Birdline Victoria Update No. 192
For the week ending: 30 January 2005
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A bunch of birders (including John Barkla, Fred Smith, Dave Torr and Shirley
Cameron) were at the Little River mouth from before 4pm to around 7pm on
Wednesday and the Franklin's Gull did not appear. Thanks Dave Torr.
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Sightings
23 January
Yesterday Maarten Hulzebosch found a gull which he believes to be a Laughing
Gull at the mouth of the Little River in the Western Treatment Plant
(Werribee Sewage Farm). It appears to be an adult either moulting into or in
winter plumage. It seemed quite approachable but at times was difficult to
pick out from the flock of silver gulls assembled there. Maarten suggests
that one could wade out to it's position if it is in the same spot but asks
people to use common sense and not flush other birds such as roosting waders
by walking on dry mud. He noticed that the gulls started flying around and
feeding at about 4 pm so a visit before then might be more productive. Rohan
Clarke has since seen the photo's and believes that the bird is a Franklin's
Gull. Thanks Rohan Clarke.
22 January
The Edithvale Wetland bird hide has a Wood Sandpiper out the front and is
featuring really good looks at Spotless Crakes in the reeds. 25/1
22 January
2 Pink-eared Ducks were at Braeside Wetlands along with Australian Spotted
Crakes and Buff-banded Rails. Seen from the viewing platform closest to the
Governer Road entrance to the park. No sign of the Lewin's Rail in a couple
of attempts, however. 25/1
20 January
At Seaford Swamp were 7 Common Greenshank. Thanks Ben Sinclair.
18-19 January
1 White-throated Needletail at Refuge Cove and 2 swifts or needletails at
Biddies Cove, Wilson's Promontory. Thanks George Appleby.
18 January
1 adult male Turquoise Parrot observed flying through bushland at the
junction of the Cabbage Tree - Cape Conran and Old Coast roads. This species
appears to be regularly sighted in the coastal area between Cape Conran and
Bemm River. Thanks Len Axen.
17 January
2 fully grown Wedge-tailed Eagles hunting over Bills Creek, Wairewa East
Gippsland. This is the 1st sighting of wedgies in area for 2 years by this
observer. Thanks Ray Shaw.
16 January
75 White-throated Needletail over Ryans Lookout Warby Ranges. Thanks Michael
Ramsey.
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Birdline Victoria is a service for birdwatchers to report and find out about
rare and unusual birds in Victoria and is brought to you by Birds Australia
Victoria. Birdline can be contacted on (03) 9882 2390 or on the Internet at
http://home.iprimus.com.au/scooney/index.htm
Regards,
Stuart
Stuart Cooney
www.babblersnest.com
Birdline Victoria
www.babblersnest.com/birdline
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