Mornington Peninsula Birdlife

Volume 6 Number 3 September 2017

Striated Fieldwren, photographed at Greens Bush by Mark Lethlean

CONVENOR’S REPORT disposable cups thus reducing our waste footprint. The survey we issued to ascertain opinions for our newsletter Friends of Cranbourne Botanic Gardens are holding an event have been evaluated and the results are included as an similar to our “What is That” on October 29. We will be insert in this issue. The survey result was referred to the full providing assistance at this event in the form of leaders for a committee of the branch for a resolution. morning bird walk and a speaker. Our involvement in the Greens Bush to Arthurs Seat Biolink We have formed a funding sub-committee to look at options Project has commenced with bird surveys completed on five for financial assistance for our branch activities. The properties as part of the ongoing evaluation of the Biolink committee members are John Rawlins, Liz Thomas and projects goals. The partners in this project are Port Phillip Penny Gillespie; if you have any suggestions on funding and Westernport CMA, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Parks please contact the secretary. Victoria, Bunurong Land Council, Melbourne Water and two Landcare Groups. The project will run until 2020. Max Burrows The committee has appointed Pam Hearn as Deputy Convenor to fulfil the constitutional requirements of the Contents BirdLife Australia branch committee structure. “What Bird is That” will again be held on 22 October. This event is aimed at 1. Branch news the general public, please tell your friends and neighbours 5. Habitat for wildlife and mark the date in your diary. We will need helpers on the day. 8. Outings program and reports COMMITTEE NOTES 12. Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys 14. Ospreys and other The committee is looking at providing re-useable cups for our morning tea events to facilitate the dumping of 15. Observations

Branch news

AGM

After returning from the bird walk and a chat over a cuppa and bikkies we assembled in the theatrette for our Annual General Meeting. With thirty-five members present the meeting got underway and after the normal formalities the new committee was appointed. With Rab and Danny stepping down Liz Thomas and Diane Tomlin were duly elected to fill the vacancies. I wish to thank both Danny and Rab for their committee work over a number of years and we hope to have their company on our outings program. The appointed committee is: Convenor Max Burrows, Deputy Convenor Pam Hearn, Secretary Denis Goss and Treasurer Penny Gillespie. General Committee: Susan Clark, David Ap-Thomas, John Rawlins, Roger Richards, Diane Tomlin, Liz Thomas. Penny, Max and Denis conducting the AGM business. A talk given by Richard Loyn on conservation issues ensued, this was enthusiastically received by all and we thanked Richard for his very interesting dissertation. N.B. The position of Deputy Convenor was appointed by the committee at a subsequent meeting to align our branch with the constitutional requirements.

Presidents AGM report 2017 Your committee has again worked cohesively to deliver a well-planned program that has overseen a membership increase to now over 300 and an outings program that once again exceeded 500 participants and was more than in 2015.

Our annual “What Bird is That” public participation event at Richard Loyn: Informative, entertaining and very enthusiastic. The Briars was well attended and introduced people to our Photos by Danny Vits organisation and more importantly to our Peninsula bird life. The Coolart Reserve July talk was well attended with Roger Peninsula. We manned a tent exhibition and talk in the Standen as the speaker giving us an insight into the Roebuck observatory at the Science Week event at Coolart Reserve in area of Western Australia. August. The outings program included our annual Western Treatment Conservation Plant event ably led by John Barkla and the Christmas outing at Dunns Creek Winery was another highlight of our year, the Roger Richards our conservation officer has been active at outings sub-committee has again delivered an impressive Devilbend Reserve in relation to a proposal to allow non- program as indicated by an overgrowing attendance. powered boats for fishing on the reservoir, we are strongly opposing this initiative as this reservoir is a Key Biodiversity We are now in an environment of having to fund our Area (KBA) previously designated an Important Bird Area activities and to this end John Rawlins has been most active (IBA) for the protection of Blue-billed , we await the in eliciting funds from diverse organisations across the decision. Elgee Park monitoring project was completed and peninsula and we thank him for this effort. the owners were presented with the report at a function on the property, follow up monitoring will take place. We Our flagship Mornington Peninsula Birdlife newsletter continue to monitor Tootgarook Wetlands, Balcombe Estuary continues to receive accolades from its readership and once and Sunshine Reserve. A new project is being discussed it more we thank Val Ford for her dedicated editorship. We will involves monitoring properties in the Greens Bush to Arthurs be having further discussions regarding the newsletters Seat Biolink Project. future. A number of our members received Life Membership of BirdLife Australia this year and we say congratulations to General Comments them. We lost some very admired members this year in June I would commend all of our dedicated committee members Elmer, Ian Dowling and Peggy Mitchell we are indeed for their contribution this year to the success of the branch. indebted to them. Two of our committee are not standing this year Danny Vits and Rab Siddhi and we owe them a vote Education of gratitude for their dedication, well done! Pam Hearn and Susan Clark our education officers have been Thank you to all our committee and those off committee active with many primary school talks and talks to other people who keep our branch afloat. We have some organisations. We again participated in the State Schools challenges ahead for the new committee. Environment Week at The Briars delivering talks and exercises to school children from across the Mornington Max Burrows

2 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Branch news

MEMBER PROFILE

Dennis Gosper Lives at Balnarring How I started birding My interest in birds began in primary school, probably influenced by growing up in the 1950s on a dairy farm on the floodplain of the Clarence River (Northern NSW) with its extensive wetlands, and at school, the Nature Study radio broadcasts by Crosbie Morrison and Gould League activities. Its annual journal, Gould League Notes, contained articles by such ornithologists as P A Bourke, K A Hindwood and M S R Sharland which I avidly consumed. There were also writing competitions such as ‘The Most useful Bird in my District’ which my teacher encouraged me to enter, no doubt viewing Dennis at Waterberg Plateau, Namibia 2016. Photo by Carl Gosper this as an excellent vehicle for development of my literacy skills! My parents gave me a copy of ‘What Bird is That?’ and later a pair of 7 x 35 binoculars, before guiding me to join Range, Cape York over Christmas-New Year in 1979, for the the Clarence Valley Field Naturalists’ Club. sheer number of new species. By mid-high school I had joined the Bird Observers Club and Watching grass , particularly Gouldians, Long-tails RAOU (later Birds Australia) and the Australian Bird Study and Pictorellas in the Kimberley is something one never tires Association. During my working life, spent mostly in rural of, especially given their past history of trapping. northern NSW, birding focussed on projects that could be undertaken outside work, mostly systematic surveys carried Since retirement, the opportunity to travel overseas has led out on weekend mornings, or breeding biology studies in the to some stunning experiences. South America is definitely hours before and after work …… such is the lot of the the ‘birdiest’ continent and quite overwhelming if one amateur ornithologist! chooses the likes of Brazil as one’s first destination …… 20+ new families and easily 450+ new species in three weeks! If Once our children were school age we started taking holidays I could make a return to visit just one place I’d nominate the to more out-of-the way places. The annual Gould League Bird Pantanal. However, for the ultimate wildlife experience it is Study Camps provided great experiences, usually camping, hard to go past Kenya for its combination of bird and or accommodated in shearers’ quarters, on properties in mammal viewing. remote locations mostly in western NSW. Birding ambitions Favourite birding spots on the Peninsula I treat every chance to be in the field as an opportunity to As a recent ‘blow in’ there are many parts of the Peninsula I conduct a survey which in turn is entered into BirdLife have yet to explore. Close to home, Balbirooroo wetlands are Australia’s Birdata Atlas. This is a simple on-line process by always worth a look, being a reliable site for Freckled in which one’s recreational birding serves a useful purpose by recent years. Also regularly surveyed are Buckley Nature adding to the accumulated data on Australian birds. In Reserve, and Woods and Gordon Rolfe Bushland Reserves. addition to continuing the long-term surveying of local sites, Other favourite birding spots my wife Sue and I hope there are many years of exploring Australia ahead of us (and many Atlas surveys to enjoy!). Most are in the tropics or subtropics, many near our other home in northern NSW. These include the rainforests of the When starting to travel overseas I thought a possible goal Border Ranges and Richmond Range NPs and the dry might be to try to see representatives from all the bird sclerophyll forest of south of Casino. The Ord River (Parry families. Thanks to the ever-changing taxonomic landscape Creek Farm) and along the Gibb River and Kalumburu Roads that looks increasingly unlikely, but it does provide a good (Home Valley, Charnley River Stations) in the Kimberley are excuse to try to get to all corners of the globe! memorable places to spend time. When travelling in the Other interests inland, station stays (e.g. Kirkalocka’ near Mt Magnet and ‘Bullara’ near Exmouth Gulf), offer excellent opportunities for I’ve been a life-long tennis player and whilst well ‘over the birding. In addition there are those managed by Bush hill’ nowadays, playing regularly still does wonders for one’s Heritage and Australian Wildlife Conservancy. fitness and mental state. Sue and I also enjoy walking holidays in Europe where the landscapes are so different, Memorable birding moments and where there are few birds to distract me! These are many, but as a 14-year-old, the witnessing of a For many years I’ve worked on rainforest regeneration on naked and apparently helpless Koel nestling, less than 72 our property in northern NSW. Now, 25+ years on, it is hours old, manoeuvre itself under one of its fellow - rewarding to observe flowering and fruiting of many species, lark nestlings and tip it over the edge of the nest made a and the presence of a suite of rainforest birds including lasting impression. pittas, logrunners and fruit doves. Finding White-winged Black and Black-tailed Godwits in Lastly, I should perhaps also admit to be something of a breeding on the Hunter estuary around 1970 is 1960s music tragic. another early standout memory, as was my first visit to Iron

September 2017 3 Branch news

Book launch at Coolart Terrific turn out yesterday at the historic Coolart Wetlands and Homestead Reserve for the launch of Geoffrey Maslen's book An Uncertain Future: Australian Birdlife in Danger. Thanks to Friends of Coolart for putting on a great event and for highlighting how we have much work to do on the Peninsula to ensure we continue to protect and preserve our remaining natural habitat. Russell Joseph, Friends of Coolart Facebook Page

Friends of Coolart were delighted to host the launch of Geoff Maslen's book on Saturday. A great day shared by more than 150 people in the Observatory and Homestead. We thank everyone involved including our speakers Max Burrows, Sean Dooley, Rohan Clarke and Geoff and more than ably hosted Max Burrows speaking at book launch. Photo by Russell Joseph by our president Roger Stuart-Andrews. Thanks to our sponsors Hardie Grant Books, Ted's Camera Store, The Store Cafe Somers and to Tim our auctioneer from Ray Whites Moorabbin who auctioned off all of Rohan fabulous photographs from the book. Friends of Coolart, Friends of Coolart Facebook Page

Rare bird project Geoffrey Maslen; Sean Dooley at book launch. The branch has been researching birds of the Mornington Photos from Friends of Coolart Facebook Page Peninsula that have been either declining or subject to habitat loss since 2008 and we see the need for this project to be ongoing. Newsletter contributions Project goals are to: 1. Identify the past distribution and abundance Thanks for your fantastic articles and photos. Keep 2. Identify the present distribution and abundance sharing your sightings, observations, bird photos, daily 3. Publish a report. birding activities, surveys, tips on bird identification and birding while travelling stories. The species we have focussed on are Black-shouldered Kite, Australian King-, Scarlet Robin, Bassian Thrush, Send to Val Ford; 5981 1445 & [email protected] Eastern Great Egret, Red-browed and Jacky Winter. Deadline for December edition: 8 November 2017 We have already established that the Grey-crowned Babbler Earlier articles appreciated. no longer occurs in this region and the Scarlet Robin is now mainly restricted to French Island, the Southern Emu-wren now occurs in only a few localities and is rarely reported. The A FIRM arrangement Australian King-Parrot is currently extending its’ Peninsula In March this year, FOFI agreed to sponsor French Islanders range and is now wide spread. Another species of concern is Researching Muttonbirds (FIRM) to enable them to apply for the Crested Shrike-tit, which appeared to be under threat in a Coastcare Victoria Community Grant. Their application was our region, has been seen four times over the past months successful, and on 14 June $5,278 was received from DELWP and maybe is making a comeback? and paid into FOFI’s bank account. Congratulations, FIRM! We need members to participate in this project and report The project, coordinated by Dr David Nicholls, is to continue sightings of any of these species as the more reports the the monitoring and rehabilitation work done by David and his better the outcome, please participate for the birds. students from Chisholm TAFE at Tortoise Head over almost Reports to: [email protected] twenty years, with the aim of conserving the breeding population of Short-tailed Shearwaters, or Muttonbirds, a Max Burrows migratory and internationally protected species.

Parks Victoria has recently removed some of the larger Boxthorn bushes at Tortoise Head, and there are plans to follow up with further controls in August (hopefully before Contacting BirdLife Mornington Peninsula the Shearwaters return to their burrows). FOFI will liaise with FIRM to provide support as needed in 2018 (i.e. after President Max Burrows; 9789 0224 the end of this year’s breeding season), for example by 21 Moorhen Cres, Carrum Downs, Vic 3201 removing small Boxthorn infestations and other weeds and [email protected] collecting beach rubbish. www.birdlife.org.au/locations/birdlife-mornington-peninsula Chris Chandler, FOFI News June 2017

4 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Habitat for wildlife

Greens Bush to Arthurs Seat (GB2AS) Biolink Project Update Our first planting for the GB2AS project began during continual rain at a property on Baldrys Rd with the Chisholm TAFE Conservation Land Management students. We got 300 tubestock planted, complete with wallaby-proof tree guards, before 2pm! Looking forward to many more planting days to come. I also went out with David Ap-Thomas and Max Burrows from BirdLife Australia (Mornington Peninsula Branch) to assess properties suitable for bird surveys throughout the project. It is envisioned that improving habitat will promote a wider diversity of bird species. Ecologists Malcolm Legg and Gidja Walker conducting an educative walk In mid-June, I went out with Year 9 Peninsula Grammar and talk at introductory workshop in Main Ridge. Photo by Jacqui Salter students to a GB2AS biolink property (also on Baldrys Road) where they removed an incredible amount in inkweed in a short period of time. Virginia Carter is writing biolink plans for the new properties and I am busy working on landholder agreements for each of our 23 properties and organising contractors to quote on works. We’re hoping to host a planting day in conjunction with Mornington Toyota and a local school for National Tree Day on 30th July. Landholders have been enjoying monitoring the fauna on their property and although there have been quite a few foxes spotted, we’ve also seen kangaroos, wallabies, a number of bird species and a possum. Like the @GB2AS (Greens Bush to Arthurs Seat Biolink) Facebook page to stay up to date with this exciting project! Release of White-necked Heron. Photo by Robin Clarey For more information, contact Jacqui Salter [email protected] ph: 5950 1279. Jacqui Salter, Mornington Peninsula Landcare Network Presentations introduced us to the Open Standards for the News July 2017 Practice of Conservation, the use of GIS technology for reporting and monitoring, and the National Standards for the

Practice of Ecological Restoration in Australia, along with an White-necked Heron release overview of monitoring methods. On 10th March a young White-necked Heron was rescued by Liz Barraclough, Berg Mt Martha Newsletter June 2017 AWARE and released by Kim into the Edithvale Wetlands. It steadfastly refused to get out of its carrying box and eventually had to be evicted. Fishing at Devilbend Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Inc. Newsletter Mar-Apr 2017 During the April bird count at Devilbend Reserve I encountered three uniformed Fisheries Department officers who had been carrying out an inspection of the fishing area. Biodiversity Forum One was carrying some picked up fishing line rubbish. We engaged in a pleasant conversation and talked of the Suzanne Ryan and I attended a Planning and Monitoring proposed fishing canoe permission. Forum at the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research in May. Whilst the majority of fishers may be law abiding and respectful that they are sharing this space with about 50 The first event of the recently formed Victorian Biodiversity species of waterbirds, shorebirds, raptors and other avian Managers' Network, the aim was to explore biodiversity species that use and depend on this vital wetland habitat, management approaches and begin a discussion on ways to there are still some vandals and polluters. improve and standardise planning and monitoring. Major issues are the lack of continuous onsite ranger Attendees came from many environmental bodies, both presence and not having strong regulations with enforceable industry and allied groups such as Friends and Landcare; penalties. It was good that these points and many others people who manage conservation projects and programs, and were submitted to Parks Victoria by concerned groups those who influence decisions on where and how (including DFI) and individuals during the period of conservation dollars are spent. There were presentations on community consultation. monitoring methods and standards, data gathering Roger Richards, Devilbend Foundation President, Devilbend techniques, and relevant software, followed by a workshop and discussion panel after lunch. Foundation Newsletter May 2017

September 2017 5 Habitat for wildlife

Successful Hooded Plover breeding season on the Peninsula The Hooded Plover could be considered the iconic fauna species of the Mornington Peninsula. This diminutive shore bird selectively favours our ocean beaches where, over the busy breeding season from September to April, it occupies specific breeding territories to lay its . The exposed nests are usually found above the high tide mark on the beach or dune and are incubated for 28 days. The chicks that hatch must survive for 35 days, feeding along the shoreline before they are able to fly. The threats to their survival are numerous. Many nests are washed away by high tides and large swells. Eggs and chicks can be predated by a host of species including ravens, gulls, , foxes, cats, dogs and various birds of prey. Nests and chicks can be inadvertently crushed by humans, dogs, Hooded Plover fledgling and adult in Point Nepean National Park. horses and beach vehicles. Chicks can starve because Photo by Mark Lethlean disturbance prevents them feeding and nests can fail because disturbance keeps adults from incubating the eggs. According to Dr Grainne Maguire, project manager of BirdLife Australia’s Beach-nesting Team, this attraction to our Mornington Peninsula beaches may be to the detriment of the species. Of the 28 coastal reserves and national parks managed by Parks Victoria, the Mornington Peninsula National Park (MPNP) has the largest number of Hooded Plovers. From recent surveys, we know there are around 35 breeding pairs plus additional birds actively competing for these prime territories. Thus the Mornington Peninsula is home to around 12% of the total Victorian population of 550 Hooded Plovers. However, this is the dilemma. According to Dr Maguire’s research, of all the reserves and National Parks managed by Parks Victoria, the MPNP has in recent years had the lowest rate of chick survival. So birds are actively and preferentially In the field: Lennix, Millie, Meka and Nate planting trees at Boneo taking up breeding sites on Mornington Peninsula beaches Wetlands after hearing environmentalist Norm McKinlay with a very poor likelihood of success. talk about ecology. Photo by Yanni The Good News But this season something has changed. It is pleasing to Plantings help about nature report that this year the Mornington Peninsula was the most Hundreds of newly planted indigenous trees and shrubs will successful breeding area in the state with 13 chicks fledged. beautify Boneo Primary School. About 270 pupils planted A remarkable figure considering that in the previous three them in the gardens outside the main office block and in the breeding seasons there had only been 11 chicks fledge wetlands near the school on Friday's Planet Ark tree planting altogether. The last double digit fledgling count was 10, back day. in the 2006/2007 season. So, encouraging news for the volunteers and communities that donate so much of their Grade 3 teacher Jennifer Ruch said pupils from prep to grade time to the conservation of this species. six planted 300 acacia wirilda and casuarina plants near the school and 200 dianella, moondah and poa plants in the The reasons for the success are hard to pinpoint. Better wetlands in what has become an annual event. Helpers nest/chick management, public education, community included Norm McKinlay, who helped develop the wetlands involvement, fox control, and simple luck are probably some from paddocks on the South East Water land. of the key factors. However the higher fledgling counts must be maintained over a far longer period before we can really Ms Ruch said Mr McKinlay, a "very committed community consider that the population of Hooded Plovers on the member", was also involved in the Chinamans Creek Mornington Peninsula is sustainable. restoration, other tree planting projects, and in showing pupils the environmental benefits of wetlands. Other helpers Parks Victoria, BirdLife Australia and the Friends of the were Rob and Ruby Nigro and Jarrod Ruch. Hooded Plover Group would like to thank all the volunteers, community groups and residents for their ongoing support. "The kids adored the day," Ms Ruch said. "They were very The work continues. excited when pointing out what they had planted." For more information contact:[email protected] Donated plants came from Peninsula Plants of Fingal, and Kareela Bush Nursery of Bittern. Mark Lethlean, The Connector Newsletter: Issue 14 (July - September 2017) Southern Peninsula News, 1 August 2017

6 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Habitat for wildlife

Friends of Daangean attack pittosporum at Devilbend The monthly pitto attack began in February this year. It was a late start in the morning however a big crew pitched in, which was wonderful to see. SEEDS, a contracting business, had been in Woodland Break for the preceding week and had made a sizeable dent in the pitto population. In March the pittosporum plants in an area not weeded for some time were sizable, though relatively easy to pull out. The FoD team is now dealing with a veritable forest of pittos and encountering a sprinkling of boneseed that looks to be a few years old and bearing fruit. Now and then when some back straightening is required I saw a mouse-like animal (perhaps an Antechinus) scuttle up the trunk of a dead tree and down into the hollow where the Julie in the pitto forest. Photo by Marnie Fitzsimons top had broken off some time ago. April was wet underfoot and damp overhead, but not enough to force us to quit - such is the dedication of some! Fungi are making an appearance and the greenhood orchids are pushing their leaves through in readiness for the next flowering season. There’s much to see when you gaze at the ground for extended periods. Hansi Wegner photographed a pig in Devilbend. It’s a piglet so I wonder if the rest of the family is there too. Marnie Fitzsimons, Friends of Daangean Coordinator, Devilbend Foundation Newsletter May 2017

‘Who gives a crap’ about environment? Big group effort: School students mucked in at The Briars to learn about A youth Environmental Forum at The Briars last week gave how humans can have an impact on the environment. Photo by Yanni students from schools in the region the chance to learn more about human environmental impacts and solutions. Arranged by Frankston Council, with help from the Frankston Tackling botulism bird scare High School eco team, the day was about educating students to become better environmental leaders to educate their own Council officers and volunteers are continuing to patrol for school communities. dead birds at Mornington’s Civic Reserve after an outbreak of suspected avian botulism. Students from Mount Erin, McClelland, Padua, Monterey and John Paul colleges and Frankston High School enjoyed The number of dead or sick birds has dramatically decreased the day funded by Frankston Council, ethical fashion brand since more than 40 waterfowl were found dead in the lakes Etiko and toilet tissue company Who Gives a Crap? that last month. donates 50 per cent of its profits to building toilets in the “The shire has erected signage to discourage feeding the developing world. birds … as it is not good for the birds and causes nutrient “It is hoped this might be the beginning of an interschool problems in the water,” said council’s natural systems team network in which students from neighbouring schools can leader Simon Thorning. “Officers also are investigating other share ideas, advice, projects — the sky’s the limit,” actions including aeration and improved water circulation … Frankston High’s sustainability coordinator Brendan McKinnon together with introduction of some bank and in-water native said. vegetation to improve habitat variety.” The Australian Youth Climate Coalition helped students form Mornington Peninsula Leader, May 23 2017 a plan of action to spread the word about how school students can look after the environment.

“We hope to reconvene as a group to find out how teams are progressing with their projects and to see that some new Victorian Biodiversity Atlas environmental initiatives in schools have been set in motion,” For bird information check out the Victorian Mr McKinnon said. Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) data at: Southern Peninsula News, 23 May 2017 http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and- wildlife/biodiversity/victorian-biodiversity-atlas

September 2017 7 Outings

EVERYBODY’S WELCOME 1. Wear name tag (write emergency contact name and phone number on the reverse side) Outings are held on the second Wednesday and third Sunday 2. Wear suitable footwear i.e. closed shoes or boots of the month, except in January, and are cancelled on total 3. For areas where snakes are likely, wear gaiters fire ban days. 4. Always carry items you may need e.g. water, snacks, Newcomers, beginners and visitors are welcome and personal first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, your members will help you with the birds. Binoculars for casual name and residential address and, if you have one, a mobile use are available on every outing. Bring lunch (optional) and phone with battery charged a folding chair for bird call and chat. 5. Remain with the group at all times and advise leader or "whip" if you intend to leave before the walk ends. To ensure the health the safety of everyone at outings, participants need to take responsibility for their personal For more information about an outing contact Max Burrows safety. To assist with this, the Committee provides the on 0429 947 893 or the leader listed. following guidelines. Max Burrows, Outings Coordinator

Date Time Locality Meeting place and other information Leader Phone

Wed 13 Sep 9.00 Braeside Park, Braeside Meet 9.00 at car park off Governor Road near corner of Springvale Max Burrows 0429947893 Road. Mel 93 F2

Sun 17 Sep 9.00 Buckley Reserve, Merricks North Meet 9.00 at corner of Balnarring Road and Myers Road. Larry Wakefield 0422871184 Mel 162 H7

Wed 11 Oct 9.00 Tootgarook Wetlands Meet 9.00 at car park equestrian centre, entrance off Boneo Road David Ap- 9787 6691 after Rosebud Country Club and before Browns Road. Mel 170 A9 Thomas 0429939036

Sun 22 Oct 9.00 What Bird is That, The Briars Visitor Meet 9.00 in car park. Activities include bird walks, displays, Max Burrows 0429947893 Centre Nepean Highway Mt Martha information table, theatrette presentation and morning tea and a chat. All welcome. Mel 145 E12

Wed 8 Nov 9.00 Langwarrin Retarding Basin Meet 9.00 at corner of North Road and Leisureland Drive (West Max Burrows 0429947893 /Stringybark Reserve end). Mel 136 C9.

Sun 19 Nov 9.00 Western Treatment Plant, Werribee Meet 7.00 at the Baxter Tavern car park; enter off Baxter/Tooradin John Barkla 0417382966 Road. We will proceed in convoy to the plant. Bookings (to Max) Max Burrows 0429947893 essential. Mel 107 B4

Sun 26 Nov 9.00 Dunns Creek Winery Red Hill Xmas Meet 9.00 at property, 137 McIlroys Road Red Hill. Mel 191D1. Hannah Stuart- 0413020467 outing Bring plate to share after outing. Andrews

Wed 13 Dec 9.00 Flinders Beach, Flinders Meet 9.00 at second carpark enter off Golf Links Road through golf Penny Johns 0419366507 course and into Mushroom Reef viewing area. Mel 261 K10.

Sun 17 Dec No outing Xmas outing on 26 November.

THE BRIARS, MT MARTHA

Larry Wakefield: Wednesday 10 May Species recorded: 45 Well, here we are again at the 2017 AGM. A cloudy day but no wind and dry under foot, and a large flock of attendees are ready to spend an hour before the AGM to see what’s along the trail. With plenty of eyes and ears and the quality of the habitat, even in one hour, the collective chalked up forty-five species. Instead of citing the usual species, it is probably better to highlight what was unusual on the walk. Plenty of species were logged by their calls and it took a while and sharp eyes to pick up the bird in question. At the beginning, there was a dozen or so Purple Swamphen grazing Barbara and George leading the charge back to morning tea. in the paddock adjacent to the main enclosure. A pair of Photo by Danny Vits Black Swan was seen in the little billabong keeping an eye on their cygnets. Yellow-tailed Black- put in an the first record of this species in the BirdLife Mornington appearance. Although Little Wattlebirds were seen, no one Peninsula database for The Briars. Another species that has saw or heard a Red Wattlebird. No Common Blackbirds were been registered for the first time on outings at The Briars is seen or heard. an Australian Hobby that made a brief over-flight at the On the way to the lookout, a pair of King was seen visitors centre as people were leaving the AGM. resting in a tree on the side of the track. Remarkably, this i Larry Wakefield, Mt Martha

8 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Outings

TYABB BUSHLAND RESERVE, TYABB

Danny Vits: Sunday 21 May Species recorded: 41 On Sunday 21 May 2017 Danny Vits led us on an outing at the Tyabb Bushland Reserve. This is a new location for an outing, recently discovered by Danny and it was well worth visiting. It doesn’t seem to be anywhere near Tyabb and is closer to Pearcedale. At the entrance gate to the reserve there is a turning circle where we parked and studied the birdlife on the large dam just over the fence. Australasian Shoveler was the pick of the birds, there were at least four. Pacific Black Duck and Chestnut Teal were in the company of a couple of white Peter Gerdsen leading the way at Tyabb bushland reserve. ducks, a Muscovy cross and a Black Duck/Mallard cross. Photo by Danny Vits Eurasian Coot and Dusky Moorhens busied themselves around the pond and Purple Swamphens foraged on the grass. A White-faced Heron flapped laboriously away. The reserve has a lot of old gum trees, some dead, some dying but many in good condition. It also had plenty of Bell Miners although we noticed that these were mainly in the centre area and the other birds were closer to the edges. At the end of one of the tracks we looked out across grape vines with a great collection of little birds. The bird of the day was the Flame Robin. A pair perched on the wires and flew down to collect a tasty morsel then back up to the wire. The orange front of the male was brilliant in the sunlight. Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Red-browed Finches, Silvereyes and Superb Fairy- wrens kept us busy. Spotted and Striated Pardalotes called from the trees and Black-faced -Shrike, Stony Creek Road outing. occasionally perched on a dead twig and gave us a sighting. Photo by Con Duyvestyn A male Spotted Pardalote was in magnificent plumage, so colourful. Red Wattlebirds were in good numbers and calling loudly. We also had Little Wattlebirds. The Rainbow Lorikeets STONY CREEK ROAD RED HILL screeched loudly all around us and were seen checking out a nest hollow; were they late for last season or early for the next? David Ap-Thomas: Wednesday 14 June At the far end of the reserve we came across a hot spot of honeyeaters. New Holland, Yellow-faced, White-eared and Species recorded: 45 White-plumed Honeyeaters all congregated in a couple of trees keeping us busy trying to sort them out. Grey Fantails A chilly and foggy start to the day driving to Red Hill. We and Eastern Spinebills added to the bird activity. In the were greeted by our outing leader, David Ap-Thomas, distance a Grey Butcherbird let us know that he should be on characteristically clutching his morning coffee near the road the bird list. intersection. He directed us up the dirt road to Pardalote Rise where we were to park. The road is bordered by picturesque A total of forty-one species was recorded, an excellent count rural properties, descending to a dense fern gully, then rising for a relatively small area. This is one place we will certainly to some near-pristine bush of tall Eucalypts and shrubby be returning to. Thanks very much to Danny for leading us to understory. We passed Con who was parked beside the road, this great reserve. but discovered later that he was photographing three Wedge-tailed Eagles perching low in roadside trees! Twenty- David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza three people parked and gathered, watched by some curious Birdlist: Chestnut Teal, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian , Hardhead, Alpacas in the nearby paddock. Australasian Shoveler, , Dusky Moorhen, Eurasian We headed off back down the road, and were amazed at the Coot, Masked Lapwing, Rainbow Lorikeet, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairy- representation of parrots in the tall timbers - Little Corellas wren, Brown Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, and Sulphur-crested flew noisily together, Eastern Striated Pardalote, Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White- and Crimson Rosellas fluttered about, and King Parrots were eared Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater, Red Wattlebird, Little calling to each other. We had some good views of the King Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater, White-naped Honeyeater, Black- Parrots feeding out in the open on some Mistletoe. Later on faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Shrike-thrush, Grey Butcherbird, Australian we could see a pair of Galahs high up, with one doing some Magpie, Grey Fantail, Willie Wagtail, Little Raven, Magpie-lark, Eastern excavation on a tree hollow. Rainbow and Musk Lorikeets Yellow Robin, Flame Robin, Silvereye, Bell Miner, Welcome Swallow, were seen feeding in the tree-tops. Common Blackbird, Common Myna, , Red-browed Finch.

September 2017 9 Outings

A few small birds were seen and heard in the shrubbery; Brown and Striated Thornbills, acrobatic Grey Fantails, and Spotted Pardalote and White-throated Treecreeper. Also on the day an Olive-backed Oriole was seen (heard here before on a previous outing), and a Grey Currawong was heard. The three Wedge-tailed Eagles were seen later circling above in the (now blue) skies. It had warmed up a little, and the breeze had stiffened, but we found patches of sunlight to stand in along the road! Honeyeaters were represented by Noisy Miner, Red Wattlebird, and Yellow-faced. A male Golden Whistler was also spotted on the way back. A list of new birds recorded for the area (including the Wedge-tailed Eagles, currawong and oriole already mentioned) – Crested Pigeon, Little Wattlebird, Mistletoebird, Red-browed Finch. David advised that as he left, a Willie Wagtail appeared on a vineyard fence, so it was included too! The total of birds was a most-satisfying forty-five - not bad for a cold wintry Are Cheryl, Pam, Geoff and Barbara rugged up enough for birding morning. at Stony Creek Road? Photo by Danny Vits Thanks to David for leading us, and to the rest of the birders for providing great company. Pam Hearn, Mt Martha

POINT LEO RESERVE, POINT LEO

Denis Goss: Sunday 18 June Species recorded: 35 On a sunny, clear and calm morning fourteen of us (including visitors) had the perfect conditions for winter birding at this very attractive reserve. From the car park opposite the General Store, Denis led us Crested Pigeon, Stony Creek Road outing. Photo by Con Duyvestyn down to the boardwalk alongside East Creek where Eastern

Yellow Robins were quietly hunting in the undergrowth. We heard the calls of Brown and Striated Thornbill, Yellow-faced Lorikeets flying and feeding in eucalypts and Noisy Miners in Honeyeater and Spotted Pardalote. Red Wattlebirds were the open grassland. In and near the small reedy wetland there too (and everywhere else throughout our walk). Grey were Grey Butcherbird, Magpie-lark and Masked Lapwing. Shrike-thrushes were about but we generally heard just a Eastern Rosellas flew over, as did one Musk Lorikeet. single clear note. (Before meeting the others, I spied two We wound our way along gravel and sandy paths through Common Bronzewing in the adjacent campground). Over to the quiet and grassy campgrounds, observing from a the beach with its lovely views across to Phillip Island, a gust vantage point surfers waiting for a wave and a stand-up of Silvereyes flew over. An Australasian Gannet cruised in the paddleboarder catching one. More Welcome Swallows swirled distance, highlighted by the sun. On the rocky shelf were around here. Further on, a bouncing group of Superb Fairy- Little Pied , Silver Gull, just one Crested and wrens appeared and we heard Crescent and Yellow-Faced a White-faced Heron further away. A group of campers had Honeyeater. Returning to the car park, on the roadside the perfect sunny spot on a sheltered grassy area adjacent to verges were some Australian Wood Ducks, a little group of the beach. Looking up the treed slope we glimpsed, and Galahs, and a Masked Lapwing. A few Rainbow Lorikeets flew heard, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters. We also admired the over. beautiful rich brown flowers of the sheoaks. At Birdcall we recorded thirty-five species. Walking up from the beach we heard Brown Thornbill and the soft calls of Striated Pardalote. Two Crimson Rosellas flew The five of us who had lunch in one of the picnic areas were over, as well as two Australian White Ibis. A Golden Whistler pestered by two juvenile Australian Magpies whose was also heard nearby. persistently loud calls were such that we had to raise our voices to be heard. Despite not being given any food, they The vegetation here includes banksias, melaleucas, wouldn't give up. A Grey Butcherbird with strikingly sharp eucalypts, casuarinas, sheoaks and wattles, some of which colours, also swooped down, snapped up something from a were in flower or had flower spikes waiting to burst forth. At nearby table and flew off with it. various points surfboard-shaped information signs were installed highlighting the geology (this is a basalt coastline This was a terrific winter outing in ideal conditions and we with old lava flows) surfing, wetlands, animals, birds. thank Denis for turning on such a good day. Approaching the small wetland we encountered Rainbow Susan Clark, Mornington

10 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Outings

COOLART RESERVE, SOMERS

Max Burrows: Wednesday 12 July Species recorded: 31 Thirty members arrived for our annual Coolart in-house talk preceded by morning tea in the observatory. David Coutts who has been the manager of BirdLife Australia’s Clarkesdale Sanctuary at Linton in Victoria’s central district for over twenty years presented this year’s talk. David gave us a history of the property and how it became a bird sanctuary and ultimately a BOCA reserve and now a BirdLife property. The original owner Gordon Clarke was a pastoralist who was a very keen bird lover and he ensured that the property was managed to promote the districts flora and fauna. The property has camping facilities and is managed jointly by BirdLife, Parks Victoria and Trust for Nature and is open to Female Australian King Parrot at Coolart. the public. We thanked David for his talk and we proceeded to the bird hide at the lagoon for a bit of bird watching. A total of thirty-one species seen, the highlights being Australian King-Parrots flying in the general area of the mansion and a report of a Crested Shrike-tit seen in the adjacent woodlands. Other birds of note were a flock of Red- browed Finches, Australian Ravens, Brown Goshawk and Swamp Harrier. Some of us then adjourned for lunch whilst most departed for warmer conditions. Max Burrows, Langwarrin

BALDRY CROSSING, MAIN RIDGE Superb Fairy-wren at Coolart. Photos by Con Duyvestyn David Ap-Thomas: Sunday 16 July undergrowth. Eastern Yellow Robins put on a good show for Species recorded: 33 us although their colour wasn’t very bright at this time of the year. It was a typical Melbourne winter’s day, cold, windy, cloudy and nine hardy souls attended the Baldry’s Crossing outing. Honeyeaters were hard to see but we did hear White-eared, Actually, we all enjoyed the walk and good company and we Yellow-faced and Eastern Spinebills. Even the Red did see the occasional bird. There were lots of fungi to Wattlebirds were strangely quiet and a lone Little Wattlebird admire and we all enjoyed the grasstrees and other was seen. A Grey Currawong called a few times but stayed vegetation. hidden. A Common Blackbird scolded us near the end. A Mistletoebird did one call every minute or so making it very As we gathered at the crossing a pair of Australian Wood hard to find him/her in the mistletoe in the treetops. Ducks was making their amorous mewing calls on a large tree in the adjacent paddock. A Sulphur-crested Cockatoo As we ate our lunch at the end of the walk a flock of Little flew away with much ado and then we were able to hear the Ravens flew over and a lone Straw-necked Ibis. These birds Rainbow Lorikeets squabbling noisily in the trees. A few Musk took our total species to thirty-three, a very creditable Lorikeets and Galahs flew over. Keith showed us the nest number for a cold winter’s day. where an Olive-backed Oriole had nested last summer. As we David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza walked along the creek, a group of Yellow-tailed Black- Cockatoos moved restlessly in nearby trees with a juvenile Baldrys bird list: Australian Wood Duck, Straw-necked Ibis, Yellow-tailed continuously squawking to let his mother know that he was Black-Cockatoo, Galah, Little Corella, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Rainbow hungry. Striated Thornbills were very busy going through the Lorikeet, Musk Lorikeet, Australian King-Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Laughing treetops in search of food whilst a few Brown Thornbills and Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, Superb Fairy-wren, White- Grey Fantails searched lower down. A pair of Australian King browed Scrubwren, Striated Thornbill, Brown Thornbill, Spotted Pardalote, Parrots gave us time to get a good look before they flew Eastern Spinebill, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-eared Honeyeater, away. Little Wattlebird, Red Wattlebird, New Holland Honeyeater, Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Grey Shrike-thrush, , Grey Currawong, Further down the track Superb Fairy-wrens were present in Grey Fantail, Little Raven, Eastern Yellow Robin, Common Blackbird, good numbers and White-browed Scrubwrens skulked in the Common Starling, Mistletoebird.

September 2017 11 Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys

THREE SPECIES OF EAGLE AT ETP

28 May 2017: Many mounds of overburden and harvested waste have been removed. Seventy-three bird species were logged of which thirty-four were wetland dependant, (six were shorebirds), eight were raptors and thirty-one were non-wetland dependant. Highlights included three species of Eagle, (one White-bellied Sea-Eagle, two Wedge-tailed Eagles and our first Little Eagle of the winter), present on the same day. Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters have arrived for the winter and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters (two) put in one of their rare appearances. Hirundines were conspicuous with both Fairy Martins (four) and Tree Martins (three) joining at least 500 Welcome Two of three juvenile Black-shouldered Kites at the ETP on 28 May. Swallows over the Aeration Ponds and adjacent Sludge Because they are newly fledged we believe they were reared locally. Drying Pans. Waterfowl were sheltering from the wind behind Photo by Alison Kuiter vegetation and levy banks.

25 June 2015: Sixty-seven bird species were logged of which twenty-nine were wetland dependant, (six were shorebirds), nine were raptors and twenty-nine were non-wetland dependant. Highlights included a Little Eagle and a pair of Collared Sparrowhawks. In general waterfowl numbers are well down. The numbers of wintering Black-fronted Dotterels now exceeds 100. As usual in these conditions (strong cold wind) bush-birds were difficult to find.

23 July 2017: Sixty bird species were logged of which twenty-seven were wetland dependant, (six were shorebirds), six were raptors and twenty-seven were non- wetland dependant. Windy conditions and rain meant that White-faced Herons at the ETP. Photo by Andrew McCutcheon birds retired to the protection of thick vegetation where they could not be seen. Waterfowl numbers are down again with some species (e.g. Pink-eared Ducks) totally absent.

Golden-headed Cisticola at Boggy Creek. Photo by Alison Kuiter

Hoary-headed Grebe in non-breeding (winter) plumage at Boggy Creek. Photo by Alison Kuiter Hoary-headed Grebe winter plumage Note that the generally brown rather than grey plumage and especially the reddish tones on the breast, at first glance suggest that this could be an Australasian Grebe. However, the lower border of the dark cap passing below the eye is diagnostic of Hoary-headed Grebe.

Mike Carter, Mornington Brown Falcon at ETP. Photo by Andrew McCutcheon

12 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Eastern Treatment Plant wetland surveys

AVOCETS, DOTTERELS AND DARTER AT BANYAN

14 May 2017: We accessed all areas. No cattle present. Forty-eight species were recorded of which twenty-three are wetland-dependent or raptors. Highlights were two Red- necked Avocets and fourteen Red-kneed Dotterels. 11 June 2017: Forty-five species were recorded of which twenty are wetland-dependent or raptors. The highlight was a near adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle. Fairy Martins usually fly north for the winter but two were still present today. An Australasian Darter resting on the shore of the Paddock was a first for there. 9 July 2017: Thirty-five species were recorded of which eighteen are wetland-dependent or raptors. Red-necked Avocet at the Banyan Paddock. Photo by Mike Carter Excavator has progressed in a downstream direction clearing reeds etc. from Rossiter Drain (depositing spoil on top of northern bank) as far as western boundary of Paddock, opening-up choked drain. The western section of the Paddock now excised and fenced off as an extension to the Turf Farm has been totally cleared of gorse and other vegetation, burnt, ploughed in and levelled. A pair of Common Bronzewing was feeding under the dividing fence.

AUSTRALASIAN BITTERN AT BOGGY CREEK

14 May 2017: Only fifteen bird species (thirteen of which are wetland dependant or raptors) were logged here today. Wetland bird numbers are way down; e.g. last month there Yellow-billed Spoonbill feeding at the Serpentine. Photo by Dawn Neylan were forty-two Eurasian Coots but none today. After a dry period, late autumn has been fairly wet. Perhaps accumulated pollutants from EastLink have been washed into this cleansing wetland. 11 June 2017: Only eleven bird species (seven of which are wetland dependant or raptors) were logged here today. Variety and abundance are at very low levels. We suspect one contributing factor is that this wetland is very overgrown. 9 July 2017: Seventeen bird species (eleven of which are wetland dependant or raptors) were logged here today. Variety and abundance continue to be at very low levels probably because it is very overgrown. An Australasian Eurasian Skylark at Banyan. Photo by Mike Carter Bittern was seen flying up from Boggy Creek by Alison Kuiter

(a regular counter here) as she drove past on the Mornington Peninsula Freeway just as Dawn and I were exiting Banyan 11 June 2017: Thirty-six species of birds were logged of which nineteen are wetland dependant or raptors. Diversity

is stable but abundance of wetland birds has decreased. The highlight was the good variety of raptors (7) including Little PEREGRINE FALCON AND COMMON Eagle and Collared Sparrowhawk. BRONZEWINGS AT SERPENTINE 9 July 2017: Shorebird habitat is available on some full and fallow sludge drying pans where rainwater has collected. Thirty-four species of birds were logged of which fourteen 14 May 2017: Shorebird habitat is available on the are wetland dependant or raptors. The highlights included Serpentine; harvesting of sludge drying pans continues. three Red-necked Stints and two Tree Sparrows. All the Thirty-nine species of birds were logged of which eighteen hirundines that were on the external wetlands today, which are wetland dependant or raptors. Diversity of wetland birds included two Fairy Martins, were here. is stable but abundance has decreased. A Peregrine Falcon was a highlight and Common Bronzewings are back. Mike Carter, Mornington

September 2017 13 /photographing in Queensland

OSPREYS AND OTHER BIRDS

Since the last Mornington Peninsula Birdlife newsletter I have had the good fortune to be able to visit two regions in Queensland that offer excellent birdwatching and photographing opportunities. The first trip consisted of a month-long visit to the Sunshine Coast, essentially a family holiday, but with access to many great birding locations. Our residence was near the Mountain Creek, a tributary of the Mooloolah River and the locals have been active in preserving a strip along this creek as a reserve which has recorded over 100 species of birds, including kingfishers, many parrots, waterfowl etc. Walks through the reserve presented different observations and photo opportunities each time. Eastern Ospreys, immature and adult, at nest. However, the most exciting activities related to a family of Eastern Osprey that occupy a man-made platform at the Mooloolaba spit. At present this family consists of two adults and a young from last breeding season. I was able to spend time with these birds on a number of days and learned a lot about their behaviour. The immature bird was obviously still very much in the learning phase and spent most time on the platform, usually with the female at hand while the male seemed to spend little time there. The nest had been completely blown away by cyclone Debbie so I was able to witness the female bringing in material to slowly restore it, presumably for the next breeding season. The only time I saw all three birds together was at a group bath-time in the shallows of the river. As I observed the birds it gave me some capacity to anticipate behaviours, both on the platform and in flight patterns and this led to some exciting photographic sessions, including shots of the female catching Eastern Osprey with fish. a fish and of actions around the platform, which I could photograph from a knoll amongst the trees. The second trip was a dedicated birding week with Tim van Leeuwen covering Cairns, Julatten and the Daintree areas. We spent five days at Kingfisher Park, Julatten, where the hosts, Carol and Andrew Iles have set up a reserve designed to attract birds and other wildlife. I estimate that in the first two days there I recorded at least twenty ‘lifers’. One of the outstanding sites at this park is a fallen tree that has an indentation in its trunk that is kept filled with water. This tree is close to both low and high level shelter for birds so that they can approach safely, have a quick bath, and then disappear again, and many species make use of it in the latter hours of the day. From a photographer’s point of view it is a dream setting, (it was about 20 metres from my tent) Double-eyed Fig-Parrot; Macleay’s Honeyeater. as we could set up our cameras on tripods, sit back with a drink, and wait for the birds to arrive. This scenario gave me lots of opportunities to practice flash photography, something I had not done much of before with birds. Whilst here we also made a day trip to the Daintree where we spent more than three hours on the river with Ian (Sauce) Worcester and also managed to drive up to Cape Tribulation to see the mandatory cassowaries – we saw a single female and a male with three juveniles. As is always the case, the times were too short and we rued all the missed shots. However, being able to experience so much of our living heritage in such a short time made me even more appreciative of the wealth that we have in this vast land and thirsty to be able to experience and share more of it in the future. Con Duyvestyn, Mornington Whimbrel. Photos by Con Duyvestyn

14 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife 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: 5981 1445 or [email protected]

Date Species Location Comments Observer

Jan Satin Flycatcher (1, m) Cape Schanck Stayed at 123 Cape Schanck Road for two weeks. Stuart Cousland

April Mistletoebird (2, m & f) Cape Schanck Stayed at 123 Cape Schanck Road for all of April. Stuart Cousland

6.5.17 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (3) Rosebud Perched in tree over the road from our house. Rosalba Catena Wedge-tailed Eagle (2) Red Hill Flying over the trees at Red Hill Market.

8.5.17 Powerful (1) Tyabb Low in a Tea-tree at Gordon Rolfe Reserve. Keith Caldecott

9.5.17 Olive-backed Oriole (1, imm) Cape Schanck At 123 Cape Schanck Road. Second oriole sighting in 22 years. Stuart Cousland

10.5.17 Flame Robin (7) Greens Bush Two males and five females or immatures. Mark Lethlean

15.5.17 Ruddy Turnstone (7) Rye Ocean Beach Rosalba Catena

24.5.17 Barking Owl (1) Blairgowrie Asleep in a tree in our backyard. Bob Dunball

30.5.17 (30) Mornington In paddocks north of Tyabb Rd near on-ramp to Pen Link. Pam Hearn

31.5.17 Hoary-headed Grebe (12) Rosebud beach Often seen in Port Phillip Bay at this time of the year. Val Ford

31.5.17 Flame Robin (1, m) Portsea Golf Course They arrive every year at this time. Bob Dunball

May Crescent Honeyeater (1) Cape Schanck At 123 Cape Schanck Road for all of May. Stuart Cousland

3.6.17 Long-billed Corella Mornington With a large group of Little Corellas. Mike Carter

6.6.17 Australian King-Parrot (1, m) Langwarrin At Parkvalley Crescent. Max Burrows

7.6.17 Little Egret (1) Portsea Golf Course Sue Dunball

8.6.17 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo (5) Mt Martha Feeding in a Hakea just outside our bedroom window. Pam Hearn

10.6.17 Ruddy Turnstone (8) St Andrews Beach Mixing and getting on well with the Hooded Plovers. Ross Brewer

20.6.17 Australian King-Parrot (2) Flinders Seen whilst I was playing golf. Bob Dunball

22.6.17 Powerful Owl (1) Devilbend Opposite Bittern Reservoir car park. Denis Goss et al

29.6.17 Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo Hastings Flock of 200 to 400 birds. Peter Gower

1.7.17 White-necked Heron (2) Tuerong Have been visiting a friend’s private property in recent weeks. Danny Vits

5.7.17 Cattle Egret (60+) Moorooduc Derril/Eramosa Roads. Biggest flock I have seen on peninsula. Max Burrows

24.7.17 Red-browed Finch (35) Barragunda, Cape Schanck It’s very unusual to see a flock of that size in this district. Stuart Cousland

Hooked by a fishing line At Devilbend on 18 May about 1530 I notice that a Black Swan has one of its legs hooked by a fishing lure attached to fishing line and cannot free itself. Presumably freed a bit later by a couple I encountered one of whom was equipped with a boxcutter knife as wildlife rescue volunteer Jenny Bryant could not find the bird about 1630. Let’s hope so as it would have been easy prey for a fox during the night. Not a nice encounter on an otherwise fine afternoon. Danny Vits, Mornington

Large number of black cockatoos Black Swan, hooked by fishing line at Devilbend. Photo by Danny Vits On our way home from the survey at Cranbourne on 29 June

Liz and I saw a large flock of fairly large dark birds as we were coming through Hastings. Our immediate reaction was birds, possibly up to twice that number. The flock was rather a big flock of Straw-necked Ibis, but we soon realised that a ragged affair, with small groups dispersing out from the the closest half dozen were cockatoos. main group and a second large group in the distance to the west. It was quite a sight. As I looked more closely I realised they were all Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos. I estimate that there were at least 200 Peter Gower, Balnarring

September 2017 15 Observations

Birding at The Mornington Village Australasian Grebe and Dusky Moorhen on our lake Knowing of my interest in birds, one day in mid-May, my neighbour Carol Jones, told me that during her regular early morning walk she had seen an unusual bird on ‘The Lake’. From her description, because she told me that it was diving under the water and because it is a relatively small body of water, I suspected that it was probably an Australasian Grebe. Thereafter she saw it almost daily. On 2 June, I found some time to check it out for myself. It was indeed an Australasian Grebe, an adult in breeding plumage. It had joined the resident Pacific Black Ducks, Eurasian Coots and Australian Wood Ducks. And another stranger was also there, an immature Dusky Moorhen. Both are welcome visitors to our Village. Mike Carter, Mornington

Australasian Grebe on The Mornington Village lake.

Birding at The Village Glen Butcherbird doing what the books say Although the May morning was cool and overcast for most of the time, thirteen attendees enjoyed birding in windless conditions. Thirty-four species were seen, not counting two egrets which flew overhead. They were probably Little Egrets, but identification was not confirmed. The highlight of the morning was the sighting of three Wedge-tailed Eagles high in the sky out over the swamp beyond the golf course. One was being harassed by a raven. There was also one Australasian Grebe on the golf course lake and a group of eight Hardheads. We all had very good looks at the Hardhead’s plumage and the differences between the males and females before we went home to consult our bird guides for more information. Immature Dusky Moorhen on the lake. Photos by Mike Carter Celia had a youngish Grey Butcherbird in her garden on 14

May. She watched it with prey, probably a small brown frog which it wedged between the angle of two small branches A Crested Pigeon was heard taking off, but not seen. Have about six inches from the ground, while it tried to eat some you heard a startled Crested Pigeon take off with a before flying off, still with the prey in its . Only her characteristic whistling sound, which is produced by air second time seeing a butcherbird doing just what the books passing over a modified primary on the wing? say! Raven gathering sticks and a Mistletoebird enjoyed Three eucalypts beside Val’s villa have been flowing since the beginning of May. From first light until dusk Red and Little One of the most delightful colours in nature is the brilliant Wattlebirds are seen and heard feasting on the nectar rich lime green on the rump of an Eastern Rosella. Recently I was flowers. Rainbow and Musk Lorikeets come and go afforded a wonderful close up of an adult male as it fed on throughout the day. When the wattlebirds land on a Silver the grass in full sun just a couple of feet from me as I sat in Birch between feeding bouts young birds were observed the car. This small parrot with its red, white, green, black, which indicates they are still breeding. blue and yellow colours must surely be one of Victoria's most underappreciated birds. Perfect birding weather On 24 July a Little Raven was observed carefully gathering Six birders had great views of forty-one species on our June thin, even length sticks near the Sports Building before flying birdwalk. The weather, sunny and no wind, was perfect. Out off with a beak full. Slowly lengthening days trigger a nest- the back of the village, whilst looking into and over building response in many species - so keep your eyes open Tootgarook Swamp, beautiful Golden-headed Cisticolas gave for nesting activity as spring approaches. us wonderful ‘look at me’ moments as they zipped through and above the reeds. The July walk was very successful with thirty-six species identified in the Village. The best sighting was arguably a At Hub Lake a raven was observed collecting small real gem - a Mistletoebird spotted in a tree near the Hub. from the grass to line its nest with. Elsewhere thornbills and other birds were seen chasing each other. Celia Browne and Val Ford, Capel Sound

16 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Birding at Braeside Braeside Park has for many years been a favourite birding venue for me. Whilst not part of the Mornington Peninsula it is within very easy access from my Mornington home thanks to Peninsula Link and the Frankston freeway. In the 1990’s I lived closer still in the Carrum/Patterson Lakes area and following an “episode” in 1994 Braeside Park became part of my rehabilitation program. Initially jogging the 5kms circuit was followed by the easier options of cycling then walking and finally birdwatching pace. During the Millennium Drought most of the wetlands, as elsewhere, dried up and the park lost most of its birdwatching appeal. Today, 22 May 2017, the situation is much better and it being a glorious autumn day I decided on a morning visit. Typically for this time of the year it was very, very quiet. Flame Robin at Braeside Park. Only the Noisy Miners being well, noisy. My first encounter was of a Cattle Egret and a Rainbow Lorikeet sharing the same dead tree. Plenty of Chestnut Teal, Eurasian Coot, a few Pacific Black Ducks, half a dozen Blue-billed Ducks one of whom I mistook for a female , Little Pied and Little Black , a couple of Pelicans, Black Swans, an Eastern Great Egret and an Australasian Darter with what appeared like some detritus stuck on the end of its bill. There was a working bee of about six or seven volunteers busily rebuilding the viewing platform that collapsed last year. That is the viewing platform from which we spotted the Australasian Bittern on our last Braeside outing. In the paddocks adjoining the industrial estate the local resident Swamp Harrier was circling around for a morsel. And then in the dried out cut grass three Flame Robins, two males and a female. Always a pleasant sight. Further along in some bushes, Red-browed Finches and Superb fairy-wrens. Australasian Darter at Braeside Park. Photos by Danny Vits After leaving I reflected on the fact that I had neither seen nor heard any Sulphur Crested Cockatoos usually the first bird you hear or see at Braeside. Danny Vits, Mornington

Seen from Edithvale Wetlands bird hide Swamp Harrier takes coot This event was amazing to watch. The harrier dropped onto the coot and held it under water trying to drown it, but obviously the water is cold and harrier didn't need wet feathers so it took off and then attempted to drown it again, with same outcome. Next time it tried to carry the coot off, but dropped it before it got to shoreline.... and then gave up. Hope it got dinner eventually. Swamp Harrier takes Eurasian Coot at Edithvale Wetland. Photo by Damian Huss Alison Kuiter, Friends of Edithvale Seaford Wetlands Facebook page and repeat the dive and pullout. On the third attempt it picks

up a Hoary-headed Grebe and flies off with grebe in its Hobby takes grebe talons. When it was at the top of its dive cycle it hovered when getting itself ready for another dive. On Sunday 9 July 2017 we observe that the water birds are once again disturbed and assume the disturbance has been When I volunteered for bird hide duty at Edithvale wetlands I caused by a Swamp Harrier doing a regular flyover. hadn’t realised that I would be getting the best seats to the greatest shows in town! Then with eyes glued to the left hand side of the hide we watch an Australian Hobby quickly and sharply descend and Val Ford, Capel Sound pull out of the descent before hitting the water, then fly up

September 2017 17 Observations

Tree and Fairy Martins Both Tree and Fairy Martins usually move north into warmer climes for winter but when surveying ETP on 25 June 2017 we had both. On an annual basis, overall in Victoria these species are about equally abundant. However, in summer at the ETP, Fairy Martin is by far the most common. This is because that species likes to nest under bridges and culverts over water whereas Tree Martins nest in tree hollows. At the ETP, we have more bridges and culverts than tree hollows. Mike Carter, Mornington

Wedge-tailed Eagle family Tree Martin at ETP. Photo by Alison Kuiter The Wedge-tailed Eagle family, male female and one juvenile was sitting in trees along Stony Creek Road as we arrived for the outing. The juvenile spent a lot of time begging from the female which was in the same tree. Unfortunately there was a fair bit of fog which made it difficult to obtain clear images. This was probably the reason for their presence; I suspect they were waiting for the light to improve before setting off for the hunt. Once the light improved they took off. I have had to work these photos up in Photoshop, hence they are not as sharp as I would have preferred. Con Duyvestyn, Mornington

Magpie-lark harassing male; juvenile on the right. Spring is sprung Photos by Con Duyvestyn

Tis only the beginning of July and spring is sprung, according to the Wood Ducks around our back yard. Kitchen window birding Two males and a female flew into the dead tree where they You can get a lot of pleasure from watching birds out of the nest every year. While the two males jostled, pecked each kitchen window. This morning, 31 May, I threw the remains other and made that strange mewing call, the female looked of the leg of lamb on to the back lawn. Mr Australian Magpie on in a bored fashion. Then in flew another male. Popular girl swooped down on it, almost before it had hit the grass, I thought. closely followed by Mrs Magpie. She was closely followed by When I went outside I saw another male and another female the Little Raven gang (Mr, Mrs and junior) and Mr Raven on the back of the tree and another pair flying round. Looks promptly claimed sole rights to the lamb. The other two like it’s the tree hollow (which we can't see from our ravens stood a few steps away as he tucked in. Mr Magpie house) that is the main attraction. stood defiantly tall, about a metre away and proclaimed loudly to everyone exactly what he thought of the raven David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza bullies. It did him no good. When Mr Raven had had his fill he flew off and junior rushed in to have a go but was very swiftly repulsed by his mother and put back in his place.

Meanwhile, another group of three magpies flew in, Stunned pardalote comprising a male, female and young one. The juvenile landed and his mother landed alongside and apparently We found a Spotted Pardalote on the footpath in Green reprimanded junior so he promptly turned on his back and Island Avenue Mornington. It was motionless and did not lay there in a submissive pose. Mother took no notice of him move when approached. We were thinking of calling wildlife and waddled off. The sun was shining so junior just lay there rescue when it walked off into shrubs very dazed; it then for a while warming his belly. Eventually junior realised how appeared to come good. We assumed it may have hit a silly he looked, got back on his feet and was looking round to window and dazed itself. It was good to have a close up look see what was happening when his parents flew off and he at this beautiful bird. reluctantly followed. One raven was left trying to extract the marrow from the bone but decided it was all too hard and Roger Skipsey, Mornington peace descended on the back yard again. David Ap-Thomas, Mt Eliza

18 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife Observations

Powerful Owl at Gordon Rolfe reserve The Powerful Owl was observed roosting in a Tea Tree on 8 May 2017 at Gordon Rolfe reserve Tyabb. It was there for the day although I don’t think it’s a regular roost due to the fact there was no splash or pellets present. However, there is plenty of roosting habitats in close proximity to where it was sighted. The reserve always seems to produce some good birds. Also in May there have been regular Brown Goshawk, Swamp Harrier, Nankeen Kestrel, Collared Sparrowhawk and White- bellied Sea-Eagle sightings with an appearance of a Little Eagle on 12 May, a Fan-tailed Cuckoo and a Sacred Kingfisher on the 13 May. A group of three Varied Sittellas are regularly seen. I have found three Koalas, identified as different individuals by their nose patterns. I believe them to be one male and Powerful Owl at Gordon Rolfe reserve. Photo by Keith Caldecott two female Keith Caldecott, Somerville

BOOK REVIEW

The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman We humans tend to take birds for granted. They are just there, flying about, perched in trees, hanging around the cafes, waiting to scavenge the leftovers. But do we appreciate what these products of 300 million years of Little Eagle on left, Nankeen Kestrel on right, at Gordon Rolfe reserve. from their ancestors are really capable of? Photos by Jeff Maltman Jennifer Ackerman’s book, “The Genius of Birds” shows that we do not and that it has taken numerous decades of dogged research to uncover some of the workings of the avian mind. As a science journalist, Ackerman has the knack of translating heavy scientific prose into something that is digestible to the ordinary reader. She has a lyrical conversational style and takes the reader on her journey of discovery into the bird world. Ackerman urges us not to compare bird intelligence with our own, but to see birds as having evolved along a different route to become sentient beings. She points out that “birds learn. They solve new problems and invent novel solutions to old ones. They make and use tools. They count. They copy behaviours of one another. They remember where they put things.” Successive chapters delve into various aspects of the workings of the bird mind from tool making, social behaviour, singing, navigation and adaptation in our rapidly changing environment. The examples are predominantly from the northern hemisphere, so some of the impact is lost since most of us in the southern hemisphere can’t conjure up the image of, say a black-capped chickadee and its antics, while reading Ackerman’s colourful description of that bird. But there are some Australian examples, such as the lyrebird and its amazing mimicry and the architectural-marvels and Australasian on Balcombe Creek intricate courting behaviour of our bowerbirds. Yesterday, 10 June 2017, I saw a pair of Australasian Grebes This is a book that reveals how far we have come in on Balcombe Creek, Mt Martha on the south bank between understanding the intricacies of the bird mind that drives Augusta Street footbridge and Uralla Drive footbridge. such complex behaviour. It makes us appreciate that the Neither was in breeding plumage and they startled and dived derogatory phrase “bird brain” is certainly not correct for underwater when a White-faced Heron took off over their birds. Far from it. head. It is the first time I've seen them on the creek. Larry Wakefield, May 2017 Bronwyn Street, Mt Martha

September 2017 19 Observations

Corellas around Mornington There must be 600-800 Corellas around Mornington at the moment and 100 Cattle Egrets. Spent some time today, 3 June, photographing the corellas and was surprised at the number of Long-billed Corellas with the Little Corellas and how hard I found it to tell them apart. Around the 1980’s there was a population of 20-30 Long- billed Corellas in Dandenong just east of the CBD and nearby at Lyndhurst. We’d see them occasionally at the ETP. During a drought at the turn of the century Little Corella’s arrived. Below is a piece I wrote for The Bird Observer in 2001.

Little Corellas: The Mallee moves to Mornington First it was the Galahs. They arrived on the Mornington Peninsula in southern Victoria at about the same time as I did, in 1964. Then came the Crested Pigeons. They are now quite common in the south-eastern Melbourne suburbs. We’ve had up to 36 together at the Edithvale Wetlands where they come to drink after feeding on the adjacent golf courses. A flock of over 60 was reported from another nearby golf course. The species is Little Corellas. spreading slowly southwards and reached Mt Martha last year. The Atlas of Victorian Birds published in 1987 had no records of this species around or south of Melbourne. Now it’s the turn of the Little Corella. In the middle of February this year, Sean Dooley found a flock in a horse paddock at Moorooduc. In that paddock on the 19 February 2001, I counted 110 Little Corellas, 11 Crested Pigeons and 70 Galahs. They were feeding on grain put out for horses. Before 1950, Little Corellas were very rare anywhere in Victoria. There were no records for the Peninsula when Peggy Mitchell produced her list in 1978 and none in the 1987 Victorian Atlas. Scattered reports east and southeast of Melbourne are usually of small numbers accompanying Long- billed Corellas. Perhaps the three I saw at Edithvale on 26 April 2000 were scouts for the current, unprecedented invasion. Mike Carter, Mornington

Long-billed Corella. Photos by Mike Carter

20 Mornington Peninsula Birdlife