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.