When the wind is not blowing the Treatment Plant still
offers great birding even if it is cold.
We started at the most eastern end and worked west. There
were numerous Black-fronted dotterel on
the Conservation Ponds. There were
workmen in the area and we wonder what is being done! There were many Purple
Swamphens about, and the Red-kneed
Dotterels have returned to the Borrow Pits but few other birds were
there.
Most species of duck were seen in the usuals spots.
The tide was low, a few Pied
Oystercatchers, Swans, Silver
Gulls, White-faced Herons
and Great Egret and Teal were out on the mud. Many Whistling Kite,
Swamp Harriers and a few Brown Falcon and the ever-vigilant Black-shoulder Kite patrolled from the sky.
There were plenty of pelican
around the ponds. The Cape Barren Geese flew into the Paradise Rd
Ponds and were near the numerous Banded Stilt. Could not find the Pratincol but there was a Peregrine with a very satisfied look
perched on the fence near Little River.
As always there were thousands of Pink-eared Duck cruising on Lake Borrie and Freckled Duck on Borrie South.
From the bird-hide we saw Fairy
Wrens, White-browed Scrub Wrens and Avocet were
out on the mud.
At Kirk Point there were a couple of Oyster Catchers and Pacific Gull. One Oyster Catcher had bands on both legs; right leg was
white/ red/white, and blue on the left leg.
On a personal note, it was Phillip Richmond’s first outing
since his wife, Mary, passed away.
Those of you who know Clarkesdale near Linton will know of Mary &
Phillip’s tireless work there.
Mary was one who ensured the Werribee Birding group was formed.
Shirley Cameron
Werribee
03 9741 2997
