Mornington Peninsula Birdlife

Mornington Peninsula
Birdlife
Volume 3 Number 1 March 2014
Musk Lorikeet, photographed at Somers by Peter Houghton.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Welcome to the new BirdLife Mornington Peninsula year, we
hope you all had a pleasant festive season. Our Christmas
outing at Hannah and Roger’s estate was a great way to
finish the year and we thank them for their gracious hosting
of the day.
The outings program for the first six months has been
formulated beginning on February 12 at Devilbend and we
hope this will be the start of a very good year.
The AGM is upcoming (see notice elsewhere in newsletter)
and we are still seeking members to nominate for the
committee as a strong committee is the only way our branch
can prosper. Participation is not an onerous one and the
benefits are fulfilling.
Our survey work is ramping up and we are always seeking
member’s help with these, you get to see some great birds
on these days in the field.
probable locations at Tootgarook that are likely to be
designated for action.
We have again been invited to participate in the Schools
Environment Week at The Briars in March and if you would
like to help contact Pam or Max. The Blue Hills garden club
has requested a speaker for their March meeting and we
agreed to the request.
The first committee meeting of the year will be in February.
Max Burrows
Contents
1. Branch news
3. Habitat for wildlife
4. Outings program and reports
7. The Briars - a bird haven
COMMITTEE NOTES
Our committee is still wrestling with the newsletter funding
situation with the sub-committee seeking funds from a
number of sources.
We are in negotiations with the Mornington Peninsula Shire
for additional sites to be monitored at Tootgarook. We, in
conjunction with National Office and the Shire, inspected
8. Fishing lines and bird encounters
9. Eastern Treatment Plant surveys
10. Birding out at sea
11. Birding at Boort
12. Observations
16. Surveying local birds
Branch news
MEMBER PROFILE
Pam Everson & Peter Carson
We live in Mt Eliza and are relatively new to the birding
scene. Peter is a semi retired camera repair technician and
when not repairing cameras, spends a lot of time
photographing birds. Together they enjoy roaming through
the many parks and reserves on the Peninsula looking for
birding 'hotspots'. Peter is better at spotting birds in the bush
but Pam is better at hearing them so together they are a
good team. Both have an interest in birds dating back to
early childhood. Peter's interest grew after receiving a pair of
binoculars for his birthday and a copy of Neville W. Cayley's
'What Bird is That?’
How we started birding:
A couple of years ago, Keith Hindley dropped by to have his
cameras cleaned and serviced and when Pam heard that he
was a bird photographer, asked if she could use one of his
Superb Fairy-wren photos to draw. He kindly agreed. Not
long after, Peter bought a telephoto lens for Pam to
photograph her own birds and became hooked himself. He
has built up a good selection of gear and is always striving
for his next 'best bird photo'. He now takes most of the bird
photos and lugs all the gear, while Pam carries the thermos
and a good supply of art materials!
Favourite birding spots on the Peninsula:
Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, Mt Eliza Regional Park,
coastal scrub and The Blowhole near Flinders, Tanti Creek
Mornington.
Other favourite birding spots: Seaford Wetlands,
Kananook Creek Frankston, George Bass Coastal Walk
Kilcunda, anywhere on the Murray River - Ulupna Island,
Barmah Forest, Echuca, Deniliquin NSW.
Some memorable birding moments:
Floating down Kananook Creek in a tiny tinnie capturing
some beautiful images of a shy white egret and a Whitefaced Heron along quiet stretches of the creek.
Discovering a juvenile Olive-backed Oriole in the front yard
one summer's morning. All the more memorable because of
its rarity here.
Birding ambitions:
Peter wants to get that once in a lifetime bird photo worthy
of a magazine cover! Pam wants to recognise as many birds
as possible by sight as well as sound. Both are interested in
learning more about bird habits as well as habitat, the
incredible feats of migratory birds and the fascinating art of
nest building.
Other interests:
Peter plays ice hockey twice a week and loves fishing and
boating. Pam spends too much time drawing, painting, hand
spinning and weaving while fluff gathers on the floor boards.
Both love natural history books and getting away in the
caravan with their little dog Jessie.
NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS
Thanks for your fantastic articles and photos; keep
sharing your sightings, observations, bird photos, daily
birding activities, surveys and tips on bird identification.
Send to Val Ford; 5984 0039 & [email protected]
Deadline for June edition: 2 May
Earlier articles appreciated.
AGM
BirdLife Mornington Peninsula will hold its Annual General
Meeting on Wednesday May 14th commencing at 9.00am at
"The Briars" Mt. Martha.
9.00 Bird walk
10.30 Morning tea
11.00 Annual General Meeting
11.10 Guest speaker Sean Dooley, editor of Australian
Birdlife magazine and well known author.
Please consider joining the committee and assist the branch
to achieve its goals.
Nominations can be forwarded to Ray Pentland on 59864717
or email [email protected]
Max Burrows, President
Contacting BirdLife Mornington Peninsula
President Max Burrows; 9789 0224
PO Box 2262 Rosebud Plaza, Vic 3939
Pam’s Spotted Pardalote; Peter’s Eastern Yellow Robin
2
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
[email protected]
www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula
Habitat for wildlife
EDUCATION VISITS
I am happy to say that the Education members have been in
much demand this past year. Stuart Cousland, Susan Clark,
and myself have visited Environment Week at the Briars,
Mornington CWA, Red Hill Consolidated School, a beginners’
Birdwatching course for U3A Mornington, Balnarring PreSchool (Nov), and Mt Martha Primary (Dec). All of these
groups have appreciated our attendance, and we already
have been booked to return to U3A and Mt Martha Primary.
Our President, Max Burrows, is also in demand as a speaker
to Community groups.
Disa Bracteata. Photos; left J. Jeanes, right DSE website
Weed alert
African Orchid Disa Bracteata has been found on French
Island, at Devilbend and in Greens Bush.
Philip Jensen warns that it is a “pernicious, self-pollinating
colony-forming weed with quantities of seed”. He asks that,
if you see this plant, even in small quantities, to inform
SPIFFA, as plants such as this can be “well established over
large areas before they attract attention”.
Call: 5988 6529 or email: [email protected]
Pam Hearn at Balnarring pre-school
We provide a free presentation to local groups and schools (a
welcome surprise, as funds are not readily available these
days!). The bird skins we take along have had a lot of
handling, but are handled respectfully by our audiences.
Children, particularly, love to get a close-up view of birds
they may see in their backyards. The teachers and parents
involved must be doing a great job in their environmental
teachings, as the knowledge displayed by children is
amazing!
Remember to spread the word that we are available to give
presentations on all aspects of birds and their habitats.
Pam Hearn, Education Officer
Year of the bird
This is clearly the tag for 2014 as far as BERG Mt Martha is
concerned. First, we have in the pipeline a bird brochure
with exquisite drawings by BERG member and artist Annie
Dowd. It will be launched in early May at the Mornington
Library, when we will also be showing examples of Stewart
Dawson’s beautiful carved local birds. Then we have the
Family Estuary Awareness Day featuring our giant
Spoonbill. Some of you will remember this vast and
wonderful puppet, BERG’s contribution to Mornington’s
Australia Day procession a decade or more ago.
And finally, a bird hide in the Reserve. We are planning a
camouflaged simple structure on the north bank just in from
the Esplanade Bridge, overlooking the estuary. The plans and
site details will be submitted to the Shire by its Natural
Systems Team. We hope to have completed by the end of
April.
Liz Barraclough, BERG newsletter Jan 2014
New group tackles creek
A new Landcare group being formed in the northeast
peninsula region aims to enhance the quality of water runoff
into Watson Creek, described as one of the state's dirtiest
waterways.
The creek flows from its headwaters in Frankston South
through Baxter, Somerville and Tyabb and into Yaringa
Marine National Park in Western Port, which is part of
Ramsar-listed wetlands that provide important food and
habitat for migratory birds and is home to internationally
significant mangrove communities, extensive saltmarsh
habitats as well as seagrass and mudflat communities.
A recent bushwalk led by peninsula fauna ecologist Mal Legg
revealed the importance of maintaining and enhancing native
vegetation as well as controlling weeds and pests in order to
ensure the survival of indigenous animals in the northeast of
the Mornington Peninsula, including possums, bats, koalas,
frogs, owls, wallabies and migratory birds.
Southern Peninsula News, 22 October 2013
Bird brochure launch
On Saturday May 3, at Mornington Library foyer,
4.30-6.30pm, BERG Mt Martha will be launching
a new Bird Brochure for the Reserve.
A photographic display of representative birds will be
available for viewing, alongside bird carvings by local man,
and BirdLife member, Stewart Dawson.
All welcome
March 2014
3
Outings
EVERYBODY’S WELCOME
Outings are held on the second Wednesday and third Sunday
of the month, except in January, and are cancelled on total
fire ban days.
Newcomers, beginners and visitors are welcome and
members will help you with the birds. Binoculars for casual
use are available on every outing. Bring lunch (optional) and
a folding chair for bird call and chat.
For more information about an outing contact Max Burrows
on 0429 947 893 or the leader listed.
Max Burrows, Outings Coordinator
Our Bellarine Peninsula hosts, You Yangs outing. Photo by Pam Hearn
Date
Time
Locality
Meeting place and other information
Leader
Phone
Wed 12 Mar
9.00
Private property, Balnarring
Meet 9.00am at private property drive, at 79 Hunts Road near
corner of Stumpy Gully Road. Mel 163 D3
Max Burrows
0429 947 893
Sun 16 Mar
7.00
Western Treatment Plant Werribee
Meet 7.00am at Baxter Tavern carpark; enter off Baxter-Tooradin
Road. We will proceed in convoy to the plant. Mel 107 B4
John Barkla
0429 947 893
Wed 9 April
9.30
Paringa Road Red Hill South
Meet 9.30am at end of road. Enter Paringa Road off Point Leo Road Joan Peters
via Shoreham Road. Mel 191 H11
5981 2078
Sun 20 April
9.30
Mt Eliza Regional Park
Meet 9.30am at carpark in Two Bays Road near corner of Station
Street Mt Eliza. Mel 106 A7
Roger Standen
0427 384 559
Wed 14 May
9.00
AGM at The Briars Mt Martha
Meet 9.00am at the visitors centre Nepean Highway. Bird walk,
morning tea, AGM followed by a guest speaker Sean Dooley.
Mel 145 D1
Max Burrows
0429 947 893
Sun 18 May
10.00
Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve
Frankston North
Meet 10.00am at carpark Ballarto Road entrance. Mel 100 F6
Denis Goss
0419 921 249
Wed 11 Jun
10.00
Point Nepean National Park
Meet 10.00am at carpark at the old Visitors Centre at the end of
Point Nepean Road. Mel 156 C2.
tba
0429 947 893
Sun 15 Jun
10.00
William Road Red Hill
Meet 10.00am at end of William Road. Enter from Arthurs Seat
Road between Main Creek and Mornington-Flinders Roads.
Mel 190 C2
Susan Clark
5975 7409
Wed 9 Jul
10.00
Coolart Wetlands Somers. Will be
Meet 10.00am at carpark off Lord Somers Road. Mel 193 J9
held in the theatrette & include
morning tea followed by a talk from
Chris Purnell, BirdLife National
Office. Then a short bird walk to the
wetlands.
Max Burrows
0429 947 893
WHAT BIRD IS THAT, THE BRIARS
MT. MARTHA
Max Burrows: Sunday 27 October
Species recorded:44
The annual WBIT at The Briars attracted a good attendance
of 80 and with the weather cool and windy we struck an early
setback with a large tree down across the boardwalk to the
hides. Quick action by Gerard the ranger cleared the path
and we were in business. The Friends of the Hooded Plover
joined us again with a manned display and this combined
with our activities gained high praise from the attendees and
we hope some new members for both organizations.
A big thank you to our members who contributed on the day
and again a very worthwhile event that hopefully helps to
make the BirdLife organization well known and respected
across our region.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
4
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Checking out some of the displays at The Briars. Photo by Jan Taylor
Outings
LANGWARRIN RETARDING BASIN &
STRINGYBARK RESERVE
Max Burrows: Wed 13 November
Unfortunately this outing to the Langwarrin area had to be
called off due to persistent rainfall.
YOU YANGS REGIONAL PARK
Max Burrows & Val Wyatt: Sun 17 Nov
Species recorded: 59
Rainbow Bee-eater at the You Yangs. Photo by Andris Niedra
On a perfect spring morning we assembled at the Baxter car
park and boarded the bus to the You Yangs Regional Park for
our combined outing with BirdLife Bellarine Peninsula. On
arrival we met Val and our leader for the day Peter from the
Bellarine group in the reserve’s car park. Sixteen BirdLife
Mornington Peninsula members plus five Bellarine folk for a
total of twenty-one attended.
Our first sighting of note was a Collared Sparrowhawk that
circled over our heads, after being disturbed from a nearby
tree. Superb Fairy-wren, Red-browed Finch and Brown
Thornbill frequented the car park surrounds. A call nearby
which was unfamiliar to most turned out to be a Restless
Flycatcher and high in an adjacent sugar gum an Olivebacked Oriole was heard and seen.
We then proceeded in car convoy to the ring road area
stopping frequently to observe at different locations. Birds
seen on this part of the day included a Scarlet Robin, Spotted
Pardalote, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, Horsefield’s BronzeCuckoo, Grey Fantail and Wedge-tailed Eagle with a Little
Raven in pursuit.
We next headed for the northern fringe of the park where
Hovell’s Creek borders the range and here we found the
outing highlight, Rainbow Bee-eater that comes to this area
at this time every year to breed in the banks of the creek.
The beautiful plumage of these birds, many photos taken,
overwhelmed us all! Further along a pair of Crested Shrike-tit
was another highlight and Jacky Winter was also seen here.
We thanked our leader Peter and thanked Val for organizing
the You Yangs end of the outing and we left for home very
satisfied after a great day’s birding.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
BUCKLEYS RESERVE
Susan Clark: Wed 11 December
Species recorded: 30
Although earlier in the morning we had sunshine, 19 people
fronted up to an overcast outing, hoping for some interesting
sightings. We welcomed Rene visiting from Holland, Val from
Gembrook (but formerly Mornington Peninsula), and Annie
Susan leading through an overgrown path at Buckleys Reserve.
Photo by Pam Hearn
from Mt Martha.
Susan Clark led us through an overgrown path with the
occasional wildflower still evident. Galahs, Sulphur-crested
Cockatoos, Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, and Rainbow
Lorikeets were seen and heard. Thornbills, Striated and
Brown, fidgeted in the tree-tops, making it difficult to get a
bead on them! Much debate as to the identity of a showy
Fantail ensued, but was deemed to be a young Grey. Golden
and Rufous Whistlers were seen and heard, providing a
highlight for our visitors. We didn’t see many Honeyeaters,
but Yellow-faced, Red Wattlebird and New Holland were
represented.
As we proceeded, it got greyer and darker, and about
halfway around, it started gently, but persistently raining.
Unfortunately, it didn’t stop, the birds disappeared, and we
tramped through the long grass getting wetter and wetter!
Some of the group opted to walk along Myers road back to
the cars.
As we were all quite sodden, Bird Call was abandoned, and
people headed home to dry off. Bird lists were collated via
email later, with a total of 30 species recorded by Val, David
and Susan.
Thanks and commiserations to Susan for leading us on what
started out to be a promising day; but at least we got some
fresh air and companionship!
Pam Hearn, Mt Martha
March 2014
5
Outings
DUNNS CREEK WINERY &
KANGERONG FLORA RESERVE
NOTICE BOARD
CONGRATULATIONS DAVID
Hannah Stuart-Andrews: Sun 15 Dec
Species recorded: 57
On a pleasant Sunday morning 27 members assembled at
Roger and Hannah’s Dunns Creek Winery for our Christmas
outing. We set off down to the wetland area adjacent to
Dunns Creek; a female Mistletoebird set the scene for a great
mornings birding. A Golden Whistler was calling and then a
male Mistletoebird made an appearance with Silvereyes
calling from the trees. One of the highlights here was a Satin
Flycatcher which was very elusive and only heard.
Within the Order of Australia awards, announced on Australia
Day 2014, David Reid, BirdLife Australia Board and BirdLife
Mornington Peninsula member, was awarded the Medal of
the Order of Australia (OAM).
“For service to the promotion of bushwalking, and to the
community”.
Well deserved.
Max Burrows
PENINSULA FIELD NATURALISTS’ CLUB
BIRD TALKS
March 12: Pat Bingham “Changing Bird Population of
Melbourne over the past 150 years”
May 14: Patrick-Jean Guay “Bird Flight Initiation Distance as
a Management Tool for Human Disturbance in Australia”
Peninsula Field Naturalists’ Club meetings:
8pm at Uniting Church, 16 High Street Frankston.
Female Spotted Pardalote near its nest hole in a roadside bank.
For more information [email protected]
www.peninsulafieldnaturalists.org.au
As we proceeded along the roadway towards Kangerong
Reserve a Rufous Fantail darted from the roadside vegetation
and disappeared, however shortly after in the reserve all had
good views of this species. Adjacent to the track we found a
nesting Silvereye and along the road nesting Spotted
Pardalotes made their nest in a roadside bank. Black-faced
Cuckoo-shrikes were calling and they also had young.
Waterbirds were in evidence in the properties wetlands and
dams with Australian Wood Duck, Eurasian Coot and both ibis
species overhead. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Eastern and
Crimson Rosella, Galah and Australian King Parrot were
among the many other birds seen on the day.
Happy swamp supporters, Cameron Brown, Jessica Durrant, Craig
Thomson and Gidja Walker, outside Rosebud council chambers after the
Development Assessments Committee meeting on 16.12.2013.
Photo by Philip Jensen
WIN FOR THE SWAMP
Lunch in Roger and Hannah’s marquee. Photos by Rab Siddhi
We then assembled in the marquee provided by Hannah and
Roger for our birdcall and Christmas celebrations and amid
much laughter and talk we consumed our lunch. We thanked
our hosts for their generous hospitality; a very pleasant day.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
6
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
For those that have been following the relentless process of
land infill development and other threats nibbling away at
the edges of the Tootgarook Swamp and wondering where it
will end. It may well have ended here.
Possibly the most significant aspect of this outcome is that
the decision was made very much on basic environmental
values grounds.
Philip Jensen
The Briars - a bird haven
THE BEGINNING
Council agreed last month to plans for a bird haven and other
developments of the historic “The Briars” property on Nepean
Highway.
A series of ponds will be built, followed by walking tracks,
riding tracks and a native plant arboretum.
The plans were devised by the Design Engineer in close
consultation with a Ministry of Conservation Landscape
Architect, Mr Andrew McCutcheon and Naturalist Mr Graham
Pizzey.
Mr Doug Evenden of the Design Office helped prepare the
drawings approved by Council. He is currently arranging for
the construction of the pondage area.
The project includes a waterbird lagoon and a three-tiered
wetlands area. $5,000 has been allocated to start the work
on the three levels of wetlands which will be separated by
the levees.
Graham Pizzey, Doug Evenden and Andrew McCutcheon
at the proposed site for The Briars bird haven.
Photo from the Shire’s newsletter, Shire Scene March 1983
Mr Graham Pizzey, celebrated author, photographer and
warden of historic “Coolart” praised Council’s decision to
establish a waterbird haven at “The Briars” homestead. He
said, “The lagoon and wetlands area on the creek flats below
the homestead would become a significant local habitat for
birds”.
He estimated that half the coastal wetlands in south-eastern
Australia have been drained and that there was a real need
to create habitats to make up for the loss.
“The Briars” marshy wetlands areas will attract birds like
Japanese snipe, herons and ibis and the lagoons will be
especially attractive to native duck; enhancing “The Briars”
as a major tourist attraction.
The 225 hectares of land surrounding “The Briars”
homestead is presently leased for grazing. The lagoon and
wetlands are to be on part of this leased area.
Council decided that the Balcombe Valley section of the
property would not be available for grazing when the lease is
renegotiated later this year.
From Shire Scene March 1983
MUCH WATER UNDER THE BRIDGE
Having succeeded Graham Pizzey as Warden of Coolart in
1984, I well remember visiting The Briars with Graham, Ken
and Doug in 1985 or 86 to find the muddiest mess I have
ever seen. This explains the timber walkway to the hides –
crushed rock would have disappeared! The newly
constructed wetlands looked like a bombsite.
However it wasn’t long before the planting took hold and now
it is hard to envisage the area as a grazing paddock.
Excellent habitat was created out of nothing and the
wetland/woodland area is now home to many birds including
Emus as well as Swamp Wallabies, Swamp Rats, Red-bellied
Pademelons, eight species of frogs, and a very healthy
population of Copperheads. Ironically, the ‘borrow pit’ from
which clay was obtained to line the new wetlands has
become the best quality wetland, so much so that Dwarf
The wetland now. Photo by Steve Yorke
Galaxias, rescued from the path of Peninsula Link, are
thriving.
Problems have emerged. Significant saline discharge means
that aquatic revegetation is only successful with salt tolerant
species. Many of the trees planted in the mid 1980s are
dying or falling apart. Residual farm fertilisers have produced
excessive growth and therefore weakness, exacerbated by
drought and lack of microbial activity. In the longer term,
nutrient levels will drop, soil carbon will continue to increase
and new trees should be much healthier.
Much credit goes to the late Ken McArthur, an engineer with
the environment at heart at a time when the two fields were
rarely associated.
Steve Yorke, Coordinator The Briars, Mornington Peninsula
Shire
Birdwatching at The Briars
On Tuesday, 20 May, Birdlife Melbourne has a mid-week
outing to The Briars commencing at 10.00am.
The leader is David Ap-Thomas and the meeting place
is the information centre.
All welcome.
March 2014
7
Fishing lines and bird encounters
Left: Short-tailed Shearwater near London Bridge.
Right: Shy Albatross on St Andrews Beach. Photos by Mark Lethlean
Dead shearwater and albatross
On Friday 8 November I photographed a beachwashed Shorttailed Shearwater with a fish hook in its leg. Three days later
I saw a Shy Albatross washed up at St Andrews Beach. I
went to check for tags and instead found that it had become
ensnared by fishing line between its knee and wing. I think
this would be the likely cause of death.
Mark Lethlean, Red Hill
Removing the Hooded Plover’s constricting fibre. Photo by Geoff Gates
Hooded Plover entanglement
I noticed a Hooded Plover, flagged KM, in a bad way at Pt
Roadknight. He was hopping on one foot and had trouble
keeping up with the other six Hooded Plovers foraging on the
rock shelf.
I could not see anything but when I downloaded the images
I was alarmed and contacted Grainne Maguire, Project
Manager BirdLife Australia’s Beach-nesting Birds project. We
were of the opinion that something tight was around the
ankle constricting it.
A plan was put in place; Grainne was to trap the bird and it
was arranged that a local vet would come and meet us on
the beach if we caught the bird.
Within 30 minutes Grainne had skilfully trapped the bird. The
vet came and removed the offending fibre, applied antiseptic
ointment to the wound & administered an antibiotic injection.
With an indignant squawk KM was released & flew straight
back to the flock. Watching through binoculars I was glad to
see that although KM was limping he was using the leg.
Geoff Gates, Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine
Peninsula
Freeing an entangled immature Pacific Gull. Photos by Belinda Hayball
Rescued Pacific Gull
As we were walking along Gunnamatta beach we admired a
beautiful Pacific Gull skimming a few feet above the surf. We
were horrified to see it fly into the fishing line of a surf rod.
It plummeted into the surf and as it struggled to free itself it
became more and more tangled. We rushed to its aid,
dragging it free of the water. The fisherman was unwilling to
cut his line so I took hold of the bird’s neck and wings to
keep it quiet and to prevent it pecking with its vicious looking
beak while my wife gently unwound the line from its wings
and body.
Shearwater and fishhooks
The bird was soon free and we were gratified to watch it fly
away unharmed.
This shearwater was taken to a Veterinary Clinic at
Mornington. After x-ray, and then unfortunately autopsy,
they found three hooks and a five cent coin.
David Gough, Mornington
Mark Lethlean, Red Hill
8
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Eastern Treatment Plant surveys
LARGE NUMBER OF WADERS, DUCKS &
WHISKERED TERNS AT ETP
10 November 2013: Seventy-nine bird species were
counted (48 wetland dependant, 5 raptors & 26 nonwetland). Highlights included large numbers of waders, in
particular a record high number of Red-necked Stints (947).
The extensive stretches of open water and marshland on the
plant provided a good variety of wetland habitat.
Most of the 993 Pink-eared Ducks were at the Western
Effluent Holding Basin, Yellow-billed Spoonbills have a nest in
one of the large gums at the Donut and a large flock of Rednecked Avocets were at the Aeration Ponds. Holding Basins
5, 4 & 3, had a lower water level with exposed mud and
emergent vegetation hosting sandpipers, spoonbills, herons,
ibis, swans and Whiskered Terns. Basin 1 had deep water
hosting some waterfowl, notably grebes, Hardheads and
Blue-billed Ducks. Most of the Latham’s Snipe were in the
dead grass that has been sprayed around the ornamental
pond at the headwaters of Taylor’s Drain.
Whiskered Tern at Basin 6. Photo by Andrew McCutcheon.
15 December 2013: Eighty-one bird species (48 wetland
dependant, 5 raptors + 28 non-wetland) were seen.
Highlights included one White-winged Black Tern feeding with
the Whiskered Terns over tall grass, a Pectoral Sandpiper, a
high number (9) of Great Crested Grebes and a large
increase in numbers of some waterfowl.
Good numbers of Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Black-wings Stilts
and three Common Greenshanks were at the Western
Effluent Holding Basin. Basin 2 was full, hosting some
waterbirds including Great Crested Grebes. Thirty-three
species were logged at the Donut and included 17 wetland &
raptor species. Highlights were a Black-tailed Native-hen and
a half grown Yellow-billed Spoonbill in a nest. Birds were
again inhabiting the Aeration Ponds with the resident and
migratory shorebirds loafing on the levy banks and feeding
on the rocky shoreline, Pink-eared Duck numbers were up.
26 January 2014: Seventy-eight bird species (46 wetland
dependant, 6 raptors + 26 non-wetland) were seen.
Highlights included 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles, several crakes, 17
Royal & 23 Yellow-billed Spoonbills, and further large
increases in waterfowl numbers (4470 Pink-eared Duck) and
diversity. Seven Latham’s Snipe scattered in the sparse dry
grass under the trees west of the road from the entrance to
the admin building was unusual habitat for that species.
Perhaps the area had recently been watered.
We found that the Southern Effluent Holding Basin held
shallow water not extending to depth gauges, with large
areas of exposed mud, was hosting some birds but shorebird
numbers were disappointing. Basin 6 was an excellent
marshland habitat of shallow water with muddy edges
hosting many birds and a good variety of species thus
resembling a Northern Territory wetland. Most of the waders,
spoonbills and crakes were here. Whiskered Terns were
abundant and all were still in breeding plumage. Basins 5 & 4
were inundated with fairly deep water and are well vegetated
hosting many birds especially Eurasian Coots. Basin 2 was
full, hosting many waterbirds including Great Crested Grebes.
At the Donut the water level was down, the 31 species
logged here included 14 wetland & raptor species. The
highlight was a Spotted Harrier with prey. At the Aeration
Ponds, apart from Masked Lapwings, very few birds were
loafing on the levy banks and we didn’t find any Common
Sandpipers. There were almost 4,000 Pink-eared Ducks on
the water.
Yellow-billed Spoonbill nestling at the Donut. Photo by Alison Kuiter
Bird recorded at ETP, 26.1.14
Musk Duck 6, Freckled Duck 6, Cape Barren Goose 1, Black Swan 400,
Australian Shelduck 25, Australian Wood Duck 1, Pink-eared Duck 4470,
Australasian Shoveler 170, Grey Teal 2230, Chestnut Teal 650, Pacific
Black Duck 160, Hardhead 410, Blue-billed Duck 160, Hoary-headed
Grebe 610, Great Crested Grebe 9 , Spotted Dove 16, Crested Pigeon 9,
Australasian Darter 2, Little Pied Cormorant 27, Great Cormorant 8, Little
Black Cormorant 22, Australian Pelican 63, Great Egret 1, White-faced
Heron 21, Australian White Ibis 160, Straw-necked Ibis 7, Royal Spoonbill
17, Yellow-billed Spoonbill 23, Black-shouldered Kite 1, Whistling Kite 2,
Spotted Harrier 2, Swamp Harrier 7, Wedge-tailed Eagle 2, Brown Falcon
2, Purple Swamphen 32, Buff-banded Rail 1, Baillon’s Crake 4, Australian
Spotted Crake 11, Dusky Moorhen 2, Eurasian Coot 8350, Black-winged
Stilt 70, Red-capped Plover 20, Black-fronted Dotterel 14, Red-kneed
Dotterel 24, Masked Lapwing 90, Latham’s Snipe 20, Red-necked Stint
13, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 410, Caspian Tern 1, Whiskered Tern 100,
Silver Gull 75, Rainbow Lorikeet 2, Red-rumped Parrot 6, Superb Fairywren 45, White-browed Scrubwren 3, White-plumed Honeyeater 15, Noisy
Miner 5, Red Wattlebird 5, White-fronted Chat 44, Black-faced Cuckooshrike 5, Australian Magpie 3, Willie Wagtail 38, Little Raven 6, Magpielark 120, Eurasian Skylark 24, Golden-headed Cisticola 23, Australian
Reed Warbler 23, Little Grassbird 4, Silvereye 3, Welcome Swallow 290,
Fairy Martin 4, Common Blackbird 5, Common Starling 145, Common
Myna 13, House Sparrow 18, Eurasian Tree Sparrow 5, Australasian Pipit
5, European Goldfinch 100.
Mike Carter, Mt Eliza
March 2014
9
Birding out at sea
PELAGIC MAGIC
I’ve looked for birds in many habitats across Australia, but
never out at sea. So it was time to join a pelagic outing.
In December last year, I found myself at the Moyne River
wharf, Port Fairy with fourteen other birdos plus the leader,
Neil Macumber (Birdswing Tours) and the skipper and mate
of the launch “Perceive”. It seemed to be a very small craft
to venture out into the Southern Ocean for 30 nautical miles.
I was assured by a seasoned traveller that it was a great
craft for bird spotting and taking photos. Everyone on board
could hear the species being called as they came in and
people got a good view from anywhere on the deck. Most of
the participants had cameras and giant lenses. Talk was
more about getting the perfect shot of some rarity or
subspecies, than simply identifying the bird. These were
definitely another breed of birdo.
White-faced Storm-Petrel caught in typical feeding-flight stance.
We had just left the river mouth and were heading into a 2-4
metre swell when the first pelagic was spotted, a Shy
Albatross, one of many that were going to be seen that day.
Three hours later, the skipper announced that the sonar had
recorded the 90 fathom mark and we were at the continental
shelf edge. This is the zone where cold water rises up and
provides abundant nutrients for the higher food chain. Burley
was thrown over and it wasn’t too long before the pelagics
started coming in thick and fast. And so began a three hour
stint of bird watching while the launch drifted at two spots
out of sight of land. Camera shutters went into overdrive at
times as new arrivals came in. All-in-all eighteen species
were seen.
The real treats for me as a pelagic novice was seeing fifty or
so Shy Albatrosses around the launch. Then in came a
Wandering Albatross. I had just gotten used to the large size
of the Shy Albatrosses when they were dwarfed by the
“Wanderer” as it cruised into land by the boat. And for an
extra treat, we saw Black-browed, Campbell and Eastern
Yellow-nosed Albatrosses. No shortage of albatrosses!
Another large species flew in, this time a Northern GiantPetrel. This particularly fierce-looking bird held its own in the
melee for burley scraps, but what a delicate shade of grey
eyes it has.
Shy Albatrosses, keeping company in the hope of more burley.
Dark-coloured shearwaters and petrels all looked rather
similar from a distance, but with help from the experienced
birdos, it didn’t take too long to distinguish Short-tailed and
Flesh-footed Shearwaters from White-chinned and Greatwinged Petrels. A solitary White-headed Petrel was declared
the bird of the day, mainly for its rarity but for me, it was its
shape, colouring and graceful flight that made it something
special.
And then there were the three species of Storm-Petrels. How
such a small delicate bird lives out in the open ocean is quite
amazing. Their feeding flight behaviour, hovering just above
the water surface and pattering along in search of food is
fascinating. Fairy Prions were called on their arrival, largely
on the basis that they are the commonest species in these
parts. Distinguishing species at sea is notoriously difficult.
One photographer took photos of any prion in the hope that
a careful study of images on the computer screen would
reveal a rare species. Another flurry of excitement as on
separate occasions, two Arctic Jaegers flew past. A great
debate as to whether they were Long-tailed Jaegers or not
but consensus settled on Arctic Jaeger.
10
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Northern Giant-Petrel, a sea pirate. Photos by Bob Drummond
At the end of three hours it was time to motor back to the
coast. A large retinue of Shy Albatrosses followed in our
wake for a couple of hours, then one by one turned away. By
4pm, we had docked and adjourned to a cafe for a coffee
and cake and final discussions about all things pelagic. Truly
a magic day!
Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha
Birding at Boort
WETLANDS, LAKES AND SWAMPS
Forty plus people attending the BirdLife camp at Wedderburn
visited Boort on Tuesday 5 November 2013 and a great
number of bird species were observed. The day was led by
Malcolm Cousland, a resident of Boort. Copies of the
“Wetland Tours” leaflet produced by Loddon Shire were made
available.
Wetlands between Little Lake Boort and Lake Boort:
We assembled at the toilets opposite the BP roadhouse then
proceeded along the Ring Road to the wetlands between
Little Lake Boort and Lake Boort. The area around the
boardwalk was an excellent wetland habitat and many hardto-see wetland birds were observed.
Tawny Frogmouth nesting along ring road: We
proceeded further round the ring road and viewed a Tawny
Frogmouth on a nest with a large nestling.
Parkland adjacent to the baths: Lunch was enjoyed in the
parkland adjacent to the baths. Large numbers of different
birds were seen in the trees around the baths and lakeside,
particularly lorikeets and Blue-faced Honeyeaters.
Baillon’s Crake, seen from the boardwalk across the wetland on the
eastern side of Little Lake Boort. Photo by Roger Needham
Salt lake on the edge of town: We visited this salt lake
along Charlton Road and saw Red-necked Avocets, Blackwinged Stilts, Red-capped Plovers and other wading species.
A number of rare or endangered waders have been seen at
the salt lake in previous years.
Woolshed Swamp: Was visited on the way back to
Wedderburn. Freckled Ducks, an endangered species, have
recently been seen at this wetland but were keeping
themselves hidden this day. However a good range of duck
and other species were seen.
The total of 84 species observed in and around Boort was an
excellent number. Birds seen:
Australian Shelduck, Australian Wood Duck, Pink-eared Duck, Australasian
Shoveler, Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed
Grebe, Crested Pigeon, Peaceful Dove, Tawny Frogmouth, Darter, Little
Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, Pied Cormorant,
Little Friarbird at Boort. Photo by Malcolm Cousland
Australian Pelican, White-necked Heron, Eastern Great Egret, White-faced
Heron, Nankeen Night Heron, Australian White Ibis, Yellow-billed
Spoonbill, White-bellied Sea-eagle, Whistling Kite, Black Kite, Swamp
Harrier, Little Eagle, Nankeen Kestrel, Purple Swamphen, Buff-banded
Rail, Baillon’s Crake, Black-tailed Native-hen, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian
Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Red-necked Avocet, Red-capped Plover, Blackfronted Dotterel, Red-kneed Dotterel, Masked Lapwing, Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper, Whiskered Tern, Silver Gull, Galah, Cockatiel, Musk Lorikeet,
Eastern Rosella, Red-rumped Parrot, Laughing Kookaburra, Sacred
Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater, Superb Fairy-wren, Weebill, Spotted
Pardalote, Striated Pardalote, Singing Honeyeater, White-plumed
Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird,
White-fronted Chat, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Little Friarbird, Black-faced
Cuckoo-shrike, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Rufous Whistler, Whitebreasted Woodswallow, Dusky Woodswallow, Australian Magpie, Willie
Wagtail, Australian Raven, Little Raven, Magpie-lark, Jacky Winter,
Australian Reed-Warbler, Little Grassbird, Rufous Songlark, Welcome
Swallow, Fairy Martin, Tree Martin, Common Blackbird, Common Starling,
House Sparrow.
David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza
Other birding areas around Boort
Loddon Valley is situated in Central Victoria promoting Boort,
Bridgewater, Dingee, Eddington, Inglewood, Korong Vale,
Laanecoorie, Mitiamo, Newbridge, Pyramid Hill, Serpentine,
Tarnagulla and Wedderburn. The landscape of this region is
diverse providing spectator habitat for birdlife and
opportunities for the enthusiast bird lover.
There are a number of wetlands in the Boort area, many of
them ephemeral. Little Lake Boort in the centre of town is
permanent with a boardwalk and wetland area. Bushland
parks are nearby: Leaghur (north), Terrick Terrick (west),
Wychitella and Kooyoora (south).
http://www.eremaea.com/ (Great Places to go Birding) and
http://boort.com.au/ are good websites with further
information.
Some other areas for bird watching are Loddon River south
of Serpentine, Inglewood Nature Conservation Reserve,
Laanecoorie Reservoir and Tarnagulla Bushland.
For further information on the Loddon Valley or to obtain a
free Loddon Valley DVD contact the Loddon Visitor
Information Centre on (03) 5494 3489 or walk in at 24
Wilson Street Wedderburn. Download the Free Loddon Valley
Visitor App at www.loddon.vic.gov.au
Robyn Vella, Tourism Manager Loddon Shire Council &
Malcolm Cousland
March 2014 11
Observations
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
These reports, some from Birdline Victoria, are not authenticated records. Researchers are advised to check with the
observers before citing.
Please report your sightings, for example arrival dates of migrants, to Val Ford; 5984 0039 or [email protected]
Date
Species
Location
Comments
Observer
2.11.13
Rufous Fantail (1)
Dromana
At Sheepwash Creek wetland.
Mark Lethlean
7.11.13
Cape Barren Goose (3)
Hastings
In paddocks along southern side of Graydens Road.
S and S King
17.11.13
Freckled Duck (3)
Balnarring
At dam adjacent to Balbirooroo Wetland.
Brian Thomas
24.11.13
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike (3)
Rosebud
Flying west to east over my house.
Ian Dowling
27.11.13
Rufous Fantail (1)
Balnarring
Good views of one at Buckleys Reserve.
Susan Clark
29.11.13
Horsefield’s Bushlark (1)
Boneo
At Boneo maze. Had not seen them on the peninsula before.
Bob Dunball
30.11.13
Eastern Osprey (1)
Point Nepean NP
Travelling westwards along north side of peninsula.
Peter Bennet
1.12.13
Cape Barren Goose (2)
Mt Martha
At small dam beside MP freeway near Nepean Hwy overpass.
Venetia McMahon
8.12.13
White-winged Triller (2, m & f)
Frankston
Male displaying to female at The Pines F & F Reserve.
James Peake
9.12.13
Black-tailed Native-hen (1)
Pt Leo
On Reserve Road, with two Masked Lapwings.
Alan Johnson
22.12.13
Cape Barren Goose (2)
Mt Martha
At dam on side of freeway, 3kms south of Pen Link junction.
Janet Hand
4.1.14
Australian Koel (1)
Mt Eliza
Heard at home.
David Ap-Thomas
5.1.14
Cape Barren Goose (14)
Tyabb
In Willow Lodge, Bungower Road, horse paddocks.
Snez Plunkett
5.1.14
Little Egret (1)
French Island
Feeding on mudflats at Tankerton jetty.
Chris Chandler
9.1.14
Eastern Spinebill (1)
Blairgowrie
Has been in our yard for 5 days. Comes quite close to me.
Malcolm Barrow
9.1.14
Jacky Winter (1)
Mt Martha
Feeding and moving through my garden.
Larry Wakefield
13.1.14
Little Egret (1)
Hastings
Feeding on the mudflats at low tide.
Brian Thomas
15.1.14
White-throated Needletail
Point Nepean NP
A large flock seen in area near the point.
James Mustafa
17.1.14
Brown Quail (1)
Cape Schanck
On a Cape Schanck private property; looking for water.
Cath Cousland
20.1.14
Pink-eared Duck (26)
Freckled Duck (1)
Nankeen Night Heron (1)
Latham’s Snipe (13)
Coolart
Pat Bingham, Peter
Gower & monthly
surveyors
31.1.14
Red-kneed Dotterel (4)
Spotless Crake (1)
Sacred Kingfisher (1)
Coolart
Cath Cousland
1.2.14
Lewin’s Rail (1)
Coolart
Brian Thomas
3.1.14
Sanderling (1)
Gunnamatta Beach
Foraging in low tide zone ~1km east of life saving club.
N Shelley & D Goss
Pink-eared Ducks at Coolart
After counting twenty-six Pink-eared Duck on the lagoon at
Coolart during the monthly bird survey on 20 January we
wondered if this was the largest number recorded there over
the past years.
Records from March 1984 to October 2013 show that
numbers of less than seven were seen during that time (with
ducklings reported in January and February 2002). Then in
2013 fourteen were reported in November and seventeen in
December. Forty were seen on 16 January this year, a few
days, before we saw the twenty-six whilst surveying.
Interestingly, whilst Pink-eared Duck numbers have
increased Freckled Duck numbers have decreased (although
they are still recorded at Balbirooroo in high numbers).
Brian Thomas & Val Ford
Pink-eared Duck at Coolart. Photo by Yvonne Incigneri
12
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Observations
Feeling groggy; I’m OK now. Photos by Glenys Greenwood
Surviving a window confrontation
Well camouflaged Hooded Plover nest at Flinders. Photo by Mark Lethlean
In danger of trampling
On 9 November I found that the Flinders Ocean beach
Hooded Plovers pair that I have been monitoring had a nest
with three eggs. Unfortunately it is sixty metres east of the
first car park entrance at Mushroom Reef and on the beach
four metres from the foredune. It is quite a vulnerable nest
at high tide from water and foot traffic and is extremely well
camouflaged.
To ensure that nests or chicks are not crushed please walk
along the water’s edge, at all beaches, during the beachnesting birds breeding season, August to March.
Mark Lethlean, Red Hill
As I walked along the front of my house a Brown Thornbill
went flying in front of me and after thudding into the
window, lay still on the ground. Carefully I picked up a tiny,
unmoving bundle and sat it on my hand. The right foot was
tightly closed, beak open and eyes dazed. Slowly it appeared
to become more aware, looking around but happy to just sit
there. At this point I was wondering if it was a candidate for
‘Bird Rehabilitation!’
After about five minutes, the beak closed and the eyes
looked sharper so I thought it was time to let it go. I knelt
down beside a rock in the garden and encouraged it to hop
across. There it sat, looking at me and as I was wondering
what to do next, it suddenly hopped back onto my thumb
and just sat there. Again we just looked at each other until
in a flash it took off, never to be seen again.
I’ll never know why it hopped back onto my thumb, but I like
to think that it was saying ‘thank you for looking after me.’
Glenys Greenwood, Red Hill
Red Hill Corella hybrid
Mark Lethlean’s observation of the Cockatoo/Little Corella
hybrid in the December 2013 issue, prompted me to look at
a photo I took when I was living at Whitehill Road, Red Hill.
Musk Lorikeets at our garden in Somers
On a sunny day, sitting outside, looking at our beautiful
flowering gum, an emerald green flash darted into it. This
was followed by a song not heard before!
Staring hard we saw the beautiful culprit. Noting down the
colourings; emerald green body, yellow flashes under the top
wing, dreamy blue head with audacious red flash across the
‘forehead’ and along to eyes like a masquerade mask, we
quickly researched our bird books, to discover these little
gems were Musk Lorikeets. In a deep green tree with bright
red flowers they were surprisingly hard to see. For days now
they have been hanging in and out of our old flowering gum,
happy as lorikeets! (See photo above and on front page).
Peter Houghton and Jo Lane, Somers
PS. I have been a BirdLife Australia member for many years.
I would like to take this opportunity to say how much I enjoy
the Mornington Peninsula Birdlife newsletter that is inserted
in the Australian Birdlife magazine. It’s informative and has
articles that are relevant to those of us lucky enough to call
the Mornington Peninsula our home!
Peter Houghton
The Red Hill “cocky flock” regularly visited our place, as we
would put seed out occasionally. Amongst the gang, was a
hybrid bird, in fact at times, two individuals would visit.
The photo of the hybrid and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo was
taken in 2003. There is a distinct possibility that the hybrid is
around 10 years old and still patrolling Red Hill with the rest
of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo gang.
Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha
March 2014 13
Observations
Birding at the Village Glen
Village Glen birds - then and now!
Recently I was shown an article written seventeen years
ago by Cynthia and Gene Sparks for a Village Glen
newsletter. Sadly, they are no longer with us but it was
interesting to read what they wrote about the birds in their
garden when they moved in and their garden was quite new.
At first they saw only starlings, soldier birds (Noisy Miners),
sparrows, blackbirds, magpies, and Magpie-larks. One day
great excitement was caused by a visiting Grey (White-faced)
Heron on their lawn. Gradually other birds visited - a Willie
Wagtail and Spotted Doves.
They planted native dryandras, grevilleas, banksias and a
small eucalypt, along with pineapple sage (a favourite of
honeyeaters), salvias and lilacs. Gradually they attracted
Little Wattlebirds, New Holland Honeyeaters and Eastern
Spinebills. Spotted Pardalotes were heard calling from
eucalypts in Balaka Road and they began to see Eastern
Rosellas. Sometimes Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes flew over
their garden and a family of Superb Fairy-wrens was seen
passing through and flocks of ibis were observed circling
overhead.
How surprised they would be to hear that 88 species have
now been recorded within and above the Village, along
Chinamans Creek, in and over the swamp to the south of the
golf course and that 25 of these are breeding records.
Recently I heard from two residents that Pacific Black Ducks
had successfully raised families in nests incorporated into
staghorns or elkhorns growing quite high on villa walls and
Masked Lapwings raised a family in a nest on a garage roof.
Please keep your birdbaths clean and full during the next few
months; the birds will appreciate it and you will enjoy their
visits.
Summer birding in the Village
Until mid-December Tootgarook Swamp still held a
considerable amount of water providing excellent habitat for
hundreds of White and Straw-necked Ibis, White-faced and
White-necked Herons, Black-winged Stilts, Latham’s Snipe,
spoonbills, crakes, rails and plovers, as well as several
species of raptor and the ubiquitous Purple Swamphens.
During January the main area of swamp rapidly dried out and
most of the wading-type birds left. But, as some water
remains in the swamp south of the golf-course and in the golf
course lake, swamphens are slowly moving back into the
village. Expect them in your garden again quite soon!
I'm often asked, "What are the large, black, noisy birds in
the village; are they crows, rooks or ravens?" The answer is
that 99% of these birds are Little Ravens which are the
commonest of the corvids in this part of southern Victoria.
Little Ravens have a fairly short, clipped "ark, ark" call with,
at the same time, a quick flick of the wings when perched.
The Australian Raven, which is only slightly larger, is
generally found further north, mainly over the divide in more
open country. However, in some parts of Victoria the two
species are found together, making identification possible
mainly on the call; even then, it is sometimes difficult! There
are no rooks in Australia, and the three species of crow are
(generally) not found in Victoria at all.
Celia Browne, West Rosebud
14
Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Independent old ladies were everywhere. Photo by Joan McDowell
Our birding trip to Japan in 1982
Two days after arriving in Tokyo we headed for the “Wild
Bird Society” hoping to join a weekend bird outing. No luck,
all outings cancelled due to a typhoon alert. Sunday was
sunny so took the Monorail to Oi Park. It was a vast manmade wetland and the water level in the ponds was
regulated. A staggering number of people were seen fishing,
riding bicycles, plus “birdos” with spotting scopes, cameras,
etc.
The birdhide was vast with windows at varying heights. It
took ages before it was our turn, however, not a bird in
sight. Too much rain had fallen; the ponds had turned into a
lake. We did see, on a walk along a canal – Little Egrets
(black bills), Great Egret (yellow bill), Greenshanks plus
Seagulls.
On 28 September we started out on a five day bus tour and
stopped at the touristy places like a lacquerware factory and
a vineyard that sold small plastic baskets of juicy grapes.
Then up into the mountains. In the valleys below wide
shallow rivers and a patchwork of small farms; in the villages
the houses were built so close to the road, our bus driver
had just inches to spare.
We visited a candle maker’s home. He was the seventh
generation to make hand rolled bees wax candles for church
alters. Next day a folk-lore village; saw one bird, a Willow
Tit.
Our bus trip ended in Kyoto. We met up with a work contact
of Ken’s and had an overnight in Lenny and Kaito’s tiny
apartment. We had our first experience of sleeping on the
floor. After a delicious meal Lenny took us to a Karaoke Bar,
just a luxury men’s club with soft chairs, couches and
hostesses to attend their needs!
We are on our own now and caught a ferry to Kyushu Island.
Stayed in a home-stay in Yufuin - hostess in kimono, much
bowing - enjoyed a hot spa, part of the house. Better birding
here; Little Egret, Common Kingfisher, Japanese Wagtail,
White Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Rustic Buntings and Brown
Thrush. At Tottori we rode bikes to the beach and saw forty
Snowy Plovers and a raft of Greater Scaup, Grey Heron and
Copper Pheasant.
Not a lot of birds, maybe spring time is better, and for us the
typhoon didn’t help.
Joan McDowell, Mt Martha
Observations
King Parrots visit
After plenty of flyovers we finally got the Australian KingParrots to visit us at Mt Martha on 19 January. They fed on
some feeders we have near the chook shed, the male on one
feeder and a female on the other.
Shortly after that they both flew to our tomatoes and fed on
the green unripe ones for about 30 minutes. I could only get
the male in one photo, the female was below him.
Kevin Conlan, Mt Martha
Indian Ringneck
Just wanted to share with you an interesting bird sighting
(non native) that I observed earlier this week. I noticed a
male African/Indian Ringneck parrot feeding on a fruit tree at
our Frankston South property on 27 January with a group of
Rainbow Lorikeets.
Male Australian King-Parrot feeding on tomatoes. Photo by Kevin Conlan
I was wondering whether this sighting needs to be reported
to any relevant government authority, as it is noted online
that these parrots have a significant potential to establish
populations in Australia.
Lana Cumming, Frankston South
Balbirooroo wetland at Balnarring update
Went down to Balbirooroo today, 29 January, and we were
impressed with the number and variety of birds there.
There we at least 70 Freckled Duck; it is good to see that
after first seeing them early last year they are still around.
Indian Ringneck. Photo by Lana Cumming
A few Australian Shelduck and all the more normal ducks and
gallinules were present. Several Latham’s Snipe were feeding
in the open. Black-fronted and Red-kneed Dotterel, White
and Straw-necked Ibis, White-faced Heron, and a pair of
Black Swans and three cygnets were showing themselves
very well.
Probably the most uncommon bird for the area was a Yellowbilled Spoonbill.
Liz and Peter Gower, Balnarring
White-browed and Masked Woodswallows
at Fingal
We had a mixed flock of White-browed and Masked
Woodswallows fly above our house in Fingal on 19 October
2013. We are about 1km in a direct line from Bass Strait.
There were approximately fifty birds and it was a first
sighting for us in this area.
I have never seen these two species this far south and so
close to Bass Strait. I wondered at the time whether it was
due to the October NSW bush fires that had driven them this
far south.
Bett Mitchell, Fingal
Oiled Silver Gull rescued at Rosebud.
Covered in oil
This Silver Gull was presented at a Rosebud Veterinary
Clinic. It was covered in oil and had been recovered from the
Rosebud shopping centre. The flight feathers seemed to be a
combination of grey and black.
It was transferred to a carer for cleaning up.
Mark Lethlean, Red Hill
March 2014 15
Surveying local birds
Bird Surveys
BirdLife Mornington Peninsula is surveying at a number of
areas. If you would like to be involved in the surveys listed
below contact David Ap-Thomas on 9787 6691.
Mt Martha boardwalk: 13 May Meet at 9.00am at
Balcombe Estuary Reserve.
Sunshine Reserve, Mt Martha: 22 May Meet 9.00am at
end of Spencer St. Melways 150 G4
Tootgarook Swamp: Surveys of Tootgarook Swamp also
take place every 2 months. Contact David Ap-Thomas if you
wish to be part of these surveys. Restricted numbers.
*********
More survey sites around Tootgarook: We are in
negotiation with the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council to do
surveys at six more sites around Tootgarook and we will
need volunteers for those. To register your interest or for
more information contact Max Burrows on 0429 947 893 or
[email protected]
Balcombe Estuary bird survey
David Ap-Thomas and I did our BirdLife scheduled bird
survey on a dull Tuesday morning recently (12 November).
When we first started off, everything was very quiet; mostly
Silver Gulls on the mudflats of the Estuary, and a Red
Wattlebird in the Campground. As we progressed, we heard a
few more calls of Brown Thornbills jumping around in the
foliage, and the distant calls of Rufous Whistlers. Even the
Bunyip area was quiet!
Back on the Boardwalk, it became evident that a lot of
Eastern Yellow Robins were about, some spotted feeding
fledgling young. We continued to hear Rufous Whistlers, who
remained hidden in the Paperbarks, saw and heard Whitebrowed Scrubwrens, and there were flocks of Silvereyes
flitting around. These mentioned birds turned about to be the
most numerous for the day. It should be noted we passed
many dog-walkers with dogs off-leash!
On our return journey, a gentle rain had begun. We saw
more Silvereyes, had a good sighting of a female Rufous
Whistler, and heard a Golden Whistler at last. Although the
conditions were dull and windy/rainy (not great for
birdwatching) we had a good list of 43 species for the day.
Pam Hearn, Mt Martha
16
Newsletter Headine
Juvenile Little Pied Cormorant. Photo by Roger Standen
Unusual cormorant
The identity of this 'unusual' cormorant, seen whilst
surveying at Elgee Park, caused much discussion by the
participants.
Looking at the photo that I took later in the day it is clear
that what we saw in the water was a juvenile Little Pied
Cormorant. They look so odd because of the featherless head
(that must be designed to avoid clogging feathers when
going head-first down the parent's gullet) and the patchy
colours on the bill and surrounds. The shape of the head
looks quite different to the feathered head of the adult bird.
There were three young birds that had plenty of white
feathers appearing in a dark-brown throat and breast. I
assumed that they must start with all black and then gain
the white feathers in their first moult from juvenile plumage.
This was confirmed when I checked out HANZAB at the
library. The downy young are definitely all black, with
immature plumage referred to as developing between the
black juvenile into white-throated adult. These young were
quite large, but still had the head/facial characteristics of the
downy young, rather than the more mature looking
feathered heads of the immature images in HANZAB.
On reflection, I had seen these young birds before at a
rookery at Moama a few years ago.
There was at least one, more mature, immature bird that
had fledged as it was seen flying around harassing its
parent, which fed the young bird after landing high in a dead
tree.
Roger Standen, Mt Eliza