Managed a short visit to WTP this evening on the way home from work. It may be my last chance before the end of Summer Time, so I thought I should make the most of it. Highlights: Buff-banded Rail just after Beach Rd gate – it stood in the track for about half a minute. My camera was in the boot. Another birder I passed along the road between Paradise Rd and the hide said he’d seen Lewin’s and Buff-banded Rails from the road, and gave directions. I stopped about 100m before the hide turnoff, and scoped across the Little River. A Buff-banded appeared on cue, and a few minutes later I had a couple of extended views of a Lewin’s Rail through the scope. This seems to be a good spot for them – along the muddy banks with good cover; as well as the track into the hide. There were a few hundred Red-necked Stints around the rocks just north-east of the Beach Road boat ramp. No other migratory waders recorded. Hundreds, probably thousands of Pink-eared Duck, and all the other regulars in good numbers (didn’t see Freckled). Several Great Egrets, and Great Crested Grebe in a couple of ponds. Few birds of prey in the farm itself – is was getting late, after all – but one 100m stretch of Beach Road on the way in yielded Aust Hobby, Spotted Harrier, Black-shouldered Kite, Black Kite and Brown Falcon. This has to be one of the most enjoyable birding spots I’ve ever experienced. We are very lucky to have it! Russell Woodford Geelong And thanks to the birder in the white car who put me on to the rails! _______________________________________________ Birding-Aus mailing list Birding-Aus@birding-aus.org To change settings or unsubscribe visit: http://birding-aus.org/mailman/listinfo/birding-aus_birding-aus.org