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At this month’s visit to Rhonda Bunbury’s lovely property, which we had not visited for over two years, we were pleased to welcome five new members to the bird group.

The morning started on high note with the sighting of a Southern Boobook Owl in Rhonda’s shed. We entered the dark shed quietly, and in small groups so as not disturb the bird. Rob got an amazingly clear photo of it sitting up high in the rafters.

boobookBoobook Owl 

We spent most of the the morning walking around the property, but the windy weather and time of year meant that most birds were quiet and in hiding. Surprisingly, not a raptor was seen, though Rhonda told us of a summer frenzy when several birds actively dive bombed crickets as they emerged from the cracks in the ground.

The two scenic dams surrounded by vegetation did not reveal any water birds during our walk. Many of the birds identified were in wide bushy revegetated strips, which had been planted some time ago by Rhonda The first plantings in 1996 were propagated and planted with the assistance of The Otways Indigenous Nursery. In one of these areas, two Blue-winged Parrots posed obligingly in a low tree, giving everyone a good view. Several of the group were particularly pleased as it was a first time they had seen these appealing birds.

We finished with a convivial morning tea in the attractive home garden, populated by everyone’s favourite bird the Superb Fairy Wren.

superbfairywrenSuperb Fairy Wren

Our species list was small, representing 19% of the property’s bird list and Rob got some nice photos of a few well-known birds.

New Holland Honeyeater

yellowfacedhoneyeaterYellow-faced Honeyeater

Thank you Rhonda for a very pleasant morning.

Ellinor Campbell