BURKE ROAD BILLABONG

 I can't believe it is November already.  I welcome every new month, as each bird I see on the first of the month is a new bird for that month.  Melbourne's lockdowns did seem interminable, however, counterintuitively, November seems to be here very quickly.

Today I visited the Burke Road Billabong.  On the way there I saw a Masked Lapwing, and on the way home I saw a Black-faced Cuckooshrike.  Neither of these birds is common in Kew East.

Track at Burke Road Billabong

Burke Road Billabong attracts lots of cyclists and a few joggers, but the big advantage is that there are no dog walkers.  For some reason best known to themselves, they are all on the north side of the river.  And of course, the bigger advantage is that it is great for birds.

I always see fairywrens, scrubwrens and grey fantails. I usually see Brown Thornbills and hear Spotted Pardalotes.  I often see spinebills and yellow robins.  I sometimes see a Grey Shrikethrush or a White-faced Heron.  I have yet to see a kingfisher of any sort.  This morning I heard, then finally saw, an Olive-backed Oriole.  What a beautiful song!

Last time I was here, I was accompanied on part of my walk by two male Red-rumped Parrots.  Eastern Rosellas are often around, and ubiquitous Rainbow Lorikeets make their presence felt.

Although the track is beside the Yarra River, I do not often add waterbirds to my list.  I come here for the bush birds.

Sometimes the Eastern Yellow Robin comes to say hello, sometimes he remains aloof high in the canopy, calling just to make sure I know he is there.

Eastern Yellow Robin, photo by Ken Haines

I haven't mentioned the common birds:  Red Wattlebirds and Noisy Miners (of course!), Little Ravens, Pied Currawongs, Magpies and Magpie-larks.  There are raucous calls from white cockies and beautiful music from Grey Butcherbirds.  The only exotics I've seen (so far) are Spotted Doves and Common Blackbirds.  In years gone by, I'm sure there would have been Red-whiskered Bulbuls.  It is hard to regret the passing of an exotic!

Burke Road Billabong is a lovely spot for bush birds.  I only discovered it recently and I'm sure it has many treasures in store for me.  Meanwhile, I'm happy with my fairywrens and yellow robins.