A cold start with frost on Carpark/Saltwater grassed area. It was a disappointing tally regarding ducks with only Chestnut Teal stepping forward and all other frequently seen species being absent. Sightings recorded on eBird, however during June show that all the usual duck species and one Australasian Grebe were recorded recently in the park by several observers.

A big plus was the sighting of two Buff-banded Rails today. Other notable sightings over June were a Black Kite, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and four Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos.

Noisy Minors were seen on the big Island in the Fresh Water Lake today – something that has not been noticed before. This is an important observation, which possibly indicates these birds are establishing themselves within the park. This will be to the detriment of most of the smaller birds that occur in the park, such as White-plumed Honeyeaters, Superb Fairy-wrens and Spotted Pardalotes just to name three.

As H5N1 bird flu has arrived in Australia, we must be vigilant in the future if we encounter sick or dead birds in the park. Currently the advice is, avoid, record and report any dead or sick birds or other wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. I am raising this issue after Ursula found what appears to be a dead young duck (not sure what species) on 17 June.

Authorities have already confirmed H5N1 detections in 7 seabirds in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales. While there is no evidence of any mass mortality or wildlife transmission from these sea birds, it is now becoming clear this deadly virus will establish in Australia – more a matter of when, not if.

For species like the black swan — which lack some immune genes to fight viral infections the consequences could be devastating.

Despite the less than favorable weather the survey results were encouraging, backed up by excellent observations throughout the month. With planting under way, the forecast several days of moderate rainfall will be helpful.

This is mostly aimed at restoring ground covers and replacing burnt trees in the various areas subjected to arson over the last 12 months.

Water levels in the main lakes have been dropping steadily, encouraging waders to visit and forage. Whilst the good news was that some 20 mm of very welcome rain fell at the weekend, the weather during the survey was not pleasant. Numbers reflect these wintry conditions.

Nevertheless, the month of April included many interesting observations many of which are seasonal migrants/temporary visitors such as Great Crested Grebe, Grey Fantails, Silvereyes (14 were counted on 15 April) passing through and our overwinter stayers, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters.

Foxes roam the park. A juvenile Black Swan was killed in the last several days. If not already commenced a fox control program is urgently required.

Although conditions on the day were poor, water levels were down and in many cases species numbers were low, the overall number of species – 50 – was encouraging. It included three Great Crested Grebes on the Yarra River, and a fleeting glimpse of a Rufous Fantail.

Regarding low numbers, Superb Fairy-wrens are a case in point with a low count last survey and the same prevailing this month. Very few males in blue plumage were observed. Similarly, there were no raptor sightings today, although a juvenile Brown Goshawk has been seen a couple of times during March. Some observers thought there may have been a Collared Sparrowhawk in the park, but after looking at some distant images that were taken, all appear to be the same Brown Goshawk. The rounded end to the tail indicates the latter.

However, the range of water birds in the park is encouraging, as are the widespread sightings of Welcome Swallows, with an attendant Fairy Martin. Unfortunately, several cygnets have disappeared most likely due to fox predation. A fox control program is underway.

More broadly, the month of March produced several other very rewarding sightings, many captured by our superb photographer, Ursula Dutkiewicz. Thank you, Ursula, and Peter Petinatos, for your many graphic and beautiful images that contribute so much to our surveys.