I sometimes visit Darebin Parklands in Alphington (Melbourne). Here
the original swamp, where my children caught tadpoles in 1973, was
deepened and enlarged repeatedly in an attempt to make a suitable pool
for birds. It tended to leak and dry out until it was rebuilt
thoroughly, complete with island for birds. About 10 years ago, a pair
of Aust. Grebes tried the pool, but needed more cover to nest in. Some
clever person anchored a sheet of plastic foam to a wattle on the
island's bank, where the branches overhung it. The Grebes built their
nest on it and I believe hatched young successfully. You had to look
very carefully indeed to see the raft and nest at all.
The park is heavily patronized by dog-walkers, and not all believe in
the leash rule. Dogs often gallop through the reeds and rushes at the
shallow end of the pool, and I don't think any nest would have a hope.
A fence has done something to protect the plants and their denizens.
The island is used as a safe loafing area for ducks - it is well
covered with a dense growth of wattles, bushes etc. But it would be
quite easy for dog or fox to swim across and climb out on the island.
Anthea Fleming
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