Although water levels in the large lakes dropped considerably last month, conditions are good for birds. Park volunteers saw six pelicans feeding on the large freshwater lake early that survey morning, so food, most likely Mosquito Fish Gambusia affinis, is plentiful. Other fish-eating birds observed included three cormorant species, a single Eastern Great Egret and White-faced Heron, and many more Hardheads and Hoary-headed Grebes compared to previous months. 

Further, although the park vegetation is very dry, a diverse range of seasonal migrating land-based birds was present, including an unusually large number of Red Wattlebirds: 150 plus.

Interesting/notable sightings:

–       A single Yellow-faced Honeyeater, a species not previously recorded. More may have been present as a small group of unidentified birds with this species’ characteristics was observed in flight, descending immediately behind the dead shrub where the single bird was seen and photographed. 

–       A single Striated Pardalote in a eucalypt near the windmill, a species not recorded in the park since August 2008 and August 2012.

–       Seasonal visitors also included an unusually high number of Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters, Flame Robins, Grey Fantails and Musk Lorikeets.

–       George observed an interesting combination roosting together on the same fallen branch in the large freshwater lake: two Eastern Great Egrets, one White-necked Heron, one White-faced Heron and two Australian White Ibis. A great photograph but unfortunately George didn’t have his camera.

–       Other very occasional visitors seen included a pair of Red-kneed Dotterels on the edge of a dull pink saltwater lake, and the large freshwater lake had a single Yellow-billed Spoonbill and single Cattle Egret – the latter apparently with a broken leg. In all, one of the best days in years!

Pleasingly, almost all recently hatched Australasian Grebes, Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts recorded in December are now healthy juveniles. Water levels are very high in the main lakes, but lower in smaller water bodies. 
Land-based bird species commonly seen were much less evident – for example only two New Holland Honeyeaters, one Little Wattlebird and no Rainbow Lorikeets.
However, there were Interesting/notable sightings:
– The first record of a nesting Hoary-headed Grebe since monthly surveys began
– At least two Brown Thornbills (one seen, another heard) indicate this species is now a likely resident
– Three Nankeen Night-Herons: one adult and one immature roosting in a eucalypt beside the dam, and an adult flying over FOWP compound towards Wharf Road
– An unconfirmed distant call, possibly a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo
– A Common Bronzewing was observed earlier

Andrew McCutcheon, Euan Moore and Rob Youl  

Weather: Mostly fine with light to moderate south west wind. Temp 18⁰ C – 23⁰ C. Entire survey route completed. Time start 0910, finish 1330

* seen at/along Yarra River only.  D- Denotes dependent young plus number of separate broods.

Note: For species seen in large numbers, or for which accurate counting was difficult the number seen is rounded off to the nearest of tens or fives followed by a +.

Habitat: The water level in the Large Freshwater and Saltwater lakes remains very high, but has fallen considerably in the smaller water bodies and the dam. It appears that almost all the recently hatched young Australasian Grebes, Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts recorded during the December survey have survived to become healthy juveniles according to the numbers counted this month. 

Numbers of all land based bird species commonly seen in the park were much lower than the previous month. Most notable were only two New Holland Honeyeaters, one Little Wattlebird and noRainbow Lorikeets recorded today.

Interesting/notable sightings:

The first ever record of a Hoary-headed Grebe on a nest in the park today (since we commenced our regularly monthly surveys).

At least two Brown Thornbills (one seen and another heard) indicate this species is now likely to be resident in the park.

Three Nankeen Night-Herons, one adult and one immature were roosting in a eucalypt beside the dam, and an adult in flight over the track to the FOWP compound from Todd Road. 

A distant call, possibly a Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo was heard but could not be confirmed.

Opportunistic sightings:

Some common land-based bird species were recorded in higher than usual numbers, especially White-plumed Honeyeaters. The eight Noisy Miners seen along Todd Road were of concern; we hope they will not extend their range into Westgate Park.

All lakes, smaller water bodies and the dam are now at their highest levels since the wet summer of 2010-11, thanks to 113mm of heavy rain in early December. Wetland conditions look excellent, but waterbird numbers remain low. Nevertheless there is breeding activity amongst the few Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts in the park.

One interesting sighting: a single Darter flew over the park on 16 November. 

Number of Bird Species Wetland dependent & Raptors 18   Land based 22 Total 40

Other animals: Common Froglet Crinia Signifera heard. Emperor Gum-moth Opodiphthera eucalypti – 4 cocoons with holes indicating adults have emerged.

* seen at/along Yarra River only.  D- Denotes dependent young plus number of separate broods.

Habitat: The water levels in all lakes, smaller water bodies and the dam are now at their highest level since the wet summer of 2010-11 thanks to 113mm of heavy rain in early December. Despite what look like excellent wetland conditions, the numbers of water birds remain low, but there was breeding activity with the few Dusky Moorhens, Eurasian Coots and Black-winged Stilts in the park. 

Some of the land based bird species commonly seen in the park were recorded in higher than usual numbers, especially White-plumed Honeyeaters. The eight Noisy Miners seen along Todd Road were of concern and it is hoped they will not extend their range into Westgate Park.

Interesting/notable sightings:  A single Darter seen in flight over the Park on 26 November