This reserve is on the urban fringe of eastern Melbourne. It is probably most recognised locally as the home of the local footy and cricket clubs with two ovals at its southern end. A chain of man-made ponds extends northwards fed by storm water drainage. The reserve has a crushed gravel walking trail along both sides of the wetlands. This is well utilised by walkers with dogs - a good 50% of which were off-lead during my visit (despite signage making it clear that this was prohibited).
The
eremaea list impressed me so I was bound to be disappointed of course! However nice views of this White-plumed honeyeater as well as sightings of Hardhead lifted the spirits (which weren't really all that low given it was a spankingly sunny winter's afternoon!).
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It's good to see Australasian grebe getting their colour back making them easier to differentiate from their Hoary-headed counterparts! |
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Kings in Grass Castles |
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I was intrigued by these clumps of reeds. Are they planted that way or are they growing naturally. The Purple swamphen loved them |
Hardhead and Grey teal
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Purple swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio |
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Little pied cormorant |
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Large block residential living in Chirnside Park - where the suburbs are taking over the paddocks |
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Each pond had a low wall and covered drain |
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Urban fringe - Google Maps satellite image of Kimberley Reserve |
Bird on!