| Tue 31 |
Aus Bittern, Latham's Snipe
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Very brief visit after a BOCA outing. Bittern on track south of 35E9 and single Snipe in the open in 35E9. Lots of Zebra Finches on road going east from the Little River crossing, and several Aussie Grebe in one of the ponds north of that road.
Dave Torr, Iian Denham, Virginia Moylan, Elizabeth Hurley 1/9 #14514 |
|
Swift Parrot & others
Western Treatment Plant
Approx. 6 Swift Parrot in plantation, Pt. Wilson Rd., 0.5Km. south of Paradise Rd. also 1 O.-b. Oriole calling at same location.
Cape Barren Goose (pair nesting L.Borrie), Wedge-t. Eagle (pair at nest site), A. Hobby ( 1 over Paradise Rd), Brolga ( 1 at T-Sect.) Wood Sandpiper ( 2 @ Conservation Pond west), Double-banded Plover (6 in breeding plumage, Western Lagoon), Pallid Cuckoo (1 silent bird, Pt. Wilson Rd.), Zebra Finch ( 200+ in two large flocks east of lower ford), Fairy & Tree Martin ( hundreds in mixed flocks over the site), Orange- bellied Parrot (3 seen & photographed by C.T.& S.D.) Total: 80 species.
Tom Fletcher & Hugo Phillipps 31/8 #14512 |
| Mon 30 |
 Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo
Neilborough, north of Bendigo
2 pairs happily perched in large pine tree. Flew off in westerly direction to perch in other trees.
Isabelle Gay 31/8 #14507 |
|
 Swift Parrot
Muckleford Forest, Pullans Rd, Maldon
Countless Swift Parrots feeding on lerps on Grey Box at edge of my property. Stood amongst them for 30 min, watching them darting about. I have seen many flocks every day for the past few months.
Nick Layne 31/8 #14499 |
|
 Brolga
St Albans Park, Geelong
3 birds feeding on waterlogged farm paddock between Wilsons Rd and Boundary Rd 5:30PM
Ian Smissen 30/8 #14497 |
|
Swift Parrot
Kooyoora State Park (Wehla)
1 seen, 1 heard on Burkes Flat-Wehla Rd at 5.30pm. Musk, Purple-crowned and Little Lorikeets common. Full list
Malcolm Cousland 30/8 #14496 |
| Sun 29 |
regent honeyeater
Chiltern -Mt Pilot National Park
3-4 birds observed for some time feeding high in large gum next to dam on Green Hill Rd (near intersection with Magenta Rd) . Birds were calling loudly and moving rapidly from one patch of flowers to another. At least 1 had a band. Feeding in mixed flock of red wattlebirds and fuscous honeyeaters.
Janet Chapman 30/8 #14495 |
|
Tawny Frogmouth
Brimbank Park
Saw a pair of TF's on Sun, 29 Aug 10 in the Brimbank Park (Keilor). -
Gum tree/s on the LHS of the path as you approach the currently overflowing concrete path to cross the river.
We had been told of this pair by a friend who saw them perched together. However when we spotted them they were in 2 separate trees (domestic dispute ;-)).
Andre Rasquinha 30/8 #14490 |
|
 Powerful Owl
Williamstown Botanic Gardens
After hearing of a Powerful Owl seen flying in a nearby street the previous night, we decided the obvious place to look was the Botanic Gardens - and there it was
Dave Torr, Iian Denham, Peter Gibbons 30/8 #14485 |
|
 Swift Parrot
Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Swift Parrots still present at Mulga Dam site. Approx. 40 birds seen this afternoon.
David Kleinert 29/8 #14481 |
|
Plumed Whistling-Duck
Lake Rowan
Two birds seen by a farm dam on the west side of the Benalla-Yarrawonga Rd, just north of the town. Full list
Michael Ramsey 29/8 #14478 |
|
Wood Sandpiper
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Present today at the WTP conservation lagoons (western end of western lagoon, pond 35E.9) were two Wood Sandpipers.
Maarten Hulzebosch 29/8 #14477 |
|
Painted Button-quail, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Southern Whiteface,Hooded Robin, Diamond Firetail
Dave's Hill Thoona
Nice selection of woodland birds around the hill this morning, highlights being a Painted Button-quail and Australian Owlet-nightjar. Full list
Michael Ramsey 29/8 #14475 |
|
Fluttering(1300+) & Hutton's Shearwater, Fairy Penguin
Werribee South
A mass feeding flock of birds was congregated just off the mouth of the Werribee River in Port Phillip Bay this afternoon. The main component consisted of 1300+ Fluttering Shearwater in huge rafts that shifted constantly chasing fish. There were almost certainly a few Hutton's Shearwater amongst them with dark hoods and underwings and overall browner appearance. Accompanying these was a flock of over 300 Little Black Cormorant, a squadron of over 100 diving Aus. Gannet, possibly 8 Fairy Penguin, many Crested Tern, Pied Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Pacific & Silver Gull, and a lone Great Crested Grebe. It was an awesome sight.
Steve Davidson 29/8 #14472 |
|
Swift Parrot, Speckled Warbler, Red-capped Robin
Long Forest, Bacchus Marsh
4 Swifties at Happy Valley car park; they didn't stay long due to large numbers of Red Wattlebird.
Two male Speckled Warblers with feeding party of Weebill, Buff-rumped Thornbill and others just 100m past the dam.
Male Red-caped Robin calling nicely at Djerriwarrh walk.
G. Santos 29/8 #14469 |
|
Crested shrike-tit
Banyule Flats Reserve
1 in tree regeneration patch on path between windmill and Plenty path junction. Also scarlet honeyeater, oriole, f-t cuckoo - 46 spp in all, an excellent morning.
Peter Bennet 29/8 #14467 |
| Sat 28 |
 Collared Sparrowhawk
Kensington
Collared Sparrowhawk has been sighted around Kensington Banks off and on for many months.
Anne Palamountain 30/8 #14494 |
| Fri 27 |
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Inner-city Geelong
For the first time, I have observed four Yellow-rumped Thornbills in my backyard. Unusual location and the Thornbills were being harassed by New Holland Honeyeaters.
Maarten Hulzebosch 28/8 #14449 |
|
Crested Shrike-tit
Wyndham Park, Werribee
Single individual seen feeding on young flowering gums growing on the river banks. It was being hassled by hordes of White-plumed Honeyeaters, but didn't seem to mind. Full list
Rohan Long 27/8 #14436 |
| Thu 26 |
Australasian Shoveler, King Parrot
Chiltern
3 (M,M,F) shovelers at Chiltern Dam #1 in the afternoon, 4 King Parrots at Bartley's Block in the morning. The Chiltern Bird trail guide notes that both these species are considered unusual in the area. Interestingly, the King Parrots responded to me making a fool of myself pishing, which is behaviour I haven't seen before - the birds responding to pishing, that is.
Troy Mutton 27/8 #14443 |
|
Leucistic Red Wattlebird
Mornington
Seen 26th and 27th about 10am on gum tree, corner Esplanade and Vancouver St - also seen in Mornington Park opposite. Very pale bird with normal red wattles and yellow belly which stood out in contrast to pale colour. Difficult to distinguish white on tail as rest of tail a very light grey. Body mottled in parts (upper breast) with light grey/brown mottling. Eyebrow and front of head dark.
Greg Buzza 27/8 #14440 |
|
 Australian King Parrot
Abernethy St South Shepparton
This pair of Parrot's were in our backyard
Geoff Cornell 26/8 #14432 |
|
Grey Goshawk
Private Backyard - Canterbury, Melbourne
I saw what looked like a very large pidgeon with a very small hawk-like beak, grey wings and barred chest, slightly wedged tail - think it was a grey goshawk?
Moderators note. Sighting unconfirmed
Narelle Kossatz 26/8 #14431 |
|
Little Lorikeet
Werribee River, Werribee to river mouth
Flock of ~15 Little lorikeets seen feeding amongst New Holland/White-plumed Honeyeaters in one of the large gums next to the footbridge at the opening of Wyndham Park at about 8:00am. Full list
Rohan Long 26/8 #14427 |
| Tue 24 |
Brush Bronzewing
State Park North Ocean Grove
Quite unusual on the Bellarine
Angus Hartshorn 24/8 #14418 |
| Mon 23 |
Swift Parrot
Eastern entrance to You Yangs
6 Swift Parrots located in area. Also found a few Brush Bronzewings there. Plenty of birds, like Jacky Winters, Restless Flycatcher, but getting dull by time I got there.
Kevin Bartram 23/8 #14417 |
|
 Black Falcon
Werribee Sewage Farm
A bird perched with unknown prey on a post past gates on southern end of Point Wilson Rd. Flushed & took numerous photos in flight. Later possibly the same bird, (not seen as well) just north of the Little River ford. Scattered Red-necked Stints & 2 Greenshanks were only sandpipers seen all day. Flock of more than 20 Zebra Finch seen on South Road, near 85W Lagoons & a few others seen along Beach Rd. Very few ducks, didn't even see a Grey Teal! 2 Fairy & 1 Little Ten on rocks NE of Beach Rd gate.
Kevin Bartram 23/8 #14416 |
|
Crested Shrike-tit, White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
1 Crested Shrike-tit on Point Wilson Rd, 2 White-bellied Sea-Eagle, only 1 Brolga near T Section.
Gina Hopkins 23/8 #14415 |
| Sun 22 |
 Peregrine Falcon
Point Addis beach
Two peregrines sighted, one feeding of carcass of a pigeon, the other perched on edge of cliff.
Ulf Edqvist 23/8 #14410 |
|
Australasian Bittern, Black-tailed Native-hen, Little Eagle
Western Treatment Plant
1 adult Aust Bittern at Conservation Ponds, 1 Black-tailed Native-hen (first for many months), Little Eagle & many returning Red-necked Stints and Australian Reed-Warblers. Could not locate a Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, probably means they have been held up with the inland floods. Only a few Double-banded Plover remain.
With the morning in the You Yangs we managed 111 species for the day.
John Barkla + Fred Smith 22/8 #14408 |
|
Swift Parrot, Diamond Firetail
You Yangs Regional Park
Could only find 4 Swift Parrots today on the east flat, down from around 50 on Wednesday 19 August. 4 Diamond Firetails, 1 Scarlet Robin & 2 Black-chinned Honeyeaters (on Wed with Raja Gnanam) added to a pleasing day.
John Barkla + Fred Smith 22/8 #14407 |
|
Grey (White) Goshawk
Werribee Zoo
An addition to yesterday's siting is a White Goshawk seen today.
I presume it was a male bird due to its small size.
Maarten Hulzebosch 22/8 #14405 |
|
 Baillon's Crake
Boorhaman North
Only one bird walking on the swamp grass in the wetland beside the Jones Swamp Road. The Black Swans are also nesting. It has been more then ten years since the wetlands have been full at the end of winter up here.
John Harris 22/8 #14404 |
| Sat 21 |
Bush Stone-curlew
Private property in Violet Town
A pair of Stone-curlews were seen in a remnant of Red Box (?) forest on private property (not accessible to birders) in Violet Town, Victoria.
John Barkla + Alison Street 23/8 #14411 |
|
Black Falcon
Werribee Zoo
There are currently many raptor species present at the Zoo. Wedge-tailed Eagle, Little Eagle and Black Falcon being the more interesting ones. Little Lorikeet numbers have increased over the last week and Flame Robin numbers are still in the 20+.
Maarten Hulzebosch 21/8 #14401 |
|
 Spotted Harrier, Fairy Martin, Black-tailed Native-hen, Great Egret
Wilby
Spotted Harrier, Fairy Martin and Black-tailed Native-hen all returning spring migrants. The Native-hen was quite a surprise but there is so much water around at the moment after recent rains. Also good to see were two Great Egrets in the dam at the back of the garden which is now full. Full list
Michael Ramsey 21/8 #14400 |
|
Rufous Songlark, Pallid Cuckoo
Killawarra Forest
A couple of spring migrants have appeared in the forest. Pallid Cuckoo at the oval area and Forest Rd, not calling yet. Rufous Songlarks also on Forest Rd. Full list
Michael Ramsey 21/8 #14399 |
| Fri 20 |
 Brolga
Skipton
A pair of Brolga have returned to Jarvis Swamp on Mooramong. The swamp is now full after recent, lovely rain.
David Coutts 20/8 #14388 |
|
Little Eagle
Melbourne Zoo
Spotted over Melbourne Zoo headed off towards the Childrens Hospital, being harassed by Ravens.
Deb Crosby 20/8 #14387 |
| Wed 18 |
Peaceful Dove
Private property along Werribee River, south of Exford.
Two Doves observed on east bank of Werribee River, on private property at 1100hrs.
Peter Gibbons, Christine Shelley and Dave Torr. 18/8 #14374 |
| Tue 17 |
Black-tailed Native-hen
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Saw single individual at the Little River ford foraging in the adjacent shrubby vegetation at approx. 2:00 in the afternoon. Full list
Rohan Long 23/8 #14413 |
|
Australian King-Parrot
Wattle Park, Surrey Hills
Pair investigating a nesting hollow. Rare down here in the 'burbs, especially breeding.
Greg Oakley 17/8 #14365 |
| Mon 16 |
White-bellied Sea-Eagle
Summerlands Estate, Phillip Island
(1). Full list
Peter Booth 18/8 #14377 |
|
Grey Goshawk - white morph
corner Mullett and Marlin Rds Lake Tyers Beach, Victoria
8:45am Goshawk was sighted sitting on top of a power pole.
Gina Trotter 18/8 #14370 |
|
Barn Owl
Schofield Court, Bell Post Hill. Geelong
Barn Owl was perched on my roof. Flew off in direction of Kardinia College and Ballarat Road.
Wayne Bickerdike 16/8 #14357 |
|
Scarlet Honeyeater
Wurundjeri Walk, Fulton Rd, Blackburn South
This female is an interesting adjunct to the bird that I believe has been at Blackburn Lake for some time.
Mike Tarburton 16/8 #14355 |
| Sun 15 |
Black Falcon, Black-tailed Native-hen, 4 sp Cuckoo, Painted Honeyeater
Central Victoria
A big day around Pyramid Hill, Boort, Wedderburn and Inglewood produced some nice sightings.
First Black-tailed Native-hens of the winter, c.20 at a small wetland on the Calivil creek west of Pyramid Hill.
Cuckoos were seen here and there, included a Black-eared in the mallee north of Inglewood. Painted Honeyeaters still present in the Wehla forest as were many Lorikeets 3 sp, etc.
A pair of Black Falcons were calling and jousting on the Bendigo Yarraberb road at the Serpentine turnoff.
simon starr 16/8 #14359 |
|
Scarlet Honeyeater
Heathcote-Graytown Nat Park
3 Scarlet HE's with Blacked-chinned HE and 5 other species in small pocket of flowering ironbark. 12 species honeyeater for the day. No Swift Parrots.
John Newman 16/8 #14354 |
|
 Hooded Plover, Fairy Prion (dead)
13th Beach, Bellarine Peninsula
Only 2 Hooded Plovers seen, a bit low. Both adults, no bands. One freshly dead Fairy Prion & another unidentified prion sp. with just wings. Quite a few Red-capped Plovers & 1 Red-necked Stint.
Kevin Bartram 16/8 #14352 |
|
Hutton's Shearwater
Point Lonsdale
Blowing a gale at Point Lonsdale. About 50 or so Fluttering-type shearwaters offshore, the closer ones were Fluttering, apart from one bird with a very grey underwing & big collar. Interestingly it was also in wing moult. Also about a dozen Black-browed Albatrosses & 2 Shy.
Kevin Bartram 16/8 #14351 |
|
 Double-banded Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Albatross sp (dead)
Black Rocks, Bellarine Peninsula
About 10 Double-banded Plover around the rocks at Black Rocks, some in breeding plumage. Also one overwintering Ruddy Turnstone & about 20 Red-necked Stints. One dead albatross, without a head, underwing pattern suggests either Yellow-nosed or Buller's Albatross, but wing measurements too long. Might have to check it with museum specimens. Offshore a bunch of Fluttering type shearwaters.
Kevin Bartram 16/8 #14350 |
|
Australasian Bittern, Fluttering Shearwater & Brolga
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Bittern was on coast road between Beach Road & Borrie Outlet, thought to be same immature bird as seen earlier in the year. Bird was still showing much rufous in its back & wings. 20 to 30 Fluttering Shearwater off the North Spit. Brolga possibly commencing nesting. Other species of interest in total of 92 (including Point Cook) were Curlew Sandpiper new arrivals (but no Sharpies), Shining & Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoos, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Flame Robin (20+) and 30+ Double-banded Plover in full breeding plumage.
John Barkla, Fred Smith, Alison Street and Wendy McWilliams 15/8 #14348 |
|
 Australian Owlet-nightjar
You Yangs Regional Park
time: 12.27. Light grey bird looking out of in hollow about 3m off ground, in dead large burnt eucalypt. Hollow deep inside a large burnt scar on south-west side of tree. Tree in recently control-burned area north of Big Rock track (GPS location noted). Bird was spotted by David Webb, then disappeared into hollow, then seen again about 10 mins later by both of us, and again disappeared into hollow after looking at us for a minute or so. (1). Full list
Janine Duffy, David Webb 15/8 #14343 |
| Sat 14 |
Graylag Goose
Dandenong South
(1). Full list
Peter Booth 15/8 #14344 |
|
White-bellied Sea-eagle
Stockyard Point,Jam Jerrup
1 bird flying over.
Ben Sinclair 14/8 #14335 |
|
Hardhead
Newport Lakes Park
Two male Hardheads have moved into the pond near the amphitheatre. They are both vying for the attention of the lone female bird that has been on the lake for the last few years.
The female has become very tame around humans, making all three ducks very easy to photograph at close range.
Apart from the female, I have'nt seen any other Hardheads at this site for sometime.
Paul Randall (wingsonwire.com) 14/8 #14332 |
| Fri 13 |
 Eastern Reef Egret
Walkerville
Single bird (dark morph) seen on beach just south of kiosk. We were speaking to David Farrar of Parks Vic the next day and he informed us that a single bird has been in the area for about 5 months, particularly around Bear Gully, east of Cape Liptrap.
Carl & Knud Hansen 18/8 #14369 |
|
Orange-bellied Parrot
Western Treatment Plant
3 adult Orange-bellied Parrots (1 male + 2 females) were seen this afternoon by the Melbourne Water Biodiversity Conservation Advisory Committee during an inspection of conservation works at the Western Treatment Plant. [Note: precise location will not publicized so as to avoid possible disturbance to the birds. TD]
Melbourne Water Biodiversity Conservation Advisory Committee per John Barkla 13/8 #14325 |
| Thu 12 |
Song Thrush
Mitcham, William St
Single song thrush on top of mulberry tree singing its heart out at 8am this morning. I haven't noticed this species around this neighbourhood in many years. Used to be an occasional visitor to our garden in the mid 90's, leaving behind piles of snail shells. But never heard it sing much then.
G. Santos 12/8 #14323 |
| Mon 9 |
 Azure Kingfisher
Alphington Wetlands
Azure Kingfisher seen around 5pm on Monday. It was by the bend near the bench facing out to the wetlands. Very confiding, got some great views.
Jeremy Weiss 11/8 #14321 |
|
Swamp Harrier
Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
Swamp Harrier observed circling over lake searching for food and later on performing either territorial display or mating ritual (high-low fast swooping flight with many calls).
Claire & Eva Wolinski, Barbara & Phil Richardson 10/8 #14318 |
|
Australian King-Parrot
Miller Park, Boronia
In trees at Northern end of Park (1). Full list
Alf forbes 9/8 #14309 |
|
Swift Parrot
Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Approx. 30-40 Swifties still at the Mulga Dam site this afternoon as previously reported. Feeding quitely in a mature patch of Yellow Gum with moderate blossom when I first arrived about 4pm. Became very vocal about 4.15pm flying amongst the canopy of the tallest trees before dispersing in an easterly direction. Tried following them to locate roosting site but fading light prevented otherwise. Also Little and Musk lorikeet, Fuscous, Yellow-tufted and Yellow-plumed Honeyeater and Crested Bellbird.
Adrian Martins 9/8 #14310 |
| Sun 8 |
Painted Honeyeater, Swift Parrot
Kooyoora State Park, Wehla block
At least 4 Painted Honeyeaters at the very north end of Grassy Flat road feeding from White Box blossom, one bird was calling occasionally.
Also many 100's of Lorikeets ( 3 sp.) and Honeyeaters in the area where White Box trees are still flowering quite well.
A few Swift Parrots seen on nearby White Box track (in Grey Box foliage) and Burkes Flat-Wehla road.
Also recorded were Pallid, Horsfield's and Fan-tailed Cuckoos and Crested Bellbird.
simon starr 9/8 #14307 |
|
 Rose Robin
Graytown
Rose robin male in breeding plumage about 3km N or Gtraytown on Rushworth Banding Trip.
Nevil Amos 9/8 #14303 |
|
 Swift Parrot etc
Corner of Graytown-Rushworth & Rushworth Nagambie Rd, Whroo Forest
1 Swift Parrot seen, giving it's Brown Treecreeper-like call. Unfortunately the sun went behind the clouds as I found the bird so photos not great. Also heaps of Dusky Woodswallows, Noisy Friarbirds, plenty of honeyeaters, including Yellow-plumed, heaps of Fuscous, Black-chinned, Brown-headed, White-naped, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-faced. A bunch of Purple-crowned Lorikeets about too.
Kevin Bartram 8/8 #14298 |
|
Swift Parrot
Bailieston Historical Reserve, Bailieston
Within the reserve and on the private property on the south-west corner of the reserve, we found no less than 50 and possibly more than 60 Swift Parrots. They were extraordinarily difficult to find and to count as they quietly fed on lerp in Box and Ironbark trees. Their movements also made counting difficult. We were alerted to them by occasional outbursts of their distinctive call and by small parties (one of 8 and another of 15 and lots of smaller groups) flying about. The largest group together was about 25 birds which were on the property adjoining to the reserve. We believe 50 is a conservative estimate (definitely no double counting) and the number of 60+ would not be unreasonable.
John Barkla, Fred Smith & Alison Street 8/8 #14297 |
|
Swift Parrot
Pontings Lane, Bailieston.
8 Swift Parrots in a flowering Yellow Gum patch. Full list
Richard & Margaret Alcorn, Gary and Lisa Deayton 8/8 #14296 |
|
Swift Parrot
Boweya Forest
A small flock seen near Wangaratta Rd. Full list
Michael Ramsey 8/8 #14294 |
|
Rufous Songlark, Pallid Cuckoo
Pyramid Hill area
Spring migrants starting to trickle into the area, conditions are excellent following back to average (or better) rainfall this year.
Smaller creeks in the area just starting to flow again.
simon starr 8/8 #14292 |
| Sat 7 |
Olive-backed Oriole, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Diamond Firetail
Heathcote-Graytown National Park (Graytown)
Olive-backed Oriole (2): One just outside Graytown, the other at Mount Black Quarry Picnic Area. White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike (2) Midway along Graytown Road between Graytown & Freisland Road. Diamond Firetail (2): Mount Black Quarry Picnic Area. Full list
Chris Pitfield 9/8 #14304 |
|
 Swift Parrot
Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka)
Appox 50 Swift Parrots observed in Kamarooka Forest at 8:30 am. Birds were located in the Mulga Dam area and were feeding in box and mallee trees.
David Kleinert 8/8 #14295 |
|
Bassian Thrush, Cuckoos
Warby Range State Park (North)
Unexpected sighting of a Bassian Thrush, my first for the Warby Ranges. It was in a wettish Silver Wattle gully by Adams Rd. A winter visitor here from hills futher south. Also a few Fan-tailed Cuckoo and Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoos calling widely about the park. Also calling was a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo at Black Springs. Very early record for this species. Full list
Michael Ramsey 8/8 #14293 |
|
 Australasian Bittern, Crested Shrike-tit, Brolga
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Finally, my first bittern! Seen from coast road not too far from the boat ramp (southeast of Pond 24). Thanks to the friendly birder in the white toyota (George?) for pointing me in the right direction. Crested Shrike-tit at Point Wilson Rd. was a rather unexpected sighting at Werribee. Two Brolgas seen in flight from the Western Lagoon gate. Full list
Dirk Tomsa 8/8 #14291 |
|
 Australasian Bittern
Western Treatment Plant , Werribee
One bird flushed from almost under my nearside front wheel. Location was just inside Gate 4 entrance, on coast road. I initially thought it was 'just' a Brown Falcon or Swamp Harrier but was pleasantly surprised. A sub-standard shot attached.
George Pergaminelis 7/8 #14289 |
|
Brolga
Western Lagoon, Western Treatment Plant Werribee
Many thanks to the young man who tipped us off to the possibility when we met near Lake Borrie, Melbourne Water earlier in the day. He had sighted the brolgas in flight.
Jim Spinks 7/8 #14287 |
|
Australiasian Gannet
Port Phillip Bay offshore from Point Cooke
Approximately seventy Gannets observed circling and diving, presumably on a school of bait fish. Observed from the tower at Cheetham Wetlands, whilst on a Birds Australia outing.
Peter Gibbons, Ash Herrod, et al. 7/8 #14285 |
|
Collared Sparrowhawk
Newport Lakes Park
Single bird seen roosting/perching in dense Sheoaks on the western side of the lakes. Alerted to its presence by several agitated New Holland Honeyeaters.
Paul Randall (wingsonwire.com) 7/8 #14284 |
|
Emu
La Trobe Uni wildlife sanctuary
A large emu disturbed a large basking kangaroo right next to the road. Made my afternoon! Later saw several groups of kangas also basking in Greswell Forest. [Moderators note: The La Trobe Wildlife Sanctuary was set up in 1967 as a project in the restoration and management of indigenous flora and fauna They state "a stroll around the sanctuary will provide the budding bird watcher with a great experience."] Further information
Therese Quinlan 7/8 #14283 |
| Thu 5 |
Scarlet Honeyeater
Blackburn South
Three males (one in full plumage, two at different partial stages) seen. At least two brown birds also present in this small party, first observed by George Pergaminelis nearly three weeks ago. They have remained in the same spot. SMS me on 0451 554 580 for more details.
Trevor Kerr 6/8 #14276 |
|
 Caspian Tern
Lake Charm
Nine Caspian Terns were roosting with 20 Silver Gulls beside a fenced off Lake along the Murray Valley Hwy west of Lake Charm. I could not get any closer as the birds were behind locked gates, barbed wire fence and entry prohibited sign.
Andrew McCutcheon 5/8 #14273 |
| Wed 4 |
Brown Falcon
Webb Dock, Port Melbourne
7.33 am. 4/8/2010 sitting on power line, north side of western end of Williamstown Rd. then took off, heading north-east (1). Full list
Peter Booth 4/8 #14270 |
| Tue 3 |
 Laughing Kookaburra
Hopetoun Gardens, Elsternwick
Two Laughing Kookaburras seen 10-11 am. Appeared unwelcome to visiting seven Pied Currawong and a brace of local magpies, butcherbirds and red wattlebirds, which harassed Laughing Kookaburras repeatedly.
Debbie Lustig 3/8 #14267 |
|
Little Eagle
You Yangs Regional Park
flying over Great Circle Drive near junction with Turntable Drive (east). A single Little Eagle also seen in this area on 1/8, flying, circling and stooping (1). Full list
Janine Duffy 3/8 #14265 |
|
Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo
Golden Square (near Bendigo)
7 Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoos flying south over Calder Highway at Golden Square - 8:50am.
David Hewett 3/8 #14260 |
| Mon 2 |
Powerful Owl
Wright Forest,Cockatoo,Dandenongs
A female heard calling at Dusk .
Graham Beal 3/8 #14266 |
| Sun 1 |
Spotless Crake & Brolga
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
84 species on a frightful, wet day. Best Spotless Crake (1 Lake Borrie), Brolga (2 Western Lagoons), Wedge-tailed Eagle (1), Whiskered Tern (1 adult in breeding plumage, could not locate immatures & non-breeders seen with it recently), Zebra Finch (10), only 2 Cape Barren Geese, Red-necked Stint (1 in full breeding plumage - new arrival?), Fairy Martin (2 - a few over-wintered), Australian Reed-Warbler (2 - over-wintered), Fairy Tern (2), Double-banded Plover (only about 40; 100+ seem to have left already), duck numbers well down, but hgh numbers of Red-capped Plover (50+) and Black-fronted Dotterel (40+). No Red-necked Avocet or Eurasian Coot.
John Barkla, Fred Smith & Alison Street 1/8 #14251 |
|
Barn Owl
Sandy Cove Wetland, Port Fairy
Bird resting amongst club rush on edge of saltmarsh.
Lisette Mill 1/8 #14247 |
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Olive-backed Oriole, Fan-tailed Cuckoo,
Yackandandah
Fan-tailed Cuckoo calling early this morning, followed by a series of species that should not have been in the garden, including White-browed Woodswallow, Rufous Whistler and a possible Lyrebird!! This made me get out of bed, however I soon found the culprit - an Olive-backed Oriole in the Claret Ash! Where has it been travelling to pick up this odd assortment of species?
Matt Weeks 1/8 #14245 |