3 June bird survey
Water levels have been slightly raised by recent showers. Whilst the weather for the survey was unprepossessing, the largest group of observers for a long while enjoyed itself greatly.
The highlights were sighting three raptor species, a Pacific Gull, a spectacular flight of 50 Little Black Cormorants, the frequency of Spotted Pardalotes and the continued good health of the latest batch of six cygnets living with their parents on the freshwater lake.
The frequency of sightings of Brown Goshawks including one in flight today, could well be they are attracted by the high numbers of bush birds present within the park, especially honeyeaters and lorikeets.
Microbat in box!
On our walk last Sunday, we were delighted to discover, we think, a Gould’s Wattled Bat (male) in one of our nest boxes. This microbat is larger and more common than most.
We witnessed microbats in flight across the night sky and our echo meters were flat out with recordings. Conditions were not ideal, however. A full moon means microbats are more visible and therefore vulnerable to being snatched by owls and other nocturnal birds which may explain the absence of smaller microbat species.
If you would like to join us on our next walk in Westgate Park and learn more about microbats and their importance to ecology, let us know here.
May 6 bird survey
The park has had relatively little rain, so water levels are dropping. Nevertheless, this was another interesting survey with over 50 species and small passerines were well represented. Moreover, the survey team two Eastern Spinebills, spotted but could not identify a female robin, and also a raptor that was possibly a Nankeen Kestrel. The number of Musk Lorikeets is pleasing – this species has been seen frequently around the Southport area this autumn.
Finally, sightings of White-naped Honeyeaters are unusual at Westgate Park. The last recorded sighting for this species was a single bird on 6 May 2019.
Thanks to Rotary Albert Park
We are very grateful for a new cabinet to house our spraying equipment, generously funded by Rotary Albert Park. These chemicals need to be properly stored but the cabinet comes at some cost so thanks again!
April 8 bird survey
For the several observers, this was a memorable survey. Particularly interesting were the swarms of Grey Fantails, with one Rufous Fantail tagging along in the undergrowth; the larger than usual number of Red Wattlebirds; the single female Flame Robin; and a Golden Whistler, not seen but the distinctive call was clearly heard. Regarding the fantails, during March and April, Grey and Rufous Fantails migrate eastwards from southwestern Victoria, and then north to warmer climates, ending up in Queensland.
Although not a record for the park, the 54 species recorded on the day is nonetheless pleasing, given also that we saw a raptor but could not identify it as it was seen for a brief fraction of a second. Accordingly, the tally is 55 species. Following the extreme dry period from mid-January to the end of March, the Park has recovered quickly after good steady rain over the last week.
Water level remains high in the Saltwater lake and adjacent saline lakes, the Large Freshwater Lake and the dam. Other smaller freshwater bodies are yet to fill. The vegetation is recovering well, but a high number of small trees and shrubs did not survive the hot dry conditions.
This short stressful period had an impact on the Superb Fairy-wrens, as the males change from their blue plumage into brown eclipse plumage when the environmental conditions become unfavorable. Despite a high number of wrens counted today, no males were found in blue plumage.
Thanks for our new trailer!
Our trailer is now in operation, here on the Wharf Road Triangle – a long strip of land recently added to the Park. It’s a sturdy trailer now protected by wheel clamps and a new security system so we are confident it won’t be stolen again.
We could not have afforded to purchase this equipment without the donations of so many people through GoFundMe. $4,400 was raised – a great effort!
The other good news is the steady growth of plants along our boundary with Boeing. These plants have not been watered since January but are doing OK, thanks to the good work of volunteers, including lots of corporate groups, in mulching and planting. This month is likely to be the dryest on record for March and follows a hot and very dry February.
It won’t be long before the Boeing carpark disappears behind lush growth.
March 4 bird survey
Broadly speaking, surprisingly sparse results for seemingly reasonable morning weather.
There were low numbers of Welcome Swallows and Silver Gulls, but on the other hand satisfying observations of a group of six Brown Thornbills, a similar-sized mob of Red-browed Finches, plus a young Collared Sparrowhawk. Moreover, in keeping with sightings in street trees from other parts of the SouthPort area, Musk Lorikeets were browsing in yellow gums in flower along Lorimer Street. We counted four individuals, but quite likely there were other foraging groups nearby.
The Yarra River section, however, was almost devoid of birdlife around the middle of the day.
In the two-three weeks since the last survey, the level of the saltwater lake has gone down considerably. This must encourage shoreline birds such as stilts and dotterels, the latter of which numbered three, possibly four, this survey.
Interestingly, one of the small ponds close to Westgate Bridge is developing quite a pinkish colour.
February 5 bird survey
Despite the poor weather conditions, the species tally is high. The female Musk Duck may be the same bird that took residence for some months in 2023, and sightings of a Bronzewing Pigeon and an Australian Spotted Crake are of great interest.
Of the smaller birds, in recent months we have observed Brown Thornbills, Red-browed Finches and heard or seen Little Grassbirds. The Great Crested Grebe, a female, was sighted close to the eastern Yarra bank near the punt.
Finally, there were swarms of Welcome Swallows in many corners of the park.