Birdline Victoria Update No. 212
For the week ending: 24 July 2005
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Sightings
24 July
It was a quiet count at the regular Eastern Treatment Plant survey but the
Australasian Bittern and Fan-tailed Cuckoo were good sightings. Thanks Mike
Carter.
24 July
Dean Ingwerson, along with Noel, Asha and Brenna Billing, saw an
Australasian Bittern along the coast in the Western Treatment Plant this
afternoon. It was sitting out in the open next to the coast track, near the
causeway across to the Borrow Pits, when we found it. Had great views for
several minutes before it hid in some reeds, only to fly out to the coast
shortly after.
23 July
At Yan Yean Reservoir Park there were approximately 3500 Eurasian Coot, a
White-bellied Sea-Eagle and a male Scarlet Robin on the reservoir wall.
Thanks Michael Ramsey.
23 July
At Yellow Gum Park in Plenty there was a female Peregrine Falcon and an
overwintering Yellow-faced Honeyeater. Thanks Michael Ramsey.
23 July
There are still some Orange Chats in a similar area to that reported in late
April, to the west of Pyramid Hill. Also many White-winged Fairy-wrens,
Stubble Quail, Brown Songlarks in the same paddocks plus Black Falcons and a
Spotted Harrier amongst the many raptors in the area. Thanks Simon Starr.
21 July
Today or yesterday, Kevin Bartram identified at least 2, an adult male and
female, Elegant Parrots in a flock of 18 Neophemas, mostly Blue-winged
Parrots, on Phillip Island, Victoria. They were near some ponds and in
surrounding grassland on the left of the road which goes to the Shearwater
Restaurant. This is a left turn off the main road to the Nobbies, see Melway
532 F8. Thanks Mike Carter.
21 July
There was a Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater at Rippleside Park in Geelong this
afternoon. (3 minutes drive from the city centre). Thanks Peter Fuller.
20 May
Male Olive Whistler on the Lyrebird track off of Grants picnic ground,
Sherbrooke Forest. Foraging for 15 minutes before flying off. Made no calls.
Thanks Wendy Dunn.
19 May
Peter Tyler reports seeing his first Singing Bushlark, near Clunes.
18 July
About 30 Long-billed Corellas were flying (in a 'V') rapidly and directly
southeast over Eunson Ave and St Georges Rd Northcote at about 6:50 this
morning (when it was still basically dark). Thanks Paul Peake.
17 July
On Sunday 17 July at about 1.30 pm on the Strand at Willamstown there was a
flock of Silver Gulls Larus novaehollandiae with an immature Black-headed
Gull Larus ridibundus. John was within 5 metres of the flock. Around 20
Silver Gulls were on a lawned area and the Black-headed Gull was with them.
None of the Silver Gulls were feeding, but the Black-headed was clearly
fossicking in the grass. John believes this bird allowed him so close
because the remainder of the flock (all Silver Gulls) demonstrated their
usual confidence around people.
1. It was the same size as the Silver Gulls, but seemed finer built
2. Two dusky bands were evident on its head one part forming an 'ear
spot'and the scaly rufous brown colouring on the wings were very obvious.
3. It lifted its left wing for about one minute and allowed me to clearly
see the dusky colouring of the underwing.
John watched it for about 10 minutes and it wandered away with some Silver
Gulls. He did not see it fly. John lived (and birded) in England and so is
familar with the common Black-headed Gull over there. Thanks John McGowan.
17 July
There was a Spotted Harrier over Laverton Creek, Altona on the South side of
Queen Street at 9am Sunday 17th July. Thanks Colin Clark.
16 July
At the Royal Botanic Gardens on a BOCA Beginners' Outing a Western Rosella
was sighted as well as a Powerful Owl. We were alerted to the possibility of
the owl due to a headless carcase, possibly a possum on the path. Thanks
Janet Norman for Michelle et al.
Mid July
David Koffel paid a visit to Point Cook Coastal Park before departing back
to Sydney and advised that he saw Blue-winged Parrots around Spectacle Lake
(26 of them with a possible Orange-bellied Parrot). Thanks Edwin Vella.
Mid July
There has been a Western Gerygone in the back paddock of the Woodlands
Historic Park near Melbourne airport. Thanks Dean Ingwersen.
15 July
There was a White-bellied Sea-Eagle at Point Nepean eating a Fairy Penguin.
Thanks Simon Mustoe per Mike Carter.
15 July
Highlights of a quiet survey of the Eastern Treatment Plant were both a
Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Thanks Mike Carter.
13 July
There was a Yellow Spoonbill feeding in a small pond on Dohertys Road
adjacent to Port Phillip Prison. Thanks John McGowan.
Birdline Victoria is a service for birdwatchers to report and find out about
rare and unusual birds in Victoria and is brought to you by Birds Australia
Victoria. Birdline can be contacted on (03) 9882 2390 or on the Internet at
www.babblersnest.com/birdline
Regards,
Stuart
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