Birdline Victoria Weekly Update

Birdline Victoria

Published sightings for the week ending 16 Jan 2011.

Sun 16 Jan	Stilt Sandpiper, Grey-tailed Tattler, Ruff, Pectoral Sandpiper(2), Great Knot Western Treatment Plant, Werribee All of the above observed at various times between 8-11.30 at Western Lagoon Pond 4. Steve Davidson
	Stilt Sandpiper, Long-toed Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper Western Treatment Plant, Werribee A quick visit to the Western Lagoons in the evening. The Stilt Sandpiper is still present and was seen Initially in pond 4 opposite The Spit gate, then seen again in the same pond but towards the western end. Long-toed Stint was initially seen near the Stilt Sandpiper (opposite The Spit gate) but was seen a little later more towards the middle of the pond. Two Pectoral Sandpipers were also seen in the same pond. Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow
	Square-tailed Kite Fairhope (12 km N of Bairnsdale) Single bird observed hunting low over roadside vegetation, Bellbird Rd, Clifton Creek (aka Fairhope). Chris Healey
	Song Thrush Home (Hoppers Crossing) First one since Aug 2009. Where do they go in times of drought and what do they eat when no snails around? Dave Torr
Sat 15 Jan	Azure Kingfisher Spadoni Reserve, Yering Heard the call then saw a dark blue shiny flash dart past me along the river. Couldn't relocate but definite ID. Jackson Airey
	Little Corella Goldsmith Avenue, Preston Had at least 3 Little Corellas in my backyard, Feeding in a pine & perched on a roof. Heard them calling 3 days running now. Probably from a population present at La Trobe Uni. campus. Kevin Bartram
	Plumed Whistling-Duck, Brolga, Wedge-tailed Eagle Serendip Sanctuary, Lara Serendip is currently flooded and closed to the public (although likely to reopen on Sunday or Monday). The outer loop road is cut in two places, and many of the walkways are flooded or very muddy. Plumed Whistling-Duck: Two seen on flooded section of loop road near Farm Dam hide. Most likely the same two as were reported late last year. Brolga: The wild bird is still present with the captive birds. It has since been caught, banded and had a transmitter attached. It is still free to come and go, and was seen flying between the pens. Wedge-tailed Eagle: Juvenile seen with straggly tail feathers - probably the recently released bird, 'Angry'. Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow
	Stilt Sandpiper, Ruff Western Treatment Plant, Werribee With all the rain, it seems all the waders from T Section have moved to Western Lagoon Pond 4 including the Stilt Sandpiper. Initially with Greenshanks then feeding on its own. Good observation from the end of the track that has the raised turning circle. Viewed looking south feeding around small 'islands'.Thanks to Tim for initial advise on location who confirmed sighting along with Peter visiting from western district. Two Ruff still there also. Karan Kapitan and Wendy McWilliams
	Common Sandpiper Kororoit Creek, Williamstown Three Common Sandpipers were seen on the Kororoit Creek today. One on the boat ramp near to the angling clubs and two on rocks in the middle of the creek near the Racecourse Road ford (which is currently flooded). Paul Jacobson and Nicole Spillane
Fri 14 Jan	Brush Bronzewings and Blue-winged Parrots Mt. Macedon Near the carpark at the Tearoom at the top of Mt Macedon. The Bronzewings were to the right of the path to the toilets. Also seen were White-eared Honeyeaters. Robert Jones and R. Bruce Richardson
	Tawny Frogmouth Hopetoun Gardens, Elsternwick Tawny Frogmouth pairs in both Hopetoun and Harleston Gardens, Elsternwick, successfully hatched chicks for the second time this season. Photograph is of Hopetoun Gardens birds in nest (Glenhuntly Road near Orrong). Debbie Lustig
	Stilt Sandpiper, Ruff Western Treatment Plant Frank Antram,Sue Lashko and myself made the trip from Canberra last night to spend the day at werribee today. Melbourne certainly put on the weather for us with relentless driving rain for the morning, becoming almost tropical in the afternoon. We had the Ruff in the bag within 30 minutes of arriving, in the the Ruff was seen in the Western Lagoon area - but it took us all day to find the Stilt. Indeed we only gave ourselves another 30 minutes to find the bird before we had to leave to catch our return flight...and there it was! The stilt was seen in ponds adjacent to what i think are called the 'wet paddocks'. ( the paddocks, currently flooded, just before you reach Western Lagoon). It was associating with a number of marsh sandpiper, greenshank, curlew sand and sharpies. This provided an ideal opportunity to review the diagnostic features of the bird in comparison to the other species. Other good birds included grey-tailed tattler and pectoral sandpiper. I am sorry about the poor directions, but if you need more info please reply to this email. Frank Antram, Sue Lashko, Alastair Smith
	Kookaburra Carisbrook Like a lot of us, a bedraggled kookaburra wasn't sure what was happening during the flood today. It sat on the wire to our house in the pouring rain and seemed unsure of what to do. It was still there when the evacuation message alert came through. Hope it dries out quickly! Gary Oliver
	Quail sp Brunswick Safeway Car Park Definately a quail. Running through the small nature strip on North East side of Safeway before it flew Eastward Claire Cover
Thu 13 Jan	Wedge-tailed Eagle Little River bridge over Princes Fwy A group of Wedgeys (x3) have been roosting overnight on large dead trees on Little River near the fwy bridge. This one was by itself this morning and I thought it might be "Angry" the recently released bird. Primaries and tail look about normal to me so I wasn't sure, also I wouldn't think a young, recently released bird would be able to start intermingling with the local, established family of birds (which, from memory, consists of three birds). Any info would be appreciated, please jump on my website and leave a message. Paul Randall (wingsonwire.com)
Wed 12 Jan	Wedge-tailed Eagle Hepburn Regional Park flying over canopy 1km along track, I was alerted by alarm calls of other birds (1). David Hartland
	Gang-gang Cockatoo Lake Daylesford high in eucalypt above carpark above end of footbrige. Male was pulling at female and 'half-mounting' (??) looked like an attempt to mate. Location given away by a single 'creaking' call - otherwise would have gone unnoticed (2). David Hartland
	Lewin's Honeyeater, Olive-backed Oriole, Satin Bowerbirds Pittosporum Walk, Mallacoota A shortish walk near to the centre of Mallacoota. Ben Sinclair
	Square-tailed Kite Rushworth State Forest near Whroo Single bird seen flying along road. Ivor Preston
	Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo Mt Burnett One cockatoo beside the road in young black-wood tree, startled by passing truck. mia ray
	White-throated Needletail The 100 Acres Reserve, Park Orchards 6 birds seen over the 100 Acres, probably more about as seen by other members during an earlier walk. Birds moving North. Jackson Airey
	Great Crested Grebe Rutherglen wetlands (Great Southern and Kings Road) A lone Great Crested Grebe and several Plumed Whistling-duck were the highlights of a visit to the Rutherglen 'wetlands'. Other good birds including Rainbow Bee-eater (including a group of 6), Brown Songlark, Zebra Finch, Buff-banded Rail and Pied Butcherbird. Matt Weeks
	Scarlet Honeyeater Chiltern/Mt.Pilot National Park, Bartley's Block A pair of Scarlet Honeyeaters feeding on Mistletoe, including a mature male bird. Despite wet and steamy conditions the birding was excellent, other interesting records including White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Western and White-throated Gerygone, Speckled Warbler, Leaden Flycatcher, Diamond Firetail, Painted Button-quail, Peregrine Falcon and Dollarbird Matt Weeks
	Little Lorikeet, White-throated Needletail Gilpin Park 30+ White-throated Needletail were seen flying in a north easterly direction at 7.30pm. Also saw 2 Little Lorikeet while watching the swifts. Nicole Spillane & Paul Jacobson
	Wedge-tailed Eagle East Doncaster A Wedge-tailed Eagle circling low over the top of the hill where we live causing consternation among the magpies and ravens. Sonja Ross
	White-throated Needletail Winton Wetlands A spectacular cloud of over 200 Needletails seen near the duck pond this morning in cloudy and humid conditions. Over 100 also seen nearby at Dave's Hill Thoona as well. Other interesting sightings this morning were 3 Cockatiels on the Glenrowan-Boweya Rd, Speckled Warbler, Painted Button-quail and Turquoise Parrot in the Chensey Vale Hills nearby. Michael Ramsey
Tue 11 Jan	Southern Emu-wren Cape Conran - junction of West Cape Rd and Marlo-Conran Rd, East Gippsland 2 + birds including one adult male, in heath right beside road. A very good sighting - they were singing, and regularly popping up onto dead branches above the foliage. We stopped for a Fan-tailed Cuckoo on the overhead wire. Earlier 2 Swamp Harriers were seen around the same area. Janine Duffy
	Spotted Quail-thrush Palm Track near Princes Hwy, east of Orbost, East Gippsland Three birds seen just near logged coupe on west side of track. One adult male, two others - either female or juvenile. All stayed around the area after we stopped, and popped up on branches for a better look before disappearing into the undergrowth again. A pretty good sighting. This is the second or third time I've seen them in this area, and another observer has noted them from this area as well. Janine Duffy
	Striated Heron, White-bellied Sea-eagles, 2 Azure Kingfisher, Scarlet Honeyeater Wilderness River Cruises,leaving from Gypsy Point near Mallacoota A brilliant 2.5hr cruise costing $35.Spectacular views of Sea-Eagles being fed right next to the boat and also a Whistling Kite being fed from the boat. Beautiful scenery along the river system and we also saw several Water Dragons. The Skipper is very knowledgable about birds (he identified Scarlet Honeyeater by its song) and is very good at spotting birds and wildlife as we cruised along. For bookings and enquiries contact Captain John Gerard on 0418279997 between 8am and 9pm. Ben Sinclair
	Fork-tailed Swift Seville Ffour birds,gliding on gentle wind, one smaller than the rest of them. overcast. Mia Ray
	White-Throated Needletail Belgrave Lake Reserve At least 25 birds seen over Belgrave Lake Reserve , heading in a Northwest direction. Same group ( I assume ) were seen over Glenfern Road and Nixon Road Corner , about 15 mins. later. 2 Seen over Lake, Lakewood Dve. Knoxfield. Colin Mulvogue
	Brolga Lake Learmonth One adult and one juvenile foraging in emergent vegetation on the south eastern side of the lake, near the sailing club and boat ramp. Dan Weller and Clio Gates Foale
Mon 10 Jan	Osprey Barham River Valley 5 km outside Apollo Bay Wendy Ryan and I found this juvenile Osprey in the Barham River Valley about 2km from Apollo Bay - perched in a stag on the south side of the road, in a paddock not especially close to any open water. Danny Rogers
	Southern Emu-wren Shady Gully Bushland Reserve,Mallacoota A group of approx 4 birds seen on the edge of the reserve right next to the Mallacoota Health Centre on Genoa Rd. Ben Sinclair
	White-throated Needletail Blackburn White-throated Needletail (35) observed flying ENE from 19:00-19:10. A further 3 individuals heading in a SSE direction 19:35-19:40. (38). Mark Bennett
	White-throated Needletail Wilby In the early evening, approximately 130 birds were seen in a large flock circling overhead, before moving off to the north east. Michael Ramsey
	Barking Owl Wartook State Forest (MEG) A single Barking Owl was seen heard at MEG (Montrose Environmental Cooperative) directly beside the Wartook State Forest, west side of the Grampians. Also recorded were White-throated Gerygone, Speckled Warbler and Cockatiel. Tim Dolby
	Plumed Whistling-Duck Rutherglen Good numbers of this species in the swamps around Rutherglen. They are breeding as well, 2 pairs seen with 10 and 11 ducklings each. Grey-crowned Babbler, White-backed Swallow and Cockatiel also good sightings during the morning. Michael Ramsey
	White-throated Needletail Mcclelland Dve. Langwarrin South At least 10 Birds Overhead near the corner of McClelland Dve. and Sherwood Crt. Langwarrin South. Birds were fairly low over tree tops, heading in an Easterly Direction. Light rain at time of observation. Colin Mulvogue
Sun 9 Jan	Grey-tailed Tattler Western Treatment Plant, Werribee One in Conservation Pond 35E-8. Thanks to Wendy, Fred and Karan for assistance. John McRae
	Peregrine Falcon St Andrews Church Spire, Hamilton For the last month the local Peregrine has been very vocal when flying into its roost at the church spier in the evening, today I found out why. There are two juvenile birds as well as one parent (possibly the female bird) present. It is the two young calling for attention and food. Samantha Greiner
	Cicadabird, Yellow-tufted Honeyeater, Black-faced Monarch, Brush Cuckoo Yarra State Forest 37 52 688S 145 53 770E A pair of Cicadabird was present and very vocal here along with a single Yellow-tufted HE, Black-faced Monarch, Brush Cuckoo, a pair of nest-building Satin Flycatcher plus another male nearby, male & female Satin Bowerbird, Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Sacred Kingfisher, 8+ Dusky Woodswallow, Rufous Fantail, 2 Olive-backed Oriole and a Collared Sparrowhawk with a freshly plucked nestling. An amazing half-hour's birding... Steve Davidson - The Melbourne Birder
	Pink Robin Yarra State Forest 37 52 004S 145 53 114E Female bird singing and attending begging fledged young bird near to nest, along Ada River Rd Steve Davidson - The Melbourne Birder
	Blue-winged Parrot, Brown Gerygone Yarra State Forest 37 51 002S 145 52 288E 4 Blue-winged Parrot seen in Mountain Ash along Ada River Rd and Brown Gerygone & Rose Robin heard in adjacent gully. Steve Davidson - The Melbourne Birder
	Cicadabird, Brush Cuckoo Noojee Cell Cicadabird: heard, Noojee Trestle Bridge entrance road. Brush Cuckoo: Adult bird at Noojee Trestle Bridge entrance road. Steven Davidson - The Melbourne Birder
	Brown Gerygone Toorongo Falls Toorongo Falls carpark (3). Steven Davidson - The Melbourne Birder
	Song Thrush, Black-faced Monarch Glen Nayook Nature Reserve Song Thrush: two birds heard singing, the first time I've recorded the species here. Black-faced Monarch: Blinding adult bird. Steven Davidson - The Melbourne Birder
Sat 8 Jan	Greater Sand Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Grey-tailed Tattler, Ruddy Turnstone Reef Island, Western Port Bay 1 Greater Sand Plover associating with 18-25 Pacific Golden Plovers. Around 15 Ruddy Turnstone and 1 Grey-tailed Tattler. All waders on the leeward side of the island. Jackson Airey
Fri 7 Jan	Owl Sunbury Victoria Husband was outside approximately 9pm and noticed something on our roof. Called me and our 27 yr old son, initially thought it was a possum but on closer inspection(and using a torch) realised it was an owl. we watched it for some 10 minutes and it then spread its wings and flew off. Curious as to whether this is a common occurence in our area Margaret Valentine
Thu 6 Jan	Eastern Great, Intermediate and Little Egrets plus Rufous Night Heron and Australasian Bittern Barmah National Park off Murray River approx. 15km north of Barmah township Large colony of breeding night herons and egrets recorded. The largest number of Intermedite and Little Egrets observed nesting in Victoria since 1974 at least (and possibly since the 1930s) was recorded. The bittern was heard calling in Boals Deadwoods not far from the 2000 observation of the species at this location. All data we collected will be atlassed. Martin O'Brien
Mon 3 Jan	Great Crested Grebe and various ducks Rutherglen Wetlands Just back from holidaying up there, other highlights were Plumed Whistling-ducks - about half a dozen in wetlands on ogther side of track near Chiltern No 1 Dam. In the dam itself were Blue-Billed Ducks and Pink-Eared Ducks Alf Forbes
Sun 2 Jan	Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Latham's Snipe Waterford Valley (City of Knox) Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo: 11/1, pm. pair did a wheeling descent to top of a Pinus radiata (Monterey Pine) on Ferntree Gully Road almost opposite Scoresby Road (2). Latham's Snipe: 12/1, pm. pair (accompanied by Masked Lapwing, Chestnut Teal, Black Duck and Magpie-lark) flushed from Henderson Road grassland, less water lying about than before New Year (2). Peter Booth
Sat 1 Jan	Grey-tailed Tattler, Stilt Sandpiper, Ruff, Pectoral SP, Great Knot WTP, Werribee, Western Lagoons Great viewing today as all the most interesting waders have moved to this new location. Thanks to Steve for identifying the Tattler for us and John and his friends who flew in from Sydney who pointed out the Great Knot Hedley and Irena Earl

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