On Saturday 18th February Debra, Lyndall & Daryl were joined by two visitors from the eastern suburbs (Boris & Boris) for a bird walk along the Caroline Springs wetland. We walked along the paved footpath along one side of the wetland then returning along the other side. We approached the date with some trepidation as the two days prior to the 18th were 33° & 42°! But a cool change the previous evening gave us a pleasantly cool morning! The birds must have been similarly pleased with the morning as we saw a total of 29 species.
We were followed along the wetland path by a variety of birds with their young families. These included Swans, Moorhens & Swamphens, looking as though they were expecting to be fed. We noticed a lady feeding wetland birds. But instead of the usual white bread, she was feeding them corn, from a can. White bread is often fed to birds by well-meaning but misinformed people. White bread is very bad for waterbirds & causes severe health problems.
Corn or green peas are a healthier alternative, as well as poultry of duck feed from feed stores
As we approached the large grevillea bush we looked to see the usual variety of honeyeaters here. We were not disappointed as it was full of noisy Little Wattlebirds & New Holland Honeyeaters. We saw these two species nowhere else on the walk.
Caroline Springs wetland has a rich variety of waterbirds. A birdlife oasis in the midst of the western suburbs. It is one of Melton’s best waterbird sites. Access is easy as there is a paved footpath on both sides of the waterway
We ended the walk with coffee at the new commercial precinct that looks across the large lake filled with waterbirds. A most civilized way to enjoy and end a bird walk!
Birds seen were:
Eastern Swamphen
Dusky Moorhen
Coot
Australasian Grebe
Silver Gull
Black Swan
Black Duck
Teal (?)
Mallard
Little Pied Cormorant
Great Cormorant
Rock Dove
Crested Pigeon
Spotted Dove
Musk Lorikeet
Rainbow Lorikeet
Red-rumped Parrot
Mynah
Starling
Magpie-lark
Little Raven
Red Wattlebird
Little Wattlebird
Magpie
White-plumed Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Willy Wagtail
Welcome Swallow Sparrow
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