Continuing rains keep the park’s main water bodies nearly full. The sighting of one Baillons Crake along the shoreline of the main island in the freshwater lake has been especially gratifying. These small attractive birds can be elusive and cryptic. Similarl...
Category: General
November 4 bird survey
Apologies for the late delivery of this report, which, thanks especially to the remarkable efforts of Ursula Dutkiewicz, clearly indicates the continuing range of interesting and sometimes unexpected birds visiting Westgate Park. Water levels remain high, attr...
October 2 bird survey
Despite the park still looking in very good condition, the weather on the day was not so favourable for birds as reflected by the results. On the other hand, a combination of observations over the last month on eBird and those by our photographer and artist, U...
September 4 bird survey
Water levels have risen, with the overall species number obviously high from the survey today and the efforts of several other observers reporting on eBird over the last month. We are monitoring Noisy Miner numbers within the park. Numbers are low on today’s...
August 7 bird survey
This survey yielded a higher numerical tally than usual. The several highlights were the return of Black-winged Stilts; a hunting Black-Shouldered Kite watching from one of bridge light standards that killed and devoured a mouse as we watched; two groups of Re...
July 3 bird survey
The count is low because the day was unpromising, and the top guns in terms of bird identification were unavailable. Moreover, water levels are very high. Accordingly, the range of waterbirds is low. Surprisingly no teal or Black Swans were seen today. What is...
June 5 bird survey
Although conditions were unexceptional, and a few common species were not observed, the surveyors had a wonderful day. The appearance in the park over the last month of Red-Browed Finches (often in the company of Goldfinches) was greatly appreciated by all, an...
May 1 bird survey
After a wetter than usual April with a total of over 100 mm rainfall, the water level is high in both large lakes. This has provided particularly favorable conditions for deep water diving feeders in the large freshwater lake. Birds such as Australasian and Ho...
April 3 bird survey
Recent rains have freshened the park, which looks excellent. On the day of the survey, volunteers were weeding, collecting litter and maintaining tracks. The female Rose Robin has been present for a week or more. It was also interesting to see two Rufous Fanta...
Jan 12 bird survey
A memorable survey. Common Sandpipers had long been expected, but this seems to be the first time the species has been recorded, in this case near the tug pier on the lower Yarra River. (There is a dead seal nearby on the riverbank.) The female Musk Duck is al...