May 2 Bird survey

May 2 Bird survey

There were two notable sightings in the park over the past month as well as many familiar species. Habitat on land and water in the park is in good condition.  The various species of mistletoe that have been introduced over the last two years appear to be...

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4 April Bird survey

4 April Bird survey

Highlights of the April survey were the high number of Grey Fantails – possibly four separate groups. And a sighting of an early visitor in the shape of a female Flame Robin, along the Yarra in the planted shoreline belts. This area is frequently used by fis...

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Volunteers bounce back at WBBNL

Volunteers bounce back at WBBNL

After two difficult, COVID-affected years, Westgate Biodiversity and Bili Nursery Landcare is set to relaunch its volunteer program. Starting soon in the nursery, potential volunteers who have previously expressed an interest will be contacted with the aim of ...

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7 Mar Bird survey

7 Mar Bird survey

Forty-six bird species were sighted along the Westgate Park survey route on a humid but clear March day. When added to opportunistic sightings between surveys, a total of 64 species were sighted in February and early March. On the day itself, lake levels were ...

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31 Jan Bird survey

31 Jan Bird survey

Lake levels are still very high, and the park is a pleasure to explore. Interesting species this month were an Australian Darter, a Brown Quail and a Budgerigar, the first for the park and apparently a wild bird rather than an aviary escapee, which unfortunate...

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Unlocking secrets of samphire

Unlocking secrets of samphire

Westgate Park is home to the only area of saltmarsh to be found between the Yarra and the Mornington Peninsula. And native samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora), a succulent and edible plant, is a vital part of the saltmarsh environment. But there is a big probl...

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How many river red gums in a propagation tray?

How many river red gums in a propagation tray?

We’ve been having some notable successes at the Bili Nursery over recent months. Here’s a tray of river red gum seedlings (eucalyptus camaldulensis) prior to pricking out. Have a guess how many potentially towering trees there are in this tray. I s...

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Bird survey 6 December

Bird survey 6 December

Hot, blustery, and humid weather suppressed a great deal of bird activity, but with good habitat conditions the superb fairy-wrens continue to breed. Overall, however the park looks good with larger trees well recovered from the near-drought conditions that pr...

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Bird survey 1 November

Bird survey 1 November

This survey recorded the first eastern rosella seen in the park 2016. Clamorous reed warblers are back in number, and the high number of white-browed scrub-wrens. The water in both major lakes is at very high levels, with almost all the smaller islands in the ...

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Bird Survey 4 October

Bird Survey 4 October

Just in time for the result of the highly competitive Guardian Australia Bird Of The Year poll, comes our October survey featuring not only the deserved winner, the superb fairywren, but also another top-5 finisher, the Galah. The superb fairywren has become o...

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