Category: General

Over the last month, water levels have dropped considerably. Water bird populations are generally low, but the diversity of species has been reassuring, including the presence for some weeks of Australian Pelicans, possibly attracted by the abundance of mosqui...

A major impression from the survey was the number of younger birds nearing maturity in the case of many species, and the fact that breeding has not stopped yet. Insect life seems diverse which is good for the ecology. The very high number of Superb Fairy Wrens...

The Park is very green and plants are thriving. Water levels are high, and volunteers including corporate staff, are doing great work extending understorey vegetation. Common Froglets abound in some water bodies, and as usual, the Brushtail Possum near the bar...

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 sighti...

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...

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 appear to be...

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 used by fis...

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 ...

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 unfortunate...

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 ...