Nomadic Woodswallows near Melbourne

[Dr Richard Nowotny <>]

Melbourne/Geelong-based birders wishing to see some of the White-browed
and Masked Woodswallows currently appearing around Melbourne might like
to try the following site where there were at least 30 birds, mostly
White-browed, this morning.  The nature of the site and the birds'
behaviour gives some hope/expectation that they will stay around for some
time (??).

 From the town of Little River (north of Geelong, west of the Princes
Fwy) take You Yangs Rd west.  When this road crosses Farrars Rd it
becomes an unsealed road named Toynes Rd.  Drive to the end of
Toynes Rd and park facing the locked gate into the You Yangs.  The
Woodswallows are widely spread over the large field on the left, ie south
of the road.  They can be seen on the ground, on low perches, on
fences and in trees.  Some were quite close to the parking spot,
giving excellent views with the light behind.  (Be aware that heat
shimmer later in the morning affects scope views in particular, ie best
views are earlier.)

Other interesting sightings at the You Yangs this morning included: 
Diamond Firetail (near the Woodswallow parking spot), Speckled Warbler,
Southern Boobook, Olive-backed Oriole, all three "common"
cuckoos, nesting Tawny Frogmouth, and Koala.

                
RICHARD NOWOTNY
8 Pier St   Port Melbourne
VIC  AUSTRALIA  3207
(H)  61-3-9645.6870
(M)  0438 224456