Steady rain around Melbourne, Victoria made it difficult to bird anywhere
but at "The Farm". There were Black-winged Stilts and Red-necked Avocets
at the ponds in Paradise Road as well as the largest number (about 35) of
Banded Stilts I have ever seen at Werribee.
Further north-east, Tania Ireton and Paul Taylor had the telescope trained
on the Red-necked Phalarope so that I did not have to get very wet before I
saw the distinctive behaviour and splendid colour on the neck of the bird.
The rain became heavier, I went back to the car and did not see the bird
again although I returned twice later in the day.
On an adjacent pond, I saw what I believe was my first Pectoral Sandpiper
in Australia, although I always doubt my recognition of difficult species
like this one. Other possible sightings of interest were a Little Eagle
and a bedraggled Peregrine Falcon. Three Black-tailed Native Hens were
near the ford over Little River - the first time I have seen them in that
location.
Regards,
Gil Langfield
Melbourne, Australia
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