Mornington Peninsula Birdlife

Volume 4 Number 2 June 2015

Immature Rufous Fantail, photographed at Endeavour Fern Gully Red Hill by Con Duyvestyn

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

The year is half over already, time certainly flies! Our outings the committee agreed to contribute articles as part of the program has gone well; we hosted BirdLife Bayside on our content. April Sunday outing to Bittern/Devilbend Reserve and this The second half outings program is now complete, see proved successful even though the weather was not good. website or newsletter for details. “What Bird is That” at The The committee is addressing an issue at the Main Ridge Flora Briars will again happen this year on Sunday 25 October, and Fauna reserve concerning road access through the park please mark in your diary in red. and presently we are watching this issue, which rests at The committee is now able to send e-news bulletins to present with the Mornington Peninsula Shire and DWELP. members, as you will have noticed. With this initiative we I would like to acknowledge the assistance given to us by the have a further tool for keeping our members in the loop. Flinders Lions Club; the financial help is keeping us in touch Max Burrows with our members and furthering the cause for birds on our Mornington Peninsula. We have obtained the services of John Barkla as guest Contents speaker at our annual Coolart outing which this year is on 1. Branch news Wednesday 8 July. John will tell us some of his birding experiences crossing the Nullarbor. 5. Habitat for wildlife 9. Outings program and reports COMMITTEE NOTES 13. Birding around Darwin The committee is planning a fundraiser, probably a Bunnings sausage sizzle, more later. A new on-line news magazine 14. Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys called “Mornington Peninsula On-line” has been initiated and 16. Observations Branch news

MEMBER PROFILE

Susan Clark Where I live: Mornington, on the border with Mount Martha, very close to the foreshore walking track. How I started birding: In the 1980s living in Frankston on a steep block meant that the living room windows and balcony were at tree-top level. These trees were home to many nesting White-plumed Honeyeaters. We also had Crested Shrike-tits tapping at their window reflections. Sometimes a pair of Tawny Frogmouths roosted in the front garden. At one point there was a scheme, I think run by the RAOU, for nest monitoring. As there was a White-browed Scrubwren's nest down by the creek, I visited this little nest daily to watch and record the Birding ambitions: comings and goings. My interest in birdwatching gradually Learning more from knowledgeable bird friends and increased, due initially to the abundant birdlife at home. colleagues. Favourite birding spots on the Peninsula: Other interests: Our own garden in Mornington where native plants and Gardening and gardens, the Australian landscape, recycling birdbaths attract, at various times, New Holland Honeyeaters and op-shops, reading, sewing, art and music. in chattering groups, tiny Brown Thornbills shyly sipping and dipping in a small bath, Grey Fantails, Eastern Spinebills, Rainbow Lorikeets and Eastern Rosellas. Sometimes Superb Fairy-wrens come over from the foreshore. Little Wattlebirds are always present trying to claim all areas as their own. Newsletter contributions The Briars, Coolart, Devilbend, Mount Martha Arboretum and Thanks for your fantastic articles and photos; keep the Balcombe Estuary walk. We are fortunate on the sharing your sightings, observations, bird photos, daily Peninsula to have these terrific areas for everyone to enjoy. birding activities, surveys and tips on bird identification. Other favourite birding spots: Send to Val Ford; 5984 0039 & [email protected] Phillip Island and Churchill Island for Flame Robins in winter Deadline for September edition: 1 August 2015 and, in the spring, Cape Barren Geese and goslings and Earlier articles appreciated. Masked Lapwings with their darting fluffy black chicks. Bright and the Ovens Valley for currawongs, robins, Crimson Rosellas and Satin Bowerbirds. Correction and clarification Memorable birding moments: I wish to comment on two items in the March 2015 A Darter juggling a fish and finally swallowing it, on Lake Mornington Peninsula Birdlife. Hume at Tallangatta. Firstly, I suspect that the photo on page 7 captioned On a Bay trip, Silver Gulls bobbing in the sparkling water just ‘Immature Pallid Cuckoo ….’ is actually an adult female. inside the Heads. Female cuckoos often carry elements of juvenile plumage At Bool Lagoon, near Naracoorte in South Australia after rain into adulthood which has led to claims of adult cuckoos had broken a long drought we saw dozens of Spotless feeding their young when in fact it was an adult male Crakes. courtship feeding an adult female. November 12 is a very early date to encounter a full grown juvenile/immature. The Living Desert Park just north of Broken Hill where we heard and saw (as predicted by a fellow birdwatcher) the Secondly, throughout the one body and the one magazine charming little Chirruping Wedgebill. we should use only one English or vernacular name for each bird species. Otherwise it is too confusing. The uninitiated White-breasted Woodswallows in Maroochydore. Their smart reading the ‘Observations’ on page 15 could conclude that black and white outfits only needed little bow ties to three species of Koel, (Pacific, Common and Eastern) complete the formal look. occurred on the Peninsula in December 2014. Of course only one species occurred Eudynamys orientalis. The common The brilliant yellow of a Yellow-throated Honeyeater in name (and to an extent the scientific name) varies Tasmania. depending on which taxonomy one follows. The IOC calls it At Airlie Beach a Sunbird perching on the car's outside mirror Pacific Koel. The Christidis & Boles checklist called it Eastern looking at its reflection. Koel and it is sometimes called Australian Koel. Mike Carter

2 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Branch news

Latvians visit Mornington Peninsula A Melbourne based tour company engaged our branch to conduct a bird watching outing for a tour group from Latvia. On 16 February the group of fourteen arrived by bus at Coolart Wetlands and Homestead at lunchtime and we greeted them and welcomed them to the Mornington Peninsula. After lunch we proceeded to the hide overlooking the lagoon. We had set up telescopes and binoculars and had good sightings of Pink-eared Duck, Swamp Harrier, Eurasian Coot, Pied and Great Cormorant and Pacific Black Duck with ducklings. We then walked to another hide and saw Chestnut Teal but missed the Freckled Duck. On returning to the picnic area a White-necked Heron was seen feeding in a distant paddock and a Wedge-tailed Eagle appeared on the horizon. The group then inspected the homestead and retired to the gardens for a look see at the plants. The group leader Oskars Pam with Latvian bird calendar, Oskars with BirdLife Mornington presented us with calendars of his bird photos from his Peninsula’s bird book. Photo by Susan Clark homeland and we reciprocated with our book. The group then indicated they would go for a swim at the beach and we said our farewells. Given the language difficulties we were pleased that they were most appreciative of our efforts in showing Mud Islands them a small selection of Australian birds. We must take the islands by surprise Max Burrows Or they will ground us. But Ian knows. Rod knows Just how to channel the beach. THANK YOU FLINDERS LIONS CLUB Silver gulls wheel and scream their worst But can’t hide The Committee of BirdLife Mornington Peninsula wishes to Green spotted eggs and striped fuzzball chicks. extend its grateful thanks to the Lions Club – Flinders District for its support. This most generous donation will assist in the This small new adventure continuation of the hard copy of the Newsletter and will be of Thrills me. considerable benefit to so many of the Branch’s members. We crunch along the beach of mud and shell. I am glad of my shocking pink Wetsuit bootees. I am glad I am 64 and Need not worry about style. I am glad I am 64 as we glug across the lagoon Holding hands like teenagers for balance. I lurch between two men, One a friend, the other met this morning. There is minimal awkwardness Though some rises in me, at least. A solitary Royal Spoonbill, Marlene Dietrich in dazzling white Turns to gaze over her shoulder, Elegant above squalling gulls. Pelicans swim from us, leaving one Twelve trips across the Nullarbor Lame straggler that will soon Join bodies that have failed to launch. 2008-2015 The islands lie low, furtive. At Coolart on 8 July John Barkla will be talking about, Best not to draw attention to these nurseries. and showing excellent photos of, his birding Sky-scraping ships charge past, experiences whilst crossing the Nullarbor. Bow waves threaten, But shallows somehow swallow the menace.

Humans clog the mainland shore Mostly unaware. Contacting BirdLife Mornington Peninsula Terns and swans and dotterels hunker down President Max Burrows; 9789 0224 Over their broods. PO Box 2262 Rosebud Plaza, Vic 3939 Above us, two pairs of swamp harriers Circle meaningfully. [email protected] www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula Gillian Barnett

June 2015 3 Branch news

DO YOU REQUIRE GUEST SPEAKERS? Contact BirdLife MP education BirdLife Mornington Peninsula has a number of people who go out and speak to various community groups and schools/pre-schools about all aspects of birds and birding. Talks and presentations are tailored to topics of interest for each group, and all of these are free (however, donations are always welcome!) Recent talks have been given to Gardening clubs, Friends’ groups, and retirement villages. Ex-Committee and Committee members, and our President, Max, are skilled and passionate when talking about birds to the general public. An Education team presented two days’ activities at the Shire’s Education Week in March at The Briars. This involved Susan and Pam hard at work with E-week activities. Photo by Danny Vits helpers manning a Scope in the Birdhide to identify waterbirds, and Pam and Susan conducting hands-on activities about wetland birds and their food. Many thanks to the scope team; David Ap-Thomas, Danny Vits, Stuart Cousland, Ray Pentland, Peter Gower and new member Diane Tomlin. Thanks also particularly to Susan Clark for being my right-hand person involved in the Wetlands activity. Susan and I will be doing a presentation in late April to a Walkers Road (Mt Eliza) Pre-school group. In the last week of fourth term last year, we spoke to Years 3 and 4 at Mt Martha Primary School, which was well-received. Children all like to relate their own personal bird stories, and many show an amazing knowledge of birds, which sounds good for our future. So keep us in mind if a local school or community group View from Moorooduc Quarry lookout. Photo by Diane Tweeddale require people who are knowledgeable about birds. We are available! Brown Goshawks, or was it only one, generated lots of Pam Hearn & Susan Clark, Education Officers interest. We eventually reached the quarry lake, checking out the sandstone strata and admiring the (feral) waterlilies. Melbourne Branch visits Moorooduc Quarry Peregrines had been reported here and there were a couple of encouraging areas of whitewash on the cliffs but initially Flora and Fauna Reserve, 2 March 2015 no raptors. Then an eagle-eyed birder called an adult Peregrine Falcon perching on a cliff. Definitely a contender Blue skies, not too hot and little breeze – how could there be for bird of the day. better bird-watching weather? Eighteen assembled and six Peninsula Field Naturalists Club (PFNC) members showed a Back to the cars for lunch, pausing to photograph the piece of their own turf to 12 from BirdLife Melbourne. Bett remains of some small animal on a step. (It may have been Mitchell led and we ascended the steps listening for bird calls. a young rat but was probably too large to have been an owl Not many initially but as our ears and eyes attuned to the pellet.) Noisy Miners were added to the Grey Butcherbirds hillside our lists grew. Calls from Eastern Yellow Robin were and Australian Magpies of the morning. Golden Whistlers had confirmed by views and Brown Thornbill, White-eared been vocal but now we finally saw a male in fresh plumage. Honeyeater and Grey Fantail were seen repeatedly. On to the picnic ground where we got a quick boost to The area had been burnt many years previously and bare waterbird numbers. Purple Swamphen, Dusky Moorhen, snags rose above the lower bush but they were only Magpie-lark and Masked Lapwing were there, plus young occasionally occupied by perching birds, you had to be quick Pacific Black Ducks which seemed to be under the control of or lucky. Superb Fairy-wrens called from the heavy ‘Jemima Puddleduck’ who was white and definitely not groundcover and Laughing Kookaburras were loud but native. seldom seen. Walking back we encountered a strange black mottled insect We were told there were over 200 steps up the hillside but with extravagant antennae, subsequently identified as a our enthusiasm did not run to an exhaustive count. There Botany Bay Beetle, among the first species named by Joseph were certainly a lot of steps but the climbing was easy. The Banks. The final species count was 35; not bad for a quarry extensive views from the lookout were rewarding and early site, and we thanked Bett and the PFNC for introducing us to arrivals counted Black Swan, Great Egret and Little Pied part of their area. Cormorant on a distant dam. What goes up must come down but the birding was equally good on the descent and two Diane Tweeddale, coordinator BirdLife Melbourne Weekdays Outings, The BirdLife Melbourne Blog

4 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Habitat for wildlife

Green Army at Arthurs Seat State Park The Green Army team worked for roughly 3.5 weeks in Arthurs Seat State Park and has made a huge impact. The group would like to thank Mark Lethlean for coordinating this project. The team finished their work on the OT Dam Block in late February. Over the 15 days they put in 864 hours of work. In addition, Sheepwash Creek Landcare members contributed 51 hours of volunteer work with them. The initial aim was to clear half of the 9ha section of Pittosporum and Boneseed. They actually managed to clear the whole 9ha and continued for another 2ha along the property boundaries east of the designated area. At current attendance rates, it would take our Landcare Group about 5 years to do this work. The Team Leader, Tony Ralph, was a brilliant mentor and educator of the team and encouraged local participation. The team was a great group of young local adults who embraced the work they were doing and worked extremely well together. Green Army working in Arthurs Seat State Park. Photo by Mark Lethlean Mark Lethlean stated: “I got to know them all and enjoyed my time working with them. So I am pretty impressed by what has been achieved both for us and for the Green Army members”. The group finished with a nice lunch for the team at Mark and Stacey's house. Mark Lethlean & Michele de la Coeur, Sheepwash Creek Catchment Landcare Group, Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network News February 2015

From Green Recruits to Green Graduates Friday 6th March 2015 was a very positive day for the Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network (MPLN) as Project Sponsor of one of the first Green Army teams in the country. Nine young participants in the Network's Round One Green Army team graduated after six months of working and learning new skills in various environmental projects organised by Landcare and Friends groups on the southern Green Army graduation at Capel Sound. Photo by Bernie Schedvin Peninsula.

Three of those weeks were spent in Greens Bush in the The morass of paperwork and fine-tuning of legal Mornington Peninsula National Park where Main Creek documentation nearly brought us undone before the program Landcare members worked with a Parks Vic team to got rolling; but thanks to the persistence of the MPLN team introduce the young recruits to the delights of weeding out (especially its President, David Maddocks) work finally sweet pittosporum, karamu, boneseed, blackberry etc. In commenced with the blessing of the federal Minister for the that sensitive environment, hand weeding is the safest way Environment, Greg Hunt (our local federal member of to proceed but can be frustratingly slow. The Parks Vic team parliament), and the Green Army set forth to battle weeds was delighted with what they achieved. and undertake project works to improve the Peninsula's This story was repeated with other groups with which they natural environment. worked, including Friends of Chinaman's Creek And today they graduated! Certificates of participation, (enhancement of swamp skink habitat), Sheepwash Creek statements of proficiency and achievement were presented Landcare Group (Arthurs Seat State Park), Merricks-Coolart by Greg Hunt accompanied by the heartfelt appreciation of Landcare Group (the rail trail project), Balcombe Estuary their sponsoring groups for work well done with team spirit Restoration Group (BERG), Red Hill South Landcare Group and good humour. (Baynes Road Reserve) and Manton and Stony Creeks Landcare Group (Red Hill Community Park). Our special thanks go to Tony Ralph of Conservation Volunteers Australia who led and organised this great team When participation in the Green Army program was first effort during the past six months: he was terrific! mooted, reactions among Peninsula Landcarers were mixed. Some were sceptical, pointing to previous attempts to make And the good news is ... already four team members are this sort of policy work which had not proved very productive moving into full time employment, others to further study socially or environmentally. Others were enthusiastic and and all have enhanced future prospects. We thank them all anxious to "give it a go", seeking benefits for local and wish them good fortune. unemployed youth and the environment through a Bernie Schedvin, Main Creek Catchment Landcare Group coordinated "War on Weeds". Newsletter, March 2015

June 2015 5 Habitat for wildlife

The importance of roadsides Native vegetation along our roadsides and other linear remnants along creeks and coastal strips form important habitat corridors for many birds – especially bush birds – as well as native mammals, reptiles, frogs and insects, etc. The importance of these corridors is increased of course when they pass through cleared farmland. On French Island, in the absence of foxes, even narrow strips of remnant vegetation provide habitat for Koalas and Echidnas, as well as bush birds, including Scarlet Robins, which are now less common on the Mornington Peninsula. Common Bronzewings, honeyeaters, wattlebirds and families of Dusky Woodswallows and Red-browed Finches are all This lovely bank of Banksias on Coast Road was common on island roadsides in the farming areas. Roadsides destroyed right up to the fence. adjacent to bushland usually have additional species, such as Brush Bronzewings, Eastern Yellow Robins and Striated Thornbills. The French Island LandCare Group commissioned a detailed study of roadside vegetation on the island in 2007, conducted by Gidja Walker and Morag Mackay, which resulted in the 'French Island Roadside Vegetation Management Plan'. The Plan identifies the most important roadside habitat, and provides guidelines for protecting native vegetation and encouraging its recovery. The management of French Island roads was transferred from VicRoads to DELWP Engineers in 2013. Since then, naturalists on the island have been extremely disappointed at the widespread destruction of our roadside vegetation by DELWP contractors in the name of “improved drainage” and “road safety”. The slashing conducted is mostly far in excess of what is necessary for roadside drains, and often on banks and other roadsides where there are no drainage issues at all. The photos opposite illustrate a couple examples of this destruction of important habitat. Chris Chandler, French Island

Growing Connections works with our partners Land restoration and re-vegetation will be the focus of nine new partnerships with community partners of the Western Port Biosphere Foundation.

“We will see 189 hectares of bush land enhanced and 32.3 McLeod Road at the corner of Mt Wellington Road is in important bushland hectares of land re-vegetated this year” Mr Duncan Malcolm, remnant. Long-nosed Potoroos live in this bush block and until recently Chair of the Western Port Biosphere Foundation said. “We are they used to feed right up to the road edge and were sometimes seen delighted to be renewing contracts and establishing new crossing the road. This roadside has now been smashed back about partnerships with community groups to get this important 4 metres from either edge, for no good reason. Satin Flycatchers and work done.” Olive-backed Orioles nest in the bush close to the road. Nine new contracts have been signed with community Photos by Chris Chandler partners to care for and improve habitat within the Biosphere Reserve. The contracts are with Bass Coast Landcare Network, Cardinia Catchment Landcare Group, Cardinia of habitat protection and 72.5 hectares of revegetation since Environment Coalition, Cardinia Shire Council, the Habitat 2012. In this time 58,200 individual plants, comprising 128 Restoration Fund, Mornington Railway Preservation Society, different species, have been planted. Phillip Island Nature Park, and Toomuc Creek Landcare The Growing Connections projects bring people together to Group. foster conservation. This is one of the main goals of the Benefits of the work being done by community partners Western Port Biosphere. Growing Connections is supported include weed control, management and re-vegetation of land by the Australian Government. which connects habitats. This article first appeared in the Western Port Biosphere The Growing Connections project has overseen 668 hectares Foundation’s newsletter, The Connector: Issue 5.

6 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Habitat for wildlife

Fairy Tern paper published A journal paper documenting the breeding history of French Island’s Fairy Terns has recently been published in the BirdLife Australia journal Australian Field Ornithology. The paper was written by Friends of French Island (FOFI) members Geoff Lacey and Martin O’Brien and drew upon the 4-decades long volunteer monitoring of this species by members. The vision of early FOFI members lead to threatened species monitoring at various French Island sites many years ago. This has resulted in the generation of breeding data sets for the Fairy Tern, Pelican and Sea-Eagle. The paper shows that the Western Port Fairy Tern dataset may be the longest running set of breeding data for this threatened bird in Australia and highlights how important French Island is for the conservation of this species across its Fairy Tern chicks at Rams Island, French Island. Photo by Martin O’Brien range. A key finding of the paper was that, although nesting numbers have fluctuated over the years, there was no main trend downwards in the Western Port population. This is important as a number of Fairy Tern breeding sites in Corio Bay/Port Phillip Bay have failed, possibly due to disturbance. FOFI has been working with Parks Victoria’s rangers for many years now in protecting the Rams Island and Tortoise Head nest sites while undertaking appropriate and sensitive management. To receive a copy of the paper, feel free to contact Martin O’Brien, 9637 9869, [email protected] Martin O’Brien, FOFI New April 2015 Reference: Geoff Lacey & Martin O’Brien (2015). Fairy Tern breeding on French Island, Western Port, Victoria. Australian Field Ornithology 32: 1-14. Dr Christopher Briggs enjoys a ‘walk and talk’ through the Bittern Coastal Wetlands. Photo by Andrew Morrison

saltmarsh. Much to the delight of Dr Christopher Briggs, a Ramsar Protection Program Copperhead snake also made the walk through the wetland a highlight of his visit to Western Port! Representatives from Parks Victoria, Western Port Biosphere, Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Dr Christopher Briggs was extremely enthusiastic and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Port Phillip and interested to hear about how programme partners are Westernport Catchment Management Authority met recently working together to improve the condition of wetlands. He with Dr Christopher Briggs, Secretary General of the Ramsar was also interested to hear about any new and emerging Convention Wetlands, to showcase the sensitive ecological issues facing the Western Port Ramsar site. Scott Coutts values of the internationally-significant Western Port site from Parks Victoria discussed the integrated approach to near Warneet. pest plant and pest animal control throughout the region and mentioned the massive impact that these works have seen This was a fantastic opportunity for the delivery partners on improving the condition of the landscape and reducing the involved in the Ramsar Protection Program, which, through threats to resident and migratory shorebirds as a result of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme, extensive fox baiting and trapping programs. delivers on-ground environmental protection and enhancement works to protect fragile saltmarsh and Western Port is a designated Ramsar site due to its mangrove vegetation communities and local native wildlife. important natural features, which supports a large number of The programme also aims to engage with the local shorebird who migrate to the area annually from afar as community to promote the unique environmental landscape China, Japan and Siberia. The Ramsar Convention aims to surrounding Western Port. promote the sensitive and wise-use of wetlands throughout the world. Australia has over 60 Ramsar sites. Following the walk along the Warneet foreshore, the delegates were joined by Cecelia Witton from the Western Andrew Morrison, Environmental Projects Coordinator, Port Port Biosphere and Joshua Gunn from Mornington Peninsula Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority. Shire Council for a walk along the Bittern Coastal Wetlands This article first appeared in the Western Port Biosphere Boardwalk. Several White-faced Heron, Black Swans and Foundation’s newsletter, The Connector: Issue 4. Swamp Harrier were sighted amongst the mangroves and

June 2015 7 Habitat for wildlife

A great place for bird artists and amateur photographers Recently as I escorted some interstate bird photographers around Devilbend and Bittern Reservoirs taking photos of the birds and their magnificent habitat, I thought what a magnificent natural asset we have so close to everyone on the Mornington Peninsula. The weather started quite cool, blowy and overcast but blossomed into a sunny day. Because of the wind, the birds were somewhat down in numbers, but we were able to snap pictures of a Whistling Kite, some Brown Goshawks and a Collared Sparrowhawk as they flew overhead. Devilbend Reservoir is an internationally recognised IBA, or Important Bird Area, because it provides magnificent sanctuary to the endangered Blue-billed Duck. This wary diving duck sits in rafts in the deeper waters. They dive to get most of their food from the bottom; however, they also strip seeds from Sugar Glider at Coolart. Photo by Brian Thomas overhanging vegetation near the shore. The distinctive blue bill of the male is pronounced during the breeding season. For more about the Sugar Gliders at Coolart read Brian’s They come to Devilbend after early summer breeding and Birdywordy blog Is That a Ferret Down Your Pants? No It’s A their numbers are usually highest at this time of year. This Sugar Glider In My Drawers, 16 October 2014. day, because of the strong morning southerly breeze they had moved to sheltered waters and so were out of our These nocturnal marsupials sleep in nests made from photographic range. eucalyptus leaves inside tree hollows during the day, However, our visiting photographers were able to get some emerging at dusk to hunt insects and small vertebrates. great photos of the Great Crested Grebes and the peculiar They also feed on blossoms and the sweet sap of certain Musk Duck with its pendulous lobes. Devilbend Reservoir is species of acacia and eucalyptus. the only place on the Mornington Peninsula where you can Sugar gliders rarely come to the ground and are very agile, almost always be sure of both these spectacular waterbird scampering around in the branches and gliding from one tree species. Then we went bush and found good numbers of to another. Skin stretches from wrists to ankles, forming an fantails, honeyeaters and Rufous Whistlers to snap in their aerofoil when it stretches out its limbs. Changing the habitat. curvature of the membrane or moving the legs and tail We volunteer bird monitors have been conducting our controls the speed and direction of the glide. monthly counts of the more than 150 bird species at Owls are their main predators as well as Kookaburras, Devilbend and the nearby Woods Reserve since May 2004. goannas and snakes. Cats also present a significant threat to We have recently had our count data analysed by the sugar glider, but the biggest threat in urban areas is the researchers from Victoria University and shortly we anticipate removal of feed trees and trees with nesting hollows. Sugar that this valuable information will be available for the general gliders have been known to make use of artificial nest boxes public and for Parks Victoria to help with habitat and which can be installed to improve their available habitat. management decisions. See http://fnpw.org.au/PDFS/Resources/nestbox.pdf for Bird counts are usually held on the second Tuesday of each instructions. month and all are welcome. For details contact Roger Sugar gliders have a dark stripe down the forehead, and the Richards on email [email protected] males have a bald scent gland on the forehead and chest, Roger Richards, Devilbend Foundation newsletter April which the dominant male uses to mark his territory and the 2015 other members of the nesting colony of up to 7 gliders. They are highly social animals, engaging in social grooming, which in addition to improving hygiene and health, helps bond the colony and establish group identity. Aerial Experts The large eyes are suited to night vision and are set wide Recently a family of Sugar gliders has taken up residence in apart to allow for accurate distance perception when gliding the eaves of our house adjoining the Sunshine Reserve. Each and the ears can swivel to help locate prey. Sugar gliders are evening as dusk approaches we hear them stirring, rustling thought to live for up to 9 years in the wild, and can breed the leaves used to line their nest, and we quietly sneak out twice a year in good conditions with one or two joeys per to watch them emerge and launch themselves from the top litter. of the TV aerial. Landing on a tree trunk in our yard below, they scamper high into the tree and glide about 50 metres The young are self-sufficient at 4 months but continue living into the Reserve. We get so excited, like two little kids each in the nest for 10 months. During the cold season, drought, time we see them. or rainy nights, a sugar glider's activity is reduced, even becoming immobile or unresponsive due to torpor, where its Sugar gliders are about 24–30 cm from nose to tail and are metabolism is slowed for short periods to conserve energy. gliding possums. The common name refers to its preference for sugary nectarous foods and the ability to glide through Geoff Linnell, Sunshine Bushland Reserve Autumn 2015 the air. Newsletter

8 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife 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. For more information about an outing contact Max Burrows on 0429 947 893 or the leader listed. Max Burrows, Outings Coordinator Neck stretching at Endeavour Fern Gully. Photo by Con Duyvestyn

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Leader Phone

Wed 10 Jun 10.00 Sunshine Reserve, Mt. Martha Meet 10.00 at corner of Barrow Street and McLeod Road Mt Pam Hearn 5974 1176 Martha; enter via Hearn Road off Esplanade. Mel 150 F4.

Sun 21 Jun 10.00 Braeside Park, Braeside Meet 10.00 at car park off Governor Road near corner of Danny Vits 0447 046 862 Springvale Road. Mel 93 F2.

Wed 8 Jul 10.00 Coolart Wetlands, Somers Meet 10.00 at car park; enter off Lord Somers Road near Beach Max Burrows 0429 947 893 John Barkla will tell us about his Hill Avenue. This outing will be held in the theatrette and will birding experiences whilst crossing include morning tea and John Barkla as speaker then a walk to the the Nullarbor Coolart Lagoon bird hide. Mel 193 J9.

Sun 19 Jul 10.00 Kings Waterfall, Main Ridge Meet 10.00 at entry to park in Waterfall Gully Road off Purves Neil Shelley 0438 557 178 Road or from Old Cape Schanck Road. Mel 171 D5.

Wed 12 Aug 10.00 Warneet Nature Reserve, Warneet Meet 10.00 at Tennis courts near Warneet Road and Rutherford TBA 0429 947 893 Parade intersection. Warneet Road accessed off Baxter/Tooradin Road. Mel 142 F11.

Sun 16 Aug 10.00 Gordon Rolfe Reserve, Somerville Meet 10.00 at gate in Yaringa Road off Whitneys Road from either Susan Clark 5975 7409 Bungower or Pikes Roads. Mel 149 J8.

Wed 9 Sep 9.30 Balcombe Estuary, Mt. Martha Meet 9.30 at car park; enter off The Esplanade into Watson Road Pam Hearn 5974 1176 then into Mirang Avenue. Mel 144 J/K 11.

Sun 20 Sep 9.30 Bittern Reserve (Devilbend), Meet 9.30 at car park to Bittern Reserve on Hodgins Road; Max Burrows 0429 947 893 Tuerong approximately 2km from junction with Derril Road or from Stumpy Gully/Hodgins Roads intersection. Mel 153 B9.

Wed 14 Oct 9.00 Mt Martha Park, Mt Martha Meet 9.00 at car park in Forest Drive near Hearn Road intersection. Roger Standen 0427 384 559 Mel 150 H7.

Sun 25 Oct 9.00 What Bird is That, The Briars Mt 9.00am start. Bird walks, theatrette presentation, information Max Burrows 0429 947 893 Martha table and morning tea. Public information event, scheduled to finish 1.00pm. Mel 145 D11.

Wed 11 Nov 9.00 Flinders Beach (Mushroom Reef), Meet 9.00 at 2nd car park; enter via Golf Links Road through golf Danny Vits 0447 046 862 Flinders course into Mushroom Reef area. Mel 261 K10.

Sun 15 Nov 9.00 Troups Creek Wetlands, Hampton Meet 9.00 at reserve in Hallam South Road 1km from Pound Road Max Burrows 0429 947 893 Park intersection. Hallam Road is accessed via South Gippsland Highway. Mel 96 G5.

Wed 9 Dec 9.00 Main Ridge Flora & Fauna Reserve, Meet 9.00 at the gate on Mornington/Flinders Road south of TBA 0429 947 893 Main Ridge Shands Road intersection. Mel 255 D3.

Sun 20 Dec 9.00 Xmas Beak-up TBA

ENDEAVOUR FERN GULLY, RED HILL

David Ap-Thomas: Wed 11 Feb Species recorded: 39 For our first outing for 2015, David guided seventeen enthusiasts on a very pleasant walk down into Endeavour Fern Gully. This reserve is owned and managed by the National Trust and contains rainforest and natural indigenous bushland. There is a two kilometre loop walking track (which we took), boardwalks, a small dam and a lush fern gully. Superb Fairy-wren at Endeavour Fern Gully. Photo by Con Duyvestyn

June 2015 9 Outings

Other vegetation comprises eucalypts, bursaria, pomaderis, blackwood and various understorey plants. A volunteer group is responsible for the track maintenance and extensive new plantings. On the way down into the Gully proper, we surprised two grey kangaroos and spotted Spotted Dove, Galah, Australian Magpie and Magpie-lark as well as Crimson and Eastern Rosellas "chewing" (if that's the right word) on grass seeds and bulbs. Plenty of Brown and Striated Thornbills were about, with some of us having the usual difficulty telling them apart. Many of our sightings involved looking high up into the canopy. We had several separate sightings of Satin I think it’s over here, Endeavour Fern Gully. Flycatchers. Spotted and Striated Pardalotes were there too, as well as plenty of honeyeaters (White-naped, White-eared, Yellow-faced, New Holland, Eastern Spinebill and Little and Red Wattlebird). At the mid-level we had good views of Grey Shrike-Thrush, Grey Fantail, at least two White-throated Treecreepers and Grey Butcherbird. In the undergrowth we saw or heard Eastern Yellow Robin, White-browed Scrubwren, Superb Fairy-wren, Willie Wagtail and Olive-backed Oriole. David pointed out a Red-browed Finch's nest (not in use). These large round bundles are an impressive effort for a small bird. Having heard a Rufous Fantail, David and Neil tried hard to get a sighting but the bird was just too elusive,

Out in the open, a group of Silvereyes were having a In the wilds of Greens Bush. Photos by Rab Siddhi wonderful time eating a ripe kangaroo apple, Welcome Swallows flew over, as did a Black-shouldered Kite. We had Grey Fantails. Not everyone saw the Crested Shrike-tit, but the background squawks of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos for Max and the group’s tail-enders were the fortunate ones. the entire walk. The “front-enders” had their reward with a good view of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo. Satin Flycatchers were spotted at several Our total bird count was thirty-nine. Thanks, David, for a sites. Both Golden and Rufous Whistlers were also seen at very enjoyable morning's birding. several sites on the walk. Honeyeaters included Crescent, White-eared, White-naped and Yellow-faced. One Eastern Susan Clark, Mornington Spinebill was very obliging by working in a flower cluster close to the track. Little Wattlebirds were both seen and heard, but not a single Red Wattlebird. Crimson and Eastern GREENS BUSH, MAIN RIDGE Rosellas were present in good numbers, but only a single pair of Galahs was spotted, and no Cockatoos or Corellas. Danny Vits: Sun 15 Feb The smaller insectivorous birds included Striated and Spotted Pardalotes, Striated and Brown Thornbills and White-browed Species recorded: 31 Scrubwren. Several White-throated Treecreepers were spotted characteristically moving up tree trunks. Grey Danny Vits was our Leader on behalf of Stuart Cousland with Shrike-thrush consistently revealed their presence with their Stuart having to rest a sore knee. Danny explained to the clear calls that allowed follow-up spotting; likewise the other fourteen of us that he was a little uncertain how many Eastern Yellow Robins. The louder calls of the Laughing different bird species we would see and it certainly would not Kookaburras, Australian Magpies and Grey Butcherbirds be anything like the list of ninety-seven species recorded in preceded each species being sighted. Greens Bush. Conditions were perfect initially with no wind, a There were only single or limited sightings of several species mild temperature and moderate cloud cover. The including a small group of Silvereyes, a single Mistletoebird, temperature rose slightly as the cloud cover dispersed. The a Red-browed Finch (at the lunch site) and a family of tracks were in excellent condition and the recent rain meant Superb Fairy-wrens at the end of the walk. Another that insects were plentiful. (unexpected) single sighting was of a good sized Tiger Snake Little did Danny know that he was leading a group that would (Notechis scutatus) as it moved across the track after it had not spot any water birds, raptors, doves or pigeons and no been stepped over by three at the front of the group!! introduced species. Instead, the group saw a “quality After bird call, Danny justifiably observed that: “There may selection” of what Caley would describe as “Birds of the have been only thirty-one species on our list, but it was a Blossoms and Outer Foliage” and other bush birds. First quality selection”. The group agreed and thanked him for example was a Rufous Fantail that put on a display of stepping into the Leader role at short notice. aerobatics in full view of the group. The flight pattern was much more “hyper-active” than that for the more numerous Jock and Elaine Macmillan, Mt Martha

10 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Outings

MOONLIT SANCTUARY, PEARCEDALE

Max Burrows: Wed 11 March Species recorded: 42 When we arrived at the sanctuary car park we were greeted by Michael the owner who briefed us on the sanctuaries aims and what we might expect to see on our mornings walk. The morning was bright with an attendance of twenty-five members. We headed for the bush area at the back of the main display and along the way the curator of the sanctuaries Orange- bellied Parrot recovery program gave us an insight into the Birdcall and lunch at Moonlit Sanctuary. Photo by Danny Vits breeding of these rare parrots, we also had a glimpse of the birds in their breeding cages. The bush provided us with a really good variety of bush birds with honeyeaters prominent; Yellow-faced, White-plumed, White-eared, Noisy Miner, Little and Red Wattlebird all seen. A Little Eagle was sighted over the adjacent market garden and a Black-shouldered Kite soon attacked it. Red-browed Finch was seen at a couple of spots along the track and as we headed back to the display area a female Golden Whistler was spotted. The group then split up and walked around the sanctuaries exhibits. The wetland was drying out but still had Australasian Grebe, Eurasian Coot with young, Pacific Black Duck, Australian Wood Duck, Chestnut Teal, Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamphen and a pair of Cape Barren Geese. We then adjourned for lunch and birdcall with a good tally of forty-two recorded. Australian Hobby and Eurasian Skylark at WTP. Max Burrows, Langwarrin

WESTERN TREATMENT PLANT, WERRIBEE

John Barkla: Sun 15 March Species recorded: 96 WOW what a day!! We met our leader John Barkla at Paradise Road and all twenty of us were anticipating a great day and it certainly happened. Can anyone see the Freckled Duck? Photos by Rab Siddhi Our first lagoon was alive with waterbirds and we spent a lot of time seeing all. Banded Stilt, Black-winged Stilt, Red- Grey Teal, a hard to find Freckled Duck and numerous necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Red- cormorants. At the coastal verge terns were numerous capped Plover, Red-necked Avocet, Masked Lapwing, Black including White-winged Black, Common, Fairy, Little, and Swan, Cape Barron Geese, Australian Shelduck, White-faced Crested Terns and further inland an odd Whiskered Tern was Heron, White-fronted Chat and Welcome Swallows were as seen. thick as mozzies. Among the thousands of Welcome Swallows were some Tree We had an amazing raptor day with eleven species recorded; and Fairy Martins. Other birds seen were Australasian Pipit, Black, Whistling and Black-shouldered Kite, Wedge-tailed Australian Reed-warbler, Little Grassbird, Golden-headed Eagle, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Black and Brown Falcon, Cisticola, Zebra Finch and many others too many to list. Brown Goshawk, Swamp and Spotted Harrier. To top it off an Australian Hobby captured a Eurasian Skylark as we watched We adjourned to have bird call and thanked our leader John and proceeded to eat it on a fence post nearby. for a fantastic day of birding; we then headed for home well satisfied with our days outing. The duck population was immense with Lake Borrie teeming with Pink-eared Duck, Australasian Shoveler, Chestnut and Max Burrows, Langwarrin

June 2015 11 Outings

WOOLLEYS BEACH RESERVE, CRIB POINT

Danny Vits: Wed 8 April Species recorded: 34 While waiting to move off on our outing at Woolley’s Beach Reserve the ubiquitous car-park birds, such as the Noisy Miner, Australian Magpie, and Magpie-lark were checked on the list. An Australian Raven was calling nearby. The Westernport coastline is one area on the Peninsula where you have to be careful when you see a raven as it could well be the Australian rather than Little Raven.

Fifteen participants strolled down to the foreshore with our Getting down to the serious business of birdwatching at leader, Danny, to check out birdlife in the intertidal zone. The Woolleys Beach Reserve. Photo by Pam Hearn tide was low and even though the birds were spread out over the expanse of mud and seagrass flats, we were able to discern the usual suspects, Black Swan, Australian White A new car park and walking tracks on the Bittern Reservoir Ibis, White-faced Heron, Masked Lapwing, Pacific and Silver side contribute to the enjoyment of this walk. We saw/heard Gulls. Long distance viewing does bring with it challenges in several Mistletoebirds and the first one appeared while we identification and the dispute over the distant dark ducks were still in the car park. We next saw a couple of Grey (Chestnut Teal, of course) was resolved with the scope. The Currawongs and heard their clinking calls. Viewing the water collection of Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants arrayed from the reservoir embankment, we saw hundreds of along the Crib Point wharf railings were ticked on the list. Eurasian Coot, lots of Black Swans, plenty of Welcome Swallows whizzing around like mosquitoes, a Musk Duck (we Then, it was back to the woodland track to see what bush were to see more of these later, one female scooting across birds would emerge. Autumnal flocking was well underway. the water or "motorboating" as Tania called it). Through the There were plenty of White-eared and Yellow-faced telescope we observed several Freckled Duck, which is a new Honeyeaters to look at along with a smattering of White- bird for our list for this site. We also had nice views of a naped Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds, Grey Fantails, Spotted circling Swamp Harrier and, higher up, a Black-shouldered Pardalotes, Brown Thornbills. Calls from Grey Butcherbirds, Kite. On the water, on the shoreline or perching nearby were Grey Shrike-thrushes, Superb Fairy-wrens, Striated Australian White Ibis, Eastern Great Egret, White-faced Pardalotes and Eastern Yellow Robins boosted the tally. Heron, Little Pied and Great Cormorant, Grey and Chestnut As we approached the small remnant of heathland, the New Teal, Pacific Black Duck, and Masked Lapwing. Moving Holland Honeyeaters appeared as if on cue. It was time to around the perimeter, we spied another two Musk Duck retrace our steps back to the meeting point. A final scan over lurking in the reeds. the intertidal zone added Australian Pelicans and a solitary Then, entering the bushland area we saw several Grey Eastern Great Egret. At birdcall, thirty-four species were Fantails twisting and turning, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, registered. A good tally for the morning’s outing. Oh, by the White-eared Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird and White-browed way, according to Malcolm’s “Map My Run” app, we covered Scrubwren. The general feeling was that the bush birds were 2.89 kilometres in 2 hours 33 minutes and expended 399 a bit on the quiet side. Further along, whilst gathering some calories. For those who stayed for lunch, those calories were lovely sticky mud and pine needles on our boots (we could replenished! have made a couple of mud bricks from this material), we Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha followed another Mistletoebird (facing us it resembled a little red light), Crimson Rosellas, some Superb Fairy-wrens dancing on the shoreline and Brown Thornbill fossicking. Australian Magpie and Grey Shrike-thrush were there too. Back up on to the embankment, a single White-fronted Chat DEVILBEND RESERVE, TUERONG flipped along the rocky water's edge. Over the road, through the fence and into the Devilbend area proper, we added Galah, Eastern Rosella and Magpie-lark. Max Burrows: Sun 19 April On a small reedy pond Purple Swamphen and Eastern Great Egret. Looking over the Devilbend water, amongst the Black Swans and Eurasian Coots, about eight Blue-billed Ducks Species recorded: 43 sailed along, diving then popping up again. Two Great We were pleased to have five BirdLife Bayside members with Crested Grebes and an Australasian Grebe were also nearby. us for this combined outing. Despite the erratic weather, we We had a respectable total of forty-three species. For the had a very good walk around Bittern Reservoir and over to fourteen attendees, this was a very worthwhile outing and Devilbend. We were doubtful at first as it was cold and we thank Max for leading at short notice. threatened rain but whilst we were on our feet the conditions were pretty good, with the rain only falling at bird call. Susan Clark, Mornington

12 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife From the travel diary

BIRDING AROUND DARWIN

2001 14 Aug Malak Caravan Park: It was originally an army camp, so each site had a space for the tent plus a concrete amenities block. The park attracted a lot of birds due to being adjacent to a golf course that had large trees along the boundary. Also a permanent resident in the park turned his sprinkler on each afternoon that attracted twenty-three species of birds. It was interesting on the subsequent visits virtually the same birds came each day, so I split the list of birds in three - Figbird, Torresian Imperial Pigeon, Yellow Oriole, Little Friarbird, Lemon-breasted Flycatcher (on our guy ropes), Red-winged Parrot, Rainbow Lorikeet. 15 Aug Howard Springs: There by 8am to see the Rainbow Pitta. As we were parking the car we heard a scratching noise and there he was. The Nature Walk was very rewarding - Long-tailed Finch. Photo by Tim Dolby Green-backed Warbler, Emerald Dove, Rufous-banded Honeyeater, Great Bowerbird, Blue-winged Kookaburra, and Northern Fantail. The temperature at this time of the year hits 30°C, so while Joan was chasing birds, Ken was cooling off in a pool with very large barramundi. 17 Aug Leanyer Sewage Farm: The previous day we collected the gate key from the Power and Water Authority. On the approach to the entrance gate there was a deep concrete channel with 20 to 30 Pied Heron lined up on the opposite side. As soon as the front Pied Heron dived into the fast flowing water the line just move along, no queue jumping. Pacific Heron, Brahminy Kite, Whistling Kite, Collared Kingfisher, Golden-headed Cisticola, Richard's Pipit, Yellow White-eye, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Australian Pratincole, Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, Magpie Goose were seen. It was very windy and not a good place for Ken's hat to blow off. Pied Herons. Photo by Jenny Spry 20 Aug Knuckeys Lagoon: Fiddlers Lane. It was not very far from the caravan park and always full of surprises. It is a 2005: It was the year the Cane Toad reached the Northern large lagoon virtually surrounded by houses. This visit we Territory. At Berry Springs the ranger said a grassed area, at saw Cattle, Little, Intermediate and Eastern Great Egret, night, was covered with cane toads and he had set traps Little Pied and Little Black Cormorants, Australasian Darter, around the boundaries. Marsh Sandpiper, White-necked Heron, Magpie Goose, Sacred Kingfisher. 7 Aug Malak Caravan Park: New birds seen were Brahminy Kite, Long-tailed Finch, Masked Lapwing, Olive-backed 2003: Darwin in August is always hot so most days we swam Oriole, White-throated Honeyeater, Sulphur-crested at the Nightcliff 50 metre pool. Ken swam 800m this year. Cockatoo, Silver-crowned Friarbird, and Red-tailed Black- Joan forgot her bathers, but did see Black-faced and White- Cockatoo. breasted Woodswallows. 11 Aug Leanyer Sewage Farm: Gull-billed Tern, Jabiru, Grey 6 Aug Malak Caravan Park: New birds seen were Rufous- Teal, Eurasian Coot, Pink-eared Duck, White-faced Heron, banded Honeyeater, Galah, Burdekin Duck (under sprinkler), Black-winged Stilt, Pacific Black Duck and Hardhead seen. White-gaped Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-Shrike, Mistletoebird, and White-winged Triller. 14 Aug Knuckeys Lagoon: We arrived at 5pm. The water level was too low for some water birds. We spoke to a local 17 Aug Howard Springs: New birds were Straw-necked and man who was President of the Field and Game Gun Club. He Australian White Ibis, Lemon-breasted Flycatcher, Orange- used his "hooters" to call up ducks – very successfully I'm footed Scrubfowl, Little Shrike-thrush, Yellow Oriole, Shining afraid. Forest Kingfisher, Australian Pratincole, Australasian Flycatcher. Grebe, Nankeen Night-Heron were seen. An Australian 21 Aug Leanyer Sewage Farm: White-necked Heron, Black Hobby caused a flurry when it swooped in to catch its prey. Kite, Plumed Whistling-Duck, White-winged Tern (in breeding We were told there was good birding at the Buffalo Creek plumage) and Whiskered Tern were new birds for us. boat ramp. The birds come down the Buffalo Creek on the 25 Aug Knuckeys Lagoon: Birds seen were Royal Spoonbill, ebb tide. However we abandon after being severely bitten by Black-winged Stilt, Jabiru, Pied Heron, Hardhead, Rainbow sandflies. Bee-eater, Burdekin Duck, Plumed Whistling-Duck, Whistling Joan McDowell, Mt Martha Kite, Pelican, Straw-necked Ibis, White Bellied Sea-Eagle.

June 2015 13 Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys

JUVENILE SPARROWHAWK AND SHOREBIRDS OF MIXED ORIGINS AT ETP

22 February 2015: Rainfall continues to be below average and consequently much of the Plant is very dry but wetland habitats of all types are still present. Of the sixty-eight bird species logged, thirty-eight were wetland dependant (of which eight were shorebirds), five were raptors and twenty-six were non-wetland dependant. Following the rain event of the previous weekend, other than Red-necked Avocets which have increased with 103 now present, in the main, most of the shorebirds have migrated or moved elsewhere; all the Latham’s Snipe have gone as have the Whiskered Terns. Some duck species have shown a Whistling Kite; one of a pair that were attending their renovated small increase in numbers. The lone highlight was a juvenile old nest at the Donut. Photo by Tanya Hattingh Collared Sparrowhawk in the woodlot near the ornamental pond.

29 March 2015: Rainfall continues to be below average. Eighty-two bird species were logged, indicating very high diversity. This is largely because being autumn, many land- birds are on the move. Juveniles are searching for unoccupied territories; some species are nomadic when not breeding, whilst others are shifting to winter quarters. Those in these categories included Australian Hobby, Eastern Rosella, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Striated Pardalote, Little Wattlebird, Grey Shrike-thrush and Grey Butcherbird. Also some regular winter visitors such as Little Eagle and Double- banded Plovers have returned. Others such as Australian Shorebirds of mixed origins mixing at ETP Reed-Warblers and Fairy Martin have moved to warmer climes for the winter. Forty-two species were wetland dependant (of which eleven were shorebirds), eight were raptors and thirty-two were non-wetland dependant. On the other hand, abundance has plummeted, most notably the commoner waterfowl. Shorebirds of mixed origins were mixing at the ETP today. The Double-banded Plover (largest bird in photo opposite) has just arrived from its New Zealand breeding grounds, the Red-capped Plovers breed locally and the heavily patterned Red-necked Stint was reared in Siberia. Mike Carter, Mt Eliza

Eastern Treatment Plant Collared Sparrowhawk at ETP. Photos by David Stabb The Eastern Treatment Plant of Melbourne Water is a 1,100ha sewage treatment plant located in the suburb of Bangholme. The plant's land is bordered by the Patterson Along with the nearby Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, the ETP River to the north, the Mornington Peninsula Freeway to the is part of the Carrum Wetlands Important Bird Area (IBA) west, and EastLink to the south and east. and supports many bird species of regional, state, national The plant was built in 1975 on a 1,100ha site. It treats and international conservation significance. Species for which around 40% of Melbourne’s sewage - about 330ML a day - the IBA is globally important are the Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, from about 1.5 million people, mainly in the eastern and Blue-billed Duck, Chestnut Teal and Australasian Bittern. south-eastern suburbs. It generates its own electricity from There is no public access to the ETP for birdwatchers but the biogas. Following treatment, some water is used as recycled birdlife has been monitored since 1998 by monthly surveys water in the local area. The rest is pumped through a 56km conducted by BirdLife Australia, with 177 species recorded pipeline to discharge into Bass Strait at Boags Rocks on the for the site. Mornington Peninsula. From Wikipedia

14 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys

PECTORAL SANDPIPERS AT BANYAN WATERHOLE

8 February 2015: The Waterhole is drying quickly purely due to evaporation as the outlet, as well as the inlet sluice gate is shut. Water levels in the coming months should be just about ideal for an ephemeral wetland. Rossiter Drain (not flowing) is at about duckboard level. Fifty-one species were recorded of which thirty are wetland dependent or raptors. The improving conditions at Banyan itself are reflected in the increasing abundance of waterfowl. Highlights included an exceptional number of Royal Spoonbills (26), a juvenile Collared Sparrowhawk and a record number (8) of Pectoral Sandpipers, an uncommon bird in Australia. This is the most ever reported Pectoral Pectoral Sandpiper at Banyan. Photo by David Stabb Sandpiper anywhere on the ETP and possibly a record for any site in Australia.

14 March 2015: Forty-nine species were recorded of which thirty are wetland dependent or raptors. As water levels drop, Banyan is proving to be more attractive to many species notably shorebirds. The Pectoral Sandpipers (7) that have been frequenting various wetlands SE of Melbourne have now moved here along with Red-necked Stints, Sharp-tailed Sandpipers and Curlew Sandpipers. Red-kneed Dotterels (21) have returned from their sojourn inland bringing several juveniles with them. Twenty-four Australian Pelicans enjoying the fresh water is an exceptional number for here.

3 April 2015: Fifty-eight species were recorded of which thirty are wetland dependent or raptors.

Five Pectoral Sandpipers are still present along with Red- Female Collared Sparrowhawk. Note the mesial stripe a little known necked Stints (67), Sharp-tailed Sandpipers (41), Red-kneed feature of this species present only in juvenile plumage. Dotterels (17) and Black-fronted Dotterels (14). The first Photo by Alison Kuiter Flame Robins (3) have arrived having crossed Bass Strait or moved down from the high country to spend the winter here. A flock of thirty-five Common Greenfinch is an exceptionally FIRST OF THE SEASON CATTLE high number for here and three Galahs decided to grace us with their presence. EGRETS AT TURF FARM WETLAND

8 February 2015: Thirty bird species were logged (twelve wetland dependant and raptors). Highlights were two Buff- COMMON GREENSHANK & COLLARED banded Rails in the Thompsons Road drain and twenty-eight Red-capped Plovers. SPARROWHAWK AT SERPENTINE 3 April 2015: Twenty-two bird species were logged (twelve wetland dependant and raptors). The highlight was five 8 February 2015: Twenty-six species of birds were logged Cattle Egrets the first for the season anywhere on the ETP. of which thirteen were wetland dependant or raptors. Some dabbling ducks are still here but the Blue-billed Ducks have moved on. The highlight was a male Collared Sparrowhawk. BOGGY CREEK WETLAND

3 April 2015: The sludge drying pans are dry and unproductive. The Serpentine was too shallow for most 3 April 2015: At our first count here since January twenty- waterbirds so looked good for shorebirds but the only one three bird species (fifteen wetland dependant & raptors) there was a Common Greenshank. Thirteen species of birds were seen. Other fauna seen were one fox & one animal that were logged of which only five were wetland dependant or looked like a cross between a fox and a dog. raptors. Mike Carter, Mt Eliza

June 2015 15 Observations

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: 5984 0039 or [email protected]

Date Species Location Comments Observer

26.1.15 Barn Owl (1) Boneo Seen in the stable at the Boneo Park Equestrian Centre. Rob McNaught

3.2.15 Cape Barren Goose (273) French Island Overpass Road; largest flock ever recorded on French Island. Chris Chandler

17.2.15 Fluttering Shearwater (1) Tankerton, French Island Single bird following ferry. Very few records in Western Port. Chris Chandler

21.2.15 Australian Spotted Crake (1, f) Boardwalk Hastings Working the edge of the wetlands, behind the motel. Sue King

21.2.15 Collared Sparrowhawk (1) Tootgarook Swamp Seen whilst surveying at Truemans Road Landfill. Cameron Brown

22.2.15 Satin Flycatcher (1, f) The Briars, Mt Martha It had been having a bath in the creek. Sue Brabender

23.2.15 Common Sandpiper (1) Hastings Boat Harbour On exposed mud at boat ramp. Flew into mangroves. Colin Mulvogue

23.2.15 Grey Goshawk (1) Pound Road, Hastings White morph bird passing through old council depot property. Dan Weller et al

28.2.15 Lewin's Rail (1) The Briars, Boonoorong Heard "Teck, Teck, Teck" advertising and squelchy grunt calls. James Peake Freckled Duck (1) Hide In pond, to left of hide.

8.3.15 Grey Goshawk (1) Frankston North White morph. Observed flying directly overhead. Colin Mulvogue

16.3.16 Silvereye (very large flock) Mt Eliza Flying over quite high. Must have just arrived from Tasmania. David Ap-Thomas

16.3.15 Double-banded Plover (11) Mushroom Reef Flinders Some in full breeding colour. Colin Mulvogue

18.3.15 Little Corella (300+) Hastings Seen flying over Morrah Street last evening. S and S King

23.3.15 Crested Shrike Tit (2, m & f) Pines Flora & Fauna Reserve On Swamp Rat Track, close to the northern end. James Peake

3.4.15 Cape Barren Goose (63) McKirdys Road, Tyabb Feeding in a paddock with numerous waterfowl. Dennis Gosper

8.4.15 Eastern Great Egret (1) Crib Point Seen at Woolleys Beach by outing participants. Max Burrows

13.4.15 Bassian Thrush (1) Langwarrin Seen at Stringybark Bushland Reserve. Max Burrows

14.4.15 Blue-winged Parrot (2) Boneo First time recorded on Tootgarook wetlands survey. David Ap-Thomas

14.4.15 Great Crested Grebe (15) Devilbend Reservoir GCG numbers high since 25 seen Nov 2014, 24 in Dec 2014. Roger Richards Yellow-billed Spoonbill (3) (monthly survey)

15.4.15 Flame Robin (1, f) Red Bluff, Mornington I saw a male in the same spot 12 months ago. Danny Vits

17.4.15 Yellow-t’ld Black-Cockatoo (50) Main Ridge Flying over; some stopping and feeding on my hakeas. Jill Phillips

18.4.15 Spotted Harrier (1) Tootgarook swamp Carrying nest material; flying over Sanctuary Park Reserve. Cameron Brown

23.4.15 Yellow-t’ld Black-Cockatoo (20) Mt Martha At the Mt Martha Golf Course. Pam Hearn

26.4.15 Flame Robin (1, m) Pt Nepean On the beach between cattle jetty and the bend. Matthew Mackay

27.4.15 Noisy Miner, leucistic (1) Frankston South At a football oval in Overport Drive. Gordon Munro

1.5.15 Cape Barren Goose (1) Tootgarook Swamp My first sighing at the swamp. Cameron Brown

Juvenile kites at Red Bluff It has been a few months since I last saw a Black-shouldered Kite on the peninsula, hence I got a bit excited today when three of them (all juveniles) occupied the same dead tree at the “Red Bluff” in Mornington around midday. The photo opposite, taken in dull conditions, shows two of the three. I’ve photographed many an adult in the very same tree over the years but these are the first juveniles I’ve seen at this location. Danny Vits, Mornington

Juvenile Black-shouldered Kites at Red Bluff. Photo by Danny Vits

16 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Entertained by Red-browed Finch While at Coolart on 5 February 2015 I was entertained by a hard-working male Red-browed Finch. Firstly, in a typical courtship display, he presented his partner with a 10 cm length of dried grass. I’m not sure if she considered it as a gift to buy her favours or he was simply using it as a distraction devise – ‘look at this, look at this, ahhh got ya’. The photos seem to suggest the latter. Either way, copulation lasted about 3.5 seconds. Then he was back to his real job. Weaving his domed nest in the branch of an Elm Tree. While I watched, he made a trip to collect dried grass every minute, working from the inside of the nest via the side entrance. A pair of Red-browed Finches can have two to three clutches of four to six eggs throughout their breeding season from October to April. Mark Lethlean, Red Hill

Eagles soar over shops, freeway The sound of screeching seagulls is nothing new over the shops at Mt Martha. The birds are masters of the air and making the trip across the road from beach to scavenging on the footpath is just a wingbeat away.

But on a Sunday afternoon in early January a glance upwards Red-browed Finch courtship and nest building. Photos by Mark Lethlean would have shown shoppers that the screeching of the gulls had nothing to do with squabbles over food. Not too far above the shops glided a wedge-tailed eagle, its characteristic silhouette raising alarm among the birds underneath. Sightings of Australia's largest bird of prey are becoming more common on the Mornington Peninsula, although they may have always been unseen, hunting above paddocks now dissected by Peninsula Link (which also provides a larder of roadkill). "Just as we drove onto the beginning of Peninsula Link on our way to Dromana today, I was amazed to see a young wedge- tailed eagle fly up from next to the road," BirdLife Mornington Peninsula member Gillian Barnett has reported earlier this month. It swept in a semi-circle and alighted in a eucalypt nearby. Lucky I wasn't the one driving so I could have a good look. I calculated we were inland from Seaford or, if anything, closer to town than that. Perhaps it is looking for a Air raid: A magpie resents the presence of a wedge-tailed eagle territory of its own?" at The Briars Park, Mt Martha. Photo by Sue Brabender Another BirdLife member, Mike Carter, reported a pair of wedge-tailed eagles near the Eastern Treatment Plant, Sue Brabender, information ranger at The Briars Park, Mt Bangholme, on 25 January. Martha, said a pair of wedge-tailed eagles has a nest on The birds are also a common sight from the leash-free area private property near The Briars. "They have one large at Citation Oval, Mt Martha, as they ride the thermals above juvenile so we are still seeing all three or just two of them properties between Nepean Highway and the Moorooduc regularly across The Briars. Ms Brabender said the trio had Highway. also been seen with a fourth "ring-in" and on a recent Friday she photographed an eagle being harassed by magpies as it BirdLife president Max Burrows said the eagles had large sat in the top of a dead tree near the old quarry half way territories and had previously been known to nest at Main along the entry driveway to the visitors centre. "Of course it Ridge, Red Hill and Arthurs Seat. "I have seen them fly over was not concerned," she said. "I have also watched them my place at Langwarrin. I don't think they have much disappear across Nepean Highway and hope people's small competition on the peninsula, but they would be limited [in pets are safely concealed." numbers] by the availability of prey." Mr Burrows said wedge-tails preferred live prey, mainly rabbits, to carrion. Keith Platt, Southern Peninsula News 24 February 2015

June 2015 17 Observations

Satin Flycatcher at The Briars Whilst on a quick walk at The Briars this morning, 22 February 2015, and photographed a female Satin Flycatcher. It was at the large metal bridge over the creek on the way to the viewpoint. It had been having a bath in the creek and was fluffing up its feathers and giving them a good shake. Had it bred at The Briars or was passing through on its way back north? Sue Brabender, Briars Information Ranger

Birding at the Village Glen Female Satin Flycatcher at The Briars. Photo by Sue Brabender Sightings causing a stir A couple of sightings in the Village caused a stir in the bird group. In early February Nancy flushed a Latham's Snipe from reeds near the viewing platform at the golf course. It zig-zagged away, landing further down the creek, while giving its distinctive "kek-kek-kek" call. This was the fourth sighting of this migratory species in the Village, and is rather special. Latham's Snipe spends (our) spring and summer feeding on muddy edges of dams, marshes, and wetlands before departing in late February/early March for its breeding grounds in Japan, Siberia etc. Alerted by a soft "churring" call early in the month, I was pleased to see two medium-sized, light grey birds alight on a bare branch in my garden. Their distinctive habit of "shuffling" their wings on landing gave the game away; even without "bins" I recognised two Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes. Buff-banded Rail visits

There were excellent sightings in the village during March. Firstly, Pam & Cyril were entertained and amazed by visits Immature Crescent Honeyeater near the Village Glen golf course. from the (usually wary) Buff-banded Rail which visited their garden many times during the month. This normally shy bird frequents the marshy edges of mud flats, marshes and lakes. It has been sighted several times in the vicinity of the golf- course lake, dashing from cover early in the morning to feed on moist lawns, under shrubbery etc. Seen by Jeanette on the mud near the viewing platform at the golf course was a Spotless Crake, another secretive species which likes a muddy "beach" on which to search for food, darting out from the cover of surrounding reeds. During the March walk along Chinamans Creek, Nancy located a pair of Mistletoebirds and all members of the group enjoyed excellent views of this tiny (10 cm) nomadic species. Although found all over Australia, it is often overlooked due to its small size and fast, direct flight. As the name implies, it does indeed spread mistletoe - small, fleshy berries pass through its digestive tract and the sticky seeds are "wiped" Australian White Ibis, now a common sight at the Village Glen. onto its next perch, thus spreading mistletoe. Photos by Jeanette Marshall Eastern Spinebills in our gardens During April bird activity in the Village has been on the quiet is the Eastern Spinebill which is only 15 cm in length, a side, maybe the result of a lower than normal rainfall over delicate small honeyeater with a long, down-curved bill, the last few months. We saw only 19 species on the April beautifully adapted for probing into nectar-producing walk. flowers. The male has a black crown and "wishbone", whereas the female has a grey crown, rather difficult to see Many residents have asked recently about the small "buff in flight. coloured" birds seen regularly in their gardens, often feeding at flowering callistemons, banksias, correas or fuchsias. This Celia Browne, Rosebud West

18 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Tootgarook Swamp Cape Barren Goose Whilst removing some spiny rush at the permanent lagoon (lake) in Tootgarook Swamp at Boneo Park on 1 May 2015, I looked up and saw on the shore of the island in the lagoon a large bird that grabbed my attention. I thought ‘no way’ as I had been manifesting this bird for a long time to turn up. I am unsure when a Cape Barren Goose was last recorded in the Tootgarook Swamp. The only reference I know of a sighting of this bird is George McCrae’s memoir from when he was a kid in the 1840’s. At minimum it has been decades since this bird has been at the swamp. Cameron Brown, Rosebud West

McKirdys Road Cape Barren Geese Cape Barren Goose at Tootgarook Swamp. Photo by Cameron Brown On 31 March 2015 I observed thirty-one Cape Barren Geese feeding in a paddock on eastern side of McKirdys Road, Tyabb, south of Tyabb Waste Disposal centre at 4.00 pm. On 3 April sixty-three were seen feeding in paddock in vicinity of stock feeders in same location in association with numerous waterfowl, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Australian Wood Duck, Australian Shelduck and other species including Crested Pigeon and Common Bronzewing. I checked out the site again on 7 April and forty-four birds were visible from the road. As on the previous visits there were almost certainly more geese present as the rear of the paddock is obscured by a low rise and occasionally other geese came into view walking/flying from beyond the rise. Dennis Gosper, Balnarring

Leucistic Noisy Miner at Frankston South. Photo by Gordon Munro

Leucistic Noisy Miner Regent Parrot at Mt Martha This albino-like bird was spotted in the early afternoon of 26 April 2015 in a small clearing between the toilet block and Over the four days from Christmas day I had heard a Regent football oval at Overport Road South Frankston whilst my Parrot over a few days at about 5 pm each night flying about partner and I walked our dog. the Balcombe Creek and board walk area. It was a very distinctive call that echoed over the valley. Finally I saw it My initial thoughts were that it looked like an all white and perched in the canopy of a gum tree. I had a good view from larger than normal Mynah bird, the yellow patch below and the balcony I was on. Suspecting it was an escapee I called behind the eye were the clue. "come on" a number of times. It stopped calling and flew The bird was on the ground feeding in the longish grass. The directly at me at great pace then whooshed over my head clearing was reasonably open to public view, when I realised towards the CFA station of Mt Martha. that the bird wasn't a white dove or other semi domesticated Sally Purnell, Birdlife Hamilton bird I took my phone out and zoomed to try and get a clearer picture. The zoom wasn't clear enough so I stepped over some weed and undergrowth to get closer. Goshawk on P plates I expected the bird to fly off but it continued to stay on the On 19 February 2015 my attention was drawn to alarm calls ground feeding until my dog came running past me. The bird of the neighbour’s hens. They live in a hen coop with a flew a short distance into a small tree but returned as soon fenced-in run. In the adjacent casuarina, I could make out as the dog was called back. the shape of raptor. It took aim and dived over the open hen During this time I didn't hear the bird make a sound and run, clipping a hen and causing feathers to fly. As it wheeled wasn't aware of other birds in the immediate area. After and turned to make another pass, I could see that it was a getting to within about 20 feet of the bird, it continued to juvenile male Brown Goshawk. The hens took shelter in their feed without concern for my presence. coop and the young goshawk wheeled overhead before heading off in search of something easier to prey on. It Gordon Munro, Frankston South seems the youngster still is on hunting ‘P’ plates. Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha

June 2015 19 Observations

Birdwatching at Upper Sweetwater Creek Reserve Sweetwater Creek is a natural waterway running from above Frankston Reservoir to Port Phillip Bay. Upper Sweetwater Creek Reserve comprises of a 5.3 hectare bushland corridor along the upper section of the creek and is home to many indigenous species of flora and fauna. The peaceful reserve contains a 1.5 km walking track with two foot bridges that provide a distinctive view of the creek. The bushy landscape offers a unique scenic outlook in comparison to the steep gullies and waterfalls of Lower Sweetwater Creek. Remnant heathy woodland provides an important natural habitat for over thirty species of birds. Walking up the sandy heathland track in the late afternoon sun can be very enjoyable, with numerous small birds such Upper Sweetwater Creek track. as Superb Fairy-wren, Eastern Spinebill, New Holland Honeyeater, Grey Fantail and Brown Thornbills darting across the narrow pathway. On occasions, Spotted Pardalotes can also be seen in close proximity feeding amongst the low foliage of the Eucalyptus trees. There are usually many interesting sightings at the reserve, one most recently being a family of Laughing Kookaburras chasing each other through the bush, fighting over what looked to be a Bush Rat! Other highlights include hearing the beautiful calls of the Golden Whistler and occasional sightings of Bell Miners (last noted in the area October 2014). Other frequently sighted species residing in the reserve include Eastern Yellow Robin, White-browed Scrubwren, Grey Butcherbird, Little Wattlebird, Rainbow Lorikeet, Eastern Rosella, White-naped Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Tawny Frogmouth, Red Wattlebird, Spotted Dove and Common Blackbird. Occasionally you might also see Black- Superb Fairy-wren. faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Shrike-thrush and Pied Currawongs. Australian Magpies and an abundance of Noisy Miners can usually be found on the perimeter of the reserve. Upper Sweetwater Creek Reserve is one of the many hidden bushland gems to be found on the Mornington Peninsula. Lana Cumming, Frankston

A tricky operation On two occasions Pacific Black Duck families have needed gates propped open to gain entry into the Wildlife Sanctuary. A tricky operation! On one occasion, the adult hid her ducklings near the verandah steps and then feigned a broken wing to draw me away from her charges.

Sue Brabender, The Briars Information Ranger New Holland Honeyeater. Photos by Lana Cumming

20 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife