The Melbourne reconciliation walk today was a wonderful experience with
so many people turning up and walking together in peace.
There were birds along the way, of course, and at the final destination
at Kings Domain south-east of the city. Most birds along the way were
Silver Gulls and Feral Pigeons. At Kings Domain I was surprised to hear
Bell Miners. They may have been there for a long time, but I haven't, so
wasn't expecting them. There were Red Wattlebirds here and Magpie
Larks. Some Lorikeets flew over in the distance. I think they were
Musk. The highlight was a very persistent Willie Wagtail attacking a
Little Raven which took almost no notice (as is usual with other such
attacks that I have seen) as it perched on the edge of a
full-to-overflowing rubbish bin and opened a plastic bag to devour the
contents.
A quick walk in part of the adjacent Botanic Gardens revealed Black
Birds on the lawns and singing in the trees. They do sound quite like
Bassian Thrushes. Wouldn't it be great if there were BTs in the
Gardens. Other introduced birds were House Sparrow, Common Myna,
Spotted Turtle-dove, and Starling. There were more Red Wattlebirds,
Silver Gulls, Little Ravens, Willie Wagtails and Musk Lorikeets. Pity I
didn't bring my binoculars, but the walk was the main purpose of the
day. I did hear White-plumed Honeyeaters, an Eastern Spinebill, and
some Silvereyes. On the lake were lots of Swans, young and old, Dusky
Moorhens, Coots, Pacific Black Ducks, and Chestnut Teal. I saw a large
eel in the water. I hear they are sometimes seen devouring ducklings.
It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny, and the feeling of warmth and
togetherness amongst the crowd was fantastic. So many thousands of
people were gathered together to promote reconciliation, to seek equity
for all through peaceful means.
Joy to all,
Merrilyn
Birding-Aus is on the Web at
www.shc.melb.catholic.edu.au/home/birding/index.html
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