Brown Songlark ? in Sandringham, Melbourne

Seen today (Monday) from 1045 to 1115 and again at 1330 hrs mainly in
grasses at the edge of the beach in south Sandringham (Melways p76
mainly G11). Also nearby in rye(?) grass on grassy cliff/lookout and
sometimes perched in bushes. 

A sort of long-legged giant pale pipit (tad longer? than blackbird but
much slimmer) with strong whitish supercilium and edges to back
feathers. A dark area along centre of lower breast but not a distinct
patch.  

I'm not familiar with the species but I'm pretty certain it's a
non-breeding male Brown Songlark.  The field guides weren't very helpful
on diagnostics. 

I'll be trying to see it again at about 7am tomorrow.

Michael Norris
Hampton, Victoria  (9598 3092)