Hi Terry
Perhaps the vermin control should start at the top ... I was paddling West
Basin today when I heard a disturbance coming from the (lower) grounds of
the GG's residence near the wharf. Next thing a fox came into view carrying
a large bird which I think was a Purple Swamphen. I may have been mistaken
as a Raven was calling very loudly and swooping the fox as it ran away so
the victim may have been another Raven. In the process a flock of perhaps a
hundred Wood Ducks took fright and took flight. Not that any of these birds
are the rarest in the territory but who knows what other wildlife is being
harassed in these hallowed (and well fenced) grounds ... Incidentally to
back up what you say, just before Christmas I came across a deceased Blue
tongue in a Weston garden, probably the victim of a neighbour's cat.
Not much else to report from the lake, however there are four active Silver
Gull nests on a vessel moored opposite the Water Police facility, along with
two downy chicks, one about twice the size of the other.
At the coast over Christmas plenty of the usual Durras suspects, including
Pied and Sooty Oystercatchers near the lake mouth Eastern Reef Egret on the
rocks, and a little out of the ordinary was a Brown Cuckoo dove .
Non-birding highlight was a magnificent Red bellied black snake on the edge
of the bush at the bottom of the "resort" - apparently has been in residence
for a while, but will it survive a busy Christmas period.
Cheers
Rod
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