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, and is hopefully a sign that these finches will take up residence in the park. Spotted Pardalotes were present in higher than usual numbers with 18 counted, the highest since 33 were recorded in April 2012.
A Black-Tailed Native Hen has been spotted by others along the river, unusual as these birds normally venture south to Melbourne during periods of prolonged/extreme drought. The Musk Duck, the first to be recorded in the park since well before these bird surveys began in 2007, is still in the large freshwater lake. It was first seen on the 12 January Bird Count.
Partly this abundance of species must be due to the hundred millimetres or so of rain falling in the last five weeks. Lake levels are particularly high, which excludes Black-winged Stilts and Blackfaced Dotterels, although one of the latter was hanging on around the salt lake.