Peter Bennet
A miracle! We can get out again!
Australian Reed-warbler – Mick Connelly
Since we conveniently had a date for Braeside Park, down in Kingston (where the nights are gay, and the sun shines daily on the mountaintop) we jolly well jumped in and took it. A fine, warm day with plenty of birdlife. Carefully staggering our arrivals to stay within the guidelines (thus pretty much legitimising what the group does anyway), 20-odd members staggered up to find a locked gate but no matter! We walked in along the short entrance road to Red Gum Picnic Area, and thence around the wetlands.
Tawny Frogmouth – Michiko Iida
First spot was Tawny Frogmouth close to the carpark. The usual candidates were around, although numbers were not great (except for rabbits – plenty of potential pies hopping about). On the first pond Coots had new chicks and Hoary-headed Grebes were vigorously battling for the territory; in the distance, what turned out to be a Swamp Harrier perched vulture-like on a dead tree.
Hoary-headed Grebe – Peter Bennet
The next pond was probably the highlight of the day, with a raucous breeding colony of Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants. Nestled amongst them were a few Darter nests with large fluffy dartlets preening and keeping an eye on passing photographers – very odd-looking creatures!
Australasian Darter – Rodger Scott
As we proceeded around the large pond we gradually added more waterbird species, including most of the ducks, both Spoonbills, Straw-necked and White Ibis and White-faced Heron – again, all in small numbers only. We had good views of the cruising Swamp Harrier, and Spotless Crake was spotted.
Australasian Swamphen – Anthea Fleming
Bush birds were also about – both Pardalote species, both Wattlebirds, Fairy-wrens, Scrubwrens and Brown Thornbills, grey fantail and so on. There were Reed-warblers in the reeds, Grassbirds in the grass, Tree Martins in the trees and Common Blackbird, Common Starling and Common Myna on the common. It was good also hear Cisticola in the long grass on the western side, along with a sleek Nankeen Kestrel.
Blue-billed Duck – Linda Waters
Lunch by the carpark ended the proceedings – we may perhaps be a little out of condition! But great to get out with the group again, and to see some familiar faces.
European Goldfinch – Michiko Iida
Best wishes to all for Christmas and the summer season – stay safe and we will see you next year!
