Hi all
I had quick visit to Lake Lorne at Drysdale (near Geelong) yesterday afternoon
(Mon 8 April) at about 4pm. The Freckled Ducks were less conspicuous, and I
couldn't find any in the water at first. After a while a large flotilla drifted
out from behind one of the islands. I counted 22 in the water, and at least
another 27 roosting close to the water on rocks and trees on a couple of the
largest islands.
I saw one male Blue-billed Duck (they're usually here) and at least 6
Australian Shovelers (4 males). There were reasonable numbers of Hardhead,
Aust Wood Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut and Grey Teal, and Black Swan. I
didn't try to count these or Moorhen, Swamphen and Coots, but the last of
these were prominent on all parts of the lake - there would have been several
hundred.
Both Hoary-headed and Australasian Grebes were present in small numbers, and
there were a few Black-fronted Dotterel, plus the usual swallows, martins,
cormorants, ibis, etc.
I still have to pinch myself when I see all these Freckled Duck - I saw my
first one ever just last year, so it has been marvellous to have them at a such
an accessible spot. I think they must know it's Duck Shooting Season out in
the "real" world ....
Russell Woodford
Sacred Heart College Geelong
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