Another brief trip report for the list. This outing was to the far eastern side of French Island in Western Port which included some inland island localities to undertake threatened species monitoring and vegetation photopoint work by Friends of French Island National Park members.
Unfortunately no White-bellied Sea-Eagles were seen all day (one aim of the trip) but an old eagle nest (Wedge-tail?) was seen in an area of burnt Pinus pinaster (an invasive weed on the island)
Notable observations for the day were: – Mistletoebirds at nearly all locations we stopped at – a single Fan-tailed Cuckoo was heard calling near the ranger station – three species of whistlers (Rufous, Golden and probable Olive) in the one day – lots of Crescent Honeyeaters in the scrub and woodland locations – lots of Grey Fantails plus a few White-eared Honeyeaters, especially in the treed areas near ‘Gartsides’ in the far north of the island – 3 Great Egrets and numerous adult Pacific gulls in the eastern channel off Albions Point in the far east of the island – a pair of very accommodating (extended views!) Scarlet Robins on Causeway Track in the central eats of the island/park. – Cape Barren Geese near the rangers station and along Mt Wellington Road
‘Missing’ species were – most raptors (a single Black-shouldered Kite was seen) and no Swamp Harriers were observed – most small bush birds (e.g. thornbills) although we did hear Brown Thornbills and see a single White-browed Scrubwren.
The island is looking superb at the moment and has lots of birding rewards to the observant and patient birdo who’s prepared to travel to a variety of the islands habitats.
Martin O’Brien Melbourne
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