Yesterday, My wife and I went to Melbourne Water, filled in the paperwork,
paid our money and got our key. We were also given a basic map of the WTP,
dated Sept 2010. Off we went for our first birding experience out there, hoping
to also find the reported Long-toed Stint (we had attended the Open Day tour in
early Oct. last year, so we’d seen the basic plan and the various roads, etc.)
Our map showed us the various numbered gates so we headed for Gate 2 which
is towards the end of Pt Wilson Rd. The map showed ‘Western Lagoon’ and we
thought finding No. 9 (for the Stint) would be easy. Well, we found 2, 3, 4, 5,
but no No. 9. The map showed Pond 9 up near Lake Borrie so we headed up there
thinking that this would be the right place. Obviously, the water there was too
deep for small waders so we knew that this wasn’t it either. So we left via
Paradise Rd at Gate 5. There, our luck changed when we met a lovely birding
couple who were often out here. They didn’t know where western lagoon 9 was
either but they suggested going into the T-Section Lagoon – in fact, they lead
us back to Gate 1 and into that area where they directed us to a well known
spot for Crake and Rail (which was just brilliant – great views). Here we also
saw numbered Lagoons but did not find No 9.
My point is that regulars to the WTP obviously know the various lagoons but
for first-timers like ourselves, it can be difficult. Nevertheless, we had a
great day seeing so many of the waders and ducks and we left feeling contented
and looking forward to another day out there in the weeks ahead.
Has anyone produced a more detailed map, either on paper or as an app for
the phone? Can someone please explain exactly where Western Lagoon pond 9 is?
Surely we are not the only ones who have experienced similar frustration.
Cheers
Brian
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