Birdline Victoria Update No. 193
For the week ending: 6 February, 2005
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Sightings
7 February
At Karkarook (on Warragul Rd near the end of South Road), amongst the
thousands of Silvergulls there was a single Pink-eared Duck and a Female
Musk Duck. Also of note, Australian Grebes on a nest, Black-fronted Dotterel
and about 30 immature Black-winged Stilts, 1/3 of them immature. Thanks Vin
Lam.
6 February
There is white-phased Grey Goshawk hanging around the Great Ocean Rd bridge
at Separation Creek (near Wye River). There is also a large flock (200+) of
White-throated Needletail, which flies over Wye River and Separation Creek
each evening. Also a single Emu was seen in a paddock adjacent to bushland
at Bambra (between Lorne and Winchelsaea). This bird is almost certainly a
farm bird, although it would be interesting to have some confirmation of
this. Thanks Tim Dolby.
2 February
Following the record rains in Melbourne a large lake has formed at the
Melbourne Water Retarding Basin (now a new wetland development) Mount
Waverley Melway 70H3 , west of Blackburn Road. On it were a male Blue-billed
Duck and an Australasian Grebe. Thanks Graeme Hosken.
Late January
Recent sightings around Melbourne for Greg Oakley include: 1 White-throated
Needletail – flying north over Surrey Hills; Small flock of Long-billed
Corella – flying over Burwood; 1 Peregrine Falcon – hawking over St Kilda
East; 1 Australian Hobby – St Kilda.
30/31 January
Best birds at the Stratford Highway Park, Weebill, Immature Darter, and lots
of Jacky Winters, including many juveniles. Thanks Duncan Fraser.
26 January
A single adult Square-tailed Kite, seen slowly circling Cosgrove Reservoir,
near Creswick. Thanks Tim Dolby.
23 January
Yesterday Maarten Hulzebosch found a Franklin's 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. 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.
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.
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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