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.

New Year Trip (Day 1)

Each year I usually go on a trip for a couple of days around the start of the new year. In previous years I have travelled up to Leeton and Griffith areas, but this year I thought I would go across to the Kerang Lakes area. There has been so much rain this year the wetlands would be in good condition and I also planned to stop at other places on the way.

COROP AREA

Starting off very early on Monday 3rd January I left home hearing two Southern Boobooks calling. Travelled over to the Corop area between Shepparton and Bendigo. There have been many recent reports of exciting birds here such as Australian Painted Snipe so I thought it would be worth a visit.

Greens Lake.

Plumed Whistling-Duck at Lake Cooper. Later I saw over 20 nearby at Wallenjoe Swamp.

I started off at Greens Lake (above at sunrise) before moving to Lake Cooper where I found a single Plumed Whistling-Duck (above). It was quite windy so birds were hard to find but Swamp Harrier over the reeds was nice. I moved onto Gaynor Swamp (below) which was fantastic.

Entrance to the swamp with a Willie Wagtail on the sign.

View of the swamp from the causeway.

I made my way to the causeway where Painted Snipe have been seen. No Painted Snipe but lots of other great birds. A big surprise was a family of Black-faced Woodswallow, not usually seen so far south. Waterbirds were in abundance with many kinds of ducks, highlights being Blue-billed and Pink-eared Ducks. Two Stubble Quail were seen beside a track and many Australian Reed-warblers and Little Grassbirds could be heard in the reeds. Over 40 species here.

Pink-eared Ducks where some of the many waterfowl.

Black Swans in flight.

Black-faced Woodswallows were a surprise.

Next stop was Lake Stewart just east of Gaynor Swamp. Lots more waterfowl here, though a big highlight was 2 Black Falcon over an adjacent paddock with Brolga in it! Nearby next to what looked like a capsicum crop where about 9 Banded Lapwing in bare looking paddocks. Lots of great birds seen already.

Brown Falcon, maybe a young bird as it was very dark.

Pair of Brolga in stubble.

I tried to get into One Tree and Two Tree Swamps but the roads around them were still flooded. I settled on looking at Wallenjoe Swamp from the Midland Highway. More Plumed Whistling-Ducks were here, Black-winged Stilt and White-necked Heron were some of the many waterbirds.

KAMAROOKA

Moving on from Corop I made my way over to Kamarooka section of the Greater Bendigo National Park north of Bendigo. I have always wanted to spend a bit more time here as I have always seemed to rush through here on a Twitchathon. Kamarooka has some great birds as it is an isolate of mallee habitat found more extensively in north west Victoria. I was aiming to get these mallee birds today.

Young Red-capped Robin.

White-eared Honeyeaters were common at Kamarooka.

The mallee at Kamarooka is looking great.

Starting off an on unnamed track on the north side of the forest I picked up Tawny-crowned Honeyeater straight away. The forest looked great, very green. I could hear a Crested Bellbird in the distance and tracked down a small group of Variegated Fairy-wrens. A Black-eared Cuckoo flew over small clearning and I also found an Inland Thornbill with some Chestnut-rumped Thornbills. Moving on to Burnside Rd I could hear a Shy Heathwren singing, a Brush Bronzewing "ooming" and found some more Variegated Fairy-wrens. I also found a group of about 6 Purple-gaped Honeyeaters. I could also hear a Gilbert's Whistler calling. More of the same at Campbell Dam nearby before I had a look at Mulga Dam where a White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike was a big surprise. The only mallee bird I missed out on was Yellow-plumed Honeyeater.

North of Kamarooka are couple of swamps I wanted to look at as well. Along Wilkinson Swamp Rd (though not the swamp itself) is a shallow grassy swamp where there were many waterbirds, a Brolga here was a highlight. Brown Songlarks and Stubble Quail were also calling from paddocks here. Further north at Wilkinson's Swamp itself a young White-bellied Sea-eagle was a good sighting. Red-kneed Dotterel. Latham's Snipe, Peregrine Falcon, White-winged Triller and lots of waterbirds were also here.

Red-kneed Dotterel and Wilkinson's Swamp. There were 6 birds altogether, at least 1 was an immature.

TERRICK TERRICK NATIONAL PARK

As I kept moving north next stop was the Terrick Terrick National Park. I made my way to the picnic/camping area, stopping on tracks along the way. Black-chinned Honeyeaters were seen along these tracks as well as Southern Whiteface, Western Gerygone was heard, Chestnut-rumped Thornbills, Yellow Thornbills and some Red-capped Robins. At the picnic area itself Mallee (or Australian) Ringneck, Varied Sittella, Diamond Firetail, Rainbow Bee-eater, heard Gilbert's Whistler and a Singing Honeyeater. White-backed Swallows were also seen near the park boundary as well as a Wedge-tailed Eagle. I had a tip about Plumed Whistling-Ducks nearby but as I already seen them today decided to move on fro the Terrick area.

View from Mt. Terrick Terrick

Heading north to Kow Swamp there were plenty of grassland birds to be seen such as Horsfield's Bushlark, Australasian Pipit and Brown Songlark. White-fronted Chats were along the roadsides as well.

Entrance to the park.

COHUNA AREA

First stop in this area was Kow Swamp were hundreds, probabaly thousands of Straw-necked and Australian White Ibis were wheeling overhead. A Yellow Rosella here was nice to see, many waterbirds and a White-breasted Woodswallow were also common. As the swamp is so vast and covered with reed beds in areas, it is hard to find places to get a good look.

Moving on the the Cohuna Sewage ponds where I was hoping to find a White-winged Fairy-wren and Red-necked Avocet, both were there along with a Blue-billed Duck, many Black-winged Stilts, Black-fronted Dotterel and other waterbirds. On the edge of the town there was a very nice looking dark morph Little Eagle.

Hird (above) and Johnsons Swamps were the next places to visit. Johnson's was basically dry, very few birds here, though a Horsfield's Bronze-cuckoo was nice. Hird Swamp did have water but was very overgrown, the track was rough and it was hard to see the swamp in parts. A good selection of waterbirds here, nothing unsual though.

KERANG

By now it was later afternoon and I was coming into Kerang where I was staying the night. Before I stopped and relaxed for a bit I drove just out of town to Tragowel Swamp (below). Compared to Hirds Swampm, access and viewing areas were much better here. Some good birds straight away such as Black-tailed Native-hen, Yellow-billed Spoonbil, a co-operative pair of Musk Duck (they came very close) and many Whistling Kites.

After a rest I headed out to a few sites around Kerang. I started at Foster's Swamp on the east side of the town, which is large salt lake which has can have waders. On the small pond before the big salt lake itself where many Black-winged Stilts, including many young birds, Red-kneed Dotterel, Black-fronted Dotterel, Marsh Sandpipers and a brief view of an Australian Spotted Crake before it ran into some rushes.

Young Black-winged Stilt

Black-fronted Dotterel

On the salt lake area itself were many roosting Australian Shelduck and Silver Gulls, Red-necked Avocets, Red-capped Plover and Red-necked Stints. Scanning with the scope I found a Pacific Golden Plover roosting by an old tree stump out of the wind. I am not sure, but I don't think they would be very common inland.

Foster's Swamp

Towards evening I went to have a look at the Kerang Weir on the north side of town. A family of 4 Grey-crowned Babblers was good to see, Black Kite here as well, Rufous Songlark, Peaceful Dove and Sacred Kingfisher were just some of the nearly 40 species here.

Last stop for the day was Town and Back Swamp Reserve by the Loddon River on the west of town. I found over 40 species, Buff-banded Rail, Royal Spoonbill, Nankeen Night Heron, Variegated Fairy-wren, Darter and many other waterbirds were here. This reserve is well set up for birders with well marked tracks, a hide and a levee bank which is gives great views over the wetlands.

Entrance sign.

View of the swamp.

Silver Gulls roosting.

Nankeen Night Heron (immature).

Bird sign on the levee bank.

White-necked Heron and Australian White Ibis

The Birdhide.

Buff-banded Rail (poor shot).

What an excellent spot (over 40 species here) to end an excellent day of birding. Tomorrow the plan was to spend time around the Kerang Lakes and over to south-west New South Wales to find some bitterns, read on in New Year Trip (Day 2).

Wilby Bushland Reserve

Hopped out of bed very early this morning (as the predicted temperature is 40 degrees) to go to the Wilby Bushland Reserve, just 5 minutes walk from home.

The reserve was "going off" in spring with 50-60 species recorded at a time then. It seems to be a bit more quiet now with the regular resident species around and also a couple of surprises.

A big highlight for the morning was more Buff-banded Rails (above). I saw one last week and thought it was just a bit of luck, a fluke I saw it passing through. But this morning I actually saw 2, and watched one for quite some time (and took a bad picture). There is quite a lot of long grass around the reserve with water still in drains, ditches and along the Sandy Creek, as well as the small wetlands (below) near the race track so I guess there is suitable habitat around.

The Dollarbird which seems to have made this area home for the summer was also seen again. Seven Cockatiels, very scarce this year (compared to previous years during the drought) was a nice surprise too. Two Hardhead were also seen, probably flying to Dowdle Swamp to the north. This is my first record for this species in Wilby.

The usual grassland species, Stubble Quail, Brown Songlark, Australasian Pipit and Horsfield's Bushlark were also found again in the paddock behind the race track (above).

Some other resident and regularly seen species are pictured below.

Female Red-rumped Parrot. This species is in small flocks now with a few young birds joining them.

A White-winged Chough nesting in a Grey Box at the old cemetery. There are 3 groups of Choughs in the bushland reserve.

Pied Butcherbird, which has my favourite birdsong.

Grey Shrike-thrush are present all year, a pair or two remain over summer. Numbers increase in autumn and winter when birds move out from forests and woodlands to the south.

Laughing Kookaburras in the early morning light.

A female or young Eastern Rosella. This species has bred well this year with many pairs seen with young.

47 species for the morning. List of species below.

http://www.eremaea.com/Lists.aspx?List=74193

BOCA Challenge Count

A late posting this one, but just wanted to write about the BOCA (Bird Observation and Conservation Australia) Challenge count in early December. Birding pal Matt Weeks and I clocked up 162 species in about 10 hours from Beechworth, across to Chiltern, Rutherglen, Boorhaman, Warby Ranges and Lake Mokoan. It was a real good day to get a snapshot of how local birds are doing and to check out local conditions. We had a few highlights.

Plumed Whistling-Ducks (above) were seen at 4 sites. These ones were at the old quarry swamp near Rutherglen and were actually breeding with ducklings. It has been a great year for this species locally.

The resident, though often hard to see Bush Stone-Curlews (see above, distance shot) were luckily found at the Rutherglen Research Station (DPI Victoria).

Many birds were breeding as well in wetlands such as Grey Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Black-winged Stilt and Australasian Grebe (see above).

Click on the link below to see a species list from Eremaea Birds.

http://www.eremaea.com/Lists.aspx?List=72418

Murray River

Spent the morning along the Murray River west from home towards Cobram. The river has been in flood of late, and although there was much damage, it was good to see small wetlands and billabongs filled.

Stopped first at the Bourke's Bend entrance to the Murray River at Burramine, half way between Cobram and Yarrawonga. An Azure Kingfisher along a small billabong was great to see. These little birds are always an exciting find. Small groups of Weebills and thornbills, Buff-rumped and Striated also moved about in the canopy. An Olive-backed Oriole was the first one seen in a while and 3 Noisy Friarbirds were unexpected, though I suspect there is a small population along the Murray River during summer.

Next stop Quinn's Island near Cobram. The gate to the island was closed (no doubt flood damage) but I still has an enjoyable walk along the river. Dollarbirds here are quite reliable, I saw 3 and Rainbow Lorikeets were here again. An odd sighting, well north of their usual range on the other side of the Great Divide. There is a small population at Shepparton directly south, I suspect these birds come from here. 49 species seen here.

On the way home I stopped briefly at the wetland along the Barooga-Mulwala Rd. Many ducks and Black-winged Stilts here. Two Zebra Finches as well just nearby. Last stop was Boomanoomana Wetlands (below) where of late I have had some good sightings, Magpie Goose in November just to name one.

The wetlands are still quite full. Dollarbirds here put on a good show chasing a young Brown Goshawk. Another Brown Goshawk, adult this time, was nearby as well. Perhaps they bred here. Many ducks as well (Pacific Black Duck below), Little Grassbird calling from the rushes, a Cockatiel heard and vocal Sacred Kingfishers were just some of the 44 species here.

84 species for the whole morning!

Tungamah District

Tungamah is not far from home so it is often worthwhile to check out some of the local swamps and creeks, especially now as they are full with so much all the rain we have had this year.

First stop was Tungamah Swamp which is looking great (below). Many Grey Teal are breeding (below) and have lots of ducklings, or should I say tealings of various ages. A very dark teal seen was probabaly a young male Chestnut Teal as it had a hint of that colour in its plumage. Sacred Kingfishers have had a great year and they are quite vocal here at the swamp.

Next stop was just west of Tungamah at the Broken Creek. Four Plumed Whistling-Ducks (below) were a great sighting. They have been having a great year locally, probably because it has been so wet. I have also seen them near home in Wilby, at Dowlde Swamp, near Rutherglen and Lake Mokoan. A Brown Quail was also surprised on the edge of a wheat paddock. I assumed it was a Stubble Quail at first which are often heard calling, but it didn't have any obvious streaking as Stubble Quail do, and yellow legs.

I also had quick look at the Boosey Creek along the Tungamah Main Rd again, nothing exceptional here bird wise but there quite a lot of flood damage along the fencelines and creeks (below).

Last stop was in Tungamah itself along the Boosey Creek which is often a good stop. Today turned up a Purple-crowned Lorikeet feeding in a River Red Gum. These trees as flowering well after recent floods. Although common, it was nice to see some Red-rumped Parrots (below) up so close having a late afternoon drink by the creek.

55 species in two hours only 10 minutes from home!