9 Feb bird survey

Two raptors were seen over the park today, but could not be identified. Based on a recent sighting (7/2) reported on eBird it’s possible they were either a Brown Goshawk and/or an Australian Hobby. This survey was remarkable for the very low numbers of Silver Gulls observed within and over the park.

Several water bird species have been breeding in the park over the last few months and are continuing to raise their chicks. They include Chestnut Teal, Purple Swamphens and Pied Stilts. A pair of Hoary-headed Grebes are constructing a nest, but are yet to lay eggs.

The continuing dry weather has evaporated water from both major lakes, with the saltwater lake starting to turn pink – a development now obvious to travelers on Westgate Bridge.

The series of fires lit by vandals during the last months of 2024 has had distressing effects. Most were in densely vegetated corners of the park. However, many plants have since recovered through root suckers or epicormic (canopy and trunk) shoots.

Apparently large numbers of bats roosted under the roof of the HWT works. The bat survey group at Westgate Park reports that since it was recently demolished, only one bat has been observed in the park.