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Some highlights of the Birds Australia monthy survey for
Melbourne Water last Thursday (the 13th) of Seaford Swamp, (South East Suburban
fringe of Melbourne) by Chris Tzaros and myself.
We saw 66 species for the survey, 32 of which were wetland
dependant or raptor species.
Though not the 5000 that were at Edithvale Wetlands the
previous week, we did count 560 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers. Sadly unable to wangle
any of them into something more unusual so the big rarity will just have to wait
another week or so!
Other highlights included single Baillon's and Spotless Crakes
following on from December's Lewin's Rail and Spotted Crake. There was still a
lot of waterfowl breeding in evidence with 23 young Pacific Black Duck in 4
broods, a brood of 5 Chestnut Teal ducklings and another brood of 6 young
Hardhead, the first time I can rmember this species breeding here.
The swamp itself is in the best condition it has been in for
fifteen years and is still quite full so can only get better over the next few
weeks as water levels drop providing more feeding area for waders. Bring on the
February survey!
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