4 August bird survey

Recent rains have re-invigorated the park, with recent monthly surveys registering 60 bird species or more, but for today and over July the total has dropped slightly to 58. Today’s survey revealed some notable sightings including the Powerful Owl still present in the park now making it a total of two and a half months after the initial sighting on 19 May, two raptor species – a Black-shouldered Kite and Peregrine Falcon, and finally at least three Crested Tern in flight over the river feeding on small fish.

Whereas possum numbers are under pressure thanks to the presence of the Powerful Owl (or owls), it is heartening to note a reported sighting of a Rakali Hydromys chrysogaster, spotted by Mark Heath a park volunteer, and of various reptiles – this month a Weasel Skink Saproscincus mustelinus. Rakali are a beautiful aquatic rodent frequently seen in the vicinity of St Kilda pier, but have also been spotted in Albert Park Lake, Elwood Canal and Hobsons Bay foreshore from Port Melbourne to Elwood.

Two images taken in the 1980’s recently brought to our attention show what Westgate Park looked like over forty years ago – a treeless wasteland. They clearly indicate what can be achieved in three to four decades to create a natural landscape consisting of lakes and indigenous vegetation that now provides habitat for over 170 recorded bird species (still increasing!) just 5 kilometers from Melbourne’s CBD.