Little Bittern again at Bundoora, Melbourne Vic

Hi All, 

Is the Little BIttern still around?

I didn't make it up to see it last year,
so if anyone can provide any details on where to park, what roads to turn
off on etc, it would be appreciated,

Thanks, 

Peter

"Rohan Clarke" <>
Sent by:

22/10/2004 09:16 AM

To	<>
cc
Subject	[BIRDING-AUS] Little Bittern again at Bundoora, Melbourne Vic

Hi all,
Yesterday evening from about 5:45 pm through till dusk I watched a male
little bittern on the small ponds beside Moonstone Walk, Bundoora (Melb.
Vic. Melways map 19 J5). Initially it was seen foraging amongst the reeds
on the far left-hand corner of the left-hand lake where it caught a large
yabby. Then over the following hour it travelled the length of the lake
working its way along the front of each reed patch with short flights across
each section of open water. It arrived at the far right-hand patch of reeds
towards sunset where it sat on the top in full view. It was still preening
there when I left. All observations were made from near the small gazebo
next to Moonstone walk. Also present was a (long staying?) male Blue-billed
Duck. Chestnut teal and Wood duck had young while Dusky Moorhen and Purple
swamphen could be seen sitting on nests.

As with suggestions in previous years if you make a visit to see Little
Bittern(s?) here stay on the Moonstone Walk side of the lakes and do not
make any attempt to flush birds from the reeds. With patience they will
appear. This is the third year in a row that the species has been reported
to Birding-aus from this location and it would seem likely that the species
is breeding here again (as long as a female is present!). I'm sure it wouldn't
take much to put these birds off if people are tramping around the lake
edge and reeds on the far side. Also be considerate of the residents in
Moonstone Walk. This is a short narrow dead-end street and if there are
already few cars parked there it might be better to park out in Grange
Bvd and walk the 50+ m to the gazebo.

Regards
Rohan


Dr Rohan Clarke
Threatened Mallee Bird Project
Zoology Department
La Trobe University
Bundoora 3086
Ph: 03 9479 1672 Mobile 0408 947001



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