|
Our regular Hooded Plover counts along the
rugged coastline of the Mornington Peninsula National Park have proved
worthwhile this breeding season with 16 juveniles successfully raised.
This is a record number since surveying began 10 years ago so we are
delighted.
My section from Pt Nepean to Sorrento on
our last count produced the usual pair of Peregrine Falcon, undisturbed by our
presence at this time of year. What a different story in a couple of months when
breeding commences and the pair swoop and menace us until we vacate their
territory.
A Common Sandpiper was seen perched precariously
on the rock face. I see the C.S in the same spot every year passing
through on migration.
8 Sooty Oystercatchers were feeding on the rock
platform, a sign of the approaching winter as we only see Sootys here in the non
breeding season.
A Little Egret seen in the shallows at Sorrento
was an unusual sighting and is the first record of this species for
me.
I have some impressive "once only"
sightings in 9 years of surveying.
In my garden the Flame robins have returned,
always a joyous occasion for me! Spiny cheeked, New Holland and Singing
Honeyeaters are daily visitors to the bird bath and the Correas. I only plant
indigenous species and I find this keeps the balance between the aggressive
Wattlebirds(Red and Little) in check and there is no evidence of
bullying.
Grey Shrike Thrush and Golden Whistler are
resident here as are the family of Superb Blue Wrens that live around the
house.
The Grey Fantails are in pre migratory flocks
just now and I counted 10 a few days ago, a wonderful sight to see them
gracefully flitting through the bush. They move off in the winter ( I would love
to know where "mine" go!)
Willie Wagtails are here all
year and the occasional visit from a Brush Bronzewing is exciting given that
this species is declining on the peninsula.
A resident Brown Goshawk is
doing a good job in keeping the sparrow population in check. It is often seen
perched near a known roosting bush of the sparrows and one morning I found it
perched on an outside chair just inches from our window and we eyeballed each
other for a few seconds, awesome!! The Black- shouldered Kite in the outer
regions of the block is constantly patrolling and hopefully keeping the House
Mouse population in check.
Brown Thornbills and W.B. Scrubwrens bathe every
day and the Mistletoe bird is a regular visitor infesting a few of my Acacias
which in turn provides nectar for the honeyeaters.
This morning a Wedge tailed Eagle flew high over
the house heading for nearby Greens Bush where they are known to
breed.
A large group of Eastern Rosellas have taken up
residence for the winter and seem in a constant state of agitation contrasted
with the delightful family groups of Yellow rumped Thornbills that pass through
every day.
Magpies are engaged in daily aerial battles,
trying to sort out their territories.
Life is never boring as a
birdwatcher.!!
Bett Mitchell
| 