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.
January 15 bird survey
With such a prolonged series of heavy downpours over the last several weeks, the water bodies in the park are all very full. Indeed, as waterbirds in south-east Australia have a wide variety of current habitat choices, our numbers are fairly low.
It was pleasing to see a Great Crested Grebe on the Yarra just downstream from Westgate Bridge. As a group of 10-30 of this appealing species has been offshore in Hobsons Bay since late November, this observation was not unexpected. This is a new species for the park as none have been recorded since these monthly surveys commenced in March 2007. I (Andrew) do remember seeing a single Great Crested Grebe on the large freshwater lake in late 2006, before we kept any records of birds in the park.
Another equally welcome observation: five Little Grass Birds around the freshwater lake.
And an amazing photo by Ursula Dutkiewicz of the Long or Snake-necked Turtle with a Red and Blue Damselfly resting on its head.
December 4 bird survey
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. Similarly solitary was the single Australian Wood Duck – this common species, which adapts readily to nearby human activity, is rarely seen in the park.
Regarding one of our continuing major threats, Noisy Miners generally only frequent the park’s north eastern corner, near the former HWT gatehouse.
Photo: Luke Seitz, eBird
Flowering now
Allocasuarina verticillata – Drooping Sheoak is a rather dull grey-green tree but take a close look at the highly ornamental patterns on the branchlets of the male plant, right. The female plant produces red flowers along the trunks and branches. These flowers will turn into large seed cones, left, much favoured by cockatoos.
Atriplex cinerea – Coast Saltbush is another dioecious plant with males producing the red/purple flowers in globular clusters, left, and females have cream clusters along spikes. As the name suggests it is very salt tolerant and thrives in large areas of the Park along the Yarra bank.
Alyxia buxifolia – Sea Box has very dark green leathery leaves and sparkling white flowers with their twisted petals forming a kind of windmill shape. This bush is also tolerant of salt spray and is quite good in containers. The berries ‘or drupes’ will turn a bright red.
Callistemon sieberi – River Bottlebrush has silky new growth, a weeping habit and delicate pale pink or cream flowers. It does well alongside waterways.
Melaleuca lanceolata – Moonah is right now an explosion of creamy-white brushes, alive with bees, best seen along the path towards the river. The Coastal Moonah Woodland, of which Melaleuca lanceolata is part, is in a serious state of decline, covering less than 10% of its original extent on the Mornington Peninsula.
Rubus parvifolius – Native Raspberry produces small edible berries, November to April. Unlike its cousin, the European blackberry, it is thankfully not invasive. However, it does have hooked thorns.
There are many more plants in flower at Westgate Park – suggest you take a look. You might also like to record your observations on iNaturalist (you will need to sign in to do this) and go to Westgate Biodiversity Project.
Nest box monitoring
Monitoring nest boxes for microbats and/or hollows-nesting birds
Register your interest