper present at pond reported in previous sightings. Little Egret in breeding plumage on same pond. Pair of Zebra Finches on road between Austin Rd & T-Section Lagoon. Bushlark on Beach Rd about 100 m from Wilson Rd. 95 species recorded.
Kevin Bartram 10/1 #12094
Spotless Crake Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Two adult Spotless Crakes with chick in the Little River reedbed.
Mark Bennett and David Richardson 9/1 #12092
Southern Whiteface Wilby
Found a single Southern Whiteface in the back paddock this morning. Never recorded around home before. Nearest populations are in the Warby Ranges 20km to the south-east.
Michael Ramsey 9/1 #12086
Fri 8 Latham's Snipe Howe Flat Track, Mallacoota
A single bird flushed near junction of Howe Flat Walking Track. Probably same bird seen same area on 4/1/10 but not positively identified. Both times bird was in low tussocky vegetation beside the track in fairly dry Angophora forest - nearest water Howe Creek at least 100m away and not visible.
Janine Duffy 12/1 #12125
Red-lored Whistler, Mallee Emu-wren Murray-Sunset National Park
Red-lored Whistler: Seen at 8:30am, approximately 13km west of Wymlet Tank on Honeymoon Hut Track. Mallee Emu-wren: Seen at about 5:00pm at site along Pioneer Drive, near Pink Lakes. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 10/1 #12108
Peregrine Falcon Miller Reserve Boronia
Single Falcon cruising low over the forested hill behind Miller Reserve.
Alf Forbes 8/1 #12080
Cape Barren Goose, Wood Sandpiper Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Good bird watching today with a total of 67 mostly common or frequently seen species. Two of interest were 32 Cape Barren Geese at the T Section Lagoon, and the Wood Sandpiper previously reported on 4/1/10 which is still present on the lagoon between Lake Borrie and the sea.
Andrew McCutcheon 8/1 #12078
Thu 7 Cockatiel, Blue-faced Honeyeater Avenal, Hume Hwy near Seymour
Cockatiel - One seen flying over paddocks near Seymour, BFHE heard and seen in trees at roadhouse (south-bound)
Richard Loyn 7/2 #12419
Jacky Winter x 2 Strathewen
Observed on private property on O'deas Rd near the Bowden-spur Rd corner over a few days in the same location. I'd forgotten to report it earlier. white under-sides, grey upper body, tail wagging side-ways.
Greg Cobern 11/1 #12113
Rainbow Lorikeet, Dollarbird Quinn's Island Cobram Victoria
Rainbow Lorikeets were a very unexpected sighting. They appeared to be breeding as well. Not seen here before along the Murray River in northern Victoria. 6 birds were seen, one of which was a juvenile begging for food and then fed by an adult. Are they a part of an expansion of this species, or a population founded by escapees? The many orchards of stone fruits around Cobram could be a good food source for them. Also 6 Dollarbirds cackling and chattering away in the Red Gums by the river.
Michael Ramsey 8/1 #12071
Powerful Owl Near the Diamond Creek, downstream of trestle bridge at Eltham.
Sitting quietly in the tree, these two have been around for a couple of weeks to my knowledge. My daughter came across them whilst walking along the path.
Norman Thornbury 8/1 #12070
Painted Honeyeater, Red-capped Robin Dunach Conservation Reserve
At least two pairs of Painted Honeyeater still about as well as a pair of Red-caped Robin which may have been collecting food to feed young- apparently a rare bird here.
Sean Dooley, Michael Veitch 8/1 #12065
Satin Flycatcher, Brown Goshawk, Rose Robin, Bassian Thrush Emerald Lake Park (path to Cockatoo), Emerald
Not previously observed Satin Flycatchers x3 in this area. One lone male harassing (dive-bombing) immature Brown Goshawk. Further along track one male & female displaying courtship/breeding behaviour. Other birds today include; Rose Robin, Bassian Thrush, Yellow Faced H/E, White Naped H/E, New Holland H/E, Red Browed Finch, Yellow Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush, Brown & Striated Thornbills and Spotted Pardalote.
Claire Wolinski & Barbara Richardson 7/1 #12055
Wed 6 Pied Honeyeater Goschen Flora Reserve
Still present in resonable numbers. Pied HE is currently the dominant honeyeater in the reserve. Only one Black HE seen, and no Crimson Chats. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 10/1 #12104
Eastern Curlew Toora, Corner Inlet
Seen about 100m from the bird hide, but took off when i was 50m away... very touchy. A wide angle shot revealed 62 in total.
Steven Kuiter 7/1 #12057
Cockatiels 10k's north Axedale
Following Bob C's report yesterday, there is a further flock of approximately 40 Cockatiels 10k's north along Brown's Lane in Axedale.
Marlene Lyell 6/1 #12047
Dollarbird Tambo River - Tambo Upper
For the past week, two Dollarbirds have been heard and seen in trees along the Tambo River (Rodwell Rd) Tambo Upper.
Faye Bedford 6/1 #12031
Tue 5 Wedge-tailed Eagle Ballarat-Bacchus Marsh
Observed 10 Wedgies (mostly in pairs) whilst riding the train from Ballarat to Melbourne. One pair were in sitting in the grass on a hill by the side of the rail line. Great to see them in healthy numbers. Hope any proposed wind farms in the area are thwarted. Certainly should be set aside as prime Wedgie habitat.
Shane Xavier Shalless 8/1 #12064
Spotted Harrier Strathewen
Observed hunting low over open grassy hills near corner of Bowden-spur and Odeas Rds. Grey upperbody, brown underbody, long barred tail; no white rump.
Greg Cobern 7/1 #12051
Pink-eared Duck Lilydale Lake
Several Pink Eared Ducks in Lagoon. 2 Mistletoebirds at the bridge where Olinda Creek enters the lake.
Alf Forbes 6/1 #12034
Rufous Songlark, Zebra Finch Point Wilson Rd
Stopped on Pt Wilson Rd about 1 klm from the freeway to observe a flock of Zebra Finches on the side fence and heard the notes of a Rufous Songlark from the bushes opposite. Waited a couple of minutes and the 2 Rufous Songlarks came out into the open.
Alf Forbes 6/1 #12033
Bassian Thrush, Collared Sparrowhawk, Powerful Owl Wilson Reserve
At sunset/dusk saw the (resident?) pair of Bassian Thrush near where the paths meet just west of the golf course. Also a juvenile, female Sparrowhawk, calling loudly and causing much ruckus amongst the Noisy Miners. The Powerful Owl that roosts alone, 400m from the family was still there, just a few trees further south than usual. As I walked back to the car (45 mins later after walking to Burke Rd. and back), it conveniently flew into a eucalypt near me on the main path and surveryed the area for about 10 mins, oblivious to me. It then took off in the direction of Bailey Billabong, to alarm calls from the moorhens and ducks. Also, two pairs of frogmouth parents were busy feeding youngsters within a couple of hundred metres of each other in the same general area.
John Gray 5/1 #12030
Scarlet Honeyeater Healesville Sanctuary
At least one bird calling near the entrance to the Sanctuary and a female bird seen at the kangaroo enclosure.
Sean Dooley 5/1 #12028
Cockatiel Axedale - East of Bendigo
Approximately 60 - 70 birds feeding on stubble paddock and roosting in 2 dead trees. On McIvor Highway approx. 2 kms East of Axedale. Unusual in the area in such numbers.
Bob Cook 5/1 #12021
Square-tailed Kite and Dollarbirds 5km North West of Bairnsdale
Square-tailed Kite was seen flying around the Mitchell River and surrounding escarpment in farmland country (atypical habitat and about 5km from contiguous forest and first record on the property in 30 years). A pair of Dollarbirds are fairly resident and probably breeding in the area.
Roger Bilney 5/1 #12018
Mon 4 Latham's snipe (1 only) Banyule wetlands
Flushed from the drainage ditch alongside the bike trail.
Marian Weaving 5/1 #12027
White-winged Triller Robson Rd, Hamilton (outskirts )
One adult with one juvenile in tow; also Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos with ‘whingeing’ offspring across the road in house garden eating banksia cones; Willie Wagtails with juvenile; and a pair of Restless Flycatchers busy between neighbours' yards and paddocks.
Samantha Greiner 5/1 #12022
Wood Sandpiper,Bar-tailed Godwit Western Treatment Plant
The Wood Sandpiper as previously reported on 1/1/10 is still present on the lagoon between Lake Borrie and the sea. If you go down Beach Rd and go through Gate 4 (key required) the bird is on the first lagoon on your right. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit present at the same location.
Ben Sinclair 4/1 #12014
Albino Richard's Pipit Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
At Austin Road where Banded Lapwings hang out, I sighted a very light coloured (not 100% white) Richard's Pipit. Although the treatment plant often produces albino or partly albino birds, this is my first Pipit that I have seen of this colour. Other birds of note were the waders that were recorded on this website earlier by others. In addition to these, 1 Eastern Curlew was seen at the Spit and 2 Golden Plovers at the Borrow Pits. I also sighted both of these species at the same site on the 28th December, 2009.
Maarten Hulzebosch 4/1 #12011
Olive-backed Oriole (immature) Jan Juc
An immature Olive-backed Oriole flew into our window this morning.
Neil Loxston 4/1 #12002
Sun 3 Regent Honeyeater Mitchell River Silt Jetties - East Gippsland
3 - Two Adults and One dependent but fledged chick. Observed again on Sat 9th about 300M East of original sighting on northern bank of Mitchell R. Full list
Don Ripper 14/1 #12142
Rufous Songlark, White-winged Triller, Eurasian Skylark Bunyip State Park, Bunyip River Road
Surprised that these are first listings for Bunyip but saw 1 Eurasian Skylark and 8-10 Rufous Songlark in grasslands along Bunyip River Road and also White-winged Triller in the burnt woods along the edge of the road. Two (most probable) Helmeted Honeyeaters flew across the road but couldn't confirm legs bands - no listings of Yellow-tufted for Bunyip. Info passed on to DSE rep. Full list
Jackson Airey 4/1 #12013
Lewin's Rail amd Latham's Snipe Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands, Werribee 3030. (Melways map 206 B3)
At 1915 hours, two Lewin's Rail heard calling from wet rank grass verge of wetland, both birds then observed (one flew). Nine Latham's Snipe observed in grass verge, all flushed, three from one location and six from another.
Peter Gibbons 3/1 #11997
Grey-crowned Babbler Lake Yando (NE of Boort)
Previously dry for many years, Lake Yando got 1000ML of environmental water in November. 5 babblers seen, also Coots, Red-kneed and Black-fronted Dotterel, Black-winged Stilt, White-necked and White-faced Heron, White and Straw-necked Ibis, Grey Teal & Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Full list
Malcolm Cousland 3/1 #11994
Painted Honeyeater Dunach Nature Conservation Reserve (Clunes)
1 pair together, and later 1 female all within 200 metres of no dumping sign on south-west track near Clunes-Talbot Rd. Full list
John Watson 3/1 #11993
Zebra Finch, Red - Browed Finch Private Property Bacchus Marsh
Small flock (approx 9 birds)of Zebra finches and Red-Browed Finches together in a dead tree on private land near the Rowsley Valley.
David Whelan 3/1 #11992
Sat 2 Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Spring Gully Bendigo
Flock of 10 birds flying over suburbs in the evening.
Gerry Duane 4/1 #12004
Buff-banded Rail Benalla. Jaycee Island
Seen in the creek that forms the northern edge of the island. Foraging on the exposed mud before the water level rose following the heavy rain.
Bill Morecraft 4/1 #11999
Stubble Quail Royal Park - native grassland

Chris Lester 3/1 #11984
Fri 1 Little Corella Ascot Vale
I've just read about the northern suburbs Corellas flock and whilst I was over in Oz over Xmas and New Year, there was a flock that used to appear late afternoon in Ascot Vale every day between Xmas and New Year. Don't know if they are still visiting.
Andy Lees 2/2 #12368
Pectoral & Wood Sandpipers, White-winged Black Tern etc Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
A relaxing New Year's day at the WTP with best birds - 2 Pectoral Sandpipers (Western Lagoons) + 1 Pectoral, 1 Wood & 5 Marsh Sandpipers, plus 15 Red Knot + 25 Bar-tailed Godwit (T-Section Lagoons); 2 Black-tailed Godwit (280 South Road & Walsh's Lagoon) 10+ White-winged Black Terns (north of Beach Road); 10 Glossy Ibis (Walsh's Lagoon); 10+ Stubble Quail providing photo opportunities; 10 Australian Spotted Crakes in different places; 2 Brown Songlarks; and 3 Horsfield's Bushlarks. Not a single Red-necked Avocet for the day.
John Barkla, Fred Smith & Alison Street 4/1 #12005
Purple-crowned Lorikeet East Camberwell
2 birds heard in flight heading east. Very rare in Boroondara (2 records in biodiversity report (2006) and only second record in local area in 30+ years.
George Appleby 2/1 #11970
Pacific Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Red Knot, Wood Sandpiper, Zebra Finch Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Two Grey Plover and several Red Knot at The Spit, also a flock of Zebra Finches (photo). Two Pacific Golden Plovers in non-breeding and one in partial breeding plumage on rocks offshore between the Lake Borrie outfall and the hide. Wood Sandpiper on a lagoon between Lake Borrie and the sea.
Andrew Wood 1/1 #11969
Diamond Dove Serendip Sanctuary, Lara
A single young bird was observed on the track between the disused Magpie Goose breeding pen (30 on Parknote) and the Wader Hide (31 on Parknote). The bird was quite flighty and flew from tree or bush when approached. Full list
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow 1/1 #11966
Common Sandpiper Hastings foreshore
One bird sighted here today adjacent to the jetty in amongst the mangroves.
S. King 1/1 #11965
Dusky Woodswallow nesting, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike nesting, Common Bronzewing, Sacred Kingfisher Yarra Bend Park - Galatea Point
Dusky Woodswallow - pair nesting. Only ever seen a single bird at this site before. Also Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike nesting, Common Bronzewing (possibly young bird), Grey Shrike-thrush and Sacred Kingfisher. This site never ceases to amaze with its variety as it is only 3km from the city centre. Full list
Ian Lundy 1/1 #11964