Ten of us met and after practising greetings with elbow bumps and foot shakes (in deference to the pandemic) we set off to explore Lot 2 Bambra Road Aireys Inlet.

Unfortunately while distracted with novel greetings we missed the ID on a raptor that flew over, never to return.

We had low expectations due to high winds but found sheltered spots affording good views of bush birds. The property is part of a regeneration program and was planted with tube stock last spring. The plants have taken off in the lush soil and are double the size of their tree guards. But the best birds are still to be found along the Painkalac creek line.

Highlights were a Flame Robin, a flock of Blue-winged Parrots feeding, good views of Dusky Woodswallows, and Striated Thornbills. It was also good to spot the White-plumed Honeyeater which can be quite elusive but reliably found here along the creek.

The group traversing the ephemeral wetland.

 

Blue-winged Parrot

Striated Thornbill

 

Flame Robin, female

 

Dusky Woodswallow, mature left immature right

 

White-plumed Honeyeater

 

White-faced Heron

 

White-necked Heron

Bird list not in any particular order (28 species):

1. Magpie
2. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
3. Galah
4. Australian White Ibis
5. White-necked Heron
6. White-faced Heron
7. Blue-winged Parrot
8. Pacific Black Duck
9. Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
10. Gang-Gang Cockatoo
11. Australian Wood Duck
12. White-plumed Honeyeater
13. Pied Currawong
14. Red Wattlebird
15. Grey Shrike-thrush
16. Flame Robin - female
17. New Holland Honeyeater
18. Kookaburra
19. Superb Fairywren
20. Grey Fantail
21. Willy Wagtail
22. Crimson Rosella
23. Dusky Woodswallow
24. Striated Thornbill
25. Eastern Yellow Robin
26. White-throated Treecreeper
27. Welcome Swallow
28. Raven Species

Margaret Lacey