Hi all,
Some sightings from a couple of days in the NE of Victoria with Fitzie and Hymie. 107 species for the trip over two days and some excellent weather made for a very enjoyable autumn venture in search of a couple of target species. A flock of 8 TURQUOISE PARROT were very obliging on the 18th as we searched along West Triangle Rd in Chiltern-Mt Pilot NP – the birds spent several hours in the area taking grit and seeds from the roadside as well as hanging around in the lush grass adjacent to the creek. To the north in the paddocks dotted with boulders a Hooded Robin and Flame Robin competed for attention, with nearby Red-capped and Scarlet Robin taking turns showing off and singing from the woodland south of the road. This entire area was very productive and lively, including a lovely flock of Diamond Firetail showing off beside the turquoise parrots and quite likely the largest group of Varied Sitella I have encountered numbering 16 individuals. Earlier on the 17th, we visited other areas of Chiltern, waking up in Bartley’s Block to the loud calls of hundreds of Red Wattlebirds, Noisy Friarbirds and at least one pair of Little Friarbirds feeding on the extensive blossom. 8 other species of honeyeater also kept us looking up. Highlights of the day included at least 6 SPECKLED WARBLER amongst a large travelling flock of thornbill species and red-browed finch along Pine Rd. – beware that we couldn’t drive through due to extensive tree fall and had a difficult time turning around. The warblers enjoyed feeding around the boulder strewn slopes in this area. At Chiltern Dam #2/#1 ?? (the smaller of the two without the bird hide) an extensive “swallow” flock including Welcome Swallow, Tree Martin, Dusky Woodswallow, several White-breasted Woodswallow and a single WHITE-BACKED SWALLOW. Lake Mokoan was our last stop on the 18th before heading back to Melbourne, with nice sightings of a flock of Zebra Finch and several flushings of Brown Quail along Lake Mokoan Rd. No Plumed Whistling Duck sighted at the old boat ramp as reported last month on birding-aus. Great swagging in Chiltern under the starlit nights to the calls of Owlet-Nightjars. Highly recommended! We will return in the spring and be looking to add aspects of the park to our twitchathon route as we re-enter the competition this coming season.
Great birding everyone and good to be back in Australia after many years in Thailand. Enjoying our new home in Gherang Hamlet south of Moriac, on 10 acres with plenty of birdlife and newly acquired Trust for Nature status.
Cheers,
Paul ===============================
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