Category Archives: Friends of Merri Creek

The Merri Creek bird survey at Bababi Djinanang in Fawkner recorded 36 different bird species in the May survey. Last year the survey at the same time of year recorded a similar number: 37 species. Relatively still conditions, but overcast made for good birdwatching. For several birds we heard their song well before seeing them.

Some of the highlights of the survey include seeing a purple swamphen in the reeds where Central Creek meets Merri Creek. Though common elsewhere along Merri Creek and Edgars Creek it is not often seen in Fawkner.

Up in the open grasslands we flushed into flight some Brown Quail, saw Spotted Pardalotes in a mixed species feeding group, and even caught a sight of a Golden-headed Cisticola.

Right at the end in some re-vegetated woodland at the edge of the grasslands we came across a Red-capped Robin (Petroica goodenovii) mingling with a small flock of female Flame Robins. An exciting find, not having been seen before at this location. Red-capped robins favour perching on rocks and low branches and are subject to predation by domesticated and feral cats, and nests sometimes raided by larger bird species. Welcome to Fawkner, little Red-capped Robin!
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