A quiet, sunny afternoon, about 4klms from the Melbourne CBD at Newell's
Paddock, a small wetland. A pair of Crested Tern were doing laps of the
Maribrynong River, 17 Little Black and 4 Little Pied Cormorants were hanging
out to dry. The Hardhead, PBD's, Grey and Chestnut Teal were hauled out on
the banks snoozing. The resident pair of Swans were keeping an eye on their
three young, a pair of Hoary-headed Grebe were diligent in their feeding of
a single juvenile, a White-faced Heron was busy preening and 4 Masked
Lapwing studied their reflections in the shallows. Swallows and Gulls
circled overhead, Superb Fairy Wrens and Golden-headed Cisticola's were
calling and popping up to look around. An odd looking Coot with white in
both wings and tail was keeping to itself. Below a stanchion above the
elevated railway perched a Hobby, in perfect position to survey the ponds
either side. It periodically swooped down, flying low along the length of
the ponds, circling then returning back along the ponds and up to its perch.
In 5 forays along the ponds and one through some trees I did not see it
catch anything. The family of Australasian Grebe were taking no chances,
leaving the nest and securing their 5 juveniles amongst a tangle of dead
branches in the water, only returning to the nest when the Hobby departed
for easier pickings, and I to continue my lazy day at home.
Joy Tansey
Kensington Vic
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