January’s bird count at the Park (should it be Westgate Ark!) was the best since monthly surveys started three years ago – 51 species. But one species, until now always present, was missing: the Little Wattlebird. A long absence is unlikely. Another gap in the fauna: our surveys haven’t recorded a Pacific Gull or a Crested Tern for months along the Park’s Yarra River boundary.

Otherwise the park had a wonderful array of birds, including numerous Eurasian Coots and Park volunteers have observed, for the first time in the Park, a Spotted Crake. Continuing Nankeen Night-Heron sightings indicate that the park is becoming a daytime roost and feeding ground for these nocturnal birds.

Westgate Park Bird Survey 9 January 2012

See under ‘Fauna’ on the main menu for the latest Park bird species list.