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Pectoral Sandpipers and birds tolerance of noise at PARCS Wetland at Car

To: "BIRDING-AUS" <>
Subject: Pectoral Sandpipers and birds tolerance of noise at PARCS Wetland at Carrum Downs, SE Melbourne.
From: "Mike Carter" <>
Date: Sun, 19 Mar 2006 18:48:48 +1100
This morning there were two, possibly three, Pectoral Sandpipers at the
small wetland adjacent the Peninsula Aeronautical Radio Control Society
(PARCS) flying field at Carrum Downs. They were with 205 Sharp-tailed
Sandpipers. This has been a good site for Sharpies all summer but it has
been difficult to find other species among them due to long grass which is
now somewhat shorter. Moreover, now the birds are assuming breeding plumage,
the pale flanks of the Pecs make them more obvious.

As shown on Melways Map 98 D9, this is part of Melbourne Waters Eastern
Treatment Plant land. It is one of my regular count sites. If the birds are
feeding in the surrounding wet paddocks they will be difficult to find but
they spend much time roosting on an island in a lagoon about 100 m north of
the Club House and air-strip. This is where they were between around 11.00
and 12.30 today. Just stand at the fence protecting you and cattle from the
water and look to the north about 100 m. A scope is required. Access is off
Boundary Road. There are two gates. If the first is locked you will have to
climb over and walk 200 m to the Club House. If flying is in progress, the
first gate will be open and then you can pass through the second gate
(therefore defying silly notices which instruct that 'This gate MUST be kept
closed AT ALL TIMES' !!!) (closing it after you) and drive to the Club House
and park nearby. Make sure the flyers know you are there so they don't lock
you in if they leave before you! And don't walk to your left as if you
venture too close to the Frankston Australian Clay Targets Club (also shown
on the Melways map) you may find shot and even the plastic targets falling
around you. A row of signs indicate the danger area. Incidentally, there are
often cattle and birds in the danger area so don't take your lead from them.

At weekends in particular, gunfire and model plane engines can make this a
very noisy place and it would seem that falling shot and zooming planes
performing stunts overhead would deter birdlife but the birds tolerate it.
Another case of birds becoming accustomed to the situation. Today there were
670 birds here including about 200 waterfowl, 1 White-necked Heron, 1 Great
Egret, 8 Cattle Egrets (newly arrived winter visitors) and 4 Royal
Spoonbills.

Mike Carter
30 Canadian Bay Road
Mt Eliza    VIC     3930
Ph:  (03) 9787 7136
Email: 

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