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WER Wagtales November 2016.1 NOVEMBER 2016 W erribeeWag-Tales A Day at the Plant Our Melbourne Cup Day outing to the Western Treatment Plant would be quite different from last year’s warm, hazy day. The seven cars of our convoy arrived beneath dull skies, and their occupants found themselves seeking another layer of clothing against the penetrating, chilly winds. Any over-exuberant optimism had been dampened by our leader Dave Torr, whose recent reconnaissance showed that species and overall numbers of birds were down. We should not expect the massive numbers of duck, coot and grebe and the like, that we take for granted here. The heavier rains this year meant the birds had dispersed to other places. Additionally, the fact that the beachside road between the bird-hide and the Kirk Point gate was closed for works, meant that there were fewer places to look for waders, and we also had to find a different morning-tea spot. Still, you cannot drown a Wagtail’s enthusiasm for the pursuit of birds entirely, so off we went expectantly to our first stop—the T-Section. Of course, another result of recent rains was that most ponds were brimming over, and muddy shores for waders were scarce. Here, where we usually see waders, there was little chance. The ponds were miniature oceans of grey wavelets breaking on bird-free banks. Yet, not all was lost; today was the day of the cute, fluffy cygnet, and we had plenty to admire all through the Plant, even though the number of Black Swan also seemed down. We were pleased by the aerial antics of some elegant Whiskered Tern, still coloured-up in their velvety-dark and pristine-white plumage. Also seen and/or heard here were Australian Reed Warbler, Little Grassbird, a Little Pied Cormorant and Zebra Finch. Even the reliable crake could be heard intermittently in their half- submerged reedy habitat. However, the highlight of this stop was the very special sighting of a Brolga chick (about as big as a slimmed-down turkey) being escorted by its parents in a stately, but protective manner, across one of the ponds. Brolga White-browed Scrubwren Photos: Dieter Bosnjakovic Werribee Wag-tales Page !1 NOVEMBER 2016 We next alighted at the nearby Western Lagoons, where the same watery situation applied, although some of the more ‘naturalised’ ponds here offered us a small selection. So, we stood in the icy wind in this vast, exposed landscape with our binoculars up to find birds. Some of us meanwhile, were drawn to the wind-created cloud formations dominating the sky —long banks of fluffy, white horizontal clouds; full, flat-bottomed, grey ones ready to drop; and in-between, in the blue; long, thin, curvy cloud lines, like tide-ripples in wet beach sand. There is always the land or skyscape to distract you at the WTP. Yet, persistence rewarded the bird-searchers with sightings of Red-necked Stint, Red-capped Plover, a Little Egret and a Pied Oystercatcher, among others. We passed the huge, newly landscaped pond, which should make good wader and other bird habitat, when it settles into place. Our goal was Murtcain Outlet for morning tea, because at least it offered bushes, a bay view and a slight hollow to sit in, somewhat out of the wind. Some of us had learnt the chair-in-hollow technique from our recent Swan Hill trip, while lunching out on the windy salt-lake plains of the area. We settled in for a hot drink and cake, while never forgetting for a moment to birdwatch. Today we were lucky to be scoffing a scrumptious Cappuccino Brownie slice, generously provided by Cathy via Mark’s highly competent delivery service. Between mouthfuls, we caught glimpses of White-fronted Chat, a Little Tern, Eurasian Skylark and a Swamp Harrier, among others. It was exciting to spot some passing Australasian Gannet—some of us were so eager to see birds that we tried to turn a strangely shaped buoy into a Great Crested Grebe—a praiseworthy effort. Next we ventured to Kirk Point, to see if we could find the Red-necked Phalarope and other waders, which were sighted here during the reconnaissance. Allegedly, the track to the point has been improved, but that is a matter of opinion, and there was no reward of an unusual wader at the end of it. Though we did observe lots of White-fronted Chat, Eurasian Skylark and Pied Cormorant, as well as a Crested Tern and a Black-shouldered Kite. Striated Grasswren were quite reasonably hiding from the wind, though some lucky people saw one, and if the Pacific Golden Plover were around, they too were hiding. Still, the view of the Bellarine Peninsula across the wind-battered waves was clear, and further down the bay large ships were anchored—perhaps stuck there because of Melbourne Cup Day, or not wishing to brave the waters beyond the Heads today. Crested Tern Black Swan family Photos: Dorothy Jenkins Werribee Wag-tales Page !2 NOVEMBER 2016 Back in the main area of the WTP, we headed towards Lake Borrie, passing bird-less, rain-swollen ponds, normally so rich in their offerings. An Eastern Osprey and White-bellied Sea- eagle were on the reconnaissance list, but no such luck today, when even the numbers of the usual suspects were so low. However, among others, we saw an Australasian Shoveler, Little Black Cormorant, Australian Pelican, and a white blob in front of some distant reeds, which we optimistically proclaimed a Yellow-billed Spoonbill. Horizon-gazing provided the ominous sight of heavy, dark clouds dropping their contents over Geelong, and there were more coming — but accounting for wind direction, we convinced ourselves we would escape. We crossed Little River with no sightings (not even the token Dusky Moorhen deigned to show), and we headed past the big square ponds usually favoured by the duck masses. There were some small duck groups here and there, including Australian Shelduck (the vanguard of their usual moulting armies). But the swans, and their smile-inducing cygnets, were the most abundant creatures. By the end of the day nevertheless, we had seen a goodly number of duck species, though not in great numbers. The low, heavy, flat-bottomed clouds were directly above us as we headed to lunch through splashes of rain. But, as predicted, the wind did its thing, and we would eat lunch in pleasant sunshine at the Borrow Pit. Before, and while eating, we scanned the ponds carefully. Unfortunately, even the low Their perfect, slow-motion species number of the reconnaissance was not matched. Red- descent was the essence of necked Stint seemed to be the main feature of the low sand gracefulness. Their wings banks and islets here. Yet some multi-tasking birders found were gently curved and Superb Fairywren, White-browed Scrubwren, Silvereye and firmly held into a parachute- Singing Honeyeater amongst the shrubbery. This agreeable shape, which aided a gentle, interlude was made even more so with the chance to sample a measured slipping into the second brownie for the day—Hetty’s delicious Chocolate green… Brownie, which was much appreciated. Our home journey began with a drive around the top end of the Borrow Pit, on our way to visit Cormorant Jetty, and here the most magical sighting of the day occurred. Two Brolga parachuted out of the blue-grey sky down into the concealing vegetation. Ungainly, beautiful birds in the air. Their wings were gently curved and firmly held into a parachute-shape, which aided a gentle, measured slipping into the green, like a diving gannet disappearing into the water, only slowly. Yet there was a dissonant note; essential to this measured landing were the long, gangly legs angled outwards, and the long toes spread into a star-shape. The ungainliness of these birds in the air surprises given their grace on the earth, yet there is beauty always. It is to be hoped that someone managed to photograph that brilliant event. The Jetty reminded us once again of the power of the wind coming across the bay. It was dominated by a large huddle of Pied Cormorant clinging to its structure because of the force of the wind. The only other bird of interest here seems to have been a diving Australasian Gannet, always wonderful to watch, but seeming quite prosaic after the Brolga. Finally we made for Paradise Road and the pond there, which is usually rich in bird-life— not so much today though. The weather was closing in, and in truth we had done our best in less than ideal conditions. After the bird-count was conducted, we had a tally of 65 species, and the chocolates were won and shared by Kevin and Dave. No matter the conditions, we had had an enjoyable day in a special and precious place, where no visit is ever like the one before. And for those who are concerned, we saw a plethora of Willie Wagtail from start to finish—they were not daunted by the weather either. We thank our knowledgeable leader Dave Torr, and as always the marvellous cake- makers. Our gratitude also goes to the generous drivers, and to all the Wagtails, who participated despite the weather, and who always make an outing interesting and fun. Christine Shelley Werribee Wag-tales Page !3 NOVEMBER 2016 A Day at the Plant: Bird List Black Swan Australasian Swamphen Red Wattlebird Australian Shelduck Brolga Singing Honeyeater Pink-eared Duck Pied Oystercatcher White-browed Scrubwren Pacific Black Duck Masked Lapwing Yellow-rumped Thornbill Australasian Shoveler Dusky Woodswallow Grey Teal Australian Magpie Bird Count: 65 Species Chestnut Teal Willie Wagtail Winners: Blue-billed Duck Grey Fantail Musk Duck Kevin Maddigan Magpie-lark Australian White Ibis Dave Torr Little Raven Straw-necked Ibis Eurasian Skylark Yellow-billed Spoonbill Red-capped
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