Was pondering the weather map, and thinking  about the following days, when ‘ding’ went the email, and a request for a run down to the Western Treatment Plant.  Ok I responded.  Just thinking about it, when ‘ding’ went the email, and an another request for info about our next trip down to the WTP.

See I don’t believe in co-incidences, alignment of the spheres or tea leaf readings but it seemed like we were going down with a full car.

So I phoned to book.  When I suggested I’d have 3 passengers, the “What, in your little car!!” made me think a bit. But I responded it would be ok, they could breath alternatively.

Richard, of the Woodlands lists was going to meet us down there, and Mr An Onymous (not so much any more it seems), would travel with us.

Come the morning, and the ‘Clear Blue” skies promised were more your murky grey. But we went. (Apologies once again to the Banjo)

We had hardly picked up Richard and entered the T Section than we bumped into Ian, and company.  So much talk about various varieties of birds in the area.  Then another car turned up.  Ray, had come down for the morning as well.  Ray’s “So, you’re Mr An Onymous” filled the air with laughter as we realised the secret was out.  So we all stood around and do what you do in a “Blokes Shed”. Talk.

Meanwhile EE was sitting in the car.  “What is this a Blokes Shed?”  she asked.  “I could have stayed at home!”.  So we decided it was time to move on.

Over on the Spit Road, we were ambling along, plenty to look at when I noted a dark shape on a post on the side of the road. That big, it must be a Sea-eagle. But I kept quite, and surprisingly 6 eyes looking out were so busy they hadn’t seen it. Finally EE had to say, “What is that big shape on the other side of the road”.  We edged closer.  Then we edged even closer. Now we really had some good shots. But of course the urge to get out of the car for a better photo won over and the car doors opened.  Well at least I got some nice shots of it flying away.

We also were amused for awhile by a juvenile Black-shouldered Kite in its beautiful young ginger colours.   And then just as we were leaving, I heard a familiar call and moved the car back down the road.  Everyone of course was unsure, but there. On the tree by the side of the road, an Australian Hobby.  Moving the car to get a better shot we waited while a van came down the road.  “It will fly,” was the consensus, but no.  It sat still, and I put the car in a better place for a good series of pictures. Super.

By the end of the morning we’d scored 8 different raptors and seen, thanks to Richard, some Blue-billed Ducks, and a large number of Stints, various Sandpipers, a number of Greenshanks and a few waders that we just couldn’t figure out.
Ian and company added Pectoral, and Broadbilled to their list, and we all got a good view of at least two Double-banded Plovers.(a first time for me!).

By the time we were ready to go the clouds were gathering up and some sunlight began to shine through. But we’d had a good day, and the Blokes Shed again proved to be a great conversation place.