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I had a fantastic day yesterday (Sunday) out at
Werribee with the Beginners Wader trip run by Joy Tansey and Birds
Australia. It was my much awaited first visit after hearing so much about
it and I certainly wasn't let down.
LOTS of highlights for me. 10 years
after seeing quite a few shot dead Freckle Ducks I finally get to see a much
more pleasant and enjoyable live version! A real treat and definitely how
I'd prefer to see them !!!
My first Sea-Eagle soared over us as we left the
bird-hide. An amazing sight. The Red-necked Avocets were
stunning, as too were the Australasian Shovelers which are beautifully brighter
than shown in the field guide. Just seeing so many Pink-eared
Ducks in the one spot was also a treat, there really seemed to be
thousands, not to mention the many Musk Ducks. What funny things they
are!
I had lots of help with identifying the terns
and raptors that we saw throughout the day (White-winged Black Tern, Fairy Tern,
Swamp Harrier, Black-shouldered Kite, Whistling Kite, Brown Falcon).
Some other birds seen were Black-tailed
Godwit, Curlew Sandpiper, Red-kneed Dotterel, Double-banded Plover,
Black-fronted Dotterel, Pied Oystercatcher, Great Egret, Pacific Heron,
White-faced Heron and delightful Royal Spoonbills (great after only ever seen
Yellow-billed).
The whole day was brilliant and
informative and what a fantastic setting!! All the birds
looked bigger and brighter than ever before..... but that could have been
because of the great scopes that were very kindly on hand to use!! I
must get one of those..........
Rgds
Karen Pearson
Hampton Victoria
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