The Musk Duck

Volume 5 Number 5 March 2018

Brown Quail - WTP - Indra Bone

UP-COMING EVENTS 2018

MEETING TUESDAY MARCH 13

Annual General Meeting followed by ‘An Antarctic Trip’ Louise Humble

OUTING SUNDAY MARCH 25

Ballarat Hotspots – Ditchfield Lane/ Local Wetlands

MEETING TUESDAY APRIL 10

The Malay Peninsula – Roy Chester

OUTING SUNDAY APRIL 22

Serendip/Avalon Beach – John Gregurke

CLARKESDALE SURVEY TUESDAY MAY 1

MEETING MAY 8

Ed goes pelagic – Ed Dunens

OUTING MAY 27

Enfield Forest – Ambika & Indra Bone

Welcome all to another issue of The

Musk Duck and to an exciting year of activities, outings and guest speakers

courtesy of Ballarat Birdlife.

Our photos this month show what a

wonderful array of birds have been around for us to enjoy.

Several members now have kayaks

and are enjoying the local waterways

as seen in the photo of Baillon’s Crake frequenting Lake Wendouree over

summer. These delightful birds take

little notice of the boating activities

around them. Keep the photos coming and we even

have a letter to the editor.

All contributions are gratefully

received.

Send to jennygarley@hotmail.com

Thanks Jenny

Outings, Meetings & Reports

2 March 2018

CHRISTMAS MEETING Tuesday December 12 Thanks to Amanda and Ian Ashton for creating a light hearted end of year quizzical and challenge with a bird theme.

Matching artist to song and completing song names, Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree, Rockin

Robin, A nightingale sang in Barkley square, Bird on a wire, to name a few.

Then the crossword clues. Name the bird from the following three images: a box with spots, leopard skin pattern and a cartoon image of a bird = Spotted Pardalote.

The best names for three “new” species were Rufous salad server, Red-backed strider, and the Regent

Rabbit eater.

The final challange pin the tail on the Emu was won by Wendy. A scrumptious supper rounded off the evening.

Louise Humble

DECEMBER 3 2017 CHALLENGE BIRD COUNT REPORTS Thank you all for taking part in this year’s count, considering the weather we did really well. We recorded over 6000 birds of some 151 species. This was both more species and individual birds

counted than last year.

The two stand out birds were Dollarbird and Leaden Flycatcher, both rare in the district.

Next in rarity were, Caspian Tern, Intermediate Egret, Square-tailed Kite, Magpie goose, Grey Goshawk

Yellow Thornbill and Hooded Robin. I could list a few more scarce/rare district birds but you get the picture.

Three teams saw over 100 species = 107 Ambika's Team, 116 Helen's Team and 117 Roger's team.

Some members are more competitive than others; some cover hundreds of kms while Ken and Amanda

recorded a very local Creswick area for their 41 species. Pete's team recorded 65 species once again covering a much smaller area than some.

The Lake Wendouree team saw just 42 species but counted over 2000 birds, more individual birds

counted than any other team.

At the end of the day we ALL contribute to the total, every count is as important as every other. Ian

‘A’ TEAM Report

The team formerly known as “A” was in disarray.

David (“I can hear a pin drop at 500 paces”) Coutts was “unavailable for comment” re Sundays count.

The next disaster came in the form of a foot injury to

Murray Grant (Formerly known as “they build ‘em

tough in Daylesford Grant”). This required that we poach a member from Ken &

Amanda’s team, after all they had five members! A

deal was struck, contracts exchanged and everyone

was happy. Then Amanda had two apologies! At this stage lawyers were called in but a contract is just

that.

We ‘the newly formed T.A.C. team’ had a great day,

saw a few birds including a very welcome Pied Cormorant (a Lake Wendouree first for Roger, a very

rare event) Caspian Tern, Intermediate Egret,

Square-tailed Kite and 5 Magpie Geese. Numbers

were down and at times it was wet/cold, but it was

once again a fun day. Thanks to Neil Capey who helped form The Thomas, Ashton and Capey team for the

day.

Ian

PS Positions 3 & 4 on the team formerly known as “A” will be put out to tender sometime in the New Year.

S

Magpie Goose - Lake Wendouree – Jenny Garley

Outings, Meetings & Reports

3 March 2018

Helen’s Mullawallah Team

I feel embarrassed calling it Helen’s Team, but I suppose I organize the day so this is what it is

called. Our team consists of Kev Wight – driver, Colin Butson and myself Helen O’Donnell.

The starting time had been altered from 7.00 to 7.30 because of the very gloomy weather forecast. Kev

being eager as usual turned up at my house at 7.05. He is a good lad and had a cappuccino for me,

nothing like starting the day off right.

Kev and I checked out a spot where Scarlet Honeyeaters were last seen at Brown Hill, but the Mistletoe

had stopped flowering therefore no Scarlet Honeyeaters or any of the other honeyeaters that had been

frequenting that area.

We picked Colin up at 7.30 and went to Ditchfield Bushland Reserve where we recorded 31 species of birds including a male Leaden Flycatcher; a new bird for the Ditchfield list.

Wetlands was the next spot visited, another 23 species were added to our tally including a Caspian Tern.

We travelled the back roads to Mt. Beckworth, visited the Clunes Forest and Sorrensens Road near

Talbot, then it was off to the Wombat Forest. Unfortunately we didn’t see many of the expected special birds at the Wombat and by this time the rain had started again.

A very enjoyable day finishing around 8.00 o’clock at Lake Wendouree where we add some water birds

that were missed as we travelled. As it happens every year several common birds couldn’t be

found. Considering the sometimes cold and rainy weather we were very pleased with our total of 116 bird species.

The Challenge Bird Count – Ken’s Creswick Team

As usual we (Ken and Amanda) had a great morning’s birdwatching at Creswick, even if our team was just the two of us. We dodged the showers and saw some great birds, even though the birds were quieter than

usual, probably because of the weather.

We started at Slaty Creek at Kate’s Paddock Track, Ken’s favourite spot. We had morning tea at St

Georges Lake and lunch at Calembeen Park. Here we saw our best birds of the day – Yellow Thornbill and Latham’s Snipe. We finished up with a nice walk round the Landcare trail, and 42 species for the day. We

would love for someone to join our team for next year if anyone is interested.

Lake Wendouree Challenge Bird Count Report 2017

Jenny, Annette, Tim and John made up the team that surveyed Lake Wendouree as part of Birdlife

Ballarat Challenge Bird Count effort for 2017. 2327 birds of 42 species were seen on the day.

The most numerous birds were Eurasian Coot 667, Silver Gull 236, White Ibis 220, Welcome Swallow 166 and Black Swan 162. Each year there a some common species not seen; this year we missed Crested

Pigeon, Musk Lorikeet and Eastern Rosella.

Other groups saw a Pied Cormorant at the lake during the day. A highlight was two nests of Great Crested

Grebe seen close to the path in Fairyland.

The total count of Lake Wendouree bird population for Challenge Bird Count began in 2012. After 6 years some interesting comparisons can be made. Over the years species numbers have varied from 39 to 46

and the population has varied from 1632 to 3628.

The total population is greatly influenced by the Eurasian Coot numbers which have ranged from 12 in

2016 to 2415 in 2012. Many variables affect total numbers including weather, seasonal conditions and a

certain amount of luck.

Outings, Meetings & Reports

4 March 2018

SOUTHERN SCANNERS CHALLENGE COUNT- Pete and Jenny Sedgwick, Louise Humble

The last minute cancellation of Sunday commitments for

the Sedgwicks saw a scramble to join the survey.

Louise valiantly jumped at the chance due to her sudden

availability, so it was off and away to some usual and

some random survey sites. The weather was damp getting more showery as the day went on- was this why

our raptor count (2 sp) was so low?

The cropping country birds, such as Little Ravens and

Magpies, were out in big numbers. A good range of water birds were found, though these were spread about

far more widely than in previous drier season counts.

Bush birds were lacking and quiet in the conditions, and

we dipped on several common birds, only managing one cuckoo. Never mind- 65 species, some lovely locations

(between Mt. Helen and Mt. Mercer) and a pleasant time

had by all.

Team Napoleons / Enfield

We were on tenterhooks. We had been staking out our proposed area for the past month and had a good

idea what was about. A dollar bird had been roosting in our clearing all week. We awoke in the morning

and immediately set to work searching for the dollar bird. Indra was delighted to spot it in it’s favourite

perch despite the miserable weather. We then set to work on the other species.

The wet weather had fortuitously brought out both Spotted and Spotless Crakes under the Napoleons

bridge so whilst trucks raced passed us we ticked off the crakes. We then explored some of our favourite

back roads and spotted the Brown Songlarks that we had

been observing for a week or two then on to the Napoleons

forest area to find the Crested Shriketits and Eastern

Yellow Robins.

A quick check on Dereel Lagoon revealed no Chestnut-

rumped Heathwrens unfortunately. Back to Misery Creek

Road and Surface Point Picnic Area in the Enfield State Park and we enjoyed a lovely half hour of sunshine where we

picked up a flock of Blue-winged Parrots, Dusky

Woodswallows, Scarlet Robin and other beauties.

A great day out in the field despite a camera hiccup and quick visit to town and a few rain breaks. Regards Team

Bone (Indra, Ambika and Bernd).

Cicadabird – Indra Bone

Bird Report December 14 2017 Indra Bone A promising day in the Wombat Forest with a single male Cicadabird first heard then seen down McGees

road. Also some Crescent Honeyeaters and Rufous Fantails. Later a Painted Buttonquail walked across the

road about 2 metres in front of the car at the end of Marshall’s road. Stood still for excellent views as I

got out of the car to try for a photo it flushed before I could and I could not relocate it.

Louise found our first Black-fronted Dotterel, but we

ended up with one each in frozen poses on the edge

of a large Mt.Mercer dam.

Outings, Meetings & Reports

5 March 2018

Meeting Report February 13 Singapore Stopover Ian Ashton

Ian has visited Singapore several times since October 1978, noticing its strong growth and modernisation

over that time. Although there are areas of land reclamation, this small wealthy nation has also invested

in areas where natural resources and wildlife have refuge, appropriate public access and use have been

facilitated. With so much development, birds are now somewhat concentrated in these reserves. Ian found some familiar and more notable species in these key locations-

Fort Canning Park: a central wooded hill with old trees and some cleared areas (Red Jungle Fowl, White-

vented Myna, Pink-necked Pigeon)

Botanical Gardens: extensive gardens, jungle and newly expanded wetlands (White-breasted Waterhen, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo).

Gardens by the Bay: recently developed, an imaginative landscape of varied habitats and architectural

features (Asian Glossy Starling, Sunda Woodpecker and the very decorative Coppersmith Barbet).

Pasir Ris Park: boardwalk through mangroves (prized sightings included Stork-billed Kingfisher, the

colourful Common Flameback and the Oriental Pied Hornbill).

Sungei Buloh Wetlands: a large coastal park with many viewing areas in jungle, over mangroves and

water. Unfortunately, few birds seen on a “tropically wet” day. – Shirley Faull.

The WTP February 25th That’s right it was February, summer, nice weather and hot, NOT!. It was cool 17c, not in the shade, it was winter in the shade!

Still with cars full we set off undaunted, we shrugged off the drizzle, and 14 hardy members ventured

forth.

We met Paul Schillier on Beach Rd and headed for the T section, some of the birds seen were Yellow-billed and Royal Spoonbills, Sharp-tailed, Curlew and Marsh Sandpipers, Greenshanks, Zebra Finch, Swamp

Harrier and Brown Falcon. But the best birds were a covey of nine Brown Quail that obligingly sat on the

track in front of the vehicles enabling good views for all.

The Western Lagoons provided a morning tea spot with Great and Little Egrets,

and many Pied Oystercatchers. Several Australian Spotted Crakes were seen as well as many Pelicans out

on the bay.

We then headed slowly towards the hide, a Singing Honeyeater was seen by Amanda but no one else in

our car but luckily Neil had also seen. Lunch was had, and although the tide was in Indra found a Buff-banded Rail in the same place he had seen one a few weeks earlier. Crested Terns and Pacific Gull were

added, before we set off for the Borrow Pits and Conservation Ponds.

The weather had improved as we made our way around the coastal track where Pied Cormorant and

distant Gannets made it onto the list.

A fast flying Hobby was seen by most members just before we arrived at the ponds.

There were a few birds on the ponds and we added Yellow-rumped Thornbills.

It was then time to make our way out via Paradise Lagoon and Cape Barren Geese and Lake Borrie.

Our last birds for the list were Banded Lapwing and Wedge-tailed Eagle that Paul had located early in the

day.

We saw 76 species, a good total considering the very windy unseasonal weather.

Thanks once again to Helen for organising the outing.

Ian Ashton

Outings, Meetings & Reports

6 March 2018

LOCAL SIGHTINGS

Over the holiday period I have been sent some lovely photos and reports of local sightings

and include the following for your enjoyment.

Male & Female Leaden Flycatcher nesting at

Ditchfield Lane January 2018

Photos: Bruce Terrill

Baillon’s Crake Lake Wendouree – Annette Ferguson

Blue-winged Parrot Ditchfield Lane Photo Mario Gross

Latham’s Snipe Mullawallah Wetland – Indra Bone

Outings, Meetings & Reports

7 March 2018

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I am writing to you on behalf of my fellow native water birds and inhabitants of the Regional Victorian

Wetlands and Rivers. Currently my friends and I spend our time going about the daily business of

survival, seeking out a meager feed and looking after our young ones. Meanwhile, many of these friends

are oblivious to the impending destruction that awaits us with the opening of the so called “Duck Season”; a destruction that is sanctioned by the Government of this state. People who we do not elect, but who are

responsible for the protection of all species in the state, believe that our passing can be used as an excuse

for gaining economic benefits to regional communities. We are not willing participants in this so called

“sport” but just innocent creatures of the wild going about what we have always instinctively done. Our kind have been inhabitants of this country for thousands of generations gradually evolving into the species

that you see today. We do not seek any more than a feed and the right to exist with the rest of the

natural world. Why then do people with guns and death in their hearts and minds seek us out and want

our demise? Please ask them to take away their weapons and open their hearts and minds to the beauty

of our natural world and leave the innocent in peace. D. Duck

c/- Reedy Bank

Lakeside

Victoria

Meeting Report March 13 An Antarctic Journey Louise Humble

A cruise from Argentina down through the sub-Antarctic islands, in November 1997, was quite a highlight

for Louise. Not only were a number of naturalists and bird experts on board, but filming took place for a

BBC documentary, Ecotour. This account of the effects of tourism on the area provides an early record of

what is now seen as a major challenge for this remote natural area.

Louise filled in the background and then screened the film for us. Despite many technical difficulties, we

were able to see some of their activities. Seabirds followed their ship all the way, allowing observation

from the deck or bridge. Expeditions around the Falkland Islands brought close encounters. Huge colonies of birds like the Black-browed Albatross and various Penguin species relied on the area for breeding.

There were many places where rubbish left from years of habitation marred the landscape, but birds

seemed to be undeterred.

The DVD continued with spectacular vistas of Sth. Georgia Island, maritime sightings of icebergs and then

the Antarctic Archipelago. The sights are more often seen these days, but remain impressive. –

Shirley Faull

CLARKESDALE SANCTUARY REPORT, 13/2/18

Frank Carland

• Work continues on the removal of the pine wildlings from the old plantation area. The contractors, G & S Plantation Services, are making good progress and are beginning to have a

significant impact on the local landscape.

• Rabbit baiting has begun, using Rabbait (Pindone oats). 2 runs completed.

• Detailed site inspections across the sanctuary have been completed and online research

undertaken. The works plan for the next five months is yet to be put together, however even at

this early stage some priorities have been identified.

• Discussions with stakeholders – Parks Victoria & Trust for Nature – regarding potential funding

application for Gorse control under the National Landcare Program’s Environmental Small Grants,

closing 19th March. Up to $50K.

Outings, Meetings & Reports

8 March 2018

• Also potential for funding under State Government Biodiversity On-ground Action 2018

Community & Volunteer Action grants, closing 3rd April.

• There has been an increase in the number of campers and visitors during the past month. Sightings:

• Almost certainly a pair of Leaden Flycatchers (not female Satins). • Pair of Eastern Yellow Robins with 1 X immature. • Wedge-tailed Eagle at Devil’s Kitchen.

Eastern Yellow Robin (checking nest contents) Clarkesdale Jan 2018 Photo Jenny Garley

COMMITTEE 2018

PRESIDENT: Louise Humble 5341 7718

VICE-PRESIDENT: Tim Sandiford 0467 632 484

SECRETARY: Graham Dent 5368 1929

TREASURER: Annette Ferguson 0438 559 341

COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Anita Hoare

Ian Ashton

Jenny Garley

Bird Report Moderators: Roger Thomas &

Murray Grant

OH & S Officer: Graham Dent

CONSERVATION OFFICER: vacant

NEWSLETTER EDITOR & WEBMASTER:

jennygarley@hotmail.com 0401 731.342