Weekly observations

Week ending 22nd January 2010

I'm still in Albany, WA, so my bird observations have been extremely interesting, with many species not seen in the East. I've also had outings with experienced bird observers, so I have learned a lot.

• White-breasted Robin (Eopsaltria georgiana) - Albany, WA - residential garden at Little Grove; Luke Penn Walk, Kalgan River; North Road by Torbay Inlet. Vegetation varied from lawn and shrubs of a backyard garden (using bird bath for drinking late afternoon); Jarrah/Marri woodland with heath vegetation by Kalgan River; to grassy Allocasuarina/Eucalypt woodland by backwaters of the Torbay Inlet.

• Red-eared Firetail (Stagonopleura oculatum) - Albany, WA - residential garden at Little Grove (visiting bird bath for drinking); North Road by Torbay Inlet; and Lake Seppings.

• Western Gerygone (Gerygone fusca) - Albany, WA - Grasmere Waterway on Muttonbird Road; North Road by Torbay Inlet; Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. Although I didn't actually see this bird, I learnt to recognise its call.

• Elegant Parrot (Neophema elegans) - Albany, WA - North Road by Torbay Inlet - vegetation included grassy Allocasuarina/Eucalypt woodland on sand. I have only seen this parrot a on a couple of previous occasions, so it was an excellent sighting.

• Australasian Shoveler (Anas rhychotis) - Albany, WA - backwaters of Torbay Inlet. This is a new sighting for me - the male shoveler is an impressive bird with its colourful plumage, long bill and yellow eye.

• Red-winged Fairy-wren (Malurus elegans) - Albany, WA - North Road by Torbay Inlet; Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. With its limited range, and lovely plumage, I am always pleased to observe this bird, and I had an up-close view.

• Splendid Fairy-wren (Malurus splendens) - Albany, WA - Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. The brilliant blue of this delicate bird always produces an unexpected thrill.

• Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) - Albany, WA - North Road by Torbay Inlet. This is only the second time I have seen this fascinating bird, and I got a good close-up look as it perched in an Allocasuarina during the day. A highlight of my Albany birdwatching this trip. Picture here.
  

• Western Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus superciliosus) - Albany, WA - car-park for the lower end of the Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. Male and female alighted just a couple of metres from us as we sat relaxing by the river - a special moment - no binoculars needed.

• Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) - Albany, WA - Rushy Point Reserve at Little Grove (1 only bird); Oyster Harbour (1 only bird). I identified the Oyster Harbour sighting without assistance or hesitation, so I am learning a lot.

• Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis) - Albany, WA - Rushy Point Reserve at Little Grove. I have learned to recognise their distinctive manner of dashing to and fro in short bursts that resembles a greedy little creature trying to pick up every morsel an area before another snaps up some - delightful birds to observe.

• Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) - Albany, WA - Rushy Point Reserve at Little Grove. Many birds feeding at waters edge by sandflats.

• Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) - Denmark, WA - Morely Beach, Wilson Inlet. Albany, WA - Oyster Harbour. This is a new species for me.

Weekly observations

Week ending 15th January 2010

I'm currently visiting the southwest of WA, so my bird watching has been quite different. The friend I'm staying with is an experienced bird watcher, and has shown me how to contribute to the Birds Australia Atlas, so I will be keen to start recording my observations in the Atlas when I return home.

• Blue-billed Duck (Oxyura australis) - Albany WA - Lake Seppings - two males.

• Australian Shelduck (Tadorna tadornoides) - Albany WA - Lake Seppings - more than 30. As the Shelduck and Blue-billed Duck are species I don't often see, they are of particular interest for me to record.

• Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) - Albany WA - Lake Seppings - up to 10 birds. This is the first time I have positively identified these birds - I was able to do this with the assistance of an experienced bird observer.

• Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa) - Albany WA - Eyre Park - 4 immature birds. Being used to seeing these birds so commonly around home (Hunter Valley NSW), it is interesting to learn that in some areas they are rarely seen. They are rarely seen in Albany, so this sighting, especially a breeding observation, is well worth noting.

• Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) - Albany WA - Oyster Harbour - 1 bird feeding on exposed sand flats. This is also an interesting observation as Eastern Curlews are an uncommon sighting in the Albany district.

• Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) - Albany WA - Oyster Harbour - 4 birds feeding on exposed sand flats. Whimbrels are also uncommon in the Albany district, so an interesting recording.
  

Lake Seppings - Albany WA

Lake Seppings is a freshwater lake located in the north east of the city of Albany in south-western WA. The waterway is only just over a kilometre in length, and 400 metres wide, and is an excellent spot for bird watching with over 100 species of birds recorded on and around the lake. Reeds, sedges, native trees and shrubs provide great nesting habitat. Walking tracks, bird hide, and seating have been established.