Birds, bandicoots and other signs of wildlife
Sign in the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens, Victoria
2007 Victorian trip report #7
During our short visit earlier this year to the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens near Melbourne our primary objective was to look at the native plants and wildflowers. I was also on the lookout for any birds we saw, taking photos wherever possible. We were a little disappointed with the range of plants in flower but still found enough to be of interest. Likewise the bird life, although a little quiet, was still quite good.
As an added bonus we saw some animals as well. We were amused by the sign shown in the photo above as we drove through the entrance gates and on towards the picnic grounds. It brought back memories of a visit to this area many years ago when the gardens were first being established. On one of our walks that day we came across a Southern Brown Bandicoot wandering along the path. This was the first time we had seen this mammal in the wild. We were so excited that we forgot to take any photos of this interesting creature hopping around our feet. I didn’t make the same mistake this time. I actually had to be careful I didn’t drive over the critter as we left the picnic grounds. Lovely.
Southern Brown Bandicoot, Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
Dusky Woodswallow at the nest
Dusky Woodswallow at nest
2007 Victorian trip report #6
On our return to the picnic area of the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens we saw several Dusky Woodswallows. I tried to get a good photo of one of them, but in the fading light it was not easy.
As we entered the picnic area we saw one of them fly to a nest in a very exposed spot. Because this was out in the open a little more, this gave me a better opportunity to get a photo.
Dusky Woodswallow at nest
More Birds of the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
No Comments »15th December, 2007; Category: Trip reports
Walking track in the Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
2007 Victorian trip report #5
During our visit to the gardens we walked along one of the many tracks in the park heading towards the highest point in this part of SE Melbourne, aptly named Trig Point. We didn’t quite make it to the lookout tower because the time was quickly disappearing and the gates close at 5pm. The weather was also threatening to bring rain. On our return walk we saw Silvereyes, and Eastern Rosella, Spotted Turtledoves, about six Common Bronzewing pigeons, several Welcome Swallows and a flock of Straw-necked Ibis overhead.
At one point we stopped to watch a pair of Spotted Pardalotes gathering bark to line their nest. This was a new species for the trip list.
Spotted Pardalote
The birds of Cranbourne Botanic Gardens, Victoria
2 Comments »14th December, 2007; Category: Trip reports
2007 Victorian trip report #4
The obligatory Superb Fairy-wrens were everywhere, along with numerous White-browed Scrubwrens. The latter is infuriatingly hard to get to sit still in the open with plenty of light for a photo, but I still managed a reasonable shot. This is not the greatest photo I’ve ever taken, but it’s the best so far of this infuriating little bird. They move so quickly and love to skulk in the undergrowth, thus frustrating me immensely.To see the little brown bird in the centre of the photo, it might be more easily seen if you click on the photo to enlarge the image.
White-browed Scrubwren
Red Wattlebirds were abundant but I only heard one Little Wattlebird. A single Black-shouldered Kite soared over the trees near the picnic ground and Australian Raven could be heard in the distance; I later saw several flying overhead.
After a few minutes a Fantailed Cuckoo began its downwards trill call nearby and later a Horsfield’s Bronze-cuckoo added to the chorus of calls. I saw neither species. As I was trying to get a good photo of an uncooperative Eastern Yellow Robin several White-naped Honeyeaters came zooming past, too active to pose for a shot. This was another new species to add to my growing trip list. My records show I haven’t seen this species many times, the last being about seven years ago. I must get out more.
Wildflowers in Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
Bell Miners in Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
2007 Victorian trip report #3
After leaving the home and garden of our friends we drove the short distance to the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. We didn’t have enough time to visit the special new section in the park, so we went to the old picnic area. We had visited this spot on two previous occasions and had enjoyed both visits. That was many years ago.
One disappointment on this occasion was the state of the older bush section of the park. In recent years this area has been sadly neglected and has deteriorated badly. A controlled burn last year turned into a disaster when the fire got out of control. A large section of the natural scrub was burned.
Bell Miner, Cranbourne Botanic Gardens
As we parked the car I could immediately hear a good variety of birds all around the picnic area. I was surprised to hear and soon see dozens of Bell Miners. I was not aware that they occurred here. I knew that there had been a small population in the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne for many years. I had also recorded this species on several occasions on the nearby Mornington Peninsula. A few minutes later I spoke to a staff member working nearby and he commented that this population had moved into this area as recently as six months ago.
It was a nice species to add to the trip list seeing I’d missed seeing them in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney. Even better was a reasonable photo of one. Less pleasing was the fact that they are becoming a pest species in this locality.