Hi All,
In preparation for a trip next month, I birded the above park today in
windy conditions. Situated in Plenty on the northern outskirts of Melbourne
(Melway map 10 G4), the park is the site of an old quarry which provided
materials for many of Melbourne's first skyscrapers.. Water began seeping
into the quarry in the 1970's, forming Blue Lake (it was green today). In
1997 the land was purchased and managed by Parks Victoria and in 1999 opened
to the public as a conservation/recreational park.
Brochure available on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
I have visited the park on a number of occasions, (Autumn/early Winter
only), and have a birdlist of 53 species which I'm sure could be increased
if a Spring walk was included.
The Eucalyptus leucoxylon were in flower today and the honeyeaters at
the lower viewing area were having a feast. White-plumed, White-naped,
Brown-headed, Crescent, New Holland, Yellow-faced, Eastern Spinebill, Red
Wattlebird and Bell Miner were numerous. But the most exciting was finding
a Fuscous Honeyeater which landed on a tree right in front of me. I had
always associated Fuscous Honeyeaters with areas north of the Divide, but
apparently they are rare winter visitors to areas between Geelong and
Ballarat. (thanks Lawrie Conole).
Other highlights today included Rose & Yellow Robin, Swans on the lake
which usually only produces a couple of Coots and an occasional Hoary-headed
Grebe, Silvereyes, Mistletoebird, 2 Wedge-tailed Eagles, about 12 Superb
Fairy-wrens in one small area.
A great little park where there are BBQ's, toilet and a shelter shed all
with Disabled Access.
Happy birding
Marlene
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