Hooded plovers and other beach birds
Eight Hoodies were recently seen at Point Impossible resting among the wrack including 4 fledglings, one of which was sporting a green flag, and so was probably the recently tagged Lorne fledgling. A professional dog walker and her offsider approached the group with 7 or 8 dogs, most off leash.
Many Red-capped Plovers (Red Caps) as in this photo, have also been seen around there with fledglings.
Red-capped Plover
A dead Fairy Prion was seen by Keith washed up on the beach at Fairhaven.
Winter birds
We have several winter visitors to look out for.
On the beaches Double-banded Plovers fly over from New Zealand and flock with our other species, such as Hoodies and Red- capped Plover.
Double-banded Plover
However currently you are unlikely to see them with colourful chest bands as in this photo, until they are ready to leave and return to New Zealand to breed in late August and early September.
This time of year Swift Parrots fly through southern Victoria from Tasmania looking for warmer weather. They particularly like Yellow Gums in flower which can be found around Ocean Grove. It is target species for me as I have never seen one.
Swift Parrot
Keep your eye out for robins. Our intrepid bird photographers, Bron and John Lenanan, recently shared some lovely shots of Robins, including Yellow, Rose and Scarlet.
Eastern Yellow Robin
Rose Robin
Scarlet Robin
Rob, when leading a birdwalk on the Anglesea cliffs for Bellarine Birdlife, got lovely shots of a Flame Robin, and a Striated Field-wren.
Flame Robin
Striated Field-wren
Keith took some amazing pictures of a Black-shouldered Kite on two separate occasions eating a Swamp rat, identified by Barbara Wilson.
Black-shouldered Kite
Black-shouldered Kite swallowing
Bron took this lovely phot of a ‘fluffy bum’ (great name for the grandchildren) Australasian Grebe in non-breeding plumage.
Australasian Grebe
Emu Wrens have been seen seen around, including at the revegetated block at Number 2 Bambra Road Aireys Inlet.
Rob took the following photo in evening light on the Anglesea cliffs
Emu Wren
and Keith a male Golden Whistler
Golden Whistler
James recently found this perfect dead Spotted Pardalote.
Dead Spotted Pardalote
If you ever find a dead bird in good condition it could be a good idea to put it in your freezer in a plastic bag, and then check with Angair if it is a species that is worth saving. We have to contact the Museum to find out if they want it, and then check out our collection, as there are strict rules for collecting and treating dead birds, plus it is very expensive. Have you seen Angair’s collection in out meeting room?
You may like to check and sign the following petition from Birdlife Australia asking for stronger laws to protect nature in Australia. https://birdlife.org.au/campaign/nature-laws/
I will not be around for a couple of months to write Bird Bites, as I will be checking out the European birds. I will miss the numbers, colours, noise and craziness of our birds.
Happy winter birding
Ellinor