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Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
Volume 4 Number 4 December 2015
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
With summer approaching remember our outings are
cancelled on total fire ban days. It was pleasing to learn that
BirdLife Australia has over 12,000 members and growing,
this is a great fillip for our under stress birdlife and hopefully
we will now be able to present a very strong advocacy role
for our birds. The recent “What Bird is That” presentation
was very well supported by our members with plenty of
assistance on the day, we even had another branch member
assisting, a big thanks to all. Our Christmas outing and lunch
will again be held at Roger and Hannah’s Dunn’s Creek
Estate in Red Hill and if past Christmas outings are a guide
this should be a beauty.
On behalf of the committee I would like to wish all members
a very Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and
great birding in 2016.
COMMITTEE NOTES
The committee has arranged a fund raising sausage sizzle at Bunnings Mornington for 5 February 2016, assistance will be
required.
We agreed to participate in the Westernport Biosphere Life
Search Project and our Briars event will be our contribution.
Bendigo Bank has again contributed to the ongoing
newsletter production and we thank them gratefully.
Our education officers were active at Somers Primary and the
school acknowledged their efforts with a generous donation.
We have conducted two U3A bird courses at Rosebud and
Mornington with Joan Peters at Rosebud and Pam Hearn and
Susan Clark at Mornington. This is a source of new members
as well as spreading the knowledge on our birds.
Max Burrows, President
Contents 1. Branch news
4. Habitat for wildlife
5. Outings program and reports
9. Kopacki Rit wetland
10. Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys
12. Volunteering at Broome Bird Observatory
14. Searching for mallee fowl and emu-wren
16. Observations
Juvenile Mistletoebird, photographed at Gordon Rolfe Reserve by Con Duyvestyn
Branch news
2 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
BirdLife Mornington Peninsula Annual Plan
2015-2016. Editor: Max Burrows
1 Governance Coordinator: Max Burrows
1.1 Committee (focal point: Max Burrows)
The committee as elected at the AGM (May 2015) President: Max Burrows
Secretary/Treasurer: Ray Pentland General Committee: Pam Hearn, Susan
Clarke, David Ap-Thomas, Danny Vits, Rab Siddhi, John Rawlins.
1.2 Budget and Finances (focal point: Ray Pentland)
Activities
Annual operating expenses are in the order of $900.00. In addition
fundraising activities of $2000 are proposed at this stage and will be
conducted for ongoing newsletter support.
Budget Annual budget was tabled at AGM
1.3 Branch Membership (focal point: Ray Pentland)
Membership and outing attendance numbers are steady. A recruitment of
new members is beneficial to the branch. This is being achieved through
publicity such as open days, birdwatching courses and advertising in local
newspapers and fliers left at libraries, information centres etc.
Activities
Keep track of membership numbers and degree of activity.
1.4 Communication
Activities
Members (focal point: Max Burrows)
Use e-news to update members on issues and events; Regular
communication with members via email.
BirdLife Australia (focal point: Max Burrows)
Liaise regularly with National Office on branch's activities and initiatives
including outings, surveys, conservation and education.
Newsletter (Focal Point: Val Ford)
Produce a quarterly newsletter; Liaise with National Office for printing and
distribution to members; Distribute electronic version to other
organisations and interested people.
Public (focal point: Danny Vits)
Advertise outings in local newspapers and other organisations' newsletters
and websites; Distribute BirdLife Australia flyers with BirdLife Mornington
Peninsula inserts to libraries and information centres; Distribute BirdLife
Mornington Peninsula newsletter to other appropriate organisations;
Pursue speaking engagements with other organisations to promote
BirdLife Australia/ Mornington Peninsula; As appropriate, utilise other
media outlets to advertise the branch.
BirdLife Website (focal point: Neil Shelley)
Maintain the branches information on the website. Content and updates to
existing pages are the responsibility of relevant coordinators; Website is
www.birdllfe,org.au
1.5 Archives (focal point: Ray Pentland)
Activities
Enter ongoing activities and events in branch's archive; List and maintain
contents of branch's filing cabinet; Store archived material.
1.6 Occupational Health and Safety (focal point: Max Burrows)
Maintain safe practices for members on all branch activities.
2 Observation/Outings/Projects Coordinators: Max Burrows/Outings
sub-committee (Joan Peters, Danny Vits, Max Burrows)
Activities
Organise two outings per month except for January; Record bird species
for each outing; Ongoing reminder of leader's role and responsibilities;
Encourage buddy system for newcomers and visitors; Involve members
other than the committee in leading walks; Review program with a view to
encourage members (including other branches) to attend outings;
Continue project on "Rare Birds of the Mornington Peninsula".
3 Education Coordinator: Pam Hearn, Susan Clark
Activities
Schools Program (focal point: Pam Hearn)
Respond to requests to set up talks and outings programs.
Walks/Open Day (focal point: Max Burrows)
Organise and participate in public events to promote BirdLife
Australia/Mornington Peninsula Branch as required; Conduct 'What Bird is
That?" open day at The Briars (25 October 2015).
Adult Education (focal point: Branch committee)
Conduct U3A Southern Peninsula/Mornington course for new
birdwatchers; Respond to requests for courses from U3A.
General (focal point: Pam Hearn)
Arrange for educational articles to be sent to local newspapers and
magazines when opportunities arise; Take up opportunities to talk to local
groups and clubs; Liaise with BirdLife Australia Education Coordinator
about activities and resources.
4 Conservation Coordinator: Roger Richards
4.1 General
Ongoing monitoring of development and impact on natural features on the
peninsula; BirdLife Mornington Peninsula representation at community
meetings; Regular liaison with BirdLife Australia Conservation Officer(s).
Activities
Tootgarook Wetland. Liaise with National Office and Mornington Peninsula
Shire and local conservation groups on strategies to preserve the
wetland; Maintain a watching brief on the following items: Frankston
Reservoir Park; Port of Hastings Development. Provide assistance to
National Office Head of Conservation as required; Maintain a watch on
local activities that may be of conservation concern.
4.2 Monitoring Coordinator: David Ap-Thomas
Activities
4.2.1 Activities managed by BirdLife Mornington Peninsula
Balcombe Estuary; Sunshine Reserve; Waterfall Gully for MPSC;
Tootgarook Wetlands for MPSC; Other monitoring as required; Elgee Park.
4.2.2 Activities with BirdLife Mornington Peninsula participants
Westernport Survey, Hanns Inlet (focal point: Neil Shelley) – Conduct
surveys in February, July and November as part of BirdLife Australia
Westernport survey; Devilbend Reserve/Woods Reserve (focal point;
Roger Richards). Encourage members to participate in regular monitoring
organised by BirdLife Australia (second Tuesday of each month); Hooded
Plover - Threatened Species (focal point: Val Ford) Encourage members to
participate in the following activities: Monthly counts throughout the year
(organised by Friends of the Hooded Plovers & Parks Victoria); Weekly
nest monitoring and chick wardening from September to March (organised
by Friends of the Hooded Plover & BirdLife Australia).
4.2.3 IBA monitoring Coordinator: Roger Richards
Liaise with National Office IBA coordinator to monitor these sites
(Devilbend, Westernport)
4.3 Database Coordinator: Rab Siddhi
Activities
Maintain BirdLife Mornington Peninsula bird occurrence spreadsheet and
record form; Regular entry of data from outings and surveys with annual
transfer of data to Mornington Peninsula Shire, National Office Atlas and
DSE; Make regular backup of electronic data, including database, surveys,
newsletter, website. Store in independent location; Include unusual bird
sightings in the database; Supply bird sheets to outing leaders.
5 Sponsorship/Marketing
Coordinator: John Rawlins
5.1 General
Seek sponsorship and finance where considered necessary for the efficient
operation of the branches activities; Focus on branches newsletter
costings and financing.
Branch news
December 2015 3
MEMBER PROFILE
Nancy & Rex Taylor
We have been residents of the Village Glen for nine years,
having spent sixteen years in our first retirement home
outside Bairnsdale. We moved there after retiring from
teaching in the Yarra Valley.
Rex has been a member of BOCA/BirdLife since mid 1970's,
Nancy only joined when she retired in 1992. Together we ran
the East Gippsland Bird Observers Club (EGBOC) for ten
years. Nancy, as President and Newsletter Editor and Rex, as
Secretary, Camp and Outing Coordinator.
Towards the end of Nancy's Presidency she researched and
wrote "Where to Find Birds in East Gippsland", which also
involved applying for grants to fund the printing costs. The
impetus for writing this booklet was the large accumulation
of recorded bird sightings gathered over fifteen years of
weekly, Monday bird outings as well as the ageing of
Founding Members of the club. We felt that all this
knowledge should be recorded in some way.
Favourite Birding Spots
Most of our birding these days is done within and around The
Village Glen with some surprising sightings; A White-winged
Triller outside our kitchen window; a pair of Mistletoebirds
along Chinaman's Creek and overhead one day an enormous
flock of Pelicans (approx 1000) enjoying the thermals in the
air above the village.
However, we have extensive records and many happy
memories of our birding experiences throughout East
Gippsland and this remains our favourite area due to the
diversity of habitat and variety of birds to be seen. It can
also throw up some surprises, especially when inland Victoria
is in drought.
Other Favourite Birding Spots
The Delatite River at Gough's Bay where we "farm sit"
annually.
Fogg Dam in Kakadu.
Gluepot where we had a notable campout.
Some Memorable Birding Moments
Watching a Southern Boobook which made its home in the
pergola at our East Gippsland home. All activity in the house
ceased as it become active each night, at sunset and we
watched it snack on Huntsmen Spiders, provided by Rex from
our wood heap.
Little Tern and Hooded Plovers along the Ninety Mile Beach in
East Gippsland.
Flocks of Banded Stilts and Whiskered Tern on Victoria
Lagoon; the Red-browed Treecreeper at its nest at Native
Dog Flat near the head waters of the Buchan River and the
Scarlet Honeyeater seen on a walk along the banks of the
Mitchell River, at a place locally known as the "Pumping
Station" all once again in East Gippsland.
Birding Ambitions
To re-visit Gluepot, such a magical spot! To help our small
band of enthusiasts at the Village Glen to increase our bird
list to 100 species.
Other Interests
Nancy is co-organiser of the Village Glen Patchwork Group
and is also active on the Residents Club Committee. Rex,
despite "down-sizing from an acre garden is still an
enthusiastic gardener and walks on most Thursdays with the
U3A "Happy Walkers".
Bunnings Sausage Sizzle
Attention members
Reserve Friday February 5 in your diaries as we have been
allocated a sausage sizzle day at Mornington.
We require help to staff the BBQ. We will work in shifts so it
should not be too laborious, we need the funds so please
give me a call and give the birds a hand. Telephone 0429
947 893 or email [email protected]
Max Burrows
Newsletter contributions
Thanks for your fantastic articles and photos; keep
sharing your sightings, observations, bird photos, daily
birding activities, surveys, tips on bird identification and
birding while travelling stories.
Send to Val Ford; 5981 1445 & [email protected]
Deadline for March edition: 1 February 2016
Earlier articles appreciated.
Contacting BirdLife Mornington Peninsula
President Max Burrows; 9789 0224
PO Box 2262 Rosebud Plaza, Vic 3939
www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula
Habitat for wildlife
4 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
BENDIGO BANK SUPPORTING BIRDLIFE
Bendigo Bank has kindly provided sponsorship for the
printing of this edition of the newsletter.
Nesting boxes for Eastern Rosellas and
Wood Ducks
Collaborative efforts by local Mount Eliza Secondary school
students, their teacher Narelle Debenham, local Landcare
owner Tony O'Connor, Mornington Bunnings and the
Mornington Men's shed. Article written by year 7/8 Mount
Eliza Secondary College Real Time Learning students.
Artificial tree hollows are very important to the conservation
of Australian 'hollow nesting' animals. Old natural hollows in
trees take hundreds of years to form. There is lots of
competition at this time of year between bats, possums,
gliders, owls, parrots, ducks, kookaburras, rosellas and
kingfishers as well as numerous species of frogs, snakes and
skinks searching for the few nesting spots available.
We decided to help our local wildlife. We worked with
members from the Mornington men’s shed to construct
nesting boxes for our local Eastern Rosellas and Wood Ducks.
Using marine ply kindly donated by Mornington Bunnings, we
got to practice the new skills we learnt from our great
mentors when making the bat and sugar glider boxes. After
lots of drilling and screwing the timber templates together,
we added some shredded bark and wood shavings into the
bottom of the parrot box to make it attractive to the nesting
adult Eastern Rosellas, who partner for life. Between 4-8
eggs are laid by the female Rosella who is fed by the male
while she incubates the eggs. These birds forage on the
ground for seeds, grasses and insects and trees for nectar.
We aim to plant native grasses and shrubs under the nesting
boxes at Tony O’Connor’s local Landcare property and within
our school to attract more ground feeding native birds. We
can’t wait to sit our nesting boxes snugly in the forks of
trees, we will secure them by threading wire through a piece
of old garden hose to attach to the girth of the trees.
We also constructed two much larger nesting boxes
for Australian Wood Ducks to move in to; they are often
found in grasslands, open woodlands, wetlands and pastures
foraging for grasses, clover, other herbs and occasionally
insects. They lay up to ten eggs in tree hollows near water.
We plan to place the duck nesting boxes around the wetlands
at Tony O’Connor’s, bordering Balcombe creek in Mt Martha
where we have been working as part of the year 7/8 ‘Real
Time Learning Program’ each Thursday this year on many
different environmental projects.
We are so happy to be contributing in these small ways to
The nest box construction team. Photo by Narelle Debenham
help our local natural environment. You can too! If you
would like a copy of the nesting box patterns, please contact
our teacher Narelle Debenham via
Narelle Debenham, Mt Eliza Secondary School
Inala temporary reprieve
I’m just back from my big July/August trip up through the
Centre to the Kimberley and across the top from Wyndham
to Kakadu, and in the last two weeks to Eyre Bird
Observatory via Gluepot Reserve. As well as processing my
many photos I’m busy catching up on my reading including
the Mornington Peninsula Birdlife newsletter. I’ve also had a
chance to catch up with the news from Tonia Cochrane at
Inala. It’s good news to a degree, a temporary reprieve.
From the Inala newsletter: "The good news is that Forestry
Tasmania have now put coupe SB16B, which neighbours
Inala, on the contingency list in the new 3 year harvest plan.
What this means is that it won’t be harvested this year.
We are still working towards a longer-term solution and
discussions continue with Forestry Tasmania and the
Tasmanian Government. Resource Minister Paul Harriss
recently made a personal visit to the property and was able
to experience first-hand our contribution to both tourism and
conservation. He was able to see how close the coupe is to
our sanctuary and how its natural integrity is of extreme
importance to our business.
During his visit (as if on cue) a Brown Goshawk came down
to feed at the Raptor Hide and the Minister was treated to a
personal viewing. We are very aware that this outcome
would not have been possible without help from our valued
clients and supporters who took the time to contact the
decision-makers with their concerns. We have been
inundated with offers of help and are overwhelmed and
humbled by the depth of feeling and support for what we do
here. We will continue to keep you updated as we receive
further news and apologise if we don’t reply immediately to
all of your personal correspondence on this matter- our
heartfelt thanks once again to all."
I’m heading to Inala mid November for a brief three day
visit, the chance to once again photograph the Forty-spotted
Pardalotes, Raptors and hopefully the Swift Parrots.
Andrew Browne, Balnarring
Outings
December 2015 5
EVERYBODY’S WELCOME
Outings are held on the second Wednesday and third Sunday
of the month, except in January, and are cancelled on total
fire ban days.
Newcomers, beginners and visitors are welcome and
members will help you with the birds. Binoculars for casual
use are available on every outing. Bring lunch (optional) and
a folding chair for bird call and chat.
For more information about an outing contact Max Burrows
on 0429 947 893 or the leader listed.
Max Burrows, Outings Coordinator Jock, Danny, Max, Joan and Ray at The Briars. Photo by Rab Siddhi
Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Leader Phone
Wed 9 Dec 9.00 Main Ridge Flora & Fauna Reserve,
Main Ridge
Meet 9.00 at the gate on Mornington/Flinders Road south of
Shands Road intersection. Mel 255 D3
David
Ap-Thomas
9787 6691
0429 939 036
Sun 20 Dec 9.00 Xmas Break-up at Dunn’s Creek
Estate, Red Hill
Meet 9.00am at property gate, 137 McIlroys Road Red Hill. Bring a
plate to share after outing. Mel 191 D1
Max Burrows 0429 947 893
Wed 10 Feb 9.00 Baldry Crossing, Main Ridge Meet 9.00 at car park on Baldrys Road where Main Creek crosses
road. Mel 254 G6
TBA 0429 947 893
Sun 21 Feb 9.00 Shoreham Foreshore Reserve,
Shoreham
Meet 9.00 at end of Cliff Road off Byrnes Road from
Frankston/Flinders Road. Mel 256 G9
Danny Vits 0447 046 862
Wed 9 Mar 9.00 Arthurs Seat State Park, Rosebud Meet 9.00 outside Rosebud Public Golf Course gate in Elizabeth
Drive. Mel 170 J5
Joan Peters 5981 2078
Sun 20 Mar 9.00 Langwarrin Flora & Fauna Reserve,
Langwarrin
Meet 9.00 at carpark enter off McClelland Drive past North Road
intersection. Mel 103 D10
Max Burrows 0429 947 893
Wed 13 Apr 9.30 Tootgarook Wetlands private
property
Meet 9.30 at equestrian centre entrance off Boneo Road past
Rosebud Country Club and before Browns Road and proceed to
“wedding car park”. Mel 170 A9
David
Ap-Thomas
9787 6691
0429 939 036
Sun 17 Apr 9.30 Mordialloc Creek Wetlands Meet 9.30 in Observation Court. Road is accessed off Springvale
Road at traffic lights into The Waterways Blvd. then left at
Waterside Drive over bridge then left into Observation Court.
Mel 93 F4
Max Burrows 0429 947 893
Wed 11 May 9.30 AGM at The Briars, Mt Martha Meet 9.30 at the visitors centre Nepean Highway. Bird walk,
morning tea, AGM followed by a speaker. Mel 145 D11
Max Burrows 0429 947 893
Sun 15 May 9.30 Studio Park, Frankston Meet 9.30 at Sycamore Street entrance. Take McClelland Drive into
Poplar Grove turn left, entrance ahead. Mel 103 G3
Max Burrows 0429 947 893
Wed 8 June 9.30 Sages Cottage, Baxter Meet 9.30 at main gate near corner of Sages Road and Moorooduc
Highway. Mel 106 G5
TBA 0429 947 893
Sun 19 June 9.30 Peninsula Gardens Bushland
Reserve, Rosebud
Meet 9.30am at entrance in Jetty Road north of Browns Road
intersection. Mel 170 H10
TBA 0429 947 893
WARNEET NATURE RESERVE, WESTERN PORT
Max Burrows: Wed 12 August
Species recorded: 40
The weather forecast did not auger well but a quick check of
the weather radar convinced me that it was worth the drive
over to Warneet. And what a magnificent morning it was;
sunny, no wind - perfect conditions for bird watching. So
fourteen attendees gathered at the tennis court car park and
immediately we were checking off species. Notable was the
presence of good numbers of White-naped Honeyeaters
foraging in the gums. Spotted and Striated Pardalotes were
heard calling.
As we moved off onto the bushland track along Cannons
Creek the birds were very busy mostly in territorial disputes.
Lunch and chat on Warneet outing. Photo by Danny Vits
There was plenty of movement and sound coming from New
Holland Honeyeaters, White-eared Honeyeaters and both
Outings
6 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
species of Wattlebird. Rainbow Lorikeets were paired off and
spotted at nest holes in the gums. Another feature of the
walk was the profusion of flowering ground covers and low
shrubs. In amongst those, Superb Fairy-wrens were engaged
in courting behaviour, a good time to spot males that were
more interested in the females than avoiding us.
It was high tide and scanning the creek line didn’t reveal
much, just the odd pelican, Silver and Pacific Gull and Little
Pied Cormorant. Coming back through the sports oval, we
had a good view of a pair of Common Bronzewing and on the
grass; a small flock of Galahs were quietly feeding. The final
leg of the outing was to walk along the foreshore next to the
road. Brown Thornbills were calling in their distinctive
Warneet dialect. A last scan of the tidal creek revealed
Hoary-headed Grebe and surprisingly, Great-crested Grebe.
On the horizon over Quail Island, the only raptor of the
morning was a Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Back at the car park, Max conducted bird call and had to
keep on adding a few as the car park birds kept on
appearing. All up forty species. An excellent morning at
Warneet and thanks to our leader, Max.
Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha
GORDON ROLFE RESERVE, SOMERVILLE
Susan Clark: Sun 16 August
Species recorded: 46
The morning was cold and fine and when we arrived in the
parking area Geoff had already recorded twenty-eight species
so that was a great start for this outing. Our leader for the
day was Susan and she explained our mornings walk and we
headed off with the prospect of having a horse to dodge on
the track.
On the adjacent wetland in the park Welcome Swallows were
abundant and a pair of Black Swans was seen together with a
few Purple Swamphens. Previously Geoff had seen a Swamp
Harrier and we saw it again further down the track.
The highlight of the day was the sighting in full view of a
Brush Bronzewing sitting on a branch with some saying this
was a first for them.
Common honeyeaters on the day were White-eared, Yellow-
faced, New Holland and a few White-naped with Red
Wattlebirds and Noisy Miners about. A juvenile Mistletoebird
was sighted sitting above the track and this gave the
photographers a good look. Other species seen were Black-
faced Cuckoo-shrike, Brown Thornbill. Spotted Pardalote,
Grey Fantail, Galah, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairy-wren and
White-browed Scrubwren. We then walked along Yaringa
Road to an open field with a dam and recorded Masked
Lapwing, Willie Wagtail, Australian Magpie, Magpie-lark as
well as some raptors, Black-shouldered Kite, Wedge-tailed
Eagle and Whistling Kite.
We adjourned for birdcall and lunch and thanked Susan for a
thoroughly good morning.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
Brush Bronzewing, Gordon Rolfe Reserve. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Tanya and Con, cameras at the ready, Gordon Rolfe Reserve.
Photo by Danny Vits
BALCOMBE ESTUARY, MT MARTHA
Pam Hearn: Wed 9 September
Species recorded: 39
Another dull grey start to an outing but the rain radar wasn’t
showing anything, so a large number (twenty-five) of birdos
were in attendance. Members of Berg (Balcombe Estuary
Reserves Group) had swelled the usual numbers and it was
good to see that our leader had advertised the outing
beyond our branch members.
The morning’s route followed the boardwalk upstream as far
as the Briars. A brief look out over the estuary revealed
little, apart from the smaller species of cormorant and
Chestnut Teals. The usual cluster of Silver Gulls was resting
on the sand bank at the beach end. As we progressed along
the trail, all was quiet at first, then after a light shower and a
slight parting of the clouds, the birds were into action. Being
breeding time of year, there were plenty of territorial calls
and lots of activity.
Outings
December 2015 7
This locality sandwiched between the houses in Mt Martha
village is quite remarkable for the numbers of smaller bush
birds. David Ap-Thomas was keeping a numerical count to
pass on to Berg. At the end of the morning the group had
collectively seen between six to twelve each of Superb Fairy-
wren, White-browed Scrubwren, Brown Thornbill, Eastern
Spinebill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey
Fantail and Eastern Yellow Robin.
Even the two pardalote species put in an appearance. Of note
was the gathering of six Striated Pardalotes all calling and
posturing at the top of a dead tree in the old quarry. Rarer
appearances were put in by a solitary female Golden Whistler
and a single Red-browed Finch. A quick look under the
Nepean Highway road bridge for Welcome Swallows revealed
only two. Overhead was the passing parade of Straw-necked
Ibis on their way to and from the wet pastures on the
peninsula.
Another short, sharp shower at the end of the outing had the
group congregating in the old camp laundry for bird call and
picnic lunch. It was a good morning’s birding with a tally of
thirty-nine species and many thanks to Pam for leading the
outing.
Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha
BITTERN RESERVE, TUERONG
Max Burrows: Sun 20 September
Species recorded: 50
Twenty members arrived at the carpark in Hodgins Road on a
fine morning. The reservoir was alive with birds, Eurasian
Coots were numerous and Musk Duck were seen. White-
fronted Chats were feeding on the foreshore and as we
proceeded around the reservoir track three Australasian
Pipits were feeding in the grassland and they preceded us all
the way until the track left the grassy area. The Australian
Reed-Warblers were back in the reeds settling in for their
summer breeding season and Little Grassbird’s plaintiff call
was heard from the reservoirs surrounds. The usual species
of woodland birds were active, Superb Fairy-wren, Brown
Thornbill, Grey Fantail, Eastern Yellow Robin, Fantail Cuckoo
and Shining Bronze-Cuckoo were calling in the distance.
We adjourned for bird call and lunch at the picnic area.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
MT MARTHA PARK, MT MARTHA
Roger Standen: Wed 14 October
Species recorded: 30
A happy group of eighteen birders gathered to see what Mt
Martha Park had to offer on a foggy October morning. We
had some relative newcomers with us, eager to understand
more about the local birds, some locals who hadn’t been to
this park before and some very experienced birders from
Melbourne and across the peninsula, so we headed off with
keen interest and plenty of chatter.
We can hear that Golden Whistler, now where is it?
Photo by Larry Wakefield
Caught taking a rest at Balcombe Estuary. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Checking Bittern Reservoir for waterbirds. Photo by Danny Vits
It was clear that both Crimson and Eastern Rosellas were in
abundance as were Red Wattlebirds and we regularly heard
the unmistakable calls of the White-eared Honeyeaters.
Newcomers got some great views of the latter to help learn
about both their calls and identification by sight. Other
obliging subjects included a Laughing Kookaburra, four
Outings
8 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
metres from the track, Grey Butcherbirds and Grey Shrike-
thrushes as well as plenty of Red Wattlebirds that were
staunchly protecting their territories around the flowering
eucalypts. By the time we made it to the summit, the fog
was clearing and it made for a better view from the lookout.
Both Golden and Rufous Whistlers were heard, although with
few sightings, but it was to some degree the birds that were
not there which puzzled some of the group. There were no
cuckoos and very few smaller bird species like scrubwrens.
eBird showed me that Neil Shelley is a regular at the park
and he has a total list of 38 species so we saw most of them.
It is a well-used park by walkers, particularly with dogs and
by push-bike riders.
The return walk became quieter and quieter and few new
birds were seen in the last part of the walk that ended with
thirty bird species and an early lunch for those who stayed.
Rog Standen, Mt Eliza
WHAT BIRD IS THAT, THE BRIARS PARK, MT MARTHA
Max Burrows: Sun 25 October
Species recorded: 55
The weather turned out to be ideal for our tenth Briars event
and with over one hundred people in attendance the day was
a success. Bird walks, theatrette presentations and with The
Friends of the Hooded Plover in attendance there was plenty
of action for the attendees. The morning tea tables provided
plenty to eat and it was great to see much discussion around
the table, this social interaction I am sure solved many
birding problems.
It was good to see some young’uns attending and the bird
walks provided plenty of opportunities to see a good variety
of our wonderful birdlife. The theatrette presentations were
well received thanks to a sterling effort by Pam and the
Hooded Plover stand saw much information distributed.
I would like to thank all those members who assisted with
bird walks, information tables, morning tea, general
assistance and also I would like to thank ranger Gerard for
his generous assistance throughout the day.
Max Burrows, Langwarrin
Morning tea on the verandah. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
A foggy start at Mt Martha Park.
Rainbow Lorikeets at Mt Martha Park. Photos by Con Duyvestyn
David Ap-Thomas leads the group to morning tea. Photo by Rab Siddhi
Black Swan family at The Briars. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Birding in Croatia
December 2015 9
KOPACKI RIT WETLAND
For those with a little time to spare and looking for a
fabulous birding experience in Europe, you cannot go past
Kopacki Rit (pronounced Kopatchki Rit) in north eastern
Croatia.
Roger and I recently returned from a prolonged meander
through a number of European countries visiting interesting
cities, monuments, historic sites, and national parks,
including this one, famous for its birdlife.
Kopacki Rit lies at the confluence of the Drava and Danube
Rivers and is part of the Danubeparks Network - seventeen
protected areas along the Danube across eight countries,
designed to preserve and restore the most valuable habitats
of this international river system. The parks are found from
Ingolstadt, Germany in the west to the Danube Delta
Biosphere Reserve in Rumania in the east.
Kopacki Rit, one of the largest wetlands in Europe, lies close
the border of Serbia (across the Danube) to the east and is
about 30 km south of the Hungarian border. It was
pronounced a biosphere reserve in 2012 by UNESCO.
The park is a huge floodplain covering 231 square kilometres
and consists of two large lakes and canals. The vegetation
varies from aquatic, grassland, willow, poplar and oak
forests. Apart from many species of fish, amphibians, insects
and mammals, over two hundred and ninety bird species
have been observed, many of them breeding in the park.
A modern visitor centre is at the main entrance and a
magnificent series of boardwalks allows one to observe
aquatic life from above. Though the staff at the visitor centre
are very well intentioned, their focus seems to be more on
selling souvenirs and handcrafts than informing visitors about
the park and its wildlife. A busy cafe was a major attraction
to other visitors while we were there.
We organised a private boat trip for early morning with an
English speaking guide who told us he knew the birds but he
was really not much more than a boatman. He had no
binoculars and we spotted birds long before he did and then
he couldn't identify them! In spite of this, the trip was
enjoyable and we saw a reasonable number of birds and had
some close encounters with a magnificent Kingfisher. We also
spotted several varieties of frogs, a water snake, turtles and
saw lots of fish jumping. A Black Stork, one of the threatened
species which inhabits the area, flew overhead. A small tree
was totally covered with hundreds of nests of Black
Cormorants. In addition we saw Great White Egrets, Greylag
Geese, Mute Swans, White Storks, Whiskered Terns, gulls,
White-tailed Eagles and Great Crested Grebes, plus a lot of
ducks of different varieties!
We visited the park in spring when the waterways have a
reasonable amount of water, but later in the year these can
dry out so little bird life may be visible.
We stayed in the nearby village of Kopacevo in a one
bedroom apartment, owned by a local family. The 200 year
old building had been a farmhouse, with metre thick walls -
very welcome as the daytime temperature was over 30o C.
We dined at a cafe in the village and had a local delicacy of
fish in tomato and paprika sauce with homemade pasta.
Croatia turned out to be a real surprise to us. English is
universally spoken and the cost of accommodation and dining
Kingfisher
Strange fruit - cormorant nests!
Grey Heron. Photos by Hannah Stuart-Andrews
very affordable. There are several national parks; another
one we visited was Plitvice. This is very different and consists
of hundreds of lakes connected by rivers and waterways over
which kilometres of boardwalks have been built. We saw
very few birds there.
Hannah Stuart-Andrews, Red Hill
Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys
10 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
INFLUX OF AUSTRALASIAN GREBES AND RETURNING MIGRANTS AT ETP
2 August 2015: For the first month this winter, rainfall was
near average so inflow to the Plant especially in the last week
has been substantial. Sixty-eight bird species were logged
with highlights being a possible Motacilla wagtail (most likely
a Yellow or Citrine) but a leucistic Australasian Pipit can’t be
ruled out. It was seen in flight only from a moving car and
could not be found again despite a thorough search. The pale
morph Little Eagle is still here and there was at least two
Australasian Bitterns on Basin 3. In general, waterfowl
numbers are well down with the exception of diving birds
such as Hardhead, Blue-billed Ducks and grebes. Thirty-three
species were wetland dependant (of which only six were
shorebirds), nine were raptors and twenty-six were non-
wetland dependant. Strong winds and rain in late afternoon
probably affected detection.
Also of interest was an influx of nineteen Australasian
Grebes, a typical winter concentration of one hundred and
seventy-four Magpie-larks, Black-fronted Dotterels on Sludge
Drying Pan No. 2. Fourteen Red-necked Avocets were
present; like several others, this species is utilising the
external wetlands as well as the main Plant. Few waterbirds,
but good numbers of insect eating birds were feeding over
the sludge drying tanks in the Northern Territory area,
notably Flame Robins, Willie Wagtails, White-fronted Chats,
Magpie-larks and Welcome Swallows.
23 August 2015: Eighty bird species including many
highlights were logged; forty-two species were wetland
dependant (of which ten were shorebirds), six were raptors
and thirty-two were non-wetland dependant. Along with a
huge influx of Pink-eared Ducks were sixty-five Freckled
Duck. This is a very high number and not far short of the
maximum number counted here which was ninety-two. Adult
males in breeding plumage (red base to the bill) are also rare
but two were seen today.
The two Australasian Bitterns are still here. A Banded Stilt
was the first seen since February 2012 and it was also
unusual in that it was an adult in breeding plumage. A Marsh
Sandpiper and three Sharp-tailed Sandpipers were early
returning Palearctic migrants. Returning Australian migrants
included Fairy Martins and Australian Reed-Warblers. Among
remaining winter migrants was a Double-banded Plover, a
Flame Robin and four Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters but the
Little Eagle had apparently moved on.
27 September 2015: Seventy-nine bird species were
logged; forty-eight species were wetland dependant (of
which ten were shorebirds), six were raptors and thirty-one
were non-wetland dependant. Sharp-tailed Sandpipers
(1430) are now back in strength and our first Common
Greenshank and Latham’s Snipe of the season were seen.
Whiskered Terns and Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoos have
returned. Black-winged Stilts and Masked Lapwings are
breeding. Migrant passerines included four Dusky
Woodswallows and three Grey Fantails and two pardalotes
that weren’t identified to species. Australian Wood Ducks
have nested successfully at the Donut (the first known
breeding record) and it would appear that a pair of Dusky
Moorhens has taken up residence on the ornamental pond at
the head waters of Taylor’s drain. Wedge-tailed Eagles are
One of nineteen Australasian Grebes at ETP on 2 August.
Photo by David Stabb
Banded Stilt with Black-winged Stilts on an Aeration Tank levy at ETP.
On 23 August count an Australasian Bittern was on Basin 6
and another on Basin 5
Black Swans, one of seven broods seen at the ETP on September count.
Photos by Andrew McCutcheon
becoming more frequent at the Plant with a pair being seen
today.
Mike Carter, Mt Eliza
Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys
December 2015 11
CASPIAN TERNS AND PINK-EARED DUCKS AT BANYAN WATERHOLE
16 August 2015: Forty-seven species were recorded of
which twenty-five are wetland dependent or raptors. The
highlight today was the two Wedge-tailed Eagles. Sixty-one
Pink-eared Duck on the Paddock was unusual.
6 September 2015: Forty-six species were recorded of
which twenty-two are wetland dependent or raptors. The
highlight was a pair of Caspian Terns.
DARTER AT BOGGY CREEK WETLAND
16 August 2015: Nineteen bird species (eight wetland
dependant & raptors) were recorded. Again the general lack
of birdlife was apparent particularly the total absence of
ducks.
6 September 2015: Twenty-seven bird species (sixteen
wetland dependant & raptors) is a considerable improvement
on recent counts. Fairy Martins and an Australian Reed-
Warbler have returned after their winter sojourn. An adult
male Australasian Darter was another highlight.
SANDPIPERS AT TURF FARM
16 August 2015: Thirty bird species were logged (fifteen
wetland dependant and raptors), the highlight was a Wood
Sandpiper, the first northern hemisphere migrant to return
this season.
6 September 2015: Twenty-seven bird species were logged
(fifteen wetland dependant and raptors), the highlight was
the newly returned flock of sixty Sharp-tailed Sandpipers
voraciously feeding following their long flight from their
Siberian breeding ground.
Mike Carter, Mt Eliza
Bitterns at Edithvale
It was the Friend’s turn to be rostered on at the Edithvale
Seaford Wetland Education Centre this Mothers Day. It was a
very cold and wet day and the 3-5pm shift was particularly
quiet. Helen Corcoran and I did not mind as we always find
lots to chat about.
Then at about 4.30pm with a bunch of new visitors arriving,
Helen noticed a very large bird just out ahead of her through
the glass window. She exclaimed, “Oh look at that bird, it
looks prehistoric!” For the first few seconds in all the
excitement I ran around exclaiming that it is a very special
endangered bird, which can sometimes be found in the area.
Once I had calmed down, I explained to our visitors that it
was an Australasian Bittern and I had just enough time to
refer to the identification cards prior to it taking flight.
The sighting was passed onto BirdLife Australia, and to the
Bitterns in Rice Project, which sent the following response
back – “Edithvale is a place we suspect some bitterns from
Wood Sandpiper, newly arrived at Turf Farm from Siberia.
Red-necked Avocet at Turf Farm.
Male Australasian Darter at Boggy Creek wetland. Photos by Mike Carter
the NSW Riverina might use during winter (because there
seems to be an influx then), so who knows, maybe your bird
is a bird from the rice crops. Thanks for taking the time to
report your sighting. “
Kate Spillane, Friends of Edithvale - Seaford Wetlands Inc
newsletter Wetland Warbler, May-July 2015
Volunteering at Broome Bird Observatory
12 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
CAMPGROUND HOSTING
An advertisement in the February 2013 BirdLife Australia
magazine for volunteer campground hosting opportunities at
Broome Bird Observatory caught our attention as Cheryl and
I intended travelling north in our caravan anyway. A few
emails either way and an application was lodged and we were
offered the jobs for the month of May 2013.
We duly headed across the Nullarbor, up through the
Goldfields and Marble Bar and reported for duty at the end of
April. The warden Mandy and assistant wardens Jacqui, Ric
and Jutta were managing the operation as well as being
available for daily tours. As it was the end of the migration
season, “migration watch” was conducted every day and the
species and size of flocks recorded.
Our duties involved keeping the amenities and “Shadehouse”
(which is the communal cooking and eating area for staff and
visitors) clean and tidy. The northern humid wet season and
cyclones left a lot of mould to be cleaned off signage and
buildings. Some buildings required painting, tiling and
plumbing repairs as well as curtains cleaned and rehung.
The walking tracks around the observatory as well as the fine
shell grit road and camping area base (about half a hectare
in area) needed daily raking and clearing to keep the place
presentable for our visitors. There were a couple of
emergencies that we had to deal with like losing our water
supply. I finally worked out a young female wallaby in season
was being chased through the camp and took a route
through the pump house ripping all the power cords out.
Luckily with a bit of trial and error I was able to get us back
up and running. Obviously the job needed a fair bit of
handyman skills.
Initially the temperatures (38o in daytime and 27o overnight)
were difficult to work in and workdays started a 6 am and
finished about lunchtime. When Ric arrived in January from
the Outer Hebrides winter it was around 40 every day and
very high humidity so one could hardly complain.
There was a steady stream of campers and others booked
into the available accommodation. Cruise ships into Broome
often meant the assistant wardens had to go into Broome (an
hour’s travel each way even though only 26 km) to pick them
up and take them back later in the day. Our visitors ranged
from those with a passing interest in birding to those with a
very scientific bent particularly in bird research so it was a
great learning experience for us.
Cheryl spent Mothers Day up at 6 am getting mud samples
hundreds of metres out into Roebuck Bay. After cleaning up,
we all helped sifting through the samples in the Mud Lab
separating the tiny living creatures and molluscs into sample
bottles of ethanol to be sent to Holland where analysis has
been undertaken of the food source of the shorebirds now for
twenty-five years giving a longitudinal study of the changes
taking place due to, amongst other things, climate change.
These samples are done fortnightly.
The tours provided (at a modest cost) were really interesting.
The shorebird tours held at near high tide, gave us access to
large flocks of shorebirds close to the cliffs of Roebuck Bay
and even though the main flocks had left there were still
significant numbers and the rising and settling flocks
provided great photo opportunities as well as a rare
Pomarine Jaeger.
Black-winged Stilts at Roebuck Bay.
Plumed Whistling-Ducks at Broome sewage farm. Photos by Tony Hoban
The mangrove tour was a totally different environment with
small birds such as the Mangrove Fantail and Whistler,
kingfishers, Striated Herons, acres of mudskippers and large
crabs. We saw frigatebirds passing through as well. This tour
was late in the day and large flocks of Tree Martins were
feeding around us distracting us from the mosquitoes
feeding on us.
The plains tour inland from the observatory, introduced us to
at least eight raptor species, Jabirus, Brolgas, Australian
Bustards and many small birds.
We were involved with mist netting where a large number of
woodswallows and a goshawk were measured and banded.
This handling could only be done by those with the
appropriate training.
Around the campground there are numerous birds, White-
throated Gerygones, many honeyeaters, including Grey-
headed and Brown, bowerbirds, finches, Grey-crowned
Babblers building nests above our van, goshawks, Yellow
Orioles, flycatchers, wrens, Tree and Fairy Martins, flocks of
Pied Honeyeaters migrating with woodswallows overhead.
From the viewing platform above the water’s edge many
raptors including White-bellied Sea-Eagles, Brahminy Kites
and Australian Hobbies soar just above head height for great
photo opportunities as well as the huge flocks of shorebirds
at the water’s edge.
While at BBO we had a couple of major rain events, one on
our weekly day off and the whole 16 km of the unmade road
out was covered in water of unknown depth but regularly
over the top of our bonnet meaning it was four feet deep
through those dips. In town at the sewage farm, there was a
flock of about 10,000 Plumed Whistling-Ducks, a must visit
site for travellers to Broome with birding interests.
Tony Hoban, Mt Martha
Volunteering at Broome Bird Observatory
December 2015 13
SUMMER SPECIALISTS
Specialist grassland bird species were one of the many things
that I found to be different over the summer compared to the
usual visiting seasons at Roebuck Bay in north Western
Australia. Experiencing the summer while being the volunteer
caretaker at the Broome Bird Observatory gave me a great
chance to see what was there, both before and after the first
big rain.
The grassland species I refer to are Oriental Pratincole,
Oriental Plover, Little Curlew and Australian Pratincole that I
hadn’t seen when I had been there before in April, May or
June. This is understandable as three of these species are
international migrants and aren’t found here during that
time, but some of these species also often disperse widely
after the first rains as there is just so much suitable habitat
to choose from. Fortunately for me, the Oriental Pratincoles
decided to stay around a while after the rain when there
were huge flocks wheeling around over the wetlands behind
the observatory. There were clouds of them in the distance,
like a smoke haze, made up of tens of thousands of these
acrobatic flyers. Many nights they would fly low over the
observatory giving great views of their flying skills as they
hawked for insects. Contrary to this, I only saw Australian
Pratincoles and Oriental Plovers before the rain.
The Little Curlew were always seen in groups of 8-10 birds,
both before the rain, which came over three days in the
second week of January for a total of 170mm. Whenever I
saw them out in the flooded plains after that first main rain,
they were still in groups of about 10, but there were many
more groups than I had seen before the rain.
Using satellite transmitters, the migration routes and
strategies of Little Curlews are only just being unravelled.
The Australasian Wader Studies Group has fitted transmitters
to birds over the last two seasons and they are showing that
unlike most migratory waders, the Little Curlew do not make
a long haul flight, but instead make a series of shorter flights
(this is all relative as they can still fly thousands of
kilometres). This matches what was known of the weight
gain of this species, which is that they do not put on the
massive weight gains that most other waders do prior to
migrating. This strategy may be possible because of their
preference for grasslands rather than needing suitable
mudflats as most migratory waders do. The birds with the
transmitters are often using inland paddocks and wetlands
for their refuelling stops.
Prior to the rain, the heat was hard to handle in the middle of
the day and this was noticed by the birds, as well as me. I
haven’t ever seen so many species of birds panting with a
wide open bill. Most species of bush birds at some stage were
seen with open beaks. This included Rainbow Bee-eaters,
bowerbirds, cuckoo-shrikes and Mistletoebirds. But it even
applied to the Oriental Pratincoles.
On one day when it was touching over 40o, I was at a lake on
the very dry plains of Roebuck Station, which had a few small
pools remaining that cattle still used for a drink. This meant
there were large areas of dried pugged mud around the edge
of the pools. The pratincoles squatted down in those hoof
marks and spread one wing out to try and provide some
shade for themselves. They had their beaks wide open and
their tongues protruding to try and cool off a bit. This habit of
using a hoof print is well documented according to HANZAB
(Vol 3). While a few would stand in the water at times, most
Australian Pratincole
Oriental Pratincole
Oriental Plover
Panting Rainbow Bee-eater and Mistletoebird. Photos by Roger Standen
kept out of the water and tried to cool off in other ways.
Being able to see all these grassland specialists over a period
of time was a great experience, especially watching the
pratincoles as they are fantastic aerialists.
Roger Standen, Mt Eliza
Wyperfeld National Park in spring
14 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
SEARCHING FOR ELUSIVE MALLEE FOWL AND EMU-WREN
Having managed to find some mutually free time in
September we decided to head for the Mallee with high
hopes of photographing at least a Mallee Fowl and perhaps
topping this with a Mallee Emu-wren, both of which had been
reported recently by Tim Dolby. But these would just be the
‘icing on the cake’. Tim had never been here before, and
Con’s previous visits preceded the days of serious digital
photography, hence we expected to find lots of new species
to capture with our cameras.
We established a campsite at the Wonga Hut campground
and eagerly set off on the Eastern Lookout drive with the
hope of ‘striking gold’ immediately. A Nankeen Kestrel
perched on a roadside tree consuming a large roach gave us
an opportunity to sharpen our shooting skills, as did a large
dragon lizard perched nearby. The Mallee eucalypt stands
along the way were surveyed with great anticipation, but
alas, without reward.
As far as the Mallee Fowl was concerned that was to be the
story of our week, ‘we searched him here, we searched him
there’, all to no avail. We ‘bush-bashed’ through many
hectares of Mallee scrub, discovered a number of unworked
mounds but spotted not one Fowl. The only evidence we
found was a solitary track on an unused mound the morning
after a severe overnight thunderstorm.
The Emu-wren has been reported along the Discovery Trail,
which leads out to Lake Brambruck with its expanses of River
Red Gums, an ideal location for parrots. So the first morning
consisted of taking this trail. It traverses the full diversity of
Mallee habitats hence provides opportunities to observe a
vast range of bird species. And we were not disappointed,
catching glimpses of many but capturing a lot less.
Inland, Chestnut-rumped and Slender-billed Thornbills,
Striated and Yellow-rumped (Spotted) Pardalotes, Splendid
Fairy-wrens, Southern Scrub-robins, Shy Heathwrens and
White-browed Babblers darted all around, generally staying
just out of range of the lens or hiding behind branches to
make life difficult for us. The Red Gum flats teemed with
Regent, Mallee Ringneck and Red-rumped Parrots, Galahs,
Sulphur-crested Cockatoos and Little and Long-billed
Corellas, as well as White-browed and Brown Treecreepers,
Tree Martins, White-winged Choughs and Black-faced
Cuckoo-shrikes to name a few. We had to be prepared to
forego some shots while focused on something else. It was
easy to keep occupied for hours, and necessitated several
returns to the good sites during our stay.
The Devil’s Pools, along the Brambruck track, are the only
source of constant natural water in the entire park. They are
rather exposed, hence avoided during the day, but in the
evening draw many birds in for a drink. We both have a
personal hide and decided this would be a good location to
settle for the evenings, which we did on three occasions.
The hides proved most effective, several other walkers
passed by without noticing our presence and the birds were
happy enough to settle in the trees above us before
venturing out for their drinks. Galahs turned out to be the
most common visitors, but we also were able to photograph
Common Bronzewings and Crested Pigeons, as well as
Ringneck and Red-rumped Parrots.
Red-rumped Parrot and Mallee Ringneck bathing in Devil’s Pools.
Southern Scrub-robin.
Regent Parrot. Photos by Tim van Leeuwen
Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Wyperfeld National Park in spring
December 2015 15
On our last visit to the water holes we observed a very wary
‘Old Man Emu’ coming over the hill towards the pools. He
carefully checked the surrounds and was then joined by three
more birds, appearing full-grown but seemingly still under
dad’s protection. While these took their fill, he kept a vigilant
lookout. Two cameras were capturing a good record of these
events and he must have been aware of the shutter noises so
came over for a closer look. Shooting was interrupted to
avoid disturbing him further so he went back to his brood.
This happened three times, each time he came closer
obviously aware that something was not quite right. On the
third occasion he was so close to us that we were unable to
focus on him, not that we were game to take photos at that
time, we were both anticipating being given a swift peck or
kick by then and were trying hard to avoid the slightest
movement or noise. The ‘Old Man’ was obviously not happy
but could not work out what was going on so he calmly
turned away and disappeared over the hill with his brood.
And we both gave a sigh of relief. It was a most memorable
moment!
Having the services of a 4WD we were able to take the
Dattuck Track to the northern or Patchewollock end of the
park also. This area proved to be a haven for Sulphur-crested
Cockatoos and Galahs, providing ample opportunities for
action shots and also rewarding us with several captures of
the diminishing Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo.
Although we returned home without being able to boast a
sighting of either Mallee Fowl or Mallee Emu-wren we
considered the trip an overwhelming success. Bird call on the
return journey revealed a tally of some 55 species sighted
and of those we had recorded photographs of about 35. A
satisfying result, and a reason to return in the future.
A disappointing aspect of our visit was the perception of
neglect of this precious facility. After the floods of 1976,
interest in this park, and in the Mallee generally, increased
considerably and led to greater attention both from the
government sector and from volunteer organisations such as
the VNPA Friends group. There was an active and visible
management process, designed to protect the park’s unique
features and safeguard the native inhabitants. A most
informative Information Centre was established and resident
rangers provided a welcoming and educative service to
visitors.
Unfortunately this scene has altered dramatically with
financial cutbacks by governments. Habitat and species
protection is minimal and we can only wonder what this
means for the future of the Mallee Fowl in this park. There is
no longer a residential ranger in the park, services being
provided from an outside office. There is no evidence of
illustrated talks and spotlight walks to stir the imagination of
young visitors. Overall a sad regression from what once was,
and where will it end? It can only result in less community
interest and support for a unique and valuable natural
resource.
We will be posting more of our photos to the
Birdlifephotography.org.au website.
Con Duyvestyn, Mornington and Tim van Leeuwen,
Mt Eliza
Old man Emu closely checking photographers in their hides.
Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Keeping a vigilant lookout whilst drinking.
Splendid Fairy-wren.
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill. Photos by Tim van Leeuwen
Observations
16 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
INTERESTING SIGHTINGS
These reports, some from Birdline Victoria, are not authenticated records. Researchers are advised to check with the
observers before citing.
Please report your sightings, for example arrival and departure dates of migrants, to Val Ford: 5981 1445 or
Pardalotes on the verandah
We see a wide variety of birds in our Tuerong property. Many
will come close to the house and even under the verandahs
including our resident Eastern Spinebill, New Holland
Honeyeater, a family of Superb Fairy-wrens and nesting
Welcome Swallows. However, although we see the Spotted
Pardalotes in the bush this is the first time I have seen one
on the deck. He was fossicking in the jasmine and was
accompanied by a female but she was too shy for the
camera.
Roger Turner, Tuerong
Spotted Pardalote on my verandah. Photo by Roger Turner
Date Species Location Comments Observer
7.8.15 White-necked Heron (1) Mornington In a paddock, Bungower Road. Pam Hearn
9.8.15 White-necked Heron (1) Tyabb In a small wetland in O'Neills Road. Pam Hearn
Early Aug White-bell’d Sea-Eagle (2, a & j)
Flame Robin (1)
Sacred Kingfisher (1)
Bittern Coastal Wetlands It’s great to see the birds are returning to use the reserve as it
regenerates from the fire earlier this year.
Josh Gunn
11.8.15 Cattle Egret (50)
White-necked Heron (1)
Moorooduc With cattle in paddock in Derril Road. Max Burrows
15.8.15 Pink-eared Duck (2) Mt Martha On golf course dam; our first sighting at the dam. P Hearn & A Niedra
21.8.15 Banded Lapwing (1) Flinders Ocean Beach Observed with Double-banded Plovers and Red-necked Stints. Keith Caldecott
21.8.15 Banded Stilt (2) ETP, Banyan Wetlands With Black-winged Stilts and Red-necked Avocets. Colin Mulvogue
22.8.15 Pied Currawong (3) Mt Martha Picking up spilled parrot seed in my garden. John Rawlins
22.8.15 Silver Gull Sorrento Nesting on bollard at Sorrento Ferry Terminal. Susan Clark
29.8.15 White-necked Heron (1) Rosebud West At Village Glen golf course lake. Celia Browne
11.9.15 Freckled Duck (10)
Blue-billed Duck (3, m)
Coolart Wetlands &
Homestead
On the lagoon. Brian Thomas
15.9.15 Yellow-t’led Black-Cockatoo (50) Langwarrin At least fifty flying over Cranbourne Road. Max Burrows
17.9.15 Australian King Parrot (2, m & f) Langwarrin Enjoyed some seed that I offered them. Ashley Herrod
2.10.15 Little Eagle (1) Bittern Mobbed by a Grey Currawong and two Wedge-tailed Eagles. Richard Hook
5.10.15 Australian Hobby (2, m & f) French Island Attending young in nest. First breeding record for the island. Chris Chandler
14.10.15 Cape Barron Goose (2) Hastings On Bayview Road footpath near United Fuel terminal. S and S king
14.10.15 Cape Barron Goose (2) Moorooduc 500m east of Mornington Peninsula freeway/Tyabb overpass. Peter Cockram
17.10.15 Red-capped Plover (1) Sorrento My first sighting on Koonya Beach. Chris Willocks
19.10.15 Blue-winged Parrot (1) Coolart First record for a long time. Peter Gower et al
19.10.15 Rufous Whistler (1, m) Coolart Seen whilst walking the Woodland track. Danny Vits
19.10.15 Latham's Snipe (2) Balnarring Feeding in mud of dam adjacent to Balbirooroo wetland. Hattingh & Peters
22.10.15 Australian Raven (1) Langwarrin At Stringybark Bushland Reserve. Max Burrows
28.10.15 Olive-backed Oriole (1)
Satin Flycatcher (1, m)
Greens Bush, Main Ridge Seen on Baldry’s circuit walk; U3A birdwatching course outing. Joan Peters
30.10.15 Eastern Koel (1) Frankston North Heard calling in Quinn Street. Same time as heard last year. Andrew Collard
1.11.15 Sacred Kingfisher (1) Dromana Perched on overhead lines in Williams Street. Kevin Conlan
Observations
December 2015 17
Currawongs and New Holland Honeyeaters
We have lived in Mt Martha for nearly eleven years now and
this is the first time I have been aware of Pied Currawongs
being anywhere near my home, which is near the Ferrero
Ovals. I first heard some calling about a month ago and then
three turned up in my garden last week. They were very
attracted to the parrot feeder and, not having much luck,
they were picking up the spilled seed off the ground. This is
the first time I have known of them eating seed.
The New Holland Honeyeater was photographed on a private
property at Langwarrin I was visiting on an Australian Plant
Society outing; we were both enjoying the early morning sun
on an otherwise cold winter's morning. While everyone was
bent over Grevilleas and Banksias and things I could not
resist having a look at these New Hollands and was duly
rewarded!
John Rawlins, Mt Martha
Tiger snake & scrubwrens
In my shed, the White-browed Scrubwrens have nested in
this bait basket for many years. The Tiger snake is after the
chicks. I am hoping he can get himself out again.
If you zoom in you can see him. I am not keen to get a
better picture, the snake is on the back of the shed door at
waist height, and aggressive!
Jane Burke, Sorrento
Silver Gulls nesting on bollard
On 22 August 2015, looking down from the ferry as it was
docking at Sorrento, on one of the large concrete bollards, I
noticed a nest constructed on an old piece of curled-up rope,
two adult Silver Gulls and two fluffy brown chicks pottering
about. On the next bollard were two adults, one sitting on a
nest which was also constructed on discarded rope. I had no
time to check, but wondered if other bollards had also been
used in this way.
Susan Clark, Mornington
Unusual rosella in my garden
I spotted this rosella enjoying the roses in our Mount Martha
garden back in June. He was in the company of two Eastern
Rosellas. I have noticed him/her visiting our Princess Parrot
Stanley on several occasions
I thought it was unusual that he had blue cheeks rather than
white. He looks like an eastern from the back. Could he be a
mix? Please find attached a few photographs (apologies
for poor quality)
Jill Ford, Mt Martha
New Holland Honeyeater in the morning sun. Photo by John Rawlins
Tiger snake after White-browed Scrubwren chicks. Photo by Jane Burke
Crimson Eastern Rosella cross in my garden. Photos by Jill Ford
Observations
18 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
YTBCs in my backyard
My father Ian thought you would be interested in a flock of
about twenty Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo that have been
flying around Tyabb and Hastings for the last month or so.
The photo is of some of the flock in one of the dead trees in
my backyard in Tyabb. They also feed on the seeds on our
hakea tree but are easily spooked if they see you.
Peter Dowling, Tyabb
Regent Honeyeaters in ne Victoria
On the second weekend in September, Andris and I cracked
it for the best weekend weatherwise, for a very long time.
We had decided that after the dreary weather we’d been
having, a short trip to a different birding area might lift our
spirits! We have been regular visitors to Chiltern for a
number of years, the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park(s) being
the main attraction.
Some of our favourite spots were ablaze with the local
Wattles, in particular Bartley’s Block, but the birds were
pretty sparse. It was not quite into full breeding-season
mode!
At Dam No. 2, we did see a pair of Eastern Yellow Robins
nest-building, and sighted an Eastern Shrike-tit, always
interesting. Birds of Prey (Brown Falcons?) appeared
overhead, being mobbed by other birds. Other favourites
were Peaceful Dove, and the beautiful Diamond Firetail.
Around Lake Anderson, the Australian Reed-warbler
announced its arrival, and a fellow birder alerted us to the
presence of a Little Grassbird. These two very vocal, but very
hard to see, let alone photograph!
Over the years we have made some contacts within the local
Friends Group, so we try to find out ‘things of interest’ before
we go.
We were invited to join a monitoring team looking for Regent
Honeyeaters, released in April as part of a captive-breeding
program. These endangered birds were raised at Taronga
Zoo, some fitted with tracking devices (which eventually fail
and fall off), and it was ascertained that some birds remained
in the area through regular field trips by dedicated people.
We joined Gemma and Matt early Sunday morning. Gemma
is writing a thesis on the birds and their habits. Matt knew
where some had been seen- apparently they have been
getting out every day for surveys! We set off, trying to keep
up with these two young people who knew where they
needed to go! Matt was really good at picking up their calls,
which were quite soft for a honeyeater, I thought. Gemma
told us that this call was not typical of wild birds, as these
ones had not caught onto the calls played when in captivity!
Pretty funny, really. I wonder if they will ever catch onto
them?
Over the two hours we were there, we saw seven birds.
Some were in pairs, two males were hanging around
together, and one was fending off attacks by some Yellow-
tufted Honeyeaters. They stayed high in the tree-tops, and
displayed agility climbing up trunks and branches, apparently
chasing insects and grubs.
Glorious weather made the weekend enjoyable, and
thankfully some of it remained on our return home.
Pam Hearn & Andris Niedra, Mt Martha
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos at Tyabb. Photo by Peter Dowling
Regent Honeyeater at Chiltern. Photo by Andris Niedra
Followed by a Victoria’s Riflebird
In July, Lisa and I drove to Cairns and back in our
Campervan. Total number of species seen was 229.
No new ticks but some absolutely great views of:
Beach Stone-curlew (Rowes Bay, Townsville - the Town
Common was absolutely dry),
Papuan Frogmouth, Spotted Catbird, White-eared Monarch,
Yellow-breasted Boatbill, Double-eyed Fig-parrot (Kingfisher
Park, Julatten),
Topknot Pigeon, Superb Fruit-Dove, Wompoo Fruit-Dove
(Wooroonooran National Park - Mamu tree top walk).
It was really great to get so close to these iconic birds:
Chowchilla, m & f, Victoria’s Riflebird, m & f (Paluma/Ivy
Cottage),
Yellow-throated Scrubwren, Australian Logrunner, Noisy
Pitta, Regent Bowerbird, Albert’s Lyrebird (O’Reilly’s/
Lamington National Park),
Mulga Parrot, Chestnut-crowned Babbler, Spotted Bowerbird,
Bourke’s Parrot (Bowra Station).
The male Victoria’s Riflebird actually followed me as I ate my
cheese roll for lunch and picked up a piece of fallen cheese;
Lisa was right beside me saying “Don’t feed him!”
Peter Cockram, Blairgowrie
Observations
December 2015 19
Salmon spawning, raptors feasting
Sandy and I went to Canada again in September. Her brother
Bill had suggested I might like to go fishing up in Haida
Gwaii. These are a group of island (previously called Queen
Charlottes Islands) about 700 km north of Vancouver as the
crow flies and 80 km off the coast. September is the salmon
spawning season when millions of salmon return to the rivers
of their birth to spawn and then die. Needles to say the
predators are waiting for the fish are big, strong and very
tasty! Haida Gwaii is where many first touch land so the fish
at this stage are really healthy and the fishing is challenging
as they have a lot of fight. The birds were much better than
the fishermen! We stayed in the small village of Sandspit on
the eastern (and sheltered) side of the island. Directly in
front of the guest house we stayed in (which is a road width
away from the ocean) were these magnificent Bald Eagles.
They controlled the tree tops which gave them a vantage
position above everything. They would disappear for an hour
or so and then return to their roosting trees. They were
certainly not perturbed by anything or anyone.
After Haida Gwaii Sandy and I drove from Vancouver to
Quesnell stopping for a couple of nights at Lillooet which is
about four hours drive north of Vancouver and situated on
the Fraser River. It was a gold mining area and then became
known for its jade but today it is a fragment of its former
glory. At one stage it rivalled San Francisco for population
and wealth. However it is a good place to stay and the locals
are extremely friendly and suggested we walk along the river
where, if we were very lucky, we might sight some Osprey.
Well we were more than lucky as we got to see three Osprey
with their catch tucking in to their feast of freshly caught
salmon on their way up the mighty Fraser River. Interestingly
we walked across the bridge on the river and only by chance
did we look up to see their nest.
Just how lucky were we to get to see these wonderful birds in
their natural surroundings!
Ross Brewer, St Andrews
Birding at the Village Glen
A duck problem solved
For several years residents have wondered about "Rupert",
the rather special Village white duck who has even had a
book written about him. He/she is often seen at the Hub
lake, mingling with Pacific Black Ducks, Australian Wood
Ducks, cormorants, etc. or wandering happily downstream
along Chinamans Creek. Where does he come from? Where
does he go to when not in the Village? Who owns him? I can
now reveal that he actually has two names - he is our
"Rupert" but he is also "Din-dins" of the Caravan Park. While
his provenance is unknown, it seems he has divided his
loyalties between two "homes" for quite a while and is held in
high regard by visitors to the caravan park, just as he is here
in the Village. But, please do NOT feed him or any other bird
in the Village. It is definitely NOT good for wild birds to be
fed bread or any "people" food; it can kill them.
White-necked Heron added to birdlist
Sighted a new bird for the village list while Folly and I were
walking around the golf course lake. Although previously
seen at No. 92 Elizabeth Avenue this was the first time in the
village (as far as I'm aware). Lovely clear, close view of a
White-necked Heron as it rose slowly from the lake and flew
Bald Eagles at Haida Gwaii
Osprey with salmon; Osprey nest at Lillooet. Photos by Ross Brewer
off, landing in the swamp just to the south of the golf
course, "headlights" showing very clearly in flight.
Spring birding in the Village
We enjoyed the Australian Wood Ducks with their nine
ducklings during September in the Village. Thanks to the
lovely warning signs and local residents who often
shepherded them safely across Village Glen Drive, it seems
that the majority will survive. That is, if they escape the
marauding foxes and local cats looking for an easy supper!
Eleven residents enjoyed the September walk along
Chinamans Creek and around the golf course during which
twenty-nine species were identified. A breezy wind kept
some of the smaller birds seeking cover in bushes but we
were rewarded by good views of a Swamp Harrier quartering
its territory over the swamp to the south of the village and a
lone Eastern Great Egret at the golf course lake.
If you observe wattlebirds - both Red and Little - hawking for
insects under verandahs, roof overhangs, bridges etc. this is
a sure sign that they are looking for protein (insects, flies,
spiders) to feed to their growing young in a nearby nest.
Celia Browne, Rosebud West
Galahs chasing Nankeen Kestrel
On the 17 October 2015 Tootgarook wetland survey I
observed two Galahs chasing a Nankeen Kestrel and have no
idea why they all stopped together and rested at the top of a
swamp paperbark before continuing the chase. Most exciting
was photographing two Royal Spoonbills and then seeing a
Nankeen Night-Heron, just behind them to the right in the
same frame.
Cameron Brown, West Rosebud
Observations
20 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife
What do honeyeaters eat?
The obvious initial response is ‘honey’, or more accurately
‘nectar’ from the many flowers of our native species.
However, consideration of this question soon makes one
realise that a bird has to visit a vast number of flowers to
obtain sufficient nutrients for its growth and survival,
especially the larger species of honeyeater. It is therefore not
surprising to observe honeyeaters catching insects and
foraging for larvae and other small animals in the bark and
leaves of trees. However, they can always surprise us.
Whilst walking along the Spit at Mooloolaba in September,
desperately looking for a feathered friend to photograph, I
witnessed a Blue-faced Honeyeater land in a Casuarina tree
with ‘something’ in its beak. I was unable to obtain a clear
view so raised the camera and pressed the shutter, hoping
for a lucky shot. I managed four photographs before the bird
cleared off and had to look at my takes to identify its prey.
Fortunately one of the photos turned out very clear, and
what it revealed astonished me. It may surprise a few of you
also.
Con Duyvestyn, Mornington
Beak trimming cockatoos
The Shire Team at The Briars are justifiably proud of their
work to improve habitat values through revegetation and
pest plant and animal control, and to introduce the
community to the wildlife in their own backyard. Sometimes
however the wildlife has a mind of its own.
Suddenly in June several of the resident Sulphur-crested
Cockatoos decided to trim their beaks to the correct length
and condition by chewing timber around the homestead and
outbuildings. Not only have they attacked softwood, some of
which was slightly rotten, but also the hardwood verandah of
the South Wing as well as fly screens. By the end of the
month it appears that they have ceased their serious damage
and have returned to pine cones, acorns and olives.
Forty years ago there were no Cockatoos on the Peninsula,
no Galahs, Corellas and Crested Pigeons. They were inland
birds and rare local sightings caused great excitement. Now
they are also in Tasmania. Could it be climate change?
Steve Yorke, The Briars Volunteer’s newsletter July/August
2015
Blue-faced Honeyeater with prey. Photo by Con Duyvestyn
Cockatoo damage at The Briars. Photos by Steve Yorke
