Mornington Peninsula Birdlife · MEMBER PROFILE Dennis Gosper Lives at Balnarring How I started birding My interest in birds began in primary school, probably influenced by growing

Mornington Peninsula

Birdlife

Volume 6 Number 3 September 2017

CONVENOR’S REPORT

The survey we issued to ascertain opinions for our newsletter

have been evaluated and the results are included as an

insert in this issue. The survey result was referred to the full

committee of the branch for a resolution.

Our involvement in the Greens Bush to Arthurs Seat Biolink

Project has commenced with bird surveys completed on five

properties as part of the ongoing evaluation of the Biolink

projects goals. The partners in this project are Port Phillip

and Westernport CMA, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Parks

Victoria, Bunurong Land Council, Melbourne Water and two

Landcare Groups. The project will run until 2020.

The committee has appointed Pam Hearn as Deputy

Convenor to fulfil the constitutional requirements of the

BirdLife Australia branch committee structure. “What Bird is

That” will again be held on 22 October. This event is aimed at

the general public, please tell your friends and neighbours

and mark the date in your diary. We will need helpers on the

day.

COMMITTEE NOTES

The committee is looking at providing re-useable cups for

our morning tea events to facilitate the dumping of

disposable cups thus reducing our waste footprint.

Friends of Cranbourne Botanic Gardens are holding an event

similar to our “What Bird is That” on October 29. We will be

providing assistance at this event in the form of leaders for a

morning bird walk and a speaker.

We have formed a funding sub-committee to look at options

for financial assistance for our branch activities. The

committee members are John Rawlins, Liz Thomas and

Penny Gillespie; if you have any suggestions on funding

please contact the secretary.

Max Burrows

Contents 1. Branch news

5. Habitat for wildlife

8. Outings program and reports

12. Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys

14. Ospreys and other birds

15. Observations

Striated Fieldwren, photographed at Greens Bush by Mark Lethlean

Branch news

2 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife

AGM

After returning from the bird walk and a chat over a cuppa

and bikkies we assembled in the theatrette for our Annual

General Meeting. With thirty-five members present the

meeting got underway and after the normal formalities the

new committee was appointed. With Rab and Danny stepping

down Liz Thomas and Diane Tomlin were duly elected to fill

the vacancies. I wish to thank both Danny and Rab for their

committee work over a number of years and we hope to have

their company on our outings program.

The appointed committee is: Convenor Max Burrows,

Deputy Convenor Pam Hearn, Secretary Denis Goss and

Treasurer Penny Gillespie.

General Committee: Susan Clark, David Ap-Thomas, John

Rawlins, Roger Richards, Diane Tomlin, Liz Thomas.

A talk given by Richard Loyn on conservation issues ensued,

this was enthusiastically received by all and we thanked

Richard for his very interesting dissertation.

N.B. The position of Deputy Convenor was appointed by the

committee at a subsequent meeting to align our branch with

the constitutional requirements.

Presidents AGM report 2017

Your committee has again worked cohesively to deliver a

well-planned program that has overseen a membership

increase to now over 300 and an outings program that once

again exceeded 500 participants and was more than in 2015.

Our annual “What Bird is That” public participation event at

The Briars was well attended and introduced people to our

organisation and more importantly to our Peninsula bird life.

The Coolart Reserve July talk was well attended with Roger

Standen as the speaker giving us an insight into the Roebuck

area of Western Australia.

The outings program included our annual Western Treatment

Plant event ably led by John Barkla and the Christmas outing

at Dunns Creek Winery was another highlight of our year, the

outings sub-committee has again delivered an impressive

program as indicated by an overgrowing attendance.

We are now in an environment of having to fund our

activities and to this end John Rawlins has been most active

in eliciting funds from diverse organisations across the

peninsula and we thank him for this effort.

Our flagship Mornington Peninsula Birdlife newsletter

continues to receive accolades from its readership and once

more we thank Val Ford for her dedicated editorship. We will

be having further discussions regarding the newsletters

future. A number of our members received Life Membership

of BirdLife Australia this year and we say congratulations to

them.

I would commend all of our dedicated committee members

for their contribution this year to the success of the branch.

Education

Pam Hearn and Susan Clark our education officers have been

active with many primary school talks and talks to other

organisations. We again participated in the State Schools

Environment Week at The Briars delivering talks and

exercises to school children from across the Mornington

Penny, Max and Denis conducting the AGM business.

Richard Loyn: Informative, entertaining and very enthusiastic.

Photos by Danny Vits

Peninsula. We manned a tent exhibition and talk in the

observatory at the Science Week event at Coolart Reserve in

August.

Conservation

Roger Richards our conservation officer has been active at

Devilbend Reserve in relation to a proposal to allow non-

powered boats for fishing on the reservoir, we are strongly

opposing this initiative as this reservoir is a Key Biodiversity

Area (KBA) previously designated an Important Bird Area

(IBA) for the protection of Blue-billed Ducks, we await the

decision. Elgee Park monitoring project was completed and

the owners were presented with the report at a function on

the property, follow up monitoring will take place. We

continue to monitor Tootgarook Wetlands, Balcombe Estuary

and Sunshine Reserve. A new project is being discussed it

involves monitoring properties in the Greens Bush to Arthurs

Seat Biolink Project.

General Comments

We lost some very admired members this year in June

Elmer, Ian Dowling and Peggy Mitchell we are indeed

indebted to them. Two of our committee are not standing

this year Danny Vits and Rab Siddhi and we owe them a vote

of gratitude for their dedication, well done!

Thank you to all our committee and those off committee

people who keep our branch afloat. We have some

challenges ahead for the new committee.

Max Burrows

Branch news

September 2017 3

MEMBER PROFILE

Dennis Gosper

Lives at Balnarring

How I started birding

My interest in birds began in primary school, probably

influenced by growing up in the 1950s on a dairy farm on the

floodplain of the Clarence River (Northern NSW) with its

extensive wetlands, and at school, the Nature Study radio

broadcasts by Crosbie Morrison and Gould League activities.

Its annual journal, Gould League Notes, contained articles by

such ornithologists as P A Bourke, K A Hindwood and M S R

Sharland which I avidly consumed. There were also writing

competitions such as ‘The Most useful Bird in my District’

which my teacher encouraged me to enter, no doubt viewing

this as an excellent vehicle for development of my literacy

skills! My parents gave me a copy of ‘What Bird is That?’ and

later a pair of 7 x 35 binoculars, before guiding me to join

the Clarence Valley Field Naturalists’ Club.

By mid-high school I had joined the Bird Observers Club and

RAOU (later Birds Australia) and the Australian Bird Study

Association. During my working life, spent mostly in rural

northern NSW, birding focussed on projects that could be

undertaken outside work, mostly systematic surveys carried

out on weekend mornings, or breeding biology studies in the

hours before and after work …… such is the lot of the

amateur ornithologist!

Once our children were school age we started taking holidays

to more out-of-the way places. The annual Gould League Bird

Study Camps provided great experiences, usually camping,

or accommodated in shearers’ quarters, on properties in

remote locations mostly in western NSW.

Favourite birding spots on the Peninsula

As a recent ‘blow in’ there are many parts of the Peninsula I

have yet to explore. Close to home, Balbirooroo wetlands are

always worth a look, being a reliable site for Freckled Duck in

recent years. Also regularly surveyed are Buckley Nature

Reserve, and Woods and Gordon Rolfe Bushland Reserves.

Other favourite birding spots

Most are in the tropics or subtropics, many near our other

home in northern NSW. These include the rainforests of the

Border Ranges and Richmond Range NPs and the dry

sclerophyll forest of south of Casino. The Ord River (Parry

Creek Farm) and along the Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads

(Home Valley, Charnley River Stations) in the Kimberley are

memorable places to spend time. When travelling in the

inland, station stays (e.g. Kirkalocka’ near Mt Magnet and

‘Bullara’ near Exmouth Gulf), offer excellent opportunities for

birding. In addition there are those managed by Bush

Heritage and Australian Wildlife Conservancy.

Memorable birding moments

These are many, but as a 14-year-old, the witnessing of a

naked and apparently helpless Koel nestling, less than 72

hours old, manoeuvre itself under one of its fellow Magpie-

lark nestlings and tip it over the edge of the nest made a

lasting impression.

Finding White-winged Black Terns and Black-tailed Godwits in

breeding plumage on the Hunter estuary around 1970 is

another early standout memory, as was my first visit to Iron

Dennis at Waterberg Plateau, Namibia 2016. Photo by Carl Gosper

Range, Cape York over Christmas-New Year in 1979, for the

sheer number of new species.

Watching grass finches, particularly Gouldians, Long-tails

and Pictorellas in the Kimberley is something one never tires

of, especially given their past history of trapping.

Since retirement, the opportunity to travel overseas has led

to some stunning experiences. South America is definitely

the ‘birdiest’ continent and quite overwhelming if one

chooses the likes of Brazil as one’s first destination …… 20+

new families and easily 450+ new species in three weeks! If

I could make a return to visit just one place I’d nominate the

Pantanal. However, for the ultimate wildlife experience it is

hard to go past Kenya for its combination of bird and

mammal viewing.

Birding ambitions

I treat every chance to be in the field as an opportunity to

conduct a survey which in turn is entered into BirdLife

Australia’s Birdata Atlas. This is a simple on-line process by

which one’s recreational birding serves a useful purpose by

adding to the accumulated data on Australian birds. In

addition to continuing the long-term surveying of local sites,

my wife Sue and I hope there are many years of exploring

Australia ahead of us (and many Atlas surveys to enjoy!).

When starting to travel overseas I thought a possible goal

might be to try to see representatives from all the bird

families. Thanks to the ever-changing taxonomic landscape

that looks increasingly unlikely, but it does provide a good

excuse to try to get to all corners of the globe!

Other interests

I’ve been a life-long tennis player and whilst well ‘over the

hill’ nowadays, playing regularly still does wonders for one’s

fitness and mental state. Sue and I also enjoy walking

holidays in Europe where the landscapes are so different,

and where there are few birds to distract me!

For many years I’ve worked on rainforest regeneration on

our property in northern NSW. Now, 25+ years on, it is

rewarding to observe flowering and fruiting of many species,

and the presence of a suite of rainforest birds including

pittas, logrunners and fruit doves.

Lastly, I should perhaps also admit to be something of a

1960s music tragic.

Branch news


Book launch at Coolart

Terrific turn out yesterday at the historic Coolart Wetlands

and Homestead Reserve for the launch of Geoffrey Maslen's

book An Uncertain Future: Australian Birdlife in Danger.

Thanks to Friends of Coolart for putting on a great event and

for highlighting how we have much work to do on the

Peninsula to ensure we continue to protect and preserve our

remaining natural habitat.

Russell Joseph, Friends of Coolart Facebook Page

Friends of Coolart were delighted to host the launch of Geoff

Maslen's book on Saturday. A great day shared by more than

150 people in the Observatory and Homestead. We thank

everyone involved including our speakers Max Burrows, Sean

Dooley, Rohan Clarke and Geoff and more than ably hosted

by our president Roger Stuart-Andrews. Thanks to our

sponsors Hardie Grant Books, Ted's Camera Store, The Store

Cafe Somers and to Tim our auctioneer from Ray Whites

Moorabbin who auctioned off all of Rohan fabulous

photographs from the book.

Friends of Coolart, Friends of Coolart Facebook Page

Rare bird project

The branch has been researching birds of the Mornington

Peninsula that have been either declining or subject to

habitat loss since 2008 and we see the need for this project

to be ongoing.

Project goals are to:

1. Identify the past distribution and abundance

2. Identify the present distribution and abundance

3. Publish a report.

The species we have focussed on are Black-shouldered Kite,

Australian King-Parrot, Scarlet Robin, Bassian Thrush,

Eastern Great Egret, Red-browed Finch and Jacky Winter.

We have already established that the Grey-crowned Babbler

no longer occurs in this region and the Scarlet Robin is now

mainly restricted to French Island, the Southern Emu-wren

now occurs in only a few localities and is rarely reported. The

Australian King-Parrot is currently extending its’ Peninsula

range and is now wide spread. Another species of concern is

the Crested Shrike-tit, which appeared to be under threat in

our region, has been seen four times over the past months

and maybe is making a comeback?

We need members to participate in this project and report

sightings of any of these species as the more reports the

better the outcome, please participate for the birds.

Reports to: [email protected]

Max Burrows

Contacting BirdLife Mornington Peninsula

President Max Burrows; 9789 0224

21 Moorhen Cres, Carrum Downs, Vic 3201

[email protected]

www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula

Max Burrows speaking at book launch. Photo by Russell Joseph

Geoffrey Maslen; Sean Dooley at book launch.

Photos from Friends of Coolart Facebook Page

A FIRM arrangement

In March this year, FOFI agreed to sponsor French Islanders

Researching Muttonbirds (FIRM) to enable them to apply for

a Coastcare Victoria Community Grant. Their application was

successful, and on 14 June $5,278 was received from DELWP

and paid into FOFI’s bank account. Congratulations, FIRM!

The project, coordinated by Dr David Nicholls, is to continue

the monitoring and rehabilitation work done by David and his

students from Chisholm TAFE at Tortoise Head over almost

twenty years, with the aim of conserving the breeding

population of Short-tailed Shearwaters, or Muttonbirds, a

migratory and internationally protected species.

Parks Victoria has recently removed some of the larger

Boxthorn bushes at Tortoise Head, and there are plans to

follow up with further controls in August (hopefully before

the Shearwaters return to their burrows). FOFI will liaise

with FIRM to provide support as needed in 2018 (i.e. after

the end of this year’s breeding season), for example by

removing small Boxthorn infestations and other weeds and

collecting beach rubbish.

Chris Chandler, FOFI News June 2017

Newsletter contributions

Thanks for your fantastic articles and photos. Keep

sharing your sightings, observations, bird photos, daily

birding activities, surveys, tips on bird identification and

birding while travelling stories.

Send to Val Ford; 5981 1445 & [email protected]

Deadline for December edition: 8 November 2017

Earlier articles appreciated.

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula

Habitat for wildlife

September 2017 5

Greens Bush to Arthurs Seat (GB2AS)

Biolink Project Update

Our first planting for the GB2AS project began during

continual rain at a property on Baldrys Rd with the Chisholm

TAFE Conservation Land Management students. We got 300

tubestock planted, complete with wallaby-proof tree guards,

before 2pm! Looking forward to many more planting days to

come.

I also went out with David Ap-Thomas and Max Burrows from

BirdLife Australia (Mornington Peninsula Branch) to assess

properties suitable for bird surveys throughout the project. It

is envisioned that improving habitat will promote a wider

diversity of bird species.

In mid-June, I went out with Year 9 Peninsula Grammar

students to a GB2AS biolink property (also on Baldrys Road)

where they removed an incredible amount in inkweed in a

short period of time.

Virginia Carter is writing biolink plans for the new properties

and I am busy working on landholder agreements for each of

our 23 properties and organising contractors to quote on

works. We’re hoping to host a planting day in conjunction

with Mornington Toyota and a local school for National Tree

Day on 30th July. Landholders have been enjoying

monitoring the fauna on their property and although there

have been quite a few foxes spotted, we’ve also seen

kangaroos, wallabies, a number of bird species and a

possum.

Like the @GB2AS (Greens Bush to Arthurs Seat Biolink)

Facebook page to stay up to date with this exciting project!

For more information, contact Jacqui Salter

[email protected] ph: 5950 1279.

Jacqui Salter, Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network

News July 2017

White-necked Heron release

On 10th March a young White-necked Heron was rescued by

AWARE and released by Kim into the Edithvale Wetlands. It

steadfastly refused to get out of its carrying box and

eventually had to be evicted.

Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Inc. Newsletter

Mar-Apr 2017

Biodiversity Forum

Suzanne Ryan and I attended a Planning and Monitoring

Forum at the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental

Research in May.

The first event of the recently formed Victorian Biodiversity

Managers' Network, the aim was to explore biodiversity

management approaches and begin a discussion on ways to

improve and standardise planning and monitoring.

Attendees came from many environmental bodies, both

industry and allied groups such as Friends and Landcare;

people who manage conservation projects and programs, and

those who influence decisions on where and how

conservation dollars are spent. There were presentations on

monitoring methods and standards, data gathering

techniques, and relevant software, followed by a workshop

and discussion panel after lunch.

Ecologists Malcolm Legg and Gidja Walker conducting an educative walk

and talk at introductory workshop in Main Ridge. Photo by Jacqui Salter

Release of White-necked Heron. Photo by Robin Clarey

Presentations introduced us to the Open Standards for the

Practice of Conservation, the use of GIS technology for

reporting and monitoring, and the National Standards for the

Practice of Ecological Restoration in Australia, along with an

overview of monitoring methods.

Liz Barraclough, Berg Mt Martha Newsletter June 2017

Fishing at Devilbend

During the April bird count at Devilbend Reserve I

encountered three uniformed Fisheries Department officers

who had been carrying out an inspection of the fishing area.

One was carrying some picked up fishing line rubbish. We

engaged in a pleasant conversation and talked of the

proposed fishing canoe permission.

Whilst the majority of fishers may be law abiding and

respectful that they are sharing this space with about 50

species of waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors and other avian

species that use and depend on this vital wetland habitat,

there are still some vandals and polluters.

Major issues are the lack of continuous onsite ranger

presence and not having strong regulations with enforceable

penalties. It was good that these points and many others

were submitted to Parks Victoria by concerned groups

(including DFI) and individuals during the period of

community consultation.

Roger Richards, Devilbend Foundation President, Devilbend

Foundation Newsletter May 2017




Successful Hooded Plover breeding season

on the Peninsula

The Hooded Plover could be considered the iconic fauna

species of the Mornington Peninsula. This diminutive shore

bird selectively favours our ocean beaches where, over the

busy breeding season from September to April, it occupies

specific breeding territories to lay its eggs. The exposed

nests are usually found above the high tide mark on the

beach or dune and are incubated for 28 days. The chicks that

hatch must survive for 35 days, feeding along the shoreline

before they are able to fly.

The threats to their survival are numerous. Many nests are

washed away by high tides and large swells. Eggs and chicks

can be predated by a host of species including ravens, gulls,

magpies, foxes, cats, dogs and various birds of prey. Nests

and chicks can be inadvertently crushed by humans, dogs,

horses and beach vehicles. Chicks can starve because

disturbance prevents them feeding and nests can fail

because disturbance keeps adults from incubating the eggs.

According to Dr Grainne Maguire, project manager of BirdLife

Australia’s Beach-nesting Team, this attraction to our

Mornington Peninsula beaches may be to the detriment of the

species. Of the 28 coastal reserves and national parks

managed by Parks Victoria, the Mornington Peninsula

National Park (MPNP) has the largest number of Hooded

Plovers. From recent surveys, we know there are around 35

breeding pairs plus additional birds actively competing for

these prime territories. Thus the Mornington Peninsula is

home to around 12% of the total Victorian population of 550

Hooded Plovers.

However, this is the dilemma. According to Dr Maguire’s

research, of all the reserves and National Parks managed by

Parks Victoria, the MPNP has in recent years had the lowest

rate of chick survival. So birds are actively and preferentially

taking up breeding sites on Mornington Peninsula beaches

with a very poor likelihood of success.

The Good News

But this season something has changed. It is pleasing to

report that this year the Mornington Peninsula was the most

successful breeding area in the state with 13 chicks fledged.

A remarkable figure considering that in the previous three

breeding seasons there had only been 11 chicks fledge

altogether. The last double digit fledgling count was 10, back

in the 2006/2007 season. So, encouraging news for the

volunteers and communities that donate so much of their

time to the conservation of this species.

The reasons for the success are hard to pinpoint. Better

nest/chick management, public education, community

involvement, fox control, and simple luck are probably some

of the key factors. However the higher fledgling counts must

be maintained over a far longer period before we can really

consider that the population of Hooded Plovers on the

Mornington Peninsula is sustainable.

Parks Victoria, BirdLife Australia and the Friends of the

Hooded Plover Group would like to thank all the volunteers,

community groups and residents for their ongoing support.

The work continues.

For more information contact:[email protected]

Mark Lethlean, The Connector Newsletter: Issue 14

(July - September 2017)

Hooded Plover fledgling and adult in Point Nepean National Park.

Photo by Mark Lethlean

In the field: Lennix, Millie, Meka and Nate planting trees at Boneo

Wetlands after hearing environmentalist Norm McKinlay

talk about ecology. Photo by Yanni

Plantings help learning about nature

Hundreds of newly planted indigenous trees and shrubs will

beautify Boneo Primary School. About 270 pupils planted

them in the gardens outside the main office block and in the

wetlands near the school on Friday's Planet Ark tree planting

day.

Grade 3 teacher Jennifer Ruch said pupils from prep to grade

six planted 300 acacia wirilda and casuarina plants near the

school and 200 dianella, moondah and poa plants in the

wetlands in what has become an annual event. Helpers

included Norm McKinlay, who helped develop the wetlands

from paddocks on the South East Water land.

Ms Ruch said Mr McKinlay, a "very committed community

member", was also involved in the Chinamans Creek

restoration, other tree planting projects, and in showing

pupils the environmental benefits of wetlands. Other helpers

were Rob and Ruby Nigro and Jarrod Ruch.

"The kids adored the day," Ms Ruch said. "They were very

excited when pointing out what they had planted."

Donated plants came from Peninsula Plants of Fingal, and

Kareela Bush Nursery of Bittern.

Southern Peninsula News, 1 August 2017



September 2017 7

Friends of Daangean attack pittosporum at

Devilbend

The monthly pitto attack began in February this year. It was

a late start in the morning however a big crew pitched in,

which was wonderful to see. SEEDS, a contracting business,

had been in Woodland Break for the preceding week and had

made a sizeable dent in the pitto population.

In March the pittosporum plants in an area not weeded for

some time were sizable, though relatively easy to pull out.

The FoD team is now dealing with a veritable forest of pittos

and encountering a sprinkling of boneseed that looks to be a

few years old and bearing fruit.

Now and then when some back straightening is required I

saw a mouse-like animal (perhaps an Antechinus) scuttle up

the trunk of a dead tree and down into the hollow where the

top had broken off some time ago.

April was wet underfoot and damp overhead, but not enough

to force us to quit - such is the dedication of some! Fungi are

making an appearance and the greenhood orchids are

pushing their leaves through in readiness for the next

flowering season. There’s much to see when you gaze at the

ground for extended periods.

Hansi Wegner photographed a pig in Devilbend. It’s a piglet

so I wonder if the rest of the family is there too.

Marnie Fitzsimons, Friends of Daangean Coordinator,

Devilbend Foundation Newsletter May 2017

‘Who gives a crap’ about environment?

A youth Environmental Forum at The Briars last week gave

students from schools in the region the chance to learn more

about human environmental impacts and solutions.

Arranged by Frankston Council, with help from the Frankston

High School eco team, the day was about educating students

to become better environmental leaders to educate their own

school communities.

Students from Mount Erin, McClelland, Padua, Monterey

and John Paul colleges and Frankston High School enjoyed

the day funded by Frankston Council, ethical fashion brand

Etiko and toilet tissue company Who Gives a Crap? that

donates 50 per cent of its profits to building toilets in the

developing world.

“It is hoped this might be the beginning of an interschool

network in which students from neighbouring schools can

share ideas, advice, projects — the sky’s the limit,”

Frankston High’s sustainability coordinator Brendan McKinnon

said.

The Australian Youth Climate Coalition helped students form

a plan of action to spread the word about how school

students can look after the environment.

“We hope to reconvene as a group to find out how teams are

progressing with their projects and to see that some new

environmental initiatives in schools have been set in motion,”

Mr McKinnon said.

Southern Peninsula News, 23 May 2017

Julie in the pitto forest. Photo by Marnie Fitzsimons

Big group effort: School students mucked in at The Briars to learn about

how humans can have an impact on the environment. Photo by Yanni

Tackling botulism bird scare

Council officers and volunteers are continuing to patrol for

dead birds at Mornington’s Civic Reserve after an outbreak of

suspected avian botulism.

The number of dead or sick birds has dramatically decreased

since more than 40 waterfowl were found dead in the lakes

last month.

“The shire has erected signage to discourage feeding the

birds … as it is not good for the birds and causes nutrient

problems in the water,” said council’s natural systems team

leader Simon Thorning. “Officers also are investigating other

actions including aeration and improved water circulation …

together with introduction of some bank and in-water native

vegetation to improve habitat variety.”

Mornington Peninsula Leader, May 23 2017

Victorian Biodiversity Atlas

For bird information check out the Victorian

Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) data at:

http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-

wildlife/biodiversity/victorian-biodiversity-atlas

http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/victorian-biodiversity-atlas

http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/biodiversity/victorian-biodiversity-atlas

Outings


EVERYBODY’S WELCOME

Outings are held on the second Wednesday and third Sunday

of the month, except in January, and are cancelled on total

fire ban days.

Newcomers, beginners and visitors are welcome and

members will help you with the birds. Binoculars for casual

use are available on every outing. Bring lunch (optional) and

a folding chair for bird call and chat.

To ensure the health the safety of everyone at outings,

participants need to take responsibility for their personal

safety. To assist with this, the Committee provides the

following guidelines.

1. Wear name tag (write emergency contact name and

phone number on the reverse side)

2. Wear suitable footwear i.e. closed shoes or boots

3. For areas where snakes are likely, wear gaiters

4. Always carry items you may need e.g. water, snacks,

personal first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, your

name and residential address and, if you have one, a mobile

phone with battery charged

5. Remain with the group at all times and advise leader or

"whip" if you intend to leave before the walk ends.

For more information about an outing contact Max Burrows

on 0429 947 893 or the leader listed.

Max Burrows, Outings Coordinator

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Leader Phone

Wed 13 Sep 9.00 Braeside Park, Braeside Meet 9.00 at car park off Governor Road near corner of Springvale

Road. Mel 93 F2

Max Burrows 0429947893

Sun 17 Sep 9.00 Buckley Reserve, Merricks North Meet 9.00 at corner of Balnarring Road and Myers Road.

Mel 162 H7

Larry Wakefield 0422871184

Wed 11 Oct 9.00 Tootgarook Wetlands Meet 9.00 at car park equestrian centre, entrance off Boneo Road

after Rosebud Country Club and before Browns Road. Mel 170 A9

David Ap-

Thomas

9787 6691

0429939036

Sun 22 Oct 9.00 What Bird is That, The Briars Visitor

Centre Nepean Highway Mt Martha

Meet 9.00 in car park. Activities include bird walks, displays,

information table, theatrette presentation and morning tea and a

chat. All welcome. Mel 145 E12


Wed 8 Nov 9.00 Langwarrin Retarding Basin

/Stringybark Reserve

Meet 9.00 at corner of North Road and Leisureland Drive (West

end). Mel 136 C9.


Sun 19 Nov 9.00 Western Treatment Plant, Werribee

Meet 7.00 at the Baxter Tavern car park; enter off Baxter/Tooradin

Road. We will proceed in convoy to the plant. Bookings (to Max)

essential. Mel 107 B4

John Barkla

Max Burrows

0417382966

0429947893

Sun 26 Nov 9.00 Dunns Creek Winery Red Hill Xmas

outing

Meet 9.00 at property, 137 McIlroys Road Red Hill. Mel 191D1.

Bring plate to share after outing.

Hannah Stuart-

Andrews

0413020467

Wed 13 Dec 9.00 Flinders Beach, Flinders Meet 9.00 at second carpark enter off Golf Links Road through golf

course and into Mushroom Reef viewing area. Mel 261 K10.

Penny Johns 0419366507

Sun 17 Dec No outing Xmas outing on 26 November.

THE BRIARS, MT MARTHA

Larry Wakefield: Wednesday 10 May

Species recorded: 45

Well, here we are again at the 2017 AGM. A cloudy day but

no wind and dry under foot, and a large flock of attendees

are ready to spend an hour before the AGM to see what’s

along the trail. With plenty of eyes and ears and the quality

of the habitat, even in one hour, the collective chalked up

forty-five species. Instead of citing the usual species, it is

probably better to highlight what was unusual on the walk.

Plenty of species were logged by their calls and it took a

while and sharp eyes to pick up the bird in question. At the

beginning, there was a dozen or so Purple Swamphen grazing

in the paddock adjacent to the main enclosure. A pair of

Black Swan was seen in the little billabong keeping an eye on

their cygnets. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo put in an

appearance. Although Little Wattlebirds were seen, no one

saw or heard a Red Wattlebird. No Common Blackbirds were

seen or heard.

On the way to the lookout, a pair of King Parrots was seen

resting in a tree on the side of the track. Remarkably, this i

Barbara and George leading the charge back to morning tea.

Photo by Danny Vits

the first record of this species in the BirdLife Mornington

Peninsula database for The Briars. Another species that has

been registered for the first time on outings at The Briars is

an Australian Hobby that made a brief over-flight at the

visitors centre as people were leaving the AGM.

Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha

Outings

September 2017 9

TYABB BUSHLAND RESERVE, TYABB

Danny Vits: Sunday 21 May


On Sunday 21 May 2017 Danny Vits led us on an outing at

the Tyabb Bushland Reserve. This is a new location for an

outing, recently discovered by Danny and it was well worth

visiting. It doesn’t seem to be anywhere near Tyabb and is

closer to Pearcedale.

At the entrance gate to the reserve there is a turning circle

where we parked and studied the birdlife on the large dam

just over the fence. Australasian Shoveler was the pick of the

birds, there were at least four. Pacific Black Duck and

Chestnut Teal were in the company of a couple of white

ducks, a Muscovy cross and a Black Duck/Mallard cross.

Eurasian Coot and Dusky Moorhens busied themselves

around the pond and Purple Swamphens foraged on the

grass. A White-faced Heron flapped laboriously away.

The reserve has a lot of old gum trees, some dead, some

dying but many in good condition. It also had plenty of Bell

Miners although we noticed that these were mainly in the

centre area and the other birds were closer to the edges. At

the end of one of the tracks we looked out across grape vines

with a great collection of little birds. The bird of the day was

the Flame Robin. A pair perched on the wires and flew down

to collect a tasty morsel then back up to the wire. The orange

front of the male was brilliant in the sunlight. Yellow-rumped

Thornbills, Red-browed Finches, Silvereyes and Superb Fairy-

wrens kept us busy.

Spotted and Striated Pardalotes called from the trees and

occasionally perched on a dead twig and gave us a sighting.

A male Spotted Pardalote was in magnificent plumage, so

colourful. Red Wattlebirds were in good numbers and calling

loudly. We also had Little Wattlebirds. The Rainbow Lorikeets

screeched loudly all around us and were seen checking out a

nest hollow; were they late for last season or early for the

next?

At the far end of the reserve we came across a hot spot of

honeyeaters. New Holland, Yellow-faced, White-eared and

White-plumed Honeyeaters all congregated in a couple of

trees keeping us busy trying to sort them out. Grey Fantails

and Eastern Spinebills added to the bird activity. In the

distance a Grey Butcherbird let us know that he should be on

the bird list.

A total of forty-one species was recorded, an excellent count

for a relatively small area. This is one place we will certainly

be returning to. Thanks very much to Danny for leading us to

this great reserve.

David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza

Birdlist: Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Hardhead,

Australasian Shoveler, Australian White Ibis, Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian

Coot, Masked Lapwing, Rainbow Lorikeet, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairy-

wren, Brown Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote,

Striated Pardalote, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-

eared Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Little

Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Black-

faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, Australian

Magpie, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Little Raven, Magpie-lark, Eastern

Yellow Robin, Flame Robin, Silvereye, Bell Miner, Welcome Swallow,

Common Blackbird, Common Myna, Common Starling, Red-browed Finch.

Peter Gerdsen leading the way at Tyabb bushland reserve.

Photo by Danny Vits

Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Stony Creek Road outing.

Photo by Con Duyvestyn

STONY CREEK ROAD RED HILL

David Ap-Thomas: Wednesday 14 June


A chilly and foggy start to the day driving to Red Hill. We

were greeted by our outing leader, David Ap-Thomas,

characteristically clutching his morning coffee near the road

intersection. He directed us up the dirt road to Pardalote Rise

where we were to park. The road is bordered by picturesque

rural properties, descending to a dense fern gully, then rising

to some near-pristine bush of tall Eucalypts and shrubby

understory. We passed Con who was parked beside the road,

but discovered later that he was photographing three

Wedge-tailed Eagles perching low in roadside trees! Twenty-

three people parked and gathered, watched by some curious

Alpacas in the nearby paddock.

We headed off back down the road, and were amazed at the

representation of parrots in the tall timbers - Little Corellas

and Sulphur-crested Cockatoos flew noisily together, Eastern

and Crimson Rosellas fluttered about, and King Parrots were

calling to each other. We had some good views of the King

Parrots feeding out in the open on some Mistletoe. Later on

we could see a pair of Galahs high up, with one doing some

excavation on a tree hollow. Rainbow and Musk Lorikeets

were seen feeding in the tree-tops.

Outings


A few small birds were seen and heard in the shrubbery;

Brown and Striated Thornbills, acrobatic Grey Fantails, and

Spotted Pardalote and White-throated Treecreeper. Also on

the day an Olive-backed Oriole was seen (heard here before

on a previous outing), and a Grey Currawong was heard.

The three Wedge-tailed Eagles were seen later circling above

in the (now blue) skies. It had warmed up a little, and the

breeze had stiffened, but we found patches of sunlight to

stand in along the road! Honeyeaters were represented by

Noisy Miner, Red Wattlebird, and Yellow-faced. A male

Golden Whistler was also spotted on the way back. A list of

new birds recorded for the area (including the Wedge-tailed

Eagles, currawong and oriole already mentioned) – Crested

Pigeon, Little Wattlebird, Mistletoebird, Red-browed Finch.

David advised that as he left, a Willie Wagtail appeared on a

vineyard fence, so it was included too! The total of birds was

a most-satisfying forty-five - not bad for a cold wintry

morning.

Thanks to David for leading us, and to the rest of the birders

for providing great company.

Pam Hearn, Mt Martha

POINT LEO RESERVE, POINT LEO

Denis Goss: Sunday 18 June


On a sunny, clear and calm morning fourteen of us (including

visitors) had the perfect conditions for winter birding at this

very attractive reserve.

From the car park opposite the General Store, Denis led us

down to the boardwalk alongside East Creek where Eastern

Yellow Robins were quietly hunting in the undergrowth. We

heard the calls of Brown and Striated Thornbill, Yellow-faced

Honeyeater and Spotted Pardalote. Red Wattlebirds were

there too (and everywhere else throughout our walk). Grey

Shrike-thrushes were about but we generally heard just a

single clear note. (Before meeting the others, I spied two

Common Bronzewing in the adjacent campground). Over to

the beach with its lovely views across to Phillip Island, a gust

of Silvereyes flew over. An Australasian Gannet cruised in the

distance, highlighted by the sun. On the rocky shelf were

Little Pied Cormorant, Silver Gull, just one Crested Tern and

a White-faced Heron further away. A group of campers had

the perfect sunny spot on a sheltered grassy area adjacent to

the beach. Looking up the treed slope we glimpsed, and

heard, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters. We also admired the

beautiful rich brown flowers of the sheoaks.

Walking up from the beach we heard Brown Thornbill and the

soft calls of Striated Pardalote. Two Crimson Rosellas flew

over, as well as two Australian White Ibis. A Golden Whistler

was also heard nearby.

The vegetation here includes banksias, melaleucas,

eucalypts, casuarinas, sheoaks and wattles, some of which

were in flower or had flower spikes waiting to burst forth. At

various points surfboard-shaped information signs were

installed highlighting the geology (this is a basalt coastline

with old lava flows) surfing, wetlands, animals, birds.

Approaching the small wetland we encountered Rainbow

Are Cheryl, Pam, Geoff and Barbara rugged up enough for birding

at Stony Creek Road? Photo by Danny Vits

Crested Pigeon, Stony Creek Road outing. Photo by Con Duyvestyn

Lorikeets flying and feeding in eucalypts and Noisy Miners in

the open grassland. In and near the small reedy wetland

were Grey Butcherbird, Magpie-lark and Masked Lapwing.

Eastern Rosellas flew over, as did one Musk Lorikeet.

We wound our way along gravel and sandy paths through

the quiet and grassy campgrounds, observing from a

vantage point surfers waiting for a wave and a stand-up

paddleboarder catching one. More Welcome Swallows swirled

around here. Further on, a bouncing group of Superb Fairy-

wrens appeared and we heard Crescent and Yellow-Faced

Honeyeater. Returning to the car park, on the roadside

verges were some Australian Wood Ducks, a little group of

Galahs, and a Masked Lapwing. A few Rainbow Lorikeets flew

over.

At Birdcall we recorded thirty-five species.

The five of us who had lunch in one of the picnic areas were

pestered by two juvenile Australian Magpies whose

persistently loud calls were such that we had to raise our

voices to be heard. Despite not being given any food, they

wouldn't give up. A Grey Butcherbird with strikingly sharp

colours, also swooped down, snapped up something from a

nearby table and flew off with it.

This was a terrific winter outing in ideal conditions and we

thank Denis for turning on such a good day.

Susan Clark, Mornington

Outings

September 2017 11

COOLART RESERVE, SOMERS

Max Burrows: Wednesday 12 July


Thirty members arrived for our annual Coolart in-house talk

preceded by morning tea in the observatory. David Coutts

who has been the manager of BirdLife Australia’s Clarkesdale

Sanctuary at Linton in Victoria’s central district for over

twenty years presented this year’s talk. David gave us a

history of the property and how it became a bird sanctuary

and ultimately a BOCA reserve and now a BirdLife property.

The original owner Gordon Clarke was a pastoralist who was

a very keen bird lover and he ensured that the property was

managed to promote the districts flora and fauna. The

property has camping facilities and is managed jointly by

BirdLife, Parks Victoria and Trust for Nature and is open to

the public. We thanked David for his talk and we proceeded

to the bird hide at the lagoon for a bit of bird watching.

A total of thirty-one species seen, the highlights being

Australian King-Parrots flying in the general area of the

mansion and a report of a Crested Shrike-tit seen in the

adjacent woodlands. Other birds of note were a flock of Red-

browed Finches, Australian Ravens, Brown Goshawk and

Swamp Harrier. Some of us then adjourned for lunch whilst

most departed for warmer conditions.

Max Burrows, Langwarrin

BALDRY CROSSING, MAIN RIDGE

David Ap-Thomas: Sunday 16 July


It was a typical Melbourne winter’s day, cold, windy, cloudy

and nine hardy souls attended the Baldry’s Crossing outing.

Actually, we all enjoyed the walk and good company and we

did see the occasional bird. There were lots of fungi to

admire and we all enjoyed the grasstrees and other

vegetation.

As we gathered at the crossing a pair of Australian Wood

Ducks was making their amorous mewing calls on a large

tree in the adjacent paddock. A Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

flew away with much ado and then we were able to hear the

Rainbow Lorikeets squabbling noisily in the trees. A few Musk

Lorikeets and Galahs flew over. Keith showed us the nest

where an Olive-backed Oriole had nested last summer. As we

walked along the creek, a group of Yellow-tailed Black-

Cockatoos moved restlessly in nearby trees with a juvenile

continuously squawking to let his mother know that he was

hungry. Striated Thornbills were very busy going through the

treetops in search of food whilst a few Brown Thornbills and

Grey Fantails searched lower down. A pair of Australian King

Parrots gave us time to get a good look before they flew

away.

Further down the track Superb Fairy-wrens were present in

good numbers and White-browed Scrubwrens skulked in the

Female Australian King Parrot at Coolart.

Superb Fairy-wren at Coolart. Photos by Con Duyvestyn

undergrowth. Eastern Yellow Robins put on a good show for

us although their colour wasn’t very bright at this time of the

year.

Honeyeaters were hard to see but we did hear White-eared,

Yellow-faced and Eastern Spinebills. Even the Red

Wattlebirds were strangely quiet and a lone Little Wattlebird

was seen. A Grey Currawong called a few times but stayed

hidden. A Common Blackbird scolded us near the end. A

Mistletoebird did one call every minute or so making it very

hard to find him/her in the mistletoe in the treetops.

As we ate our lunch at the end of the walk a flock of Little

Ravens flew over and a lone Straw-necked Ibis. These birds

took our total species to thirty-three, a very creditable

number for a cold winter’s day.


Baldrys bird list: Australian Wood Duck, Straw-necked Ibis, Yellow-tailed

Black-Cockatoo, Galah, Little Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow

Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Laughing

Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, White-

browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote,

Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater,

Little Wattlebird, Red Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater, Black-faced

Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Shrike-thrush, Australian Magpie, Grey Currawong,

Grey Fantail, Little Raven, Eastern Yellow Robin, Common Blackbird,

Common Starling, Mistletoebird.

Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys


THREE SPECIES OF EAGLE AT ETP

28 May 2017: Many mounds of overburden and harvested

waste have been removed. Seventy-three bird species were

logged of which thirty-four were wetland dependant, (six

were shorebirds), eight were raptors and thirty-one were

non-wetland dependant.

Highlights included three species of Eagle, (one White-bellied

Sea-Eagle, two Wedge-tailed Eagles and our first Little Eagle

of the winter), present on the same day. Spiny-cheeked

Honeyeaters have arrived for the winter and Yellow-faced

Honeyeaters (two) put in one of their rare appearances.

Hirundines were conspicuous with both Fairy Martins (four)

and Tree Martins (three) joining at least 500 Welcome

Swallows over the Aeration Ponds and adjacent Sludge

Drying Pans. Waterfowl were sheltering from the wind behind

vegetation and levy banks.

25 June 2015: Sixty-seven bird species were logged of which

twenty-nine were wetland dependant, (six were shorebirds),

nine were raptors and twenty-nine were non-wetland

dependant. Highlights included a Little Eagle and a pair of

Collared Sparrowhawks. In general waterfowl numbers are

well down. The numbers of wintering Black-fronted Dotterels

now exceeds 100. As usual in these conditions (strong cold

wind) bush-birds were difficult to find.

23 July 2017: Sixty bird species were logged of which

twenty-seven were wetland dependant, (six were

shorebirds), six were raptors and twenty-seven were non-

wetland dependant. Windy conditions and rain meant that

birds retired to the protection of thick vegetation where they

could not be seen. Waterfowl numbers are down again with

some species (e.g. Pink-eared Ducks) totally absent.

Hoary-headed Grebe in non-breeding (winter) plumage at Boggy Creek.

Photo by Alison Kuiter

Hoary-headed Grebe winter plumage

Note that the generally brown rather than grey plumage and

especially the reddish tones on the breast, at first glance

suggest that this could be an Australasian Grebe. However,

the lower border of the dark cap passing below the eye is

diagnostic of Hoary-headed Grebe.

Mike Carter, Mornington

Two of three juvenile Black-shouldered Kites at the ETP on 28 May.

Because they are newly fledged we believe they were reared locally.

Photo by Alison Kuiter

White-faced Herons at the ETP. Photo by Andrew McCutcheon

Golden-headed Cisticola at Boggy Creek. Photo by Alison Kuiter

Brown Falcon at ETP. Photo by Andrew McCutcheon

Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys

September 2017 13

AVOCETS, DOTTERELS AND DARTER AT BANYAN

14 May 2017: We accessed all areas. No cattle present.

Forty-eight species were recorded of which twenty-three are

wetland-dependent or raptors. Highlights were two Red-

necked Avocets and fourteen Red-kneed Dotterels.

11 June 2017: Forty-five species were recorded of which

twenty are wetland-dependent or raptors. The highlight was

a near adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle. Fairy Martins usually fly

north for the winter but two were still present today. An

Australasian Darter resting on the shore of the Paddock was

a first for there.

9 July 2017: Thirty-five species were recorded of which

eighteen are wetland-dependent or raptors.

Excavator has progressed in a downstream direction clearing

reeds etc. from Rossiter Drain (depositing spoil on top of

northern bank) as far as western boundary of Paddock,

opening-up choked drain. The western section of the Paddock

now excised and fenced off as an extension to the Turf Farm

has been totally cleared of gorse and other vegetation, burnt,

ploughed in and levelled. A pair of Common Bronzewing was

feeding under the dividing fence.

AUSTRALASIAN BITTERN AT BOGGY CREEK

14 May 2017: Only fifteen bird species (thirteen of which are

wetland dependant or raptors) were logged here today.

Wetland bird numbers are way down; e.g. last month there

were forty-two Eurasian Coots but none today. After a dry

period, late autumn has been fairly wet. Perhaps

accumulated pollutants from EastLink have been washed into

this cleansing wetland.

11 June 2017: Only eleven bird species (seven of which are


Variety and abundance are at very low levels. We suspect

one contributing factor is that this wetland is very

overgrown.

9 July 2017: Seventeen bird species (eleven of which are


Variety and abundance continue to be at very low levels

probably because it is very overgrown. An Australasian

Bittern was seen flying up from Boggy Creek by Alison Kuiter

(a regular counter here) as she drove past on the Mornington

Peninsula Freeway just as Dawn and I were exiting Banyan

PEREGRINE FALCON AND COMMON BRONZEWINGS AT SERPENTINE

14 May 2017: Shorebird habitat is available on the

Serpentine; harvesting of sludge drying pans continues.

Thirty-nine species of birds were logged of which eighteen

are wetland dependant or raptors. Diversity of wetland birds

is stable but abundance has decreased. A Peregrine Falcon

was a highlight and Common Bronzewings are back.

Red-necked Avocet at the Banyan Paddock. Photo by Mike Carter

Yellow-billed Spoonbill feeding at the Serpentine. Photo by Dawn Neylan

Eurasian Skylark at Banyan. Photo by Mike Carter

11 June 2017: Thirty-six species of birds were logged of

which nineteen are wetland dependant or raptors. Diversity

is stable but abundance of wetland birds has decreased. The

highlight was the good variety of raptors (7) including Little

Eagle and Collared Sparrowhawk.

9 July 2017: Shorebird habitat is available on some full and

fallow sludge drying pans where rainwater has collected.

Thirty-four species of birds were logged of which fourteen

are wetland dependant or raptors. The highlights included

three Red-necked Stints and two Tree Sparrows. All the

hirundines that were on the external wetlands today, which

included two Fairy Martins, were here.


Birdwatching/photographing in Queensland


OSPREYS AND OTHER BIRDS

Since the last Mornington Peninsula Birdlife newsletter I have

had the good fortune to be able to visit two regions in

Queensland that offer excellent birdwatching and

photographing opportunities.

The first trip consisted of a month-long visit to the Sunshine

Coast, essentially a family holiday, but with access to many

great birding locations. Our residence was near the Mountain

Creek, a tributary of the Mooloolah River and the locals have

been active in preserving a strip along this creek as a reserve

which has recorded over 100 species of birds, including

kingfishers, many parrots, waterfowl etc. Walks through the

reserve presented different observations and photo

opportunities each time.

However, the most exciting activities related to a family of

Eastern Osprey that occupy a man-made platform at the

Mooloolaba spit. At present this family consists of two adults

and a young from last breeding season. I was able to spend

time with these birds on a number of days and learned a lot

about their behaviour. The immature bird was obviously still

very much in the learning phase and spent most time on the

platform, usually with the female at hand while the male

seemed to spend little time there. The nest had been

completely blown away by cyclone Debbie so I was able to

witness the female bringing in material to slowly restore it,

presumably for the next breeding season. The only time I

saw all three birds together was at a group bath-time in the

shallows of the river. As I observed the birds it gave me

some capacity to anticipate behaviours, both on the platform

and in flight patterns and this led to some exciting

photographic sessions, including shots of the female catching

a fish and of actions around the platform, which I could

photograph from a knoll amongst the trees.

The second trip was a dedicated birding week with Tim van

Leeuwen covering Cairns, Julatten and the Daintree areas.

We spent five days at Kingfisher Park, Julatten, where the

hosts, Carol and Andrew Iles have set up a reserve designed

to attract birds and other wildlife. I estimate that in the first

two days there I recorded at least twenty ‘lifers’. One of the

outstanding sites at this park is a fallen tree that has an

indentation in its trunk that is kept filled with water. This tree

is close to both low and high level shelter for birds so that

they can approach safely, have a quick bath, and then

disappear again, and many species make use of it in the

latter hours of the day. From a photographer’s point of view

it is a dream setting, (it was about 20 metres from my tent)

as we could set up our cameras on tripods, sit back with a

drink, and wait for the birds to arrive. This scenario gave me

lots of opportunities to practice flash photography, something

I had not done much of before with birds. Whilst here we

also made a day trip to the Daintree where we spent more

than three hours on the river with Ian (Sauce) Worcester and

also managed to drive up to Cape Tribulation to see the

mandatory cassowaries – we saw a single female and a male

with three juveniles.

As is always the case, the times were too short and we rued

all the missed shots. However, being able to experience so

much of our living heritage in such a short time made me

even more appreciative of the wealth that we have in this

vast land and thirsty to be able to experience and share

more of it in the future.

Con Duyvestyn, Mornington

Eastern Ospreys, immature and adult, at nest.

Eastern Osprey with fish.

Double-eyed Fig-Parrot; Macleay’s Honeyeater.

Whimbrel. Photos by Con Duyvestyn

Observations

September 2017 15

INTERESTING SIGHTINGS

These reports, some from Birdline Victoria, are not authenticated records. Researchers are advised to check with the

observers before citing. Please report your sightings, for example arrival and departure dates of migrants, to Val Ford: 5981

1445 or [email protected]

Hooked by a fishing line

At Devilbend on 18 May about 1530 I notice that a Black

Swan has one of its legs hooked by a fishing lure attached to

fishing line and cannot free itself. Presumably freed a bit

later by a couple I encountered one of whom was equipped

with a boxcutter knife as wildlife rescue volunteer Jenny

Bryant could not find the bird about 1630. Let’s hope so as it

would have been easy prey for a fox during the night.

Not a nice encounter on an otherwise fine afternoon.

Danny Vits, Mornington

Large number of black cockatoos

On our way home from the survey at Cranbourne on 29 June

Liz and I saw a large flock of fairly large dark birds as we

were coming through Hastings. Our immediate reaction was

a big flock of Straw-necked Ibis, but we soon realised that

the closest half dozen were cockatoos.

As I looked more closely I realised they were all Yellow-tailed

Black-Cockatoos. I estimate that there were at least 200

Black Swan, hooked by fishing line at Devilbend. Photo by Danny Vits

birds, possibly up to twice that number. The flock was rather

a ragged affair, with small groups dispersing out from the

main group and a second large group in the distance to the

west. It was quite a sight.

Peter Gower, Balnarring

Date Species Location Comments Observer

Jan Satin Flycatcher (1, m) Cape Schanck Stayed at 123 Cape Schanck Road for two weeks. Stuart Cousland

April Mistletoebird (2, m & f) Cape Schanck Stayed at 123 Cape Schanck Road for all of April. Stuart Cousland

6.5.17 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (3)

Wedge-tailed Eagle (2)

Rosebud

Red Hill

Perched in tree over the road from our house.

Flying over the trees at Red Hill Market.

Rosalba Catena

8.5.17 Powerful Owl (1) Tyabb Low in a Tea-tree at Gordon Rolfe Reserve. Keith Caldecott

9.5.17 Olive-backed Oriole (1, imm) Cape Schanck At 123 Cape Schanck Road. Second oriole sighting in 22 years. Stuart Cousland

10.5.17 Flame Robin (7) Greens Bush Two males and five females or immatures. Mark Lethlean

15.5.17 Ruddy Turnstone (7) Rye Ocean Beach Rosalba Catena

24.5.17 Barking Owl (1) Blairgowrie Asleep in a tree in our backyard. Bob Dunball

30.5.17 Cattle Egret (30) Mornington In paddocks north of Tyabb Rd near on-ramp to Pen Link. Pam Hearn

31.5.17 Hoary-headed Grebe (12) Rosebud beach Often seen in Port Phillip Bay at this time of the year. Val Ford

31.5.17 Flame Robin (1, m) Portsea Golf Course They arrive every year at this time. Bob Dunball

May Crescent Honeyeater (1) Cape Schanck At 123 Cape Schanck Road for all of May. Stuart Cousland

3.6.17 Long-billed Corella Mornington With a large group of Little Corellas. Mike Carter

6.6.17 Australian King-Parrot (1, m) Langwarrin At Parkvalley Crescent. Max Burrows

7.6.17 Little Egret (1) Portsea Golf Course Sue Dunball

8.6.17 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (5) Mt Martha Feeding in a Hakea just outside our bedroom window. Pam Hearn

10.6.17 Ruddy Turnstone (8) St Andrews Beach Mixing and getting on well with the Hooded Plovers. Ross Brewer

20.6.17 Australian King-Parrot (2) Flinders Seen whilst I was playing golf. Bob Dunball

22.6.17 Powerful Owl (1) Devilbend Opposite Bittern Reservoir car park. Denis Goss et al

29.6.17 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Hastings Flock of 200 to 400 birds. Peter Gower

1.7.17 White-necked Heron (2) Tuerong Have been visiting a friend’s private property in recent weeks. Danny Vits

5.7.17 Cattle Egret (60+) Moorooduc Derril/Eramosa Roads. Biggest flock I have seen on peninsula. Max Burrows

24.7.17 Red-browed Finch (35) Barragunda, Cape Schanck It’s very unusual to see a flock of that size in this district. Stuart Cousland

Observations


Birding at The Mornington Village

Australasian Grebe and Dusky Moorhen on our lake

Knowing of my interest in birds, one day in mid-May, my

neighbour Carol Jones, told me that during her regular early

morning walk she had seen an unusual bird on ‘The Lake’.

From her description, because she told me that it was diving

under the water and because it is a relatively small body of

water, I suspected that it was probably an Australasian

Grebe. Thereafter she saw it almost daily.

On 2 June, I found some time to check it out for myself. It

was indeed an Australasian Grebe, an adult in breeding

plumage. It had joined the resident Pacific Black Ducks,

Eurasian Coots and Australian Wood Ducks. And another

stranger was also there, an immature Dusky Moorhen. Both

are welcome visitors to our Village.


Birding at The Village Glen

Butcherbird doing what the books say

Although the May morning was cool and overcast for most of

the time, thirteen attendees enjoyed birding in windless

conditions. Thirty-four species were seen, not counting two

egrets which flew overhead. They were probably Little

Egrets, but identification was not confirmed.

The highlight of the morning was the sighting of three

Wedge-tailed Eagles high in the sky out over the swamp

beyond the golf course. One was being harassed by a raven.

There was also one Australasian Grebe on the golf course

lake and a group of eight Hardheads. We all had very good

looks at the Hardhead’s plumage and the differences

between the males and females before we went home to

consult our bird guides for more information.

Celia had a youngish Grey Butcherbird in her garden on 14

May. She watched it with prey, probably a small brown frog

which it wedged between the angle of two small branches

about six inches from the ground, while it tried to eat some

before flying off, still with the prey in its beak. Only her

second time seeing a butcherbird doing just what the books

say!

Three eucalypts beside Val’s villa have been flowing since the

beginning of May. From first light until dusk Red and Little

Wattlebirds are seen and heard feasting on the nectar rich

flowers. Rainbow and Musk Lorikeets come and go

throughout the day. When the wattlebirds land on a Silver

Birch between feeding bouts young birds were observed

which indicates they are still breeding.

Perfect birding weather

Six birders had great views of forty-one species on our June

birdwalk. The weather, sunny and no wind, was perfect. Out

the back of the village, whilst looking into and over

Tootgarook Swamp, beautiful Golden-headed Cisticolas gave

us wonderful ‘look at me’ moments as they zipped through

and above the reeds.

At Hub Lake a raven was observed collecting small feathers

from the grass to line its nest with. Elsewhere thornbills and

other birds were seen chasing each other.

Australasian Grebe on The Mornington Village lake.

Immature Dusky Moorhen on the lake. Photos by Mike Carter

A Crested Pigeon was heard taking off, but not seen. Have

you heard a startled Crested Pigeon take off with a

characteristic whistling sound, which is produced by air

passing over a modified primary feather on the wing?

Raven gathering sticks and a Mistletoebird enjoyed

One of the most delightful colours in nature is the brilliant

lime green on the rump of an Eastern Rosella. Recently I was

afforded a wonderful close up of an adult male as it fed on

the grass in full sun just a couple of feet from me as I sat in

the car. This small parrot with its red, white, green, black,

blue and yellow colours must surely be one of Victoria's most

underappreciated birds.

On 24 July a Little Raven was observed carefully gathering

thin, even length sticks near the Sports Building before flying

off with a beak full. Slowly lengthening days trigger a nest-

building response in many species - so keep your eyes open

for nesting activity as spring approaches.

The July walk was very successful with thirty-six species

identified in the Village. The best sighting was arguably a

real gem - a Mistletoebird spotted in a tree near the Hub.

Celia Browne and Val Ford, Capel Sound

Observations

September 2017 17

Birding at Braeside

Braeside Park has for many years been a favourite birding

venue for me. Whilst not part of the Mornington Peninsula it

is within very easy access from my Mornington home thanks

to Peninsula Link and the Frankston freeway. In the 1990’s I

lived closer still in the Carrum/Patterson Lakes area and

following an “episode” in 1994 Braeside Park became part of

my rehabilitation program. Initially jogging the 5kms circuit

was followed by the easier options of cycling then walking

and finally birdwatching pace.

During the Millennium Drought most of the wetlands, as

elsewhere, dried up and the park lost most of its

birdwatching appeal.

Today, 22 May 2017, the situation is much better and it

being a glorious autumn day I decided on a morning visit.

Typically for this time of the year it was very, very quiet.

Only the Noisy Miners being well, noisy. My first encounter

was of a Cattle Egret and a Rainbow Lorikeet sharing the

same dead tree. Plenty of Chestnut Teal, Eurasian Coot, a

few Pacific Black Ducks, half a dozen Blue-billed Ducks one of

whom I mistook for a female Freckled Duck, Little Pied and

Little Black Cormorants, a couple of Pelicans, Black Swans,

an Eastern Great Egret and an Australasian Darter with what

appeared like some detritus stuck on the end of its bill.

There was a working bee of about six or seven volunteers

busily rebuilding the viewing platform that collapsed last

year. That is the viewing platform from which we spotted the

Australasian Bittern on our last Braeside outing.

In the paddocks adjoining the industrial estate the local

resident Swamp Harrier was circling around for a morsel. And

then in the dried out cut grass three Flame Robins, two

males and a female. Always a pleasant sight. Further along in

some bushes, Red-browed Finches and Superb fairy-wrens.

After leaving I reflected on the fact that I had neither seen

nor heard any Sulphur Crested Cockatoos usually the first

bird you hear or see at Braeside.

Danny Vits, Mornington

Seen from Edithvale Wetlands bird hide

Swamp Harrier takes coot

This event was amazing to watch. The harrier dropped onto

the coot and held it under water trying to drown it, but

obviously the water is cold and harrier didn't need wet

feathers so it took off and then attempted to drown it again,

with same outcome. Next time it tried to carry the coot off,

but dropped it before it got to shoreline.... and then gave up.

Hope it got dinner eventually.

Alison Kuiter, Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands

Facebook page

Hobby takes grebe

On Sunday 9 July 2017 we observe that the water birds are

once again disturbed and assume the disturbance has been

caused by a Swamp Harrier doing a regular flyover.

Then with eyes glued to the left hand side of the hide we

watch an Australian Hobby quickly and sharply descend and

pull out of the descent before hitting the water, then fly up

Flame Robin at Braeside Park.

Australasian Darter at Braeside Park. Photos by Danny Vits

Swamp Harrier takes Eurasian Coot at Edithvale Wetland.

Photo by Damian Huss

and repeat the dive and pullout. On the third attempt it picks

up a Hoary-headed Grebe and flies off with grebe in its

talons. When it was at the top of its dive cycle it hovered

when getting itself ready for another dive.

When I volunteered for bird hide duty at Edithvale wetlands I

hadn’t realised that I would be getting the best seats to the

greatest shows in town!

Val Ford, Capel Sound

Observations


Tree and Fairy Martins

Both Tree and Fairy Martins usually move north into warmer

climes for winter but when surveying ETP on 25 June 2017

we had both.

On an annual basis, overall in Victoria these species are

about equally abundant. However, in summer at the ETP,

Fairy Martin is by far the most common. This is because that

species likes to nest under bridges and culverts over water

whereas Tree Martins nest in tree hollows. At the ETP, we

have more bridges and culverts than tree hollows.


Wedge-tailed Eagle family

The Wedge-tailed Eagle family, male female and one juvenile

was sitting in trees along Stony Creek Road as we arrived for

the outing. The juvenile spent a lot of time begging from the

female which was in the same tree.

Unfortunately there was a fair bit of fog which made it

difficult to obtain clear images. This was probably the reason

for their presence; I suspect they were waiting for the light

to improve before setting off for the hunt. Once the light

improved they took off.

I have had to work these photos up in Photoshop, hence they

are not as sharp as I would have preferred.

Con Duyvestyn, Mornington

Spring is sprung

Tis only the beginning of July and spring is sprung, according

to the Wood Ducks around our back yard.

Two males and a female flew into the dead tree where they

nest every year. While the two males jostled, pecked each

other and made that strange mewing call, the female looked

on in a bored fashion. Then in flew another male. Popular girl

I thought.

When I went outside I saw another male and another female

on the back of the tree and another pair flying round. Looks

like it’s the tree hollow (which we can't see from our

house) that is the main attraction.


Stunned pardalote

We found a Spotted Pardalote on the footpath in Green

Island Avenue Mornington. It was motionless and did not

move when approached. We were thinking of calling wildlife

rescue when it walked off into shrubs very dazed; it then

appeared to come good. We assumed it may have hit a

window and dazed itself. It was good to have a close up look

at this beautiful bird.

Roger Skipsey, Mornington

Tree Martin at ETP. Photo by Alison Kuiter

Magpie-lark harassing male; juvenile on the right.

Photos by Con Duyvestyn

Kitchen window birding

You can get a lot of pleasure from watching birds out of the

kitchen window. This morning, 31 May, I threw the remains

of the leg of lamb on to the back lawn. Mr Australian Magpie

swooped down on it, almost before it had hit the grass,

closely followed by Mrs Magpie. She was closely followed by

the Little Raven gang (Mr, Mrs and junior) and Mr Raven

promptly claimed sole rights to the lamb. The other two

ravens stood a few steps away as he tucked in. Mr Magpie

stood defiantly tall, about a metre away and proclaimed

loudly to everyone exactly what he thought of the raven

bullies. It did him no good. When Mr Raven had had his fill

he flew off and junior rushed in to have a go but was very

swiftly repulsed by his mother and put back in his place.

Meanwhile, another group of three magpies flew in,

comprising a male, female and young one. The juvenile

landed and his mother landed alongside and apparently

reprimanded junior so he promptly turned on his back and

lay there in a submissive pose. Mother took no notice of him

and waddled off. The sun was shining so junior just lay there

for a while warming his belly. Eventually junior realised how

silly he looked, got back on his feet and was looking round to

see what was happening when his parents flew off and he

reluctantly followed. One raven was left trying to extract the

marrow from the bone but decided it was all too hard and

peace descended on the back yard again.


Observations

September 2017 19

Powerful Owl at Gordon Rolfe reserve

The Powerful Owl was observed roosting in a Tea Tree on 8

May 2017 at Gordon Rolfe reserve Tyabb. It was there for

the day although I don’t think it’s a regular roost due to the

fact there was no splash or pellets present. However, there is

plenty of roosting habitats in close proximity to where it was

sighted.

The reserve always seems to produce some good birds. Also

in May there have been regular Brown Goshawk, Swamp

Harrier, Nankeen Kestrel, Collared Sparrowhawk and White-

bellied Sea-Eagle sightings with an appearance of a Little

Eagle on 12 May, a Fan-tailed Cuckoo and a Sacred

Kingfisher on the 13 May. A group of three Varied Sittellas

are regularly seen.

I have found three Koalas, identified as different individuals

by their nose patterns. I believe them to be one male and

two female

Keith Caldecott, Somerville

BOOK REVIEW

The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman

We humans tend to take birds for granted. They are just

there, flying about, perched in trees, hanging around the

cafes, waiting to scavenge the leftovers. But do we

appreciate what these products of 300 million years of

evolution from their dinosaur ancestors are really capable of?

Jennifer Ackerman’s book, “The Genius of Birds” shows that

we do not and that it has taken numerous decades of dogged

research to uncover some of the workings of the avian mind.

As a science journalist, Ackerman has the knack of

translating heavy scientific prose into something that is

digestible to the ordinary reader. She has a lyrical

conversational style and takes the reader on her journey of

discovery into the bird world. Ackerman urges us not to

compare bird intelligence with our own, but to see birds as

having evolved along a different route to become sentient

beings. She points out that “birds learn. They solve new

problems and invent novel solutions to old ones. They make

and use tools. They count. They copy behaviours of one

another. They remember where they put things.”

Successive chapters delve into various aspects of the

workings of the bird mind from tool making, social behaviour,

singing, navigation and adaptation in our rapidly changing

environment. The examples are predominantly from the

northern hemisphere, so some of the impact is lost since

most of us in the southern hemisphere can’t conjure up the

image of, say a black-capped chickadee and its antics, while

reading Ackerman’s colourful description of that bird. But

there are some Australian examples, such as the lyrebird and

its amazing mimicry and the architectural-marvels and

intricate courting behaviour of our bowerbirds.

This is a book that reveals how far we have come in

understanding the intricacies of the bird mind that drives

such complex behaviour. It makes us appreciate that the

derogatory phrase “bird brain” is certainly not correct for

birds. Far from it.

Larry Wakefield, May 2017

Powerful Owl at Gordon Rolfe reserve. Photo by Keith Caldecott

Little Eagle on left, Nankeen Kestrel on right, at Gordon Rolfe reserve.

Photos by Jeff Maltman

Australasian Grebes on Balcombe Creek

Yesterday, 10 June 2017, I saw a pair of Australasian Grebes

on Balcombe Creek, Mt Martha on the south bank between

Augusta Street footbridge and Uralla Drive footbridge.

Neither was in breeding plumage and they startled and dived

underwater when a White-faced Heron took off over their

head. It is the first time I've seen them on the creek.

Bronwyn Street, Mt Martha

Observations


Corellas around Mornington

There must be 600-800 Corellas around Mornington at the

moment and 100 Cattle Egrets. Spent some time today, 3

June, photographing the corellas and was surprised at the

number of Long-billed Corellas with the Little Corellas and

how hard I found it to tell them apart.

Around the 1980’s there was a population of 20-30 Long-

billed Corellas in Dandenong just east of the CBD and nearby

at Lyndhurst. We’d see them occasionally at the ETP. During

a drought at the turn of the century Little Corella’s arrived.

Below is a piece I wrote for The Bird Observer in 2001.

Little Corellas: The Mallee moves to

Mornington

First it was the Galahs. They arrived on the Mornington

Peninsula in southern Victoria at about the same time as I

did, in 1964.

Then came the Crested Pigeons. They are now quite common

in the south-eastern Melbourne suburbs. We’ve had up to 36

together at the Edithvale Wetlands where they come to drink

after feeding on the adjacent golf courses. A flock of over 60

was reported from another nearby golf course. The species is

spreading slowly southwards and reached Mt Martha last

year. The Atlas of Victorian Birds published in 1987 had no

records of this species around or south of Melbourne.

Now it’s the turn of the Little Corella. In the middle of

February this year, Sean Dooley found a flock in a horse

paddock at Moorooduc. In that paddock on the 19 February

2001, I counted 110 Little Corellas, 11 Crested Pigeons and

70 Galahs. They were feeding on grain put out for horses.

Before 1950, Little Corellas were very rare anywhere in

Victoria. There were no records for the Peninsula when Peggy

Mitchell produced her list in 1978 and none in the 1987

Victorian Atlas. Scattered reports east and southeast of

Melbourne are usually of small numbers accompanying Long-

billed Corellas. Perhaps the three I saw at Edithvale on 26

April 2000 were scouts for the current, unprecedented

invasion.


Little Corellas.

Long-billed Corella. Photos by Mike Carter

Mornington Peninsula Birdlife · MEMBER PROFILE Dennis Gosper Lives at Balnarring How I started birding My interest in birds began in primary school, probably influenced by growing

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