Re Banyule Swamp - Warringal Conservation Society deserves a bit of
credit too! If we hadn't agitated back in 1970, you might have had 6
ovals and no swamp, instead of a lot of swamp and only 2 ovals.
Over the years we also lobbied successfully to have the swamp and
billabong fenced off from devouring cattle, and planted thousands of
trees round oval and billabong. And we're still at it - any volunteers
are very welcome to join in.
We too applaud Council's decision to enlarge the Swamp by blocking one
of its outlets (an artificial drain). This winter Black Swans nested
there and reared 5 young.
This morning (11 am to midday) conditions were very windy. I missed
the Crakes and Black-fronted Dotterels, but I did see 2 Sharptail
Sandpipers and 2 Latham's Snipe. A good view of the muddy area west of
the swamp can be obtained from the Bike Path below Banyule House - and
you dont disturb the birds. You might also see some Greenfinches among
the hellish growth of weeds below the fence.
The 50 Cattle Egrets of a fortnight ago are now down to 20 -of which
about 2 pairs have yellow plumes. Black Duck and Chestnut Teal have
swimming ducklings.
I saw 35 species in an hour, while not really trying very hard, and
had a great time despite wind, dust and grass-pollen.
I hope no-one will object to a small plug for Warringal Conservation
Society's next meeting - Thurs 4th October,8 pm, at Scots Uniting
Church, Burgundy St, Heidelberg - talk on 'Banyule City's Wildlife
Corridor Program' by Lisa Pittle. E-mail me for details. Visitors are
very welcome - and we'd love some new members.
Anthea Fleming (Secretary WCS Inc) in Banyule, Melbourne
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