Hi all,
The waders have all left the WTP, Melbourne, but to keep the birding interesting there were more raptors there on Monday than I have seen in a long time. I spent most of the day at the Western Lagoons area and had 9 species over the ponds and surrounding paddocks and foreshore. There was a young Spotted Harrier that was working along the spit and at the north end there were at least 5 Whistling Kites. A first-year Black Falcon was working down by the entry gate and Swamp Harriers were everywhere. One Black Kite was at the Murtcain outlet as were Brown Falcon and Black-shouldered Kite. A White-breasted Sea-Eagle was resting on driftwood on the spit. Finally there was a Nankeen Kestrel on 29 Mile Rd.
I missed the Wedgies, Brown Goshawk and Hobby that I have seen down there earlier this year so I will have to go back. I mean 9 raptors in a day was special but 12 would be astounding. And of course there is sometimes a Peregrine at WTP too, but getting that as well in one day would just be greedy (smile).
I have seen a few photos of the Spotted Harrier so I am guessing lots of people have been down to have a look at this special bird. If you have some time the Western Lagoon is well worth a visit at the moment as I also had flocks of Zebra Finch, Goldfinch, Black-fronted Dotterel and a few nicely coloured Red-capped Plover.
cheers
Jenny http://jenniferspryausbirding.blogspot.com.au/ ===============================
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