[Birding-Aus] Birdline Victoria Weekly Update
Eremaea Birds
Published sightings for the week ending 3 Jan 2010.
Sat 2 Jan Stubble Quail Royal Park - native grassland
Chris Lester
Fri 1 Jan Purple-crowned Lorikeet East Camberwell
2 birds heard in flight heading east. Very rare in Boroondara (2 records
in biodiversity report (2006) and only second record in local area in
30+ years.
George Appleby
Pacific Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Red Knot, Wood Sandpiper,
Zebra Finch WTP Werribee
Two Grey Plover and several Red Knot at The Spit, also a flock of Zebra
Finches (photo). Two Pacific Golden Plovers in non-breeding and one in
partial breeding plumage on rocks offshore between the Lake Borrie
outfall and the hide. Wood Sandpiper on a lagoon between Lake Borrie and
the sea.
Andrew Wood
Diamond Dove Serendip Sanctuary, Lara
A single young bird was observed on the track between the disused Magpie
Goose breeding pen (30 on Parknote) and the Wader Hide (31 on Parknote).
The bird was quite flighty and flew from tree or bush when approached.
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow
Common Sandpiper Hastings foreshore
One bird sighted here today adjacent to the jetty in amongst the
mangroves.
S. King
Dusky Woodswallow nesting, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike nesting,
Common Bronzewing, Sacred Kingfisher Yarra Bend Park - Galatea Point
Dusky Woodswallow - pair nesting. Only ever seen a single bird at this
site before. Also Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike nesting, Common Bronzewing
(possibly young bird), Grey Shrike-thrush and Sacred Kingfisher. This
site never ceases to amaze with its variety as it is only 3km from the
city centre.
Ian Lundy
Thu 31 Dec Painted Honeyeater, Black-eared Cuckoo Dunach Nature
Conservation Reserve
Up to 5 Painted Honeyeater were recorded on the south west border of
Dunach Nature Conservation Reserve (located on the Ballarat Maryborough
Rd). Also recorded was a Black-eared Cuckoo and Black-chinned
Honeyeater.
Fiona Parkin, Tim Dolby
Barbary Dove Gray Reserve Road, Williamstown
There was a pair of Barbary Dove at the end of Gray Reserve Road,
bordering the Kororoit Creek, Williamstown North.
Paul Dodd, Fiona Parkin, Tim Dolby
Wed 30 Dec Brush Cuckoo Coolart, Somers
An immature bird seen on the Woodland Walk. Head pale grey, breast
marked with brown mottling over general grey tones. Eye-ring much the
same colour as head plumage. No calls.
Anthea Fleming
White-throated Nightjar Bunyip State Park
Several White-throated Nightjar were heard at the Hemlet Track Trail
Bike Uploading Area (near the intersection with Black Snake Creek Rd).
Tim Dolby
Major Mitchells, Mulga Parrot Wyperfield NP
Around 30 MM's observed in mallee along Moloney's Rd. Also a single
Mulga parrot amongst dozens of Mallee Ringnecks, Blue Bonnets and Red
Rumps along this track.
James & Dave Dickson
Arctic Jaeger Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Highlight was an Arctic Jaeger at Kirk pt, spotted and identified by our
French Visitor Philippe Degrissac. A late afternoon visit to the You
Yangs gave us an Owlet-nightjar and a very young Black-chinned
Honeyeater hanging around very low to the ground with some White-plumeds
Dave Torr, Diane Tweeddale, Peter Gibbons, Philippe Degrissac, Bob Cox
White-throated Needletail Annya State Forest (NW of Heywood)
About 20 birds moving north to south with Tree Martins. First sighting
for the summer.
Peter Barrand
Wedge-tailed Eagle Rowsley Valley near Bacchus Marsh
I observed 15 Wedge-Tailed Eagles in 2 groups approx 700 metres apart at
in the Rowsley Valley. This is the proposed site for a new, reduced size
windfarm by Pacific Hydro which in it's first guise was rejected because
of the potential impact on Wedge-tailed Eagles.
David Whelan
Australian Shelduck Geelong-Melbourne Freeway near Little River
An impressive gathering of this species seen beside the freeway just
after 8 this morning feeding in recently harvested fields. At least
700-750 birds on the ground plus small aerial groups of 12-20 each
making a further 200 or so.
Eric Finley
Tue 29 Dec Black Honeyeater Linton
A small number of Black Honeyeaters along the creek line at the BOCA/TFN
property at Linton, south-west of Ballarat. Seen over several days. Also
est. 30+ Blue-winged Parrots in same area.
Kathy Costello
Stubble Quail, White-winged Triller Five Mile Road, Wilson's
Promontory
Triller (x2) and WB Woodswallows still around as reported on Birdline
29/11 but many swamps now dry. Many Stubble Quail heard in burnt
heathland which is rich in native grasses at present.
George Appleby
Striated Fieldwren, Marsh Sandpiper, Little Egret, White-winged
Black Tern Point Wilson
A whirlwind visit to Point Wilson on the way back from Anglesea last
night was rewarded with some decent birds.
Jon Thornton and Fiona Parkin
Pectoral Sandpiper, Glossy Ibis, Grey-crowned Babbler McDonalds
Swamp, Kerang
McDonalds Swamp is one of the few wetlands in the area with water at
present. Plenty of waterfowl (including a couple of Glossy Ibis) and
quite a few waders including a Pectoral Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper,
several Marsh Sandpiper, lots of Red-kneed Dotterel and a few
Black-fronted Dotterel. Good to see the resident Grey-crowned Babblers
are still around.
Greg Oakley
Diamond Dove, Dollarbird, Western Gerygone Murrabit (25km north
of Kerang)
Single Diamond Dove associating with Peaceful Doves near the Murrabit
bridge. Also a Dollarbird in the area. Couple of Western Gerygone in the
Benjeroop State Forest.
Greg Oakley
Common Sandpiper Altona Coastal Park
There was a Common Sandpiper on rocks of the Kororoit Creek, just north
of Racecourse Rd, Altona Coastal Park. Also Little Egret, Common
Greenshank and a dozen Black-winged Stilt - some mobbing, suggesting
breeding.
Tim Dolby
Budgerigar, White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike, Grey-crowned Babbler.
Boweya Forest
Two Budgies sighting on the north west side of the reserve, feeding in
seeding native grasses. Also seen a light morph White-bellied
Cuckoo-shrike and Grey-crowned Babblers.
Michael Ramsey
Mon 28 Dec Regent Parrots, Splendid Fairy-wren Hattah- Kulkyne
A large flock (40-60) emerged spectacularly overhead at Mournpall
camping area. Several Splendid Fairy-wrens observed at the visitors
centre.
James & Dave Dickson
White-bellied Sea Eagle Lake William Hovell near Cheshunt, North
East Vic
Perched on dead tree high then soaring high above
Jan Osmotherly
Glossy Ibis Boundary Road Wetlands,Carrum Downs
1 bird was seen at the wetlands today foraging in the grassy clumps
behind the water at the North end.Maybe it's one of the birds reported
on Birdline on 6/12/09 by C.Mulvogue.
Ben Sinclair
Scarlet Honeyeater Langwarrin
Male Scarlet Honeyeater foraging among flowering messmate (Eucalyptus
obliqua). Calling intermittently.
Ashley Herrod
Painted Honeyeater, Gilbert's Whistler, Western Gerygone,
Square-tailed Kite Kerang
Excellent birding around Kerang at present, with lots of flowering
eucalypts in the surrounding forests. A Square-tailed Kite was seen
soaring over the town, several Gilbert's Whistler and Western Gerygone
at the Weir. The Wests Road area produced lots of small passerines
including 2 Painted Honeyeater in misteltoe, Red-capped Robin,
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill and White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike.
Greg Oakley
Common Bronzewing, Long-billed Corella, Spiny-cheeked
Honeyeater, Latham's Snipe McLeod's Waterholes, Drysdale
Common Bronzewing: In trees above netball courts near the northern edge
of north-eastern waterhole. Long-billed Corella: Flock of 20+ birds
flying overhead. Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater: In pine trees on
north-western corner of south-western waterhole. Latham's Snipe: Flushed
from reedy area on north-west corner of north-eastern waterhole. Also 5
of the 8 Freckled Ducks were still there today.
Paul Dodd, Ruth Woodrow & Dee Dodd
Sun 27 Dec Black Honeyeater and Cockatiels Goschen
A few Black Honeyeaters were observed in the early morning around the
tennis courts. Several pairs of Cockatiel are in the reserve as well.
James & Dave Dickson
Freckled Duck Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands
Two Freckled Ducks at the hide 1500-1700. Also present were up to 8
White-necked Herons, Royal and Yellow-billed Spoonbills, Sharp-tailed
Sandpipers, Black-winged Stilts, Whiskered Terns . . .
David Clark
Cicadabird Crystal break Alexandra
Heard but could not find a Cicadabird in area previously ravaged by
bushfires in Feb 2009. Area regenerating well. Has been seen in vicinity
several years ago.
Bob Tate
Satin Flycatcher Oswin Roberts Reserve, Phillip Island
Pair nesting, on tree off walking track just a few hundred metres from
from carpark. Nice to see them nesting there. Also a female Brush
Bronzewing flew past & a Sacred Kingfisher was calling.
Kevin Bartram
Scarlet Honeyeater Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve
Heard only but confident with ID from many recent sightings at 100
Acres. East side of Cockatoo creek. This area is not open to the general
public.
Jackson Airey
Sat 26 Dec Hooded Plover Fairhaven Beach
A pair of Hooded Plovers sited near Moggs Creek (on two occasions).
Megan Short
Fri 25 Dec Blue-faced Honeyeater, Peregrine Falcon Beechworth
Pair of Blue-faced Honeyeaters with 2 young, Peregrine Falcon adult in
tall eucalypt, 100 White-throated Needletails high overhead, Little
Grassbirds with young at Lake Sambell (Australasian Reed Warblers also
with young as usual).
Richard Loyn
Sun 20 Dec Collared Sparrowhawk Little Lake Boort
1 adult, 4 immature near nest at water tower lookout.
Malcolm Cousland
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Eremaea Birds
Published sightings for the week ending 10 Jan 2010.
Sun 10 Jan Budgerigar Wilby
A flock of 7 Budgerigars was found around home this morning. They were
initially in the planted Yellow Gum next to the house. Then they flew
down to the front paddock where they fed for a short amount of time with
Galahs and Red-rumped Parrots. A flock of White-winged Choughs flew in
which scared the flock up into some larger trees. They settled down
again to feed on the ground again before flying off high to the north
west. The flock consisted of 3 adults and 4 juveniles, which can be seen
to the right of the photo. The juveniles were heard giving begging calls
so they can't be that old. Where have they bred?
Michael Ramsey
Sat 9 Jan Mallee Emu-wren Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
One seen near Nowingi Track about 200m from southern end, about 50m to
the east of the track.
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow
Hooded Plover Narrawong Beach
Two pairs nesting & fenced off from public.
Samantha Greiner
Little Eagle (dark phase) Bolwara Strawberry Farm, Portland
Two lovely large dark birds with obscure bullseye on under-wing lazily
gliding over trees around the strawberry farm (had to stop for
strawberries on way to beach!) luckily all bird watching gear in car for
day at beach except good id book! Slaters second edition very helpful
once home.
Samantha Greiner
Little Eagle Werribee Zoo, Werribee
I have been monitoring a pair of mixed dark and light morph birds which
produced one young that has now left the nest. As far as I am aware,
this is the first (successful) breeding record of Little Eagle for the
Werribee Zoo.
Maarten Hulzebosch
Spotless Crake Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
Two adult Spotless Crakes with chick in the Little River reedbed.
Mark Bennett and David Richardson
Southern Whiteface Wilby
Found a single Southern Whiteface in the back paddock this morning.
Never recorded around home before. Nearest populations are in the Warby
Ranges 20km to the south-east.
Michael Ramsey
Fri 8 Jan Red-lored Whistler, Mallee Emu-wren Murray-Sunset
National Park
Red-lored Whistler: Seen at 8:30am, approximately 13km west of Wymlet
Tank on Honeymoon Hut Track. Mallee Emu-wren: Seen at about 5:00pm at
site along Pioneer Drive, near Pink Lakes.
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow
Peregrine Falcon Miller Reserve Boronia
Single Falcon cruising low over the forested hill behind Miller Reserve.
Alf Forbes
Cape Barren Goose, Wood Sandpiper Western Treatment Plant,
Werribee
Good bird watching today with a total of 67 mostly common or frequently
seen species. Two of interest were 32 Cape Barren Geese at the T Section
Lagoon, and the Wood Sandpiper previously reported on 4/1/10 which is
still present on the lagoon between Lake Borrie and the sea.
Andrew McCutcheon
Thu 7 Jan Rainbow Lorikeet, Dollarbird Quinn's Island Cobram
Victoria
Rainbow Lorikeets were a very unexpected sighting. They appeared to be
breeding as well. Not seen here before along the Murray River in
northern Victoria. 6 birds were seen, one of which was a juvenile
begging for food and then fed by an adult. Are they a part of an
expansion of this species, or a population founded by escapees? The many
orchards of stone fruits around Cobram could be a good food source for
them. Also 6 Dollarbirds cackling and chattering away in the Red Gums by
the river.
Michael Ramsey
Powerful Owl Near the Diamond Creek, downstream of trestle
bridge at Eltham.
Sitting quietly in the tree, these two have been around for a couple of
weeks to my knowledge. My daughter came across them whilst walking along
the path.
Norman Thornbury
Painted Honeyeater, Red-capped Robin Dunach Conservation Reserve
At least two pairs of Painted Honeyeater still about as well as a pair
of Red-caped Robin which may have been collecting food to feed young-
apparently a rare bird here.
Sean Dooley, Michael Veitch
Satin Flycatcher, Brown Goshawk, Rose Robin, Bassian Thrush
Emerald Lake Park (path to Cockatoo), Emerald
Not previously observed Satin Flycatchers x3 in this area. One lone male
harassing (dive-bombing) immature Brown Goshawk. Further along track one
male & female displaying courtship/breeding behaviour. Other birds today
include; Rose Robin, Bassian Thrush, Yellow Faced H/E, White Naped H/E,
New Holland H/E, Red Browed Finch, Yellow Robin, Grey Shrike-thrush,
Brown & Striated Thornbills and Spotted Pardalote.
Claire Wolinski & Barbara Richardson
Wed 6 Jan Pied Honeyeater Goschen Flora Reserve
Still present in resonable numbers. Pied HE is currently the dominant
honeyeater in the reserve. Only one Black HE seen, and no Crimson Chats.
Paul Dodd & Ruth Woodrow
Eastern Curlew Toora, Corner Inlet
Seen about 100m from the bird hide, but took off when i was 50m away...
very touchy. A wide angle shot revealed 62 in total.
Steven Kuiter
Cockatiels 10k's north Axedale
Following Bob C's report yesterday, there is a further flock of
approximately 40 Cockatiels 10k's north along Brown's Lane in Axedale.
Marlene Lyell
Dollarbird Tambo River - Tambo Upper
For the past week, two Dollarbirds have been heard and seen in trees
along the Tambo River (Rodwell Rd) Tambo Upper.
Faye Bedford
Tue 5 Jan Wedge-tailed Eagle Ballarat-Bacchus Marsh
Observed 10 Wedgies (mostly in pairs) whilst riding the train from
Ballarat to Melbourne. One pair were in sitting in the grass on a hill
by the side of the rail line. Great to see them in healthy numbers. Hope
any proposed wind farms in the area are thwarted. Certainly should be
set aside as prime Wedgie habitat.
Shane Xavier Shalless
Spotted Harrier Strathewen
Observed hunting low over open grassy hills near corner of Bowden-spur
and Odeas Rds. Grey upperbody, brown underbody, long barred tail; no
white rump.
Greg Cobern
Pink-eared Duck Lilydale Lake
Several Pink Eared Ducks in Lagoon. 2 Mistletoebirds at the bridge where
Olinda Creek enters the lake.
Alf Forbes
Rufous Songlark, Zebra Finch Point Wilson Rd
Stopped on Pt Wilson Rd about 1 klm from the freeway to observe a flock
of Zebra Finches on the side fence and heard the notes of a Rufous
Songlark from the bushes opposite. Waited a couple of minutes and the 2
Rufous Songlarks came out into the open.
Alf Forbes
Bassian Thrush, Collared Sparrowhawk, Powerful Owl Wilson
Reserve
At sunset/dusk saw the (resident?) pair of Bassian Thrush near where the
paths meet just west of the golf course. Also a juvenile, female
Sparrowhawk, calling loudly and causing much ruckus amongst the Noisy
Miners. The Powerful Owl that roosts alone, 400m from the family was
still there, just a few trees further south than usual. As I walked back
to the car (45 mins later after walking to Burke Rd. and back), it
conveniently flew into a eucalypt near me on the main path and surveryed
the area for about 10 mins, oblivious to me. It then took off in the
direction of Bailey Billabong, to alarm calls from the moorhens and
ducks. Also, two pairs of frogmouth parents were busy feeding youngsters
within a couple of hundred metres of each other in the same general
area.
John Gray
Scarlet Honeyeater Healesville Sanctuary
At least one bird calling near the entrance to the Sanctuary and a
female bird seen at the kangaroo enclosure.
Sean Dooley
Cockatiel Axedale - East of Bendigo
Approximately 60 - 70 birds feeding on stubble paddock and roosting in 2
dead trees. On McIvor Highway approx. 2 kms East of Axedale. Unusual in
the area in such numbers.
Bob Cook
Square-tailed Kite and Dollarbirds 5km North West of Bairnsdale
Square-tailed Kite was seen flying around the Mitchell River and
surrounding escarpment in farmland country (atypical habitat and about
5km from contiguous forest and first record on the property in 30
years). A pair of Dollarbirds are fairly resident and probably breeding
in the area.
Roger Bilney
Mon 4 Jan Latham's snipe (1 only) Banyule wetlands
Flushed from the drainage ditch alongside the bike trail.
Marian Weaving
White-winged Triller Robson Rd, Hamilton (outskirts )
One adult with one juvenile in tow; also Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos
with 'whingeing' offspring across the road in house garden eating
banksia cones; Willie Wagtails with juvenile; and a pair of Restless
Flycatchers busy between neighbours' yards and paddocks.
Samantha Greiner
Wood Sandpiper,Bar-tailed Godwit Western Treatment Plant
The Wood Sandpiper as previously reported on 1/1/10 is still present on
the lagoon between Lake Borrie and the sea. If you go down Beach Rd and
go through Gate 4 (key required) the bird is on the first lagoon on your
right. 1 Bar-tailed Godwit present at the same location.
Ben Sinclair
Albino Richard's Pipit Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
At Austin Road where Banded Lapwings hang out, I sighted a very light
coloured (not 100% white) Richard's Pipit. Although the treatment plant
often produces albino or partly albino birds, this is my first Pipit
that I have seen of this colour. Other birds of note were the waders
that were recorded on this website earlier by others. In addition to
these, 1 Eastern Curlew was seen at the Spit and 2 Golden Plovers at the
Borrow Pits. I also sighted both of these species at the same site on
the 28th December, 2009.
Maarten Hulzebosch
Olive-backed Oriole (immature) Jan Juc
An immature Olive-backed Oriole flew into our window this morning.
Neil Loxston
Sun 3 Jan Rufous Songlark, White-winged Triller, Eurasian Skylark
Bunyip State Park, Bunyip River Road
Surprised that these are first listings for Bunyip but saw 1 Eurasian
Skylark and 8-10 Rufous Songlark in grasslands along Bunyip River Road
and also White-winged Triller in the burnt woods along the edge of the
road. Two (most probable) Helmeted Honeyeaters flew across the road but
couldn't confirm legs bands - no listings of Yellow-tufted for Bunyip.
Info passed on to DSE rep.
Jackson Airey
Lewin's Rail amd Latham's Snipe Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands,
Werribee 3030. (Melways map 206 B3)
At 1915 hours, two Lewin's Rail heard calling from wet rank grass verge
of wetland, both birds then observed (one flew). Nine Latham's Snipe
observed in grass verge, all flushed, three from one location and six
from another.
Peter Gibbons
Grey-crowned Babbler Lake Yando (NE of Boort)
Previously dry for many years, Lake Yando got 1000ML of environmental
water in November. 5 babblers seen, also Coots, Red-kneed and
Black-fronted Dotterel, Black-winged Stilt, White-necked and White-faced
Heron, White and Straw-necked Ibis, Grey Teal & Yellow-billed Spoonbill.
Malcolm Cousland
Painted Honeyeater Dunach Nature Conservation Reserve (Clunes)
1 pair together, and later 1 female all within 200 metres of no dumping
sign on south-west track near Clunes-Talbot Rd.
John Watson
Zebra Finch, Red - Browed Finch Private Property Bacchus Marsh
Small flock (approx 9 birds)of Zebra finches and Red-Browed Finches
together in a dead tree on private land near the Rowsley Valley.
David Whelan
Sat 2 Jan Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Spring Gully Bendigo
Flock of 10 birds flying over suburbs in the evening.
Gerry Duane
Buff-banded Rail Benalla. Jaycee Island
Seen in the creek that forms the northern edge of the island. Foraging
on the exposed mud before the water level rose following the heavy rain.
Bill Morecraft
Fri 1 Jan Pectoral & Wood Sandpipers, White-winged Black Tern etc
Western Treatment Plant, Werribee
A relaxing New Year's day at the WTP with best birds - 2 Pectoral
Sandpipers (Western Lagoons) + 1 Pectoral, 1 Wood & 5 Marsh Sandpipers,
plus 15 Red Knot + 25 Bar-tailed Godwit (T-Section Lagoons); 2
Black-tailed Godwit (280 South Road & Walsh's Lagoon) 10+ White-winged
Black Terns (north of Beach Road); 10 Glossy Ibis (Walsh's Lagoon); 10+
Stubble Quail providing photo opportunities; 10 Australian Spotted
Crakes in different places; 2 Brown Songlarks; and 3 Horsfield's
Bushlarks. Not a single Red-necked Avocet for the day.
John Barkla, Fred Smith & Alison Street
Wed 30 Dec Scarlet Honeyeater Ruffy Store, gardens outside the shop
Ruffy is midway between Euroa and Yea in nth central Victoria. While
having breakfast outside the cafe I detected the distinctive call of
this species. The observation shows the extent of the irruption of
Scarlet Honeyeaters into Victoria this summer. Also recorded SHs further
north not far from Euroa. All sightings to be atlassed!
Martin O'Brien
Tue 29 Dec Ground Parrot Mallacoota Cell
1 bird seen well at Shipwreck Creek, another flushed at Howe Flat while
searching for Bristlebirds. No Bristlebirds seen or heard.
Tim Bawden
Sun 27 Dec Sooty Owl Cape Conran Coastal Park
1 female spotlighted on Cape Conran - Cabbage Tree Rd.
Tim Bawden
Wed 23 Dec Scarlet Honeyeater Morwell National Park Gippsland
Another sighting of the species this summer. A single male observed high
in eucalypts on the nature walk. As with other sightings of this species
the bird was near a wetter gully of denser vegetation.
Martin O'Brien