March 2019 bird survey
After a long run of extreme heat and almost no rain in January and February park vegetation is stressed, with some shrubs dying. Nevertheless, the survey produced exciting results and 53 species. A larger than usual range of land-based bird species observed included a…
Jan 2019 bird survey
photos by Euan Moore a Bird Survey 7 Jan 2019 Water levels in both lakes are high, and water quality in the freshwater lakes and southern wetlands appears very good. Water quality in the saltwater lake is average, with an algal bloom on one…
Oct 2018 bird survey
Forty-seven species on 1 October was a pleasing result. Despite a very dry September, water levels of both large lakes and smaller salt water lakes remain very high, while other freshwater wetlands including the dam are low or completely dried out. The usual wetland…
May 2018 bird survey
Diving feeders – Hardheads, Australasian Grebes and Hoary-headed Grebes – in better than average numbers suggest aquatic invertebrates and other small prey are plentiful in Freshwater Lake. With levels of both main lakes remaining fairly high, conditions are good for supporting birds. Visiting nectar feeders,…
Apr 2018 Bird survey
Although water levels in the large lakes dropped considerably last month, conditions are good for birds. Park volunteers saw six pelicans feeding on the large freshwater lake early that survey morning, so food, most likely Mosquito Fish Gambusia affinis, is plentiful. Other fish-eating birds observed included three…
Jan 2018 bird survey
Pleasingly, almost all recently hatched Australasian Grebes, Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts recorded in December are now healthy juveniles. Water levels are very high in the main lakes, but lower in smaller water bodies. Land-based bird species commonly seen were much less evident – for example only…
Dec 2017 bird survey
Some common land-based bird species were recorded in higher than usual numbers, especially White-plumed Honeyeaters. The eight Noisy Miners seen along Todd Road were of concern; we hope they will not extend their range into Westgate Park. All lakes, smaller water bodies and the…