4 Nov bird survey
The park is becoming very dry after little or no rain over the last 2-3 weeks, but the water in all the main water bodies – large freshwater lake, saltwater lakes, dam and Horseshoe Lake remain at a high level. Although the Rufous Whistler…
March 4 bird survey
Broadly speaking, surprisingly sparse results for seemingly reasonable morning weather. There were low numbers of Welcome Swallows and Silver Gulls, but on the other hand satisfying observations of a group of six Brown Thornbills, a similar-sized mob of Red-browed Finches, plus a young Collared…
August 8 Bird survey
The park is in excellent condition, volunteers are busy, and visitors frequent. Most water bodies are almost full and hosting common froglets. Our prominent resident possum is still with us, half in and half out of its jagged hollow. Especially pleasing sightings were the…
July 4 Bird survey
In all, 44 bird species were recorded, including opportunistic sightings. Some highlights were the two Australian Pied Oystercatchers on the edge of the River by Peter Parrington (pictured), the Common Bronzewing pigeon, the Brown Thornbill and a Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater. The native species in the…
May 2 Bird survey
There were two notable sightings in the park over the past month as well as many familiar species. Habitat on land and water in the park is in good condition. The various species of mistletoe that have been introduced over the last two years…
4 April Bird survey
Highlights of the April survey were the high number of Grey Fantails – possibly four separate groups. And a sighting of an early visitor in the shape of a female Flame Robin, along the Yarra in the planted shoreline belts. This area is frequently…
7 Mar Bird survey
Forty-six bird species were sighted along the Westgate Park survey route on a humid but clear March day. When added to opportunistic sightings between surveys, a total of 64 species were sighted in February and early March. On the day itself, lake levels were…
31 Jan Bird survey
Lake levels are still very high, and the park is a pleasure to explore. Interesting species this month were an Australian Darter, a Brown Quail and a Budgerigar, the first for the park and apparently a wild bird rather than an aviary escapee, which…
Bird survey 10 Jan
Doubtless the hot weather contributed to lower bird numbers in this survey but nonetheless, 40 species were recorded and 62 Superb Fairy-wren were observed. In the photo bottom left, the Superb Fairy-wren with a dull red colour around the eye is a juvenile or…
Bird survey 6 December
Hot, blustery, and humid weather suppressed a great deal of bird activity, but with good habitat conditions the superb fairy-wrens continue to breed. Overall, however the park looks good with larger trees well recovered from the near-drought conditions that prevailed early in 2021. Weeds…