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The Musk Duck
Volume 5 Number 18 June 2021
Little Corella Lake Wendouree - Ambika Bone
Meetings & Reports
WEDNESDAY MARCH 9, 2021
BOAT TRIP ON LAKE WENDOUREE
Our first branch meeting in 12 months found us
aboard the Golden City Paddlesteamer for a tour
of part of Lake Wendouree including the central
mud islands. It was a great turn out with an
almost capacity vessel on a slightly chilly
evening, and despite our late start we were able
to see some interesting birds not usually seen
from the shore. These included a decent flock of
retreating Magpie Geese, a Latham’s Snipe and
Red-kneed Dotterell. Thanks Louise for
organising this, Captain Bob for trying to ensure
we all got a decent look into the islands and our
wonderful photographers for their contributions.
25 species seen.
Ballarat Birdlife Group - Ambika Bone
Magpie Geese - Warwick Remington
Australian Pelican pair - Carol Hall
Little Pied Cormorant Adult & new hatching - Carol Hall Pacific Black Duck - Ambika Bone
2 Musk Duck June 2021
Meetings and Reports
WEDNESDAY MORNING
OUTING MARCH 10, 2021
FEDERATION UNIVERSITY
MT. HELEN CAMPUS
LEADER: DR. GRANT
PALMER
A group from Ballarat Birdlife were
treated to a tour at Fed. Uni.
Dr. Palmer led us through the
surrounding bushland where he has
been observing and recording local
sightings of Powerful Owls.
Ballarat Birdlife Group - Stephanie Davidson
In a group of Pines on campus the
Owls are regularly roosting, these birds have a range that includes Woowookarung State Park and
Timbertop Estate. In the past few years Powerful Owls have successfully bred in this area.
Regular observations include recording location of birds, what trees they are using, how high they are
sitting, which side of tree, position on branch. In doing this they are building up a valuable record of the
bird’s behaviour and patterns. This information is important to protect roosting sites particularly when the
trees used are non-native and removal is seen as unimportant.
Grant checks this area almost daily using it as a pleasant lunchtime stroll.
While this is part of the University’s land it has public access as part of the Great Dividing Trail runs
through the outer edge.
Other regularly sightings are Grey Goshawk, Nankeen Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon also many woodland
birds. There have been infrequent sightings of Bassian Thrush around the heavy bracken.
Heading back to the centre there are wetland areas and some magnificent old growth trees worth
checking out, particularly the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ a Tasmanian Blue Gum of over 42 metres.
We were able to view the donated Egg Collections (many donated by Birdlife Ballarat), stuffed birds,
skeletons, insects, feathers etc. A fascinating tour of the Science & Engineering Building allowed us to see
some of the facilities and hear of the research work being undertaken here.
It is a great facility and area at Mt. Helen, do take a
walk out here when you can and recommend
Federation Uni to any prospective students. Many
thanks to Stephanie Davidson for organizing our
visit and to Grant for guiding us.
14 branch members, 28 species seen.
Tree of Knowledge - J. Garley
June 2021 3
Meetings & Reports
AUTUMN CAMP 2021 – ANGLESEA
Our autumn camp over the weekend of March 20 -21 was attended by eight members and had its base at
the centrally located Anglesea Family Caravan Park. With wide sandy beaches, crumbling limestone and
sandstone cliffs, coastal vegetation and rocky platforms, this variety provided the opportunity to see a mix
of species. The nearby Coogoorah Park Nature Reserve provided easy viewing of Australian Wood and
Pacific Black Duck, Grey and Chestnut Teal, Australasian and Hoary-headed Grebe, Dusky Moorhen and
Eurasian Coot. The surrounding trees were visited by New Holland, White-eared and Brown-headed
Honeyeaters, Eastern Spinebill and Red and Little Wattlebirds. A short drive to the Point Addis region
enabled us to enjoy Little Black, Pied and Black-faced Cormorants, Australasian Gannet and Silver Gull.
Singing Honeyeater, Rufous Bristlebird, Superb Fairywren, White-browed Scrubwren and Striated
Thornbills were sighted within the coastal vegetation. The caravan park gave us easy access to the beach
and Anglesea River where Black-fronted Dotterel and Double-banded Plover were observed. With a strong
on shore breeze observing an Australian Kestrel being swept up and along the cliffs before diving back to
land entertained us for some time. The walking tracks towards the back of the township provided a
wonderful viewing of the male Gang-gang Cockatoo along with
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and
Galahs. Given the previous year's events, we all enjoyed a few
days away, birdwatching with good company. Thanks to Ian
Ashton for leading us to the various sites over the weekend.
L. Humble.
Welcome Swallows - Mario Gross
Brown-headed Honeyeater - Mario Gross
Singing Honeyeater - Mario Gross
4 Musk Duck June 2021
Meetings and Reports
GRENVILLE EXCURSION- MARCH 28, 2021.
Leaders Jen and Pete Sedgwick
A sunny day dawned after a run of cold, wet weather.
Participation was high, with 18 attendees, especially
since this was our first get together since the Covid
restrictions were eased. A potential problem was the
number of cars and parking, but all worked out well.
South Durham Bridge Reserve on the Yarrowee River at
Durham Lead is an area that Jenny has been heavily
involved in since 2004. The planning, staging and
rehabilitation of Jen and Peter have put in many working
hours.
This great riverside walk is now strongly adopted and
used by locals, and the Garibaldi Landcare Group
continue to actively maintain and enhance the diverse
habitat mix of established flora and open space along
about a one kilometre walking track. Visitors were
impressed by the informative signage.
Lots of keen eyes got us off to a great start, with White-
faced Herons wading, and a variety of bushbirds flitting
about the wetland at the southern end and a Nankeen Owlet Nightjar - Jenny Sedgwick
Kestrel hovering over the open flats.Next stop was the
Sedgies patch for a saunter through the Silver Banksia/Snow Gum based wildlife corridor. New Hollands
were prevalent, though tricky to see in the thick foliage. An Australasian Grebe chick was on the dam, its
sibling and parent now left after the first successful breeding recorded in the 36yr history here, probably
because the rare wet year meant enough water to support a nest site. Black cockies worked the old pines
nearby.
The veranda was the spot for small bird spotting while partaking of a cuppa, as various thornbills and
wrens allowed the group to share their stomping ground. The White-winged Choughs were about, though
not using either of the nests they had made, as well as a White-throated Treecreeper.
On to a large and beautiful private dam on the edge of the Enfield Forest, where waterbirds were plenty.
Of particular interest was a young duck, generating much discussion. It turned out to be a juvenile Blue-
billed Duck, an unusual occurrence of breeding on a farm dam.
The owner was delighted to have his observation verified and share his property with us. Several duck
species including a Hardhead, many Coots and several Purple Swamphens populate the vegetated, rushes
and open sides of the attractive environs.
Tummies rumbling, it was back to Sedgie’s verandah for lunch and a bit of birdbath watching. Packing to
leave, one last forlorn check of the Owlet Nightjar hollow revealed him actually basking in the sun,
allowing good views all round.
June 2021 5
Meetings & Reports
The Junction Bridge was pretty quiet- the Mistletoebirds and Reed
Warblers had departed.
A drive through the Cameron’s Mount Mercer property included
walks at a large dam and several pauses. We added Hoary-headed
Grebes and Red-browed Finches along this stretch.
Concluding at the Lawaluk Dam we were provided with bountiful
waterfowl, including Australasian Shovelers, flocks of Australian
Shelduck, Wood Duck and many more. White-faced and White-
necked Herons were perched on the boulders across the way.
Black-fronted Dotterel and White-fronted Chats hunting along the
shoreline were highlights and provided good viewing!
The day was light on for birds of prey but with a total of 60
species, we were pretty happy. The other highlight of the day was
catching up with familiar, friendly, like-minded folk sharing happy
times again.
White-winged Chough - Mario Gross
LONG FOREST OUTING APRIL 4, 2021
Leaders Helen O’Donnell and Ian Ashton.
17 members attended the outing on a relatively
still day. We met and spent time at Lake Merrimu.
The reservoir water level is quite low and
waterbirds distant. With the aid of telescopes, we
encountered several species including Pacific
Black, Wood and Musk Ducks, Great-crested
Grebe, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Australasian Diamond Firetails - Mario Gross
Darter, Diamond Firetail and Flame Robin. This was followed by morning tea.
The rest of the outing was spent at sites in bushland. We were limited to just a few sites due to parking
our 12 vehicles, this being a consequence of not carpooling due to Covid.
As expected the bush was fairly quiet with birds mainly in feeding flocks that included several species.
Weebill, Buff-rumped and Brown Thornbills, White-plumed and White-Eared Honeyeater, Golden Whistler
and Superb Fairy-wren. Four more Darters were seen circling overhead.
More bushwalking after lunch saw Varied Sittella and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike, Wedge-tailed Eagle,
Whistling Kite and Brown Goshawk. This area is one we have visited mainly in late winter, perhaps next
time we should come in springtime.
In all we saw 55 species a good total I think given the time of year and the size of the group.
6 Musk Duck June 2021
Meetings and Reports
MEETING REPORT MAY 11, 2021
QUIZ NIGHT
Finally we could have a regular meeting night and Louise
produced another fabulous quiz for us. It was a great evening
of laughs and catching up with friends. The questions are here
for those who missed out with answers on the final page. At
supper we had another treat, a birthday cake for our fellow
birdo Ken Hammond who has recently celebrated a significant
birthday. Congratulations Ken, best wishes and many thanks
for your contributions to our group over many years.
BEHAVIOUR BIRD QUIZ
Q1. I am able to hover like a Hummingbird when feeding on
nectar from flowers.
Q2. The leading edges of the first primary feathers are fringed
to allow silent flight.
Q3. Sews leaves together to the outer surface of a rounded
nest with a side entrance near the top.
I am also known by my common name Tailor Bird. Ken’s birthday speech - photo Amanda
Ashton
Q4. Able to compress its feathers and squeeze out all the air, which allows it to dive deeply (7m) and for
long periods (15 seconds).
Q5. My name is from the habit of hanging captured prey in a tree fork or crevice.
Q6. I live in social clans of about 7 to 10 individuals and will defend nest territory with wing waving
displays.
Q7. I am mainly nocturnally active unless flushed from my daytime roost. My name arose in early colonial
times from the colour of a cotton cloth from China.
Q8. I am renowned for the habit of collecting hair from peoples heads to line my nest.
Q9. I am a raptor that lacks a clutching foot mechanism to catch and kill prey. Instead I have a powerful
hooked bill with specialised ‘Tomial teeth’ matching notches which can sever neck bones with one bite.
Q10. I am a Honeyeater known to be one of the first birds to call in the morning and the last to call in the
evening.
Q11. My nest has a long tapering stem that resembles a wineglass.
Q12. I am the only Robin that forms flocks in winter.
Q13. I am a Thornbill that builds a large double-storied nest with a ‘false’ nest on top.
Q14. This species is one of Australia’s loudest and most beautiful songsters.
Q15. I spread my wings and tail underwater to lure fish into the shade underneath, before spearing them
with my sharp bill.
June 2021 7
Meetings & Reports
NEWSTEAD OUTING MAY 23, 2021
Leader – Ian Ashton
If you get your quarter to and quarter past mixed
up, you arrive early! Amanda has since forgiven me?
Everyone else was either slightly early or on time.
There was a theme of sorts, birds on the edge rather
than ‘in’ the bush, so most of our birding was done
along tracks at the edge of woodland.
We started our day on
Mezzinas Rd, Hooded Flame Robin - Doug Wilson
Robin was soon found along with White-plumed and Fuscous Honeyeaters.
There were a good number of species calling to keep us searching until
morning tea.
A quick toilet stop in Newstead was followed by a short walk up the Mia Mia
Rd. This produced White-browed Babblers, Jacky Winter and a male Flame
Robin. Mario managed to photograph a Diamond Firetail but no one else saw it,
so technically it did not meet the two to see rule! Although there is no doubt
that Mario saw the firetail the rule is there for a good a valid reason.
It was then Lunch time at the Rotunda Park that no longer has a Rotunda! A
walk around the park produced little in the way of new birds so we moved on
Hooded Robin - Mario Gross to Bright's Rd, an unmarked track off Clarke’s Rd. Black-chinned Honeyeater, a
distant Little Eagle were added along with Peaceful Dove.
Restless Flycatcher was another good species recorded by some members although the leader missed it!
Our final stop in Newstead was at the cemetery where more Jacky Winters, Flame Robin and perhaps the
bird of the day for some, Southern Whiteface was seen.
A few members called into the Glengower/ Campbelltown cemetery on the way home, it was fairly quiet
but a nice end to the day. Sixteen members in ten vehicles saw or heard 48 species on a fine and sunny
day. -Ian Ashton
Southern Whiteface - Doug Wilson
Brown Falcon - Doug Wilson
8 Musk Duck June 2021
Meetings and Reports
Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary Report, April-May 2021
When I arrive at Clarkesdale at the moment, I am frequently welcomed by a delightful mixed flock of
Scarlet and Eastern Yellow Robins, Eastern Spinebills, Crested Shrike-tits, Grey Shrike-thrushes, Golden
and Rufous Whistlers, White-browed Scrubwrens, White-throated Treecreepers, Crimson Rosellas,
Striated, Brown and Buff-rumped Thornbills and Superb Fairy-wrens. Unfortunately, no-one else got to
enjoy them this week as the Sanctuary had to be closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, also thwarting plans
for the June working bee.
The water security grant project funded by Golden Plains Shire through a “Community Strengthening
Grant- Environment and Sustainability” is almost complete. The project enabled us to capitalise on the
last year’s above-average rainfall, filling up our 12 gigalitre header dam using our new pipe and pumps,
and enabling us to manage water levels at the eight dams now connected to the siphon pipe system.
Forty-six species of birds have been recorded around the four dams newly connected to the system, as
well as six different frogs, yabbies and lots of damselflies and dragonflies that I am yet to identify.
BirdLife Australia released the Temperate Woodland Bird Conservation Action Plan (CAP) in December
2020 to address current and long-lasting threats contributing to the decline of temperate woodland birds
across all land tenures. During the development of the CAP, a workshop was held at Clarkesdale in 2019
with a wonderful room full of people who had been involved in the operation and activities of the
Sanctuary for many years. Recommendations made on that day by participants on the key roles that
Clarkesdale can play in the implementation of the CAP were based on years, and in some cases decades,
of experience. In recognition of the wisdom and ground-truthed basis of their recommendations, they
have been widely incorporated into the document for implementation not just at Clarkesdale but across
the temperate landscapes of south-eastern Australia from SA to southern Queensland and Tasmania, to
achieve the best possible outcomes for woodland birds.
Thanks to the foresight and knowledge of those involved in creating and managing Clarkesdale since the
late 1960’s, the health of the bird communities at Clarkesdale already exemplifies the effectiveness of the
implementation of many of the actions recommended in the CAP: protecting priority habitat areas (with
their healthy fertile soils, large old trees, mistletoe, hollows, leaf litter, woody debris and diverse plant
communities), engaging the wider community, managing total grazing pressure, managing for a changing
climate, expanding nectar feeding areas, undertaking targeted research, revegetating cleared areas and
restoring degraded remnants. Everyone involved deserves a huge pat on the back!
The release of the CAP has led to the opportunity for me to present talks to representatives from many of
the major philanthropic organisations that have contributed financially to woodland bird conservation
programs and the development of the CAP, and to all BirdLife Australia staff about the significant positive
impacts that the implementation of a comprehensive Action Plan such as this can achieve for woodland
birds and their habitat.
Thanks to Mr Clarke’s judicious land purchases and the active habitat enrichment undertaken over
decades by Mr Clarke, the Friends of Clarkesdale, Federation University students, BirdLife Ballarat
members, field nat’s, voluntary Management Committees, past Rangers, Trust for Nature, BOC/ BOCA/
BirdLife Australia, the Gordon Clarke Trust, Parks Victoria and many others, most key habitat elements for
woodland birds are found at Clarkesdale in abundance.
June 2021 9
Meetings & Reports
The next frontier for habitat management at Clarkesdale is to improve the condition of the grassy
understorey to provide sufficient food and nesting materials/ sites to sustain populations of Diamond
Firetails, Red-browed Finches, Spotted Quail-thrush, Painted Button-quail, Blue-winged Parrots and Red-
browed Finches. A healthy understorey also benefits many other birds whose food chain starts at ground
level. Happily, funds were recently secured to kick-start the implementation of a Grassy Understorey
Restoration Project at Clarkesdale across 40ha of natural vulnerable Valley Grassy Forest and endangered
Grassy Woodland communities.
On a pretty chilly May morning, BirdLife Ballarat members undertook their quarterly bird surveys across
five 2ha sites, with few birds seen or heard. As is often the case, the highest numbers (12 species) were
recorded in the Bird Paddock. The next BirdLife Ballarat surveys at Clarkesdale are scheduled for: Tuesday
August 3rd, 2021 from 8.45am at the Clare Miller Environment Centre (for 9am start) until 12.30pm at the
latest. Visitors are welcome to join in (Covid-19 restrictions permitting).
The Friends of Skeleton Creek spent half a day with me learning about many aspects of habitat
management, the triggers for action, objectives and practicalities, and a trainee with an environmental
consultancy will undertake work experience with me in July, Covid permitting.
A student of History completing her Master’s Degree at Federation University is currently putting together
a chapter on the contribution of the Field Naturalists’ Club of Ballarat to Clarkesdale since the 1960’s,
finding some fascinating historical records of their involvement. I hope to pass on a link to her work when
it is complete.
All being well, the next Friends of Clarkesdale
Working Bee will be held on Saturday August 7,
10am-12.30pm. If you have any questions, feel
free to contact me via email:
emily.noble@birdlife.org.au
Emily Noble
Coordinator, Clarkesdale Sanctuary
Owlet Nightjar - Clarkesdale - Anna Every
10 Musk Duck June 2021Meetings and Reports
CONVENOR’S REPORT
Our 2021 AGM on March 9 looked different this year. An online call for nominations prior gained us a new
committee member Ron Sawyer. That evening 33 members met on the shores of Lake Wendouree to
complete the formalities. Following on, all boarded the Golden City Paddlesteamer to view the lakes bird
life with 25 species sighted. As restrictions allow we have managed to undertake some outings, you can
read about them in this edition. Resumption of meetings, outings and Clarkesdale activities will be
conducted when safe to do so. Enjoy the change of season and the new birds it will bring into your area.
Have your Bino’s focused on birds and your efforts support habitat conservation.
Louise Humble
LOCAL NEWS AND SIGHTINGS
Friends of Canadian Corridor www.focc.asn.au Check out their newsletter.
The FoCC was preparing to host a “Birds” Forum on Wednesday 16 th June featuring the guest speaker.
Mr Sean Dooley, National Public Affairs Manager for BirdLife Australia, author of The Big Twitch,
and former holder of the Australian Big Year twitching record.
This event is postponed to August 18th 2021
ANSWERS TO BIRD QUIZ.
Q1. Eastern Spinebill Q6. White-winged Chough Q11. Grey Fantail
Q2. Tawny Frogmouth Q7. Nankeen Night Heron Q12. Flame Robin
Q3. Golden-headed Cisticola Q8. White-eared Honeyeater Q13. Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Q4. Eurasian Coot Q9. Brown Falcon Q14. Golden Whistler
Q5. Grey Butcherbird Q10. White-plumed Honeyeater Q15. Australasian Darter
Sources: www.birdsinbackyards.net
All birds are found on the 40km.of Ballarat Birdlist.
COMMITTEE 2021
COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Anita Hoare, Ian Ashton,
CONVENOR: Louise Humble 5341 7718 Peter Sedgwick & Ron Sawyer
SECRETARY: Roy Chester Bird Report Moderators: Roger Thomas & Murray
TREASURER: Graham Dent Grant
CONSERVATION OFFICER: Paul Hammond WEB & NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Jenny Garley
jennygarley@hotmail.com 0401 731 342
June 2021 11Meetings & Reports
Eurasian Coot - Lake Wendouree - Carol Hall
Mario's Diamond Firetail - Newstead
Little Pied Cormorant - Lake Wendouree- Ambika Bone
12 Musk Duck June 2021You can also read
