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Hi All,
Merrimu Reservoir (37 38.0 S 144
29.3 E) is located northeast of Bacchus Marsh on the Diggers Rest-Coimadai
Rd. A delightful hour was spent near the Outlet Tower which is on the
northern side of the road where you are able to set up a telescope, and at the
entrance to Quarry Haul Rd on the southern side, which has a locked
gate.
The fog prevented me from identifying some
of the birds further out on the northern reaches of the reservoir, but the bush
birds around the above area plus some water birds at the southern end certainly
kept me happy for an hour.
One of the first birds to cause
excitement was a Great-crested Grebe just to the west of the outlet tower.
I've seen this species here on just about every occasion I've checked out this
area. The other interesting happening was a Whistling Kite drinking
at the waters edge while 20 Wood Duck, no more than 2' from him, formed a semi
circle in the water, while all the time intently watching the kite. I think the
kite may have got stage fright as after a short time he flew off.
Other birds on/over the water included
White-faced Heron, Welcome Swallow, Little Pied & Little Black Cormorant,
Australian Shelduck and Grey Teal. Many more further out.
Honeyeaters flitting back and forth over the
road included Spiny-cheeked, Yellow-tufted, Yellow-faced, White-naped,
White-plumed, Brown-headed and New Holland plus Red Wattlebird.
Other highlights (aren't they all?)
were the Diamond Firetails which, again, I usually see at this site.
Red-browed and Zebra Finch plus Yellow-rumped Thornbills and Superb Fairy-wrens
added to the joy, while a Black-shouldered Kite hovered around the picnic
area.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and
Little Corellas flying over, finished the bird count.
Not a bad count for an extended
"cuppa" stop.
Melways Edition 27
references: Map 112 A1 Map 218 K1
Happy birding all
Marlene
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