Hi All,
The forecast of 36 degree heat did not deter 9 keen birders from todays
Waders for Beginners outing. Fortunately, the overcast skies tempered the
effect of the heat. The conditions for birding were great and the tides
perfect. We began at Austin Rd sorting Greenshank from Marsh Sandpiper,
Sharp-tailed from Curlew Sandpiper and noting three Bar-tailed Godwit. Kirks
Point produced the usual Pacific
Golden Plover, Red-necked Stints and Ruddy
Turnstone. The surprise was 5 Common Tern sharing the rocks. Entering via
the bottom gate, we counted 26 Freckled Duck in the pond immediately ahead!
The conservation ponds were a bit disappointing, but provided a cool change
and closer looks at Banded Stilt and Avocet. 60+ Black-tailed Native Hen
were also present. Amongst a group of roosting Whiskered Tern a couple of
White-winged Black Tern were also found. The two ponds north of South Rd and
east of 15 East Rd gave another opportunity to practice identifying and
also produced a Pectoral Sandpiper and the only Red Kneed Dotterels for the
day. Unfortunately the search for a Wood Sandpiper failed. Back along Little
River, 2 Great Crested Grebe and for those in the lead vehicle an immature
Brown Songlark were the highlights. In all, 64 species and a very pleasant
day.
Joy Tansey
Kensington, Vic
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