2 Mar bird survey

After a couple of hot and drier months than usual, the levels of the two larger water bodies are the lowest they have been since early 2020, but not as low as over a decade ago. Despite the dropping levels more waterbirds are visiting Westgate Park, possibly because other wetlands elsewhere in central and western Victoria are becoming totally dry. Increasing numbers of birds include Pied Stilts and Black-fronted Dotterels around the edge of the saltwater lake, and unusually high numbers of Hoary-headed Grebes, Hardheads and Eurasian Coots plus Australian Pelicans on the freshwater lake.

Interestingly, whilst last month we observed many Superb Fairy Wrens in blue plumage, this month there were almost none, although many were observed with eclipse plumage. Changing back early to eclipse plumage is a sign of stress for the wrens, no doubt due to the extremely dry conditions in the park and elsewhere, resulting in less available food.

Almost no additional species were recorded on eBird for February that were not encountered during today’s bird survey. But there were 3 notable exceptions, a juvenile Sacred Kingfisher, male Australasian Shoveler and a Brown Goshawk all seen and photographed by our regular photographer, Ursula.