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Spent last weekend in the Lockyer Valley, indulging myself in
solo,full-on birding.As the area is agricultural (predominantly small holdings
of vegetable crops) I focused, as most resident and visiting birders do, on the
water supply holdings, ie the various dams, lakes, and natural
wetlands.
In all saw 84 species, not quite as many as Trevor and Kym
Ford's ton for the same weekend.Following numbers seen at the various
sites:
Lake Clarendon-34 species,with highlights
being Aust. Shoveller, Musk Duck, Pink-eared Duck, numerous Black Swan, Jacana,
immature Swamp Harrier
Lake Dyer-37 species, best being a Latham's
Snipe (couldn't conjure up the Painted Snipe!!) on late Friday, and great views
through 'scope at close quarters in full sun of Plum-headed Finches. It really
is a wonderfully deep and rich colour on their head.
Lake Apex, Gatton-27 species. Water levels high,
not much of note, but did find both whistling ducks (Plumed and Wandering)
resting in the shade on the far island
Jahenke's Lagoon-27 species. Found the white
Black Swan, Pacific Heron, Pink-eared Duck, Royal Spoonbill, Magpie
Goose.
Lion's Park on Lockyer Creek, 6km west of Gatton produced 31
species in little over an hour, with perched Aust. Hobby, flock of 50+
Plum-headed Finches (adults and juveniles),female Koel, Dollarbird,
Cockatiel,Shining-bronze Cuckoo,Double-barred Finch,and Golden-headed Cisticolas
calling and showing from the corn field.
Sunday's highlights were calling -in to"Abberton" to say hello
to Bill and Eileen Jolly and being made very welcome as a 'drop-in" amongst
their guests.Got a brief look at a low-flying Black Falcon just south of Bill's
place prior to calling in, and good views of Fuscous Honeyeater on the way back
to Gatton.Saw a total of 9 raptors, but no gulls or terns,no Rainbow Lorikeet
(doesn't seem possible!!),only three species of honeyeater,no robins or
whistlers. Starlings and Common Myna were everywhere. A great weekend in a great
spot.
Russ Lamb,
Maleny,SEQ
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