One of the activities of that we have always enjoyed are the quarterly bird counts at several local sites.
It is good to be able to see the effects of changing seasons at each of the locations. And of course to see the variation in the bird activity through the year.
We started 2021 with a day out at Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre
The weather was kind, coolish and a tad of sunshine to keep things pleasant.
Good bird action in some areas, and of course a few areas that were a bit barren for birds.
All in all a good start for Wagtails for 2021
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
Great photos thank you David!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jenny glad you enjoyed them
LikeLike
Looks like you had a great day. Wonderful to see the images!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Was good to be out and about with a purpose. Also good to see the area after a twelve month break
LikeLike
Looks like a great place to be at the bird count, especially at Werribee, the desired destination of many birders 🙂 Some lovely shots by EE especially loved the little Scarlet. We have not seen any Bee-eaters yet this year, though we may up north when we go to visit family and friends for the weekend. It is good to see blue skies and perfect Spring days in the middle of Summer again the last few days with cool southerlies. The weather has been much kinder this year so far.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Ashley, thanks for the thoughts. Mt Rothwell is not part of the Werribee Treatment Plant, but rather a small dry country outcrop, surrounded by farmlands.
The area is fox proof enclosed and over the years the rabbit population has been controlled, with elimination the long term goal.
The Bee-eaters arrive in the October time frame, leaving again in Feb/Mar. I am not sure that they nest on the site, but use it as a stop over point for topping up on their journies.
The area is vulnerable as it is in a rainshadow from the nearby You Yangs range. (It is in fact part of the same outcrop)
Over the years the birdcount has provide us with good views of a range of birds
LikeLiked by 2 people
Stunning pictures! I love the rainbow bee eater the best! I bought two bird feeders just so I can watch the birds congregate in my yard.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Mom! Hope the bird bath brings you hours of pleasure at the antics of the visitors
LikeLike
Some super images here – a great record to have of what must have been a very satisfactory day’s birding.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Eleanor, It is not a great photo opportunity as we have to be constantly on the move to meet the requirements of the count, but just occasionally the bird cooperate
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous photos David – i particularly love the kite photo with outstretched wings – magnificent colour and action. And also the dusky woodswallow we saw at the end of the walk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Fiona, it was really great to get such good views of the little family as they soared from tree to tree
LikeLike
Lovely photos David…the weebill a special! Hear them but Often they remain unseen.
Clancy
LikeLiked by 1 person
G’day Clancy. They are our smallest birds and for the most part blend into the leaves. They also occassionally hover on the outside of the leaves, which must be a special skill.
LikeLike
Looks like an interesting day. I’ve had no idea that there are Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies in You Yangs area..
LikeLiked by 1 person
G,day Adam,
They are not for want of a better term, indigenous to the area, but are part of a breeding programme designed to protect the species. I think about 20 different animals were orginally introduced, with a range of genetic diversities.
After about 3 years they have multiplied out to about 60 animals. The complexity is of course to keep the gene pool fresh.
They have the run of a substantial ferel-free area and as its an outcrop of the You Yangs, their habitat is a little Wallaby Hilton among the rock outcrops.
LikeLike