14 April bird survey

Although conditions on the day were poor, water levels were down and in many cases species numbers were low, the overall number of species – 50 – was encouraging. It included three Great Crested Grebes on the Yarra River, and a fleeting glimpse of a Rufous Fantail.

Regarding low numbers, Superb Fairy-wrens are a case in point with a low count last survey and the same prevailing this month. Very few males in blue plumage were observed. Similarly, there were no raptor sightings today, although a juvenile Brown Goshawk has been seen a couple of times during March. Some observers thought there may have been a Collared Sparrowhawk in the park, but after looking at some distant images that were taken, all appear to be the same Brown Goshawk. The rounded end to the tail indicates the latter.

However, the range of water birds in the park is encouraging, as are the widespread sightings of Welcome Swallows, with an attendant Fairy Martin. Unfortunately, several cygnets have disappeared most likely due to fox predation. A fox control program is underway.

More broadly, the month of March produced several other very rewarding sightings, many captured by our superb photographer, Ursula Dutkiewicz. Thank you, Ursula, and Peter Petinatos, for your many graphic and beautiful images that contribute so much to our surveys.