Budgerigar again at Wilby

A few day ago I saw a young Budgerigar out the front of home at Wilby. Today it was around again, at the back of the garden near the dam.

A nice walk at the bushland reserve this evening also produced over 40 species. Just the usual resident birds in late summer, but always nice to check my local patch.

Australian Wood Duck on the dam at the Wilby Bushland Reserve

Spotted Harrier

It has been ages since I have had a good view of a Spotted Harrier. They have been very scarce this season. In the drought years of 2007, 2008 and 2009 they were regularly seen around home at Wilby in the surrounding paddocks.



The pet guinea fowl today at home were carrying on, this time for real as a young Spotted Harrier was overhead trying to catch some of their chicks.


 It was unsuccessful in its attempt but it was till good to see this species again, and at home.

Warby Ranges and Winton Wetlands

A great route through my local area is a trip to the Warby Ranges (or Warbies) and then by Winton Wetlands. Over 100 species can be comfortably seen in a morning and today was no exception.

I started the day off at Granite Track, one of the best spots in the Warbies, as it is on the edge of the park attracting a variety of birds. Highlights here this morning were a young Black-eared Cuckoo, Peregrine, Painted Button-quail, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, breeding Hooded Robin and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters. The honeyeaters are quite odd, usually a winter visitor, some birds may have stayed the summer in the ranges due to the wet and cooler conditions this year.

Granite Track in the lovely early morning light.

After Granite Track, Adams Road, where seven Turquoise Parrots were found, always great to see as well as calling Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo and over 20 bush species.

Winton Wetlands (the old Lake Mokoan) are still very full. I stopped first at the duck pond area, Grey-crowned Babblers here were a good surprise. This is second record if this species at the wetlands, they may be recolonizing after the lake was drawn down. Over 50 species here including breeding Darters, ducks, Horsfield's Bushlark and Crested Shrike-tit.

Next stop was at the boat ramp area were there was over 60 species found. Highlights were a Fuscous Honeyeater, usually more in the nearby hills, Pied Cormorant, Musk Duck, Brown Quail calling, White-bellied Sea-eagle and Diamond Firetail.

White-breasted Woodswallow at the boat ramp.

Winton Wetlands looking beautiful.

Balldale-Coreen (southern NSW)

Australia Day! What no better way to spend it than birdwatching. Teamed up today with my great birding pal, Matt Weeks to explore the area around Balldale-Coreen, north of Howlong and Corowa in southern NSW.

We were not sure what we would find but were very pleased to find many wetlands, full of birds after the recent (and continuing) good rains through the area. First stop was at Howlong on the Murray were an Azure Kingfisher and Dollarbirds were a good sighting. Next stop was at Kentucky State Forest, a Box-Cypress Pine Forest which is good for dry forest species. We were very happy to find two Diamond Doves here, one of which was seen well. Quite south of their usual range here.

Oil Tree Lagoon west of Balldale was also very full but hard to get a good look at with lots of Red Gum saplings around the edges. However some Plumed Whistling-Ducks and breeding Pink-eared Ducks here were a nice sighting (we saw many through the whole day) as well as many waterbirds and usual species here such as Apostlebird and Grey-crowned Babbler.

Plumed Whistling-Duck.

We passed some impressive wetlands along Mahonga Lane, were there were hundreds of Whiskered Terns over the swamps, breeding Black-winged Stilt and Red-kneed Dotterel as well as more Plumed Whistling-Ducks and many ducks of most expected species.

Wetlands on Mahonga Lane.

Breeding Black-winged Stilt.

Lonesome Pine State Forest a few kilometres from Mahonga Lane was fairly quiet, the usual Chestnut-rumped Thornbills here.

The day finished off near Lonesomw Pine were there was another impressive wetland a kilometre or so across, more Whiskered Terns here, Brolga, flushed Brown Quail and more waterbirds. We will definately visit this area again to see what else we can find and what changes there are.

111 species for that day.

Budgerigar at Home

I have seen Budgerigars twice at home (in Wilby) before but was still surprised to find one today. It was a young bird perched in bushes out the front of the neighbours house. It may have been an escaped pet, but was green and flew quite well over home and out towards the north. Sadly it was too dark to take any pictures. I will have to keep a look out to see if more are around home.

Eildon Area

The Robin Rednecks twitchathon team (of which I am part of) last year visited the Eildon/Snobbs Creek area as part of the race, targeting wet forest birds. As twitchathons are always rushed events I drove down to this area to spend the night and see some birds at a more leisurely pace.

I managed to see or hear most wet forest species I was looking for such as Superb Lyrebird, Red-browed Treecreeper, Lewin's Honeyeater, Rufous Fantail, Bassian Thrush, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo, Olive Whistler and Cicadabird. The big bird for the trip was a Sooty Owl that was heard calling around 10pm at Morris Lookout, where I camped.

View over the upper Goulburn Valley looking down over Eildon from Morris Lookout.

The following day some time was spent around the Lake Eildon Dam wall and Eildon township. Wonga Pigeon a nice sighting here.

It was quite cold on the Lake Eildon dam wall.

On the way home I walked the rail trail bridge over Lake Eildon at Bonnie Doon, a nice group of cormorants here, including a Pied which are fairly rare in North East inland waters. The lake is also filling up well after recent rains and would be 75% full.

View of Lake Eildon from Bonnie Doon.

120 species for the couple of days.

Barmah-Mathoura

Earlier in the year I went to the Mathoura Reedbeds at the end of my northern Victoria trip. I was very impressed and wanted to visit again and as I was still on holidays made the trip again.

On the way over from Wilby I was very surprised to find a Bush Stone-Curlew by a small Red Gum woodland near Nathalia. Close to Mathoura, just over the Murray River near Barmah were a pair of Emu feeding by the road and many Long-billed Corellas.

As soon as I arrived at the reed beds (5 minutes east of Mathoura) the excitement began right away. I could hear an Australasian Bittern booming and hundreds of ibis, Great Egret and Nankeen Night Heron were streaming overhead, probably heading out into the flooded forests to feed from their nest sites. A few Intermediate Egrets were also seen and an Australian Little Bittern was also heard giving its weird croaking call. Bush birds were about as well with Southern Whiteface, Fan-tailed Cuckoo and White-winged Triller highlights. Great Crested Grebes which were here last time, were also still about, still with young. Swamp Harriers, Dusky Woodswallows, Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants were also some other birds breeding.

Intermediate Egret (red bill) and young Swamp Harrier in the background.

Royal Spoonbills were also breeding at the reedbeds.

A drive to Picnic Point was worth it for a female Leaden Flycatcher in willows by the Murray River. By Pollys Bridge at Mathoura itself, Dollarbird, Red-browed Finch, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Crested Shrike-tit and Azure Kingfisher were some nice sightings.

Red-browed Finch on seeding grasses.

Immature Dollarbird. Note the dull, not red bill.

On the way I stopped at Barmah and had a great, close sighting of a Nankeen Night Heron of which I managed some great photos.

This Night Heron was very close.

100 species exactly for the morning.

Dowdle Swamp

Dowdle Swamp (just 5 minutes from home) just keeps better and better. With so rain lately the level of the swamp keeps getting topped up, just as it starts to dry out. There has been much breeding, ducks in particular, many Grey Teal (below) have ducklings.

This visit was no different, 50+ species in an hour and a half. As usual I went to the area on the north west side were the swamp overflows into a large grassy wetland, with the Red Gum swamp, behind.

The usual species here today, such as Grey Teal (hundreds), Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Wood Duck, White-necked and White-faced Herons. Three Plumed Whistling-Ducks (having such a good season) were also found today and 2 Nankeen Night Herons were also good to see.

Duck shooting season starts in March, it will be interesting to see how the ducks respond, hopefully by clearing off.

Western Treatment Plant, Werribee

I was visiting family in Melbourne and could not pass an opportunity to visit the Western Treatment Plant. There have been great sightings of late, Stilt Sandpiper, Ruff, Long-toed Stint, birds people generally only dream about seeing.

Unfortunately I choose a bad day to visit. There had been over 50mm of rain the night and day before and many of the ponds (around T-section and western lagoons) that these waders have been seen on were full. Part of the plant were closed as well so I couldn't even get into some areas. However I could still manage to see the western lagoons and a large flooded paddock nearby (below).

These ponds were quite flooded after recent rains.

The flooded paddock where I saw the Ruff and a Pectoral Sandpiper.

I spent around 4 hours looking for the Stilt Sandpiper in particular, but could not manage to see it. Consolations however were two Pectoral Sandpipers and a Ruff. Also many terns, Caspian, White-winged Black, Little, Common and Whiskered. Not birds I see that often in North East Victoria. There were many waders as well as expected (below).

Red-necked Stint and Curlew Sandpiper.

Red-necked Stint, many were orange flagged.

70+ species for the afternoon.

Dave's Hill, Winton Wetlands, Chesney Vale Hills

It has been very humid and raining of late, still I thought I'd brave the weather and head out this morning to Dave's Hill and the Winton Wetlands. It was quite dull and windy, especially at the Winton Wetlands but I still managed to see some good birds.

Dave's Hill near Thoona is a mixture of grassland, granitic woodland with Blakley's Red Gum and creek woodland with Grey Box. It alwaus has quite a good mix of species.Just after I arrived I noticed quite a few White-throated Needletails over Mt Meg. The humid and tropical conditions this week mean great conditions for this species. There were approximately 120 in the flock. Other interesting sightings here were 2 Rainbow Bee-eaters, the reliable Southern Whiteface, Red-capped Robin, and lots (10) Diamond Firetails. Three Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoos were also a surprise. Red-browed Finches were here too. 47 species here.

Next stop was the Land for Wildlife Swamp along the Glenrowan-Boweya Rd. Australian White Ibis were breeding here last year and a few nests were left. Also interesting to see breeding were Little Black Cormorant and White-necked Heron, with three young. It has been a great season for White-necked Herons. Three Cockatiels along the road also great to see.



I moved onto Lake Mokoan/Winton Wetlands (above) and stopped at the duck pond, on the north east side of the wetlands first. Straight away I noticed a cloud of Needletails overhead. Over 200 birds, great numbers and a spectacular sight. It was very windy at the duck pond but I did notice Darters with a nest and many Stubble Quail were calling. A Black Kite was also noticed along the Lake Mokoan Rd (below) where it is regularly seen.



I headed off nest to the boat ramp area which was quite windy as well with showers coming over, which you can see below. A White-bellied Sea-Eagle was breifly seen, a single Pink-eared Duck, White-breasted Woodswallows, Golden-headed Cisticolas, Peregrine Falcons (which I had a good morning for, also at Dave's Hill) and a Brown Quail calling were highlights. The wetlands are still very full and with the rain so far this week, and more forecast, it will only stay that way.





Finally made my way up into the low hills behind the Winton Wetlands to the Chesney Vale Block of the Mt Meg Nature Conservation Reserve (same reserve as Dave's Hill, but abouyt 5km to the south west). I have known of this site for a while but have not really explored it till a few months ago. It's a great little spot for bush birds and today with no exception with Painted Button-quail, Turquoise Parrot, Speckled Warbler, Western Gerygone, Buff-rumped Thonrbill and Red-capped Robin some highlights.

100 species exactly for the day. A great mix of bushland and wetland species.
It is pouring with rain outside now so I think I made it home just in time.

Chiltern and Rutherglen

This morning's visit was over to Chiltern and Rutherglen to look at some of the tried and true spots such as Bartley's Block, the dams at Chiltern and the swamps around Rutherglen. It had rained the night before which usually makes for fresh conditions, but it was quite humid and cloudy.

I started off at Bartley's Block, which was a bit quiet to start off with, but the bird action started happening eventually. Near the gate a Turquoise Parrot was feeding in a open grassy area, Spotted Pardalotes were calling overhead and a female Red-capped Robin was perched on a dead log. Further into the block a White-throated Gerygone (reliable spot here) was seen in a Golden Wattle, chasing Western Gerygones. A Speckled Warbler also seen nearby as well as Buff-rumped Thornbills. These last two species are fairly recent arrivals to the block, they moved here a year or so back during the drought. Black-chinned and Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters could also be heard calling. Back near the gate a Shining Bronze-cuckoo was seen and a White-browed Scrubwren was in an old oleander bush, my first record for the park.
47 species here.



I moved on to No.1 Dam (above) which was bit quiet birdwise. The dam itself is still very full, with very few muddy edges to attract some birds. A White-backed Swallow here was a highlight, a male Crested Shrike-tit came quite close and the summer resident White-breasted Woodswallows were good to see. I continued on to No.2 dam which was even quieter. At the gate a Jacky Winter (below) pair and their fledgling (below), just out of the nest were great to watch. The fledgling was very tame so I could get very close for a picture. Four Diamond Firetails, and three Dollarbirds were also highlights here.


Jack Winter adult, Chiltern No.2 Dam


Jacky Winter fledgling, Chiltern No.2 Dam

Moving on towards Rutherglen the swamps here were a lot better than the dams at Chiltern with lots of muddy edges, reeds and rushes around the edges. At the swamp I call Quarry Swamp on Kings Road, Plumed Whistling-ducks were breeding. Two pairs seen with 10 and 11 ducklings each. This was excellent to see (below). Also breeding in the swamps around Rutherglen were Hoary-headed and Australasian Grebes, Grey Teal, Hardhead, Black-winged Stilt and a Red-kneed Dotterel with two chicks. Great to see so much breeding activity happening. Two Grey-crowned Babblers were also seen near Rutherglen near Ready Rd, White-backed Swallows again along Great Southern Rd and two Cockatiels near Kings Rd, also good observations.



I continued on with the morning with stop at Lake Moodemere. Dollarbirds, Red-browed Finch and Western Gerygone highlights here. This spot is also reliable for Swamp Harrier with one seen on a reed bed. I also had a look at Black Swamp (Boorhaman East) which looks great, more Dollarbirds here, many ducks, Sacred Kingfishers, Eurasian Coots, Dusky Moorhen and Purple Swamphens. On the way home had I had a quick look at the swamp on Jones Swamp Rd (Boorhaman North)which is near enough done for the season, most of the water is now gone. An Apostlebird, which have a small population in North East Victoria was also spotted near Brimin Road in Boorhaman North. A great way to finish off the morning.

108 species all up!

Killawarra Forest in January

I spent a few hours this morning in Killawarra Forest. It was quite a warm and windy morning, so as a result, there were not a huge amount of birds and species seen (just over 50 species). Late autumn, winter and early spring are the best times in the forest when gums are flowering and winter migrants are visiting. You can see 80+ species at a time then. Started the morning in the forest just off Mattamia Rd. A female Gilbert's Whistler calling, then seen briefly in Golden Wattles, a male Painted Button-quail flushed and a Speckled Warbler calling from a sapling were some highlights. Also the usual honeyeater species here, Fuscous, Black-chinned, Yellow-tufted and Brown-headed, espeically around the small dam.



I moved onto the camp-oval area (oval above). Not much more seen. A group of Buff-rumped Thornbills working their way through the undergorwth was interesting to watch. Next along Camp Rd a female White-winged Triller was observed feeding a fledgling. There were a few more birds at School House Road such as Varied Sittella and a lone Noisy Friarbird calling. In winter there were hundreds of these birds in the forest. One may have stayed over summer to breed.

I stopped briefly at Frosts Crossing along the Ovens River on the way home. A Dollarbird here was a nice sighting. Birding was little difficult due to the noisy Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (below) which can make it hard to hear any other birds calling.



65 species for the morning.

Winton Wetlands Visit

I woke very early this morning and headed down to the Winton Wetlands (below, used to be Lake Mokoan) near Benalla. I have not been for a while and was quite excited about what I would find there.



I went to the southern side of the wetlands for a change, around Bill Friday Swamp and The Spit area. I was surprised to find the wetlands fuller than they were back in November, must have been all the rain in December. The roads were still fine, except I could not get out onto the point of The Spit.



Lots of great birds around. Brown Quail giving their upward whistling calls were commonly heard in the grasslands along with Golden-headed Cisticolas. A family of White-breasted Woodswallows buzzed overhead (above), Tree Martins and Welcome Swallows were common and a few Pelicans soared by. There were many ducks as well, of nearly every species expected. Plumed Whistling-Ducks were at Bill Friday Swamp, Australasian Shoveler and Grey Teal (below) both had ducklings as well. Black Swan pairs with cygnets were common too.



Raptors are often found here. Three Wedge-tailed Eagles, four Brown Falcon, an Australian Hobby, five Whistling Kites and a Nankeen Kestrel were all found today. There always tends to be a surprise at this site. Today I saw 3 Red-necked Avocets near The Spit. Very, very rare birds for north east Victoria, I have never seen them before in the district. Also found was a beautifully plumaged Intermediate Egret with red legs and bill (below). I wonder if they are breeding nearby. Whiskered Terns were also seen, though in lower numbers than last November when they were here in the hundreds. I think the water in the wetlands is too high at present for them. Some nice reed beds are beginning to form now as well, so hopefully some bitterns might make them their home.





71 species for a few hours.

Harvest Time

The wheat crop in the paddock behind home in Wilby has had a lot of bird activity over the last few months. Horsfield's Bushlarks singing, Brown Songlarks, calling Stubble Quail, Red-chested and Little Button-quail calling at night, and raptors such as Brown and Black Falcons. So it with with some interest, and excitement, to watch the header come out in the late afternoon and begin harvesting the crop.



I was expecting quail to be flushed in front of the header and wasn't disappointed. In fact there were 10 Stubble Quail and 2 Little Button-quail seen over. A Black Falcon also put in a great show stooping down on a quail as it was flushed from the header. The falcon took the quail (not sure what species) off to a Grey Box to pluck and eat. A Brown Falcon was also soaring around the header looking for something to prey on, and nearby two Wedge-taild Eagles were seen soraing over the hills.

A great hour spent on the dam wall at the back of the garden.

Dowdle Swamp

Just five minutes drive from home towards Yarrawonga, Dowlde Swamp is a large Red Gum wetland that filled last spring due to all the good rains about. It has been great to visit every few weeks and see the changes in water levels, and how this effects the species seen and their numbers. I can usually see around 50 species now, before it had water, around 25 a visit. Water makes such a difference.


This morning I visited the north west side of the swamp as I often do. The water level has dropped considerably, probably by about 20cm compared to when it was at its peak. Highlights from today were a female Peregrine Falcon, female Cockatiel and 3 Plumed Whistling-Ducks, again on the levee near Geodetic Rd. Dollarbird was here still, being chased by some Sacred Kingfishers. No Nakeen Night Herons today.


Brown Treecreepers are common at the swamp.

It has been interesting to see the duck numbers and species change. Hardhead were once the most common duck a few weeks back, now only 1 today. A few months back I saw 1 Pacific Black Duck, today over 100. Grey Teal remain common, but down from numbers in the hundreds a few weeks back.


Little Corellas.

It will be interesting to see how the swamp develops as it starts to dry out.

List of birds below.
http://www.eremaea.com/Lists.aspx?List=74738

Species List for New Year Trip

Eremaea birds produces these lists.
177 species, pretty good effort for 2 days.
Species are listed with the first place they were observed, if they were observed at multiple places.


Bird Hide at Town Swamp, Kerang

Period: 3/01/2011 to 4/01/2011
Species: 177
Observer: Michael Ramsey
Common Names: Systematics and taxonomy of Australian birds. Christidis and Boles. 2008.
Prepared: 6/01/2011

Ostrich 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Moama-Barham Road Thule
Emu 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Thule Swamp

Swans, Geese and Waterfowl
Plumed Whistling-Duck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Cooper
Black Swan 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart
Australian Shelduck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Cohuna Sewage Farm
Australian Wood Duck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
Northern Mallard 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Deniliquin
Pacific Black Duck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Australasian Shoveler 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wallenjoe Swamp Game Reserve
Grey Teal 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp
Chestnut Teal 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
Pink-eared Duck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp
Hardhead 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
Blue-billed Duck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Cohuna Sewage Farm
Musk Duck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart

Pheasants, Grouse and Allies
Stubble Quail 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp

Grebes
Australasian Grebe 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
Hoary-headed Grebe 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp
Great Crested Grebe 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Gulpa Creek Reed Beds

Pelicans
Australian Pelican 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greens Lake Corop

Cormorants and Shags
Little Black Cormorant 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Gulpa Creek Reed Beds
Great Cormorant 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart
Pied Cormorant 4/01/2011 Victoria: Cullens Lake Wildlife Reserve
Little Pied Cormorant 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang

Anhingas Australasian
Darter 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang

Herons, Egrets and Bitterns
Australasian Bittern 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Gulpa Creek Reed Beds
Little Bittern 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Gulpa Creek Reed Beds
White-necked Heron 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kow Swamp
Great Egret 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Intermediate Egret 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Gulpa Creek Reed Beds
White-faced Heron 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
Nankeen Night-Heron 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang

Ibises and Spoonbills
Australian White Ibis 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Straw-necked Ibis 3/01/2011 Victoria: Mitiamo-Kow Swamp Road Terrick Terrick
Royal Spoonbill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Yellow-billed Spoonbill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Tragowel Swamp

Hawks, Eagles and Kites
Black-shouldered Kite 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greens Lake Corop
Black Kite 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Whistling Kite 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
White-bellied Sea-Eagle 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilkinsons Swamp, Kamarooka North
Swamp Harrier 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kow Swamp
Spotted Harrier 4/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Bael Bael
Brown Goshawk 3/01/2011 Victoria: Elmore
Collared Sparrowhawk 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Wedge-tailed Eagle 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp
Little Eagle 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Falcons and Caracaras
Nankeen Kestrel 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kow Swamp
Brown Falcon 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart
Black Falcon 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart
Peregrine Falcon 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilkinsons Swamp, Kamarooka North

Rails, Gallinules and Coots
Buff-banded Rail 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Baillon's Crake 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Thule Swamp
Australian Spotted Crake 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Purple Swamphen 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang
Dusky Moorhen 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Black-tailed Native-hen 3/01/2011 Victoria: Tragowel Swamp
Eurasian Coot 3/01/2011 Victoria: Tragowel Swamp Cranes Brolga 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart

Plovers and Lapwings
Banded Lapwing 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart
Masked Lapwing 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart
Red-kneed Dotterel 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Pacific Golden Plover 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Red-capped Plover 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Black-fronted Dotterel 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang

Stilts and Avocets
Black-winged Stilt 3/01/2011 Victoria: Cohuna Sewage Farm
Red-necked Avocet 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang

Sandpipers and Allies
Marsh Sandpiper 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Red-necked Stint 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Latham's Snipe 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilkinsons Swamp, Kamarooka North

Gulls, Terns and Skimmers
Silver Gull 3/01/2011 Victoria: Tragowel Swamp

Pigeons and Doves Rock Dove 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Common Bronzewing 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Brush Bronzewing 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Crested Pigeon 3/01/2011 Victoria: Elmore
Peaceful Dove 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang

Cockatoos and Parrots
Galah 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Long-billed Corella 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Cooper
Little Corella 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kow Swamp
Cockatiel 4/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Bael Bael
Mallee Ringneck 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park
Yellow Rosella 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kow Swamp
Eastern Rosella 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
Red-rumped Parrot 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Blue Bonnet 4/01/2011 Victoria: Kangaroo Lake

Cuckoos
Black-eared Cuckoo 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)

Owls
Southern Boobook 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilby

Frogmouths
Tawny Frogmouth 3/01/2011 Victoria: Goulburn River Shepparton

Kingfishers and Allies Azure Kingfisher 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Murray River Barham
Laughing Kookaburra 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp
Sacred Kingfisher 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Rainbow Bee-eater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park
Dollarbird 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Pollys Bridge Mathoura

Australasian Treecreepers White-throated Treecreeper 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Gulpa Creek Reed Beds
Brown Treecreeper 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilkinsons Swamp, Kamarooka North

Fairywrens White-winged Fairy-wren 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Superb Fairy-wren 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Variegated Fairy-wren 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang

Honeyeaters
Yellow-faced Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Singing Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kamarooka North Swamp
White-eared Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Purple-gaped Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Fuscous Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
White-plumed Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Black-chinned Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park
Brown-headed Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park
Little Friarbird 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Pollys Bridge Mathoura
Noisy Friarbird 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Deniliquin
White-fronted Chat 3/01/2011 Victoria: Mitiamo-Kow Swamp Road Terrick Terrick
Tawny-crowned Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Blue-faced Honeyeater 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang
Noisy Miner 3/01/2011 Victoria: Cohuna
Yellow-throated Miner 4/01/2011 Victoria: Cullens Lake Wildlife Reserve
Red Wattlebird 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greens Lake Corop

Pardalotes
Spotted Pardalote 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Striated Pardalote 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Thornbills and Allies
White-browed Scrubwren 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Gulpa Creek Reed Beds
Shy Heathwren 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Buff-rumped Thornbill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section) Inland Thornbill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Yellow-rumped Thornbill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section
Chestnut-rumped Thornbill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Tragowel Swamp
Yellow Thornbill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Striated Thornbill 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Pollys Bridge Mathoura
Weebill 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park
Western Gerygone 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park Southern Whiteface 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Pseudo-babblers
Grey-crowned Babbler 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang
White-browed Babbler 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)

Woodswallows White-breasted Woodswallow 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang
Black-faced Woodswallow 3/01/2011 Victoria: Gaynor Swamp
Dusky Woodswallow 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Bellmagpies and Allies
Grey Butcherbird 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Pied Butcherbird 4/01/2011 Victoria: The Marsh (South)
Australian Magpie 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang
Grey Currawong 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)

Cuckoo-shrikes
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Cooper
White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
White-winged Triller 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilkinsons Swamp, Kamarooka North

Sittellas
Varied Sittella 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Whistlers and Allies
Crested Shrike-tit 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Crested Bellbird 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Gilbert's Whistler 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Golden Whistler 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Rufous Whistler 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Grey Shrike-thrush 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang

Fantails
Willie Wagtail 3/01/2011 Victoria: Fosters Swamp, Kerang
Grey Fantail 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Monarch Flycatchers
Magpie-lark 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kamarooka North Swamp
Restless Flycatcher 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Crows, Jays and Magpies
Australian Raven 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)
Little Raven 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
White-winged Chough 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)

Australasian Robins
Red-capped Robin 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park
Eastern Yellow Robin 3/01/2011 Victoria: Greater Bendigo National Park (Kamarooka section)

Larks
Horsfield's Bushlark 3/01/2011 Victoria: Mitiamo-Kow Swamp Road Terrick Terrick

Swallows Welcome Swallow 3/01/2011 Victoria: Kow Swamp
Fairy Martin 3/01/2011 Victoria: Hird Swamp
Tree Martin 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilkinsons Swamp, Kamarooka North
White-backed Swallow 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Reed-Warblers and Allies
Australian Reed-Warbler 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang

Grassbirds and Allies
Little Grassbird 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang
Brown Songlark 3/01/2011 Victoria: Wilkinsons Swamp, Kamarooka North
Rufous Songlark 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang

Cisticolas and Allies
Golden-headed Cisticola 4/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Bael Bael

Thrushes and Allies
Common Blackbird 3/01/2011 Victoria: Loddon Weir Kerang

Babblers
Silvereye 3/01/2011 Victoria: Back Swamp Reserve, Kerang

Starlings Common Myna 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Cooper
Common Starling 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Cooper

Flowerpeckers
Mistletoebird 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park

Wagtails and Pipits
Australasian Pipit 3/01/2011 Victoria: Mitiamo-Kow Swamp Road Terrick Terrick

Siskins, Crossbills and Allies
European Goldfinch 3/01/2011 Victoria: Johnsons Swamp

Old World Sparrows
House Sparrow 3/01/2011 Victoria: Lake Stewart

Waxbills and Allies
Diamond Firetail 3/01/2011 Victoria: Terrick Terrick National Park
Red-browed Finch 4/01/2011 New South Wales: Pollys Bridge Mathoura
Zebra Finch 4/01/2011 Victoria: Tungamah Main Road Youarang


Black Swans

New Year Trip (Day 2)

Continuing my northern Victorian trip, I started off from Kerang very early in the morning to check out the Kerang Lakes. I first headed out west to Sandhill Lake near the Avoca River. It was full with water and had a variety of ducks on it such as Musk Duck, Grey Teal and Pacific Black Duck. Variegated Fairy-wrens were nice to see in the lingum as well as a pair of Blue Bonnets on the roadside. From here I headed off the the Koorangie Game Reserve, which has two parts, The Marsh and Lake Bael Bael.

The car at the bottom end of The Marsh.

View of The Marsh

White-bellied Sea-eagle in the morning sun.

Young Spotted Harrier at Lake Bael Bael

I stopped at The Marsh first. It looks fantastic and is not doubt full because of the recent good rains. Musk Duck, Grey Teal, Hardhead and Pacific Black Duck were all on the water. A pair of White-bellied Sea-eagles were roosting by the water as well. Sacred Kingfisher, Variegated Fairy-wren Chestnut-rumped Thornbill and Pied Butcherbird were also seen here. 30+ species.

Further south at Lake Bael Bael an other White-bellied Sea-eagle, Cockatiel, more ducks, Silver Gulls and a great view of an immature Spotted Harrier. Close by a a gypsum pit there was a White-backed Swallow, White-fronted Chats, Golden-headed Cisticola, Singing Honeyeater and Stubble Quail. 30+ species as well.

More of the Spotted Harrier

Continuing on to Lake Cullen, which seemed more saline than The Marsh and Lake Bael Bael. Pink-eared Duck were here as well as a Pied Cormorant, Pied Butcherbirds and two Yellow-throated Miner as well as many other waterbirds. Kangaroo Lake was next, not much of note here, it was quite windy and the water was very choppy. A pair of Blue Bonnets along the road around the lake were nice to see.

The saline lakes and swamps of Lake Tutchewop and Kelly were next. Not many birds on these lakes besides Red-capped Plovers, roosting Australian Shelducks and birds such as White-fronted Chat and Singing Honeyeaters around the edges. I was hoping to see some more waders.

Lake Tutchewop

The Middle Lake Ibis Rookery was next, 10km north of Kerang. Tens of thousands of Straw-necked and Australian White Ibis next here. It has a good hide to look at the ibis but there are plenty of other birds around too. In a hour I also saw a Swamp Harrier, Great Egret, Pied Butcherbird, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Darter, Royal Spoonbill nesting as well just to name few. The only drawback in the hide is chicken wire placed over the windows to stop Welcome Swallows nexting which can restrict viewing.

Entrance to the rookery.

This young Crested Pigeon was quite tame.

Juvenile Welcome Swallows roosting on a bridge.

Straw-necked Ibis.

After the Ibis rookery I was finished with Victorian birds, heading home a very long way through south west New South Wales via Barham, Deniliquin and Mathoura. I stopped breifly by the Murray River at Barham which was very full, an Azure Kingfisher here was nice.

Heading out on the Moama/Deniliquin Rd I there was a lot of water around so I stopped near the Thule Creek bridge to look at a flooded lingum wetland. Lots of birds here, highlights being Pink-eared Duck, Variegated Fairy-wrens, Baillon's Crake calling, Rufous Songlark, Great Egret, Little Grassbird, and 8 Emu in an adjacent paddock.

Thule Creek wetlands

Ducks at Thule Creek, Pink-eared Duck and Grey Teal, perfect spot for ducks to breed.

Male Variegated Fairy-wren at Thule Creek

Further east there have been reports of wild Ostriches along the Moama/Deniliquin Road and sure enough, near the entrance to the Toroga Station I found 4 birds close to the road. I know they are the world's biggest bird but I didn't realise how big, and how fast they are until I saw them. There seemed top be a male, female and two slightly smaller immature birds which can run very fast. I am still undecided to add them to my Australian list. They seemed wild enough to me, especially the younger birds which shot off as soon as I opened the car door. I think someone needs to find out where they came from though.

Young Ostrich

Male Ostrich

I had lunch in Deniliquin by a small lake in town and took some good shots of birds in the vicitnity. Noisy Friarbird was here as well in a flowering Lemon-scented Gum as well as Little Friarbird, Red Wattlebird and Yellow Rosella. Just on the edge of town a Black Kite was circling over paddocks.

Australian Wood Ducks in Deniliquin

Long-billed Corellas

Next I made my way to Mathoura and the Gulpa Creek Reedbeds. WOW, what a spot. The birding here was excellent. There have been recent reports of bitterns here and as I sat in the bird hide it wasn't long before I could here 2 Australian Little Bittern giving their unusual frog like calls. Australasian Bittern could be heard booming as well, as after about half an hour I briefly saw two birds flying over the reeds to the left of the hide, amazing. There were plenty of other good birds here as well. Thousands of ibis, Misteltoebird, Diamond Firetail and White-winged Triller in the forest behind the hide. Musk Duck, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, Nankeen Night Heron and Royal Spoonbill, breeding, on the reed beds. Two Great Crested Grebes were also seen, both breeding with young. Lots of great birds here.

Entrance sign to the reed beds.

Lots of Nankeen Night Herons were about.

Little Grassbird in the rushes.

Australian Reed-Warbler.

Male Musk Duck, earlier giving the whistling call display.

Great Crested Grebe and chicks, first time I have even seen this species breeding.

Intermediate Egret

The Reed Beds.

Last stop was closer to Mathoura by the Gulpa Creek at Pollys Bridge. Dollarbird, Red-browed Finch and Straited Thornbill were all some new birds for the trip. Rock Pigeons on various colours also lived around the bridge, giving me a good chance to practice with the camera. A group of young Yellow Rosella were also nice to see, but alas no Superb Parrots.

Gulpa Creek

Pair of Rock Pigeons by Pollys Bridge

"Grizzle" Rock Pigeon

Young Yellow Rosella, which is more lime green than Yellow at this stage.

On the way home the last bird to add to the trip was a Zebra Finch near Tungamah.

All up I had a fantastic couple of days. Probably over 150 species, some great photos taken and birds seen as well. I will definately be going back to the Gulpa Creek Reedbeds, excellent spot and to the Corop area wetlands this summer as well.