Once we spent a couple of weeks in Melbourne in the summertime of 2015, which was February, I’d typically stroll to Albert Park. I’d do a lap of the lake and soak up the entire completely different species of birds that known as town house. Visiting Albert Park in winter not too long ago, all wrapped up in layers of clothes – ethically sourced down is nice! – we encountered a unique number of birds. It stays a great location for observing birds near town and simply accessible by public transport. The header picture is the view from the far finish of the lake the place you may see town skyline within the distance.
As you may see within the picture the lake was fairly tough and the entire birds that had been on the water had been actually arising and down. The gap across the lake is roughly 5 kilometres and there are restricted locations to shelter if a storm approaches quick. You might be principally uncovered to the weather and though fingerless gloves are useful for utilizing binoculars it does imply chilly fingers!
Map of the lake
Among the waterbirds and geese appeared for use to the chilly climate and water, however possibly they might moderately bob about on the water than be blown about on the land.
Coots bobbing on the lake
Australasian Grebe bobbing on the lake
Australian Wooden Geese and Coots on the lake
Pacific Black Duck on the lake
There have been actually good numbers of Black Swans as soon as once more. Lots of the Black Swans are individually marked with collars round their necks and in addition steel bands on their legs. They use a unique mixture of black and white collars relying on the intercourse of the Black Swans and there have been a number of pairs swimming collectively.
Pair of Black Swans individually marked
Black Swan making an attempt to disregard the climate
You might be nonetheless in a position to report any of your Black Swan sightings to the platform that I discussed in 2015 and see the historical past of the Black Swan. There are actually some new collars that aren’t as huge and carry an information logger that reviews GPS and exercise. The issue with the brand new collars is that the highest of the band can’t be learn. The excellent news is that they’ll work out the mix, as a result of if the collar is white it’s a feminine and begins with a “T”. If the collar is black the chook is male and the band begins with a “V”.
Black Swan with partially hidden collar id
As we walked across the lake there have been massive numbers of Dusky Moorhens wandering about on the grass. Among the sheltered areas had been being utilized by the Chestnut Teal as a roost.
Dusky Moorhen
Chestnut Teal
Personally I believed the Little Pied Cormorants regarded like that they had had sufficient of winter! The phrase “grumpy” involves thoughts!
Little Pied Cormorant
The Australasian Darters had been both very relaxed after a great meal or had been making an attempt to get dry after fishing within the chilly water. In fact there have been Silver Gulls hanging about on the off-chance there have been scraps.
Australasian Darter and Silver Gulls
Once we had accomplished our stroll we stopped to have our sizzling drink and seen an Australian Magpie that was additionally individually marked. We had been in a position to report the Australian Magpie to the ABBBS and acquired info again concerning the particular person. It had acquired the steel band and numerical band on ninth Could 2017 in the identical location. You could find out extra concerning the analysis right here.
Australian Magpie “132”
We’d advocate a lap of Albert Park to see all kinds of chook species 12 months spherical. Nevertheless, the Formulation One Australian Grand Prix is held every year at this location and entry over these days is proscribed to automobile racing moderately than birdwatching. In 2024 it is going to be Twenty first-Twenty fourth March, so plan to go birding exterior of these dates!
