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Birds
Purple Swamphen
(Porphyrio porphyrio)
The Purple Swamphen is likely to be one of the first birds sighted at the lake. They roam all around the lake including the BBQ areas. Most often seen feeding on the grass, in the shallows or swimming between the islands. They are mainly plant eaters, but are also aggressive towards other birds and kill young ducklings.
Eurasian Coot
(Fulica atra)
Quite often the most numerous bird at the lake. The Coot is a breeding resident and is usually seen swimming and feeding all around the lake. They eat submerged plant matter which they dive for and then bob back to the surface. Can also be seen feeding in the shallows. They nest on plant matter in the water, and once the young emerge from the nest they are seen with the parent in all parts of the lake
Pacific Black Duck
(Anas superciliosa)
Another common and sometimes numerous bird at the lake, the Pacific Black Duck is a permanent breeding resident. They can be found in all areas of the lake,either swimming in the open water, or resting on the banks. They are readily identified by their distinctive eye stripe.
Chestnut Teal
(Anas castanea)
Always present in varying numbers, the Chestnut Teal is a breeding resident with family groups readily visible in the breeding season. The male may be confused with the male Australasian Shoveler, and the female with the Grey Teal.These birds are also found in all areas of the lake, swimming and feeding on the water, and resting on the banks.
Grey Teal
(Anas gracilis)
The Grey teal is very hard to distinguish from the female Chestnut Teal, especially from a distance. These birds will mingle with other ducks on the lake including the Chestnut Teal and Pacific Black Duck. They inhabit all areas of the lake and are readily observed by the casual observer.
Australasian Grebe
(Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)
The Australasian Grebe is the smallest grebe, and is a breeding resident at the lake. They can be found swimming around all areas. Rarely out of the water, grebes usually submerge when alarmed, and return to the surface quite a distance away.
Silver Gull
(Larus novaehollandiae)
The Silver Gull is a common sight at Lake McIntyre. As with elsewhere they can become a problem if their numbers increase too much, as they tend to squeeze out the less aggressive water birds. The feeding of all birds, and especially the Silver Gulls and Purple Swamphens, is discouraged at the lake, as it tends to make the birds aggressive toward people. They increase in numbers over spring and early summer as they breed on the islands.
Black-fronted Dotterel
(Elseyornis melanops)
These little guys are breeding residents at the lake, and during late spring and early summer you can spot the young ones (resembling fluffy balls with legs) running around on the mudflats following close to mum and dad. These little guys nest on the ground in the sand or gravel and so are very difficult to see unless they are moving. The usual way to see these birds is to scan the shorelines as they tend to move along these areas feeding in the shallows.
Hoary-headed Grebe
(Poliocephalus poliocephalus)
Hoary-headed grebes are frequently seen at the lake, depending on the level of the water. At times they are numerous and can be seen swimming and feeding together. At other times they are seen singularly or in pairs.
Dusky Moorhen
(Gallinula tenebrosa)
Although never seen in large numbers, the Dusky Moorhen is nearly always present at the lake. It is distinguishable from the other hens by its distinctive yellow-tipped red beak. The juvenile moorhens lack the colourful beak of the adults but are still easily identified by their dullish brown/grey colour. These birds are not often seen outside the confines of the lake, preferring to do their feeding from the water and in and around the islands.
Australian White Ibis
(Threskiornis molucca)
White Ibis gather in great numbers when the water level gets low and the surrounding paddocks dry out. They come in to feed and to drink. They fly off to roost in the surrounding trees at dusk.
Straw-necked Ibis
(Threskiornis spinicollis)
Straw-necked Ibis gather in even larger numbers than the White Ibis. There are quite often a lot of immature birds in with the flocks that come in to feed and rest. They tend to fly in a 'V' formation and can number in the hundreds.
Little Black Cormorant
(Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)
These birds visit the lake when the water level is high and there is a plentiful supply of food. They sometimes feed in the water in groups, diving under to catch their prey.They can often be seen sitting on trees or the banks of the islands with their wings spread out to dry.
Latham's Snipe
(Gallinago hardwickii)
Also known as Japanese Snipe as these little birds fly all the way from Japan to spend the spring and summer along eastern Australia. Lake McIntyre is a regular destination for some of these birds, and when the conditions are right they can be quietly observed from the hides while they feed on the mud flats.
Hardhead
(Aythya australis)
These ducks are sometimes called White-eyed Ducks, although it is only the male that has the white eye. They are a true diving duck and as such prefer deep permanent water. Lake McIntyre usually has a decent population of Hardhead, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, but when the water level gets too low they leave for deeper waters.
Blue-billed Duck
(Oxyura australis)
As with most bird species, the male Blue-billed Duck is very distinctive and colourful, while the female is duller and less colourful. These are also diving ducks, and tend to dive when alarmed rather than take flight as most other ducks do. When displayed, their tail feathers are distinctive and akin to the male Musk Duck. These birds like the Water Ribbon (Triglochin) and the deeper water, and have been breeding residents at the lake for several years. Like the Hardhead, they too leave the lake when the water level gets too low, but return when the rains have refilled the lake.
Australasian Shoveler
(Anas rhynchotis)
Another very distinctive duck with a large dark bill and a white crescent stripe on its face. The female is a less conspicuous mottled brown. The bright orange legs are a distinguishing feature. These ducks are also a regular sight at the lake depending on the water level and food supply. (Photo courtesy of S. Pounsett)
Black Swan
(Cygnus atratus)
This very familiar bird is an irregular visitor to the lake. On several occasions there have been a pair of swans that have bred out near one of the islands. They do not stay long, even after breeding these birds tend to leave fairly quickly. It is always a joy to have a swan or two visit the lake.
Australian Wood Duck
(Chenonetta jubata)
These guys are very irregular visitors. A pair will call in for an overnight stop, but very rarely do they stay at the lake for any longer than a day or two. When they are present they are fairly conspicuous.
Australian Pelican
(Pelecanus conspicillatus)
Pelicans are an occasional visitor, sometimes showing up in pairs, but usually just a single bird. They stay for a for a day or so and then move on. They are a majestic sight and are very popular with visitors who enjoy seeing them.
Great Crested Grebe
(Podiceps cristatus)
An occasional breeding visitor, usually rearing 3-4 chicks. Once the young are old enough to fend for themselves the adults leave and the young stay until they can fly, then they too leave, not showing up again until the conditions are right. The distinctive head of the adults makes them easily identified, although the young can be confused with Hoary-headed Grebes.
Yellow-billed Spoonbill
(Platalea flavipes)
The Yellow-billed Spoonbill is a less frequent visitor, and although it may occasionally turn up in pairs, usually it is a lone bird that arrives and spends some time resting and feeding. These visits can occur at any time of the year, and good views can be had of them from the covered seat (Gibbs' seat) in the car park. By just sitting quietly, the spoonbills may wander past just on the edge of the water.
Australian Spotted Crake
(Porzana fluminea)
There have been three species of crake recorded at the lake, and the Australian Spotted Crake is by far the one most often seen. Like all the crakes, they like to walk along the water's edge feeding and keeping close to the vegetation for cover. When present this crake can be seen around the parts of the lake with muddy edges.
Baillon's Crake
(Porzana pusilla)
Probably the second most seen crake at the lake is the Baillon's Crake. This little guy seems to be a bit more bashful than the Spotted Crake and is a bit more difficult to spot. Some quiet time spent in the hides is the most likely option for spotting this bird.
Spotless Crake
(Porzana tabuensis)
Spotless Crakes are the least recorded species of crake at the lake. These crakes are very timid and really hug the vegetation. Rarely seen up close, but very rewarding when you finally do catch a glimpse.
Musk Duck
(Biziura lobata)
A lone female Musk Duck has been an annual visitor to the lake. She can be quite easily confused with a female Blue-billed duck as they are both the same colour. They can be distinguished from each other by the shape of their bills, the musk duck's bill is much shorter.
Nankeen Night Heron
Nankeen Night Heron
Another regular visitor to the lake, usually a single adult or two, but there have been nine or more feeding around Rotary Island on occasions.
Occasionally there can be a few juveniles in attendance with the adults, and as they age they take on the distinctive colours and look of the mature birds. They feed by stalking in the shallow water, or sitting patiently on a log or branch and watching for small prey to come within reach.
Cattle Egret
(Ardea ibis)
On occasions, Cattle Egret will fly in, sometimes in large flocks of 30 or more birds, and spend a night (or two at the most) feeding and resting, before heading off again. They usually spend the night in the larger trees on the islands, and when they are in breeding plumage they are very striking with their bright orange heads.
Black-tailed Native-hen
(Gallinula ventralis)
These very fast running birds can be present in large numbers, and at other times there may only be a few birds. They feed on the grass at the back of the lake and the adjoining paddock, and are very easily frightened into a headlong dash for the safety of the tea trees and the water. Their speed, very dark tails and the white streaks on their sides makes them distinguishable from the other hens residing at the lake.
Red-kneed Dotterel
(Erythrogonys cinctus)
The Red-kneed Dotterel is a very irregular visitor to the lake, and normally arrive in ones or twos. They are quite distinct from the Black-fronted Dotterel that resides at the lake all year round. They have similar habits though, and when present these little guys can usually be spotted from the hides.
White-faced Heron
(Egretta novaehollandiae)
The White-faced Heron is another irregular visitor to the lake. Occasionally they arrive in reasonably large numbers, but usually single birds will arrive to feed in the shallow water. When present they are readily seen, although not at close quarters.
Pink-eared Duck
(Malacorhynchus membranaceus)
Although very prolific at other lakes in the district, the pink-eared Duck very seldom visits Lake McIntyre. When it does it is usually in pairs. They are fairly difficult to spot as they swim about with flocks of black duck or teal and can be overlooked.
White-necked Heron
(Ardea pacifica)
The White-necked Heron is a very rare visitor - only being reported once or twice. These birds are more commonly seen in paddocks, especially when there is some water about.
Australian Painted Snipe
(Rostratula benghalensis)
The Australian Painted Snipe has only been recorded once at the lake, but in 2013 a lone bird took up residence for over a week. Although he kept his distance, he was easily observed from the bird hide with binoculars. It was a real thrill to have such an elusive bird at the lake.
Buff-banded Rail
(Gallirallus philippensis)
Another elusive visitor who has only been recorded once at the lake. This fellow was in a hurry to regain his safety in the vegetation.
Magpie Goose
(Anseranas semipalmata)
The Magpie Goose had not been recorded at Lake McIntyre prior to 2015. 2 recorded sightings have been made since then, with the first sighting being of a single bird, and the second of three birds. They only stayed long enough to refuel and rest, probably en route from Pick Swamp to Bool Lagoon, and were gone again within hours.
Plumed Whistling-Duck
(Dendrocygna eytoni)
A very rare visitor to South Australia is the Plumed Whistling Duck. There was a flock of thirty or more arrive late August 2013 and stayed until mid September the same year. It was such a significant event that visitors came long distances to tick them off as a rare South Australian sighting.
White-headed Stilt
(Himantopus leucocephalus)
Regular visitors to the lake, the White-headed Stilt, (formerly Black-winged Stilt), have a very distinctive 'yap' similar to the sound of a small dog. They wade about in the shallows and quite often appear in small family groups, never in large numbers. They are a very distinctive and elegant-looking bird with their clearly defined black and white colours and very noticeable red legs.
Freckled Duck
(Stictonetta naevosa)
Freckled Duck have been quite numerous in some years with over 300 being recorded on occasion. The numbers dwindle as the water levels get low. The distinguishing feature of this duck is its pointy head and very scooped bill. In breeding season the males have a bright red base to their bill.
Royal Spoonbill
(Platalea regia)
Although only a visitor, the Royal Spoonbill is a reasonably common sight at the lake. There have been instances of families arriving and staying for quite a length of time to feed their young. More often though a single bird, or a pair, will show up and stay for a few days. They are easily spotted and a quiet rest on Gibbs' seat may reward you with a rather close view as they wander past you at the edge of the water.
Australasian Darter
(Anhinga novaehollandiae)
Another rare visitor to the lake is the Australasian Darter. Although Darters have been recorded on several occasions they seldom stay long enough to be spotted. They are also known as snake birds because of their long snake-like neck, which is sometimes all that can be seen of the bird while it is swimming.
Great Egret
(Ardea modesta)
These large elegant birds are another species that call in to the lake but don't usually stay for long. When they are present they are hard to miss as they stand about 1 metre tall. When flying, they fold their extra long neck into a hook shape. This is a normal look for Great Egrets and can be readily identified by it. When stretched out, their head and neck are nearly one and a half times longer than their body.
Masked Lapwing
(Vanellus miles)
Masked lapwings are well recognised by their noisy calls and they can be quite aggressive when nesting or rearing chicks. There is usually a good complement of these birds at the lake. They prefer to wade in the shallows or feed on the mud flats and banks. They usually remain within the lake boundary, and unlike the Purple Swamphens, rarely venture up to the lawned picnic and BBQ areas. These birds can be found throughout the township.
Superb Fairy-wren
(Malurus cyaneus)
These cheerful and noisy little birds are at home, quite literally, all around the lake. If you sit quietly for a few minutes in one spot, the little wrens will pop out of the vegetation and start to forage for food quite close to you. The males have a superb blue colour on their chest, throat and across their shoulders, while the plainer females are brown with red beaks and a red eye line. This pair were just starting to get friendly when the photo was taken.
Red Wattlebird
(Anthochaera carunculata)
A breeding resident of the lake surrounds, this large bird can be found right around the lake, and has been known to nest in the trees quite close to the BBQ areas. This affords the visitor a good view of the parent bird foraging on the ground and in the trees and feeding the young. It is named for the red 'wattles' on their neck, and can be distinguished from the Little Wattlebird by its yellow belly.
Little Wattlebird
(Anthochaera chrysoptera)
The Little Wattlebird is smaller than the Red Wattlebird, and lacks both the wattles and the yellow belly of its larger cousin. It too can be found all the way around the lake. It favours the flowering trees at the back, which is where this photo of a Little Wattlebird on a flowering banksia bush was taken.
Australian Magpie
(Cracticus tibicen)
One of the most common birds in the whole area, the magpie is a breeding resident at the lake, favouring the taller trees along the back fence line for nesting. They are very conspicuous and like to sit in the tall dead trees and survey the area before landing on the grass and foraging for their food.
Common Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
These birds, native to Europe and northern Asia, have been introduced to Australia and have become a pest damaging fruit, (particularly cherries and grapes), cereal and vegetable crops. They are also thought to carry and transmit diseases to humans and other animals. The biggest threat they pose at the lake is that they compete with, and usually beat, our native birds for the tree hollows to nest in. These pesty birds are most often seen in the large dead trees in the BBQ areas.
Magpie-lark
(Grallina cyanoleuca)
We have a breeding pair of Magpie-larks at the lake and they like to use the trees on Osborne Island. They forage on the ground and this male is intent on getting his catch of worm back to the waiting juvenile. The males have the white eyebrow and black throat, while the females have a white forehead and throat, and the juveniles also have a white throat. They are also known as a Pee Wee, named after their very distinctive call.
Eastern Rosella
(Platycercus eximius)
The Eastern Rosella is one of the native species of birds that the starlings beat to nesting hollows. These bright and colourful birds can usually be found in pairs in the trees around the BBQ area and at the back of the lake. They can sometimes be seen foraging on the ground, but prefer the safety of the taller trees.
New Holland Honeyeater
(Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)
The New Holland Honeyeater is the most numerous of the smaller honeyeaters at the lake. They are present all year and probably breed in the trees surrounding the lake. They can be found right around the lake in the tree canopy or foliage of the shrubs, chasing insects, as well as doing as their name suggests and feeding on the flowers. They tend to be a bit territorial and are sometimes seen chasing off other honeyeaters such spinebills.
Brown Thornbill
(Acanthiza pusilla)
Not often seen on the ground, these little thornbills are usually more easily heard than seen. They like to hop about in the foliage of trees and shrubs and can be very elusive. They are very difficult to tell apart from Striated Thornbills which are also present. One of our brown thornbills that had been banded at the lake was recently recaptured and its age was 16 years!
Welcome Swallow
(Hirundo neoxena)
These birds are most often seen flying acrobatically over the water, dipping their beaks in as they fly to have a drink. They always look as if they are having great fun and you can spend quite some time watching them. There are usually some swallows in residence at the lake and they are not readily confused with any other bird because of the way they fly over the water.
Galah
(Eolophus roseicapillus)
Although Galahs are more often seen flying overhead, they occasionally rest in some of the large dead trees around the BBQ area, and have even checked out some of the hollows, chasing off the starlings if they get too close! Such beautiful birds in their pink and grey colours are always a joy to see.
European Goldfinch
(Carduelis carduelis)
European Goldfinches were introduced into SE Australia in the 1860s. They are colourful little birds and can be present in small numbers at the lake. Much larger flocks of them can be seen along some country roads. They are not present all the time at the lake and seem to come in for a look and a drink and then they are gone again.
Grey Fantail
(Rhipidura albiscapa)
Grey Fantails are permanent residents of the lake. They have a rather distinctive call and it can be heard well before the birds can be seen. They are insect eaters and can be seen to perform aerial acrobatics when chasing down their dinner. They are named after their beautiful fan shaped tail which is very evident when they are feeding.
Silvereye
(Zosterops lateralis)
Silvereyes are very small birds but can migrate a long way - some travel from the south of Tasmania to Queensland. They have a distinctive white ring around their eyes and can't be confused with any other species. They feed on insects and large amounts of fruit and nectar. When they are present in the area, they can be found right around the lake, including the weeds and other plants growing in the water.
Crested Pigeon
(Ocyphaps lophotes)
The Crested Pigeon, as the name implies, has a small crest of black feathers. They are mainly seed eaters, and therefore have to be close to water to drink every day. When disturbed the pigeon takes to the air with a characteristic whistling noise. They have been regular visitors to the lake, even breeding on occasions.
Grey Shrike-thrush
(Colluricincla harmonica)
The Grey Shrike-thrush mates for life and maintains a breeding area of about 10 hectares. These birds are residents of the surrounding area of the lake. Although they are considered quite dull in colour and looks, they have a varied and very melodious range of calls which makes them easily identified, even if unseen. They tend to forage for food on the ground and eat insects, spiders, frogs and even small animals. A very pleasant addition to the bird life of the lake.
Grey Currawong
(Strepera versicolor)
The Grey Currawong is easily identified as they have some white on their rump and tail, and have a yellow eye. Ravens (or crows as they are erroneously called) are all black and have a white eye. Currawongs are fairly sedentary. There is a pair of currawongs that are regular visitors to the lake, and they are not overly shy of people, letting us get a good look at them. They eat small animals such as birds, frogs, and rodents as well as insects, seeds and fruit.
Singing Honeyeater
(Lichenostomus virescens)
The Singing Honeyeater is a regular visitor to the lake, most often seen when the gums and other plants are flowering. They can be mistaken for the similar looking Yellow-faced Honeyeater which also visits the lake. The Singing Honeyeater is larger and lighter in colour and has slightly different facial markings. When present they can be found in and around whatever is flowering.
White-browed Scrubwren
(Sericornis frontalis)
This little White-browed Scrubwren doesn't have much of white brow, but it does have the tell-tale white 'tick' on the wing. These little fellows are among Australia's most active birds. They are constantly foraging for insects amongst the leaf litter or the dense vegetation close to the ground. Although in some areas these little guys don't mind showing themselves, around the lake they are shy and elusive. Choosing a quiet spot with a good view into the undergrowth and waiting patiently will sometimes reward you with decent sightings.
Red-browed Finch
(Neochmia temporalis)
The Red-browed Finch is usually seen in small flocks, and they are very distinctive, with a bright red brow, beak and rump. They are seed and insect eaters, and forage on the ground or, as this one is doing, in the sheoaks. They are easily spotted and are regulars around the lake.
Rainbow Lorikeet
(Trichoglossus haematodus)
The Rainbow Lorikeet feeds high up in the flowering eucalyptus trees. They arrive in small to large groups, usually in company with Musk Lorikeets. They are only present when there is plenty of gum blossom in the trees. They are usually too high up for good looks, but occasionally they will sit out on a branch and let you take a photo. They are very colourful and can be quite noisy when there is a large group of them.
Musk Lorikeet
(Glossopsitta concinna)
The Musk Lorikeet is the usual partner to the Rainbow Lorikeet as they both feed on the same flowering trees. Musk Lorikeets are smaller than the Rainbows and are less widely distributed throughout Australia, being endemic to Southeastern Australia only.They feed mainly on the gum blossom but will also eat seeds, fruits and insects. As with Rainbow Lorikeets, they are only present when the gums are flowering.
Common Bronzewing
(Phaps chalcoptera)
The Common Bronzewing is an occasional visitor to the area. Usually only a single bird is sighted, and it is more often than not foraging on the ground, sometimes in the carpark area. They are very timid birds and rarely allow any close encounters. When startled they fly off with a clatter of wings. They are the most plentiful and commonly seen pigeon in Australia.
Eastern Spinebill
(Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris)
Eastern Spinebills are readily recognised by their long, thin, down-curved beaks. They feed on insects and nectar while perched or hovering. They obtain nectar from a wide range of flowers including grevilleas, but their beak is especially suited to tubular flowers such as correas. They are regular visitors to the lake and their favourite area is below the large viewing platform near the BBQs. When the correas are in flower, there is a lot of bird activity in this area.
Brown Falcon
(Falco berigora)
Brown Falcons breed in the paddocks behind the quarry, and so visit the lake looking for prey. They occasionally get a hard time from some of the smaller birds such as the Willie Wagtails, but this does not seem to phase them. They search the ground for prey from a vantage point and swoop down to grasp it with their talons, then bite into the spine, killing the prey. They also fly and hover over the ground while hunting.
Sacred Kingfisher
(Todiramphus sanctus)
There have been at least two successful breeding events by Sacred Kingfishers at Lake McIntyre. Both times they used the large dead tree in the middle of the roundabout, using different nesting holes each time, and despite the starlings also using the tree. They are a migrating bird and spend the winters in the north, returning to the south in the spring to breed. A very welcome visitor, and their return is eagerly anticipated.
Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater
(Acanthagenys rufogularis)
An uncommon visitor, usually single birds or very small groups. They mainly eat nectar and fruit but may also eat insects, reptiles and baby birds. When present they are usually found high up in the trees and so a pair of binoculars would help provide a good look at them.
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
(Acanthiza chrysorrhoa)
The Yellow-rumped Thornbill is aptly named, having a vivid yellow rump which tells it apart from the other thornbills that reside at the lake. These small birds feed mainly on the ground and eat insects and sometimes seeds, but they usually stay close to cover and will disappear into the vegetation very quickly if alarmed. They are more often sighted around the back of the lake rather than in the BBQ areas or carpark.
Long-billed Corella
(Cacatua tenuirostris)
Long-billed Corellas are normally sighted flying noisily overhead, but occasionally a few will drop in for a rest. They gather in flocks of hundreds and feed on the ground either in farmland or in towns on parks and ovals. Their range includes Southeast South Australia, Western Victoria and through to Southern New South Wales.
Little Grassbird
(Megalurus gramineus)
A nomadic species of bird, and one that is a regular visitor to the reeds around the edge of the lake, showing up when the conditions suit them. When present they can usually be spotted from the bird hide or from Gibbs' Seat in front of the reeds and water ribbon. They feed on insects that live in the vegetation.
Australian Reed Warbler
(Acrocephalus australis)
The Australian Reed Warbler has the same habits as the Little Grassbird. These birds also visit the reed and ribbons on the edges of the lake. They can often be heard rather than seen, and some patience may be required to get a look at them.
Little Eagle
(Hieraaetus morphnoides)
This little Little Eagle was looking a bit sorry for himself, sitting up there in the rain. He stayed about for quite a long time before the need for somewhere drier, or somewhere with more food, took over and he flew lazily away. They eat rabbits, small mammals and insects, and a Little Eagle has been sighted on frequent occasions at the lake.
Laughing Kookaburra
(Dacelo novaeguineae)
Laughing Kookaburras are occasional visitors, sometimes unwelcome visitors as this Little Wattlebird shows. A single bird will show up and stay for a short while, and then travel on for better hunting opportunities. They eat insects, worms, crustaceans, frogs, lizards and even small birds. It's always a pleasure to see these birds visiting the trees around the lake.
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
(Coracina novaehollandiae)
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes are uncommon visitors to the lake. When present they are usually in the trees at the back of lake. They eat insects although some fruits and seeds may be eaten as well. Although these birds sometimes form very large groups, the birds seen at the lake are only present in small numbers.
Eastern Yellow Robin
(Eopsaltria australis)
Eastern Yellow Robins have been breeding residents of the lake. They were quite often sighted around the BBQ areas, and along the covered walkway in amongst the trees and shrubs. This nest was not far off the well used path near the bird hide and was quite unperturbed by the people walking past. This was a successful breeding event with three young being fledged from the nest.
Collared Sparrowhawk
(Accipiter cirrocephalus)
Raptors drop in to the lake regularly, usually only a single bird, and usually only for a short time. If you are lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time you are likely to see birds such as this Collared Sparrowhawk who was just sitting quietly looking around for anything that may have provided him with a meal.
Red-rumped Parrot
(Psephotus haematonotus)
The Red-rumped Parrot is not as common as it used to be, but on rare occasions they may still visit. They are usually seen in pairs or small family groups feeding on the ground. They eat seeds and grasses, but will also feed on fruits and flowers in trees. The female red-rump is a drab olive green and quite different from the colourful male.
Swamp Harrier
(Circus approximans)
Another raptor that drops in (quite literally on occasions) is the Swamp Harrier. The telltale signs of a large bird of prey being present is the sudden flight of the ducks from the water. These raptors hunt for birds and eggs and also eat large insects, frogs, reptiles and small mammals.
Willie Wagtail
(Rhipidura leucophrys)
Willie Wagtails are breeding residents at the lake. they are more often seen around the back of the lake and they have nested regularly in the trees in and around Osborne and Reed Island. These little birds are energetic feeders, chasing insects through the air and on the ground. When feeding on the ground it becomes obvious how they got their name.
Brown Goshawk
(Accipiter fasciatus)
Another raptor using the trees around the lake as he waits for lunch is the Brown Goshawk. Seeing one of these birds burst from cover to catch an unwitting thornbill is something that doesn't happen very often, and when it does, it is all over in seconds and you are left wondering what had actually just happened. Once again, just being in the right place at the right time can be rewarding.
Australian Hobby
(Falco longipennis)
This Australian Hobby decided to drop in at the BBQ area one evening. The Hobby eats small birds which it takes on the wing, it will also eat some insects. The Hobby always uses the abandoned nest of other birds such as ravens and magpies. It is similar to the Peregrine Falcon but smaller.
Shining Bronze-cuckoo
(Chalcites lucidus)
The few sightings of Shining Bronze-cuckoos at the lake have been of single birds. On occasions they are heard without being spotted. They feed mainly on insects and their larvae, with hairy caterpillars being their speciality. They tend to favour the trees and shrubby bushes around the back of the lake, or the dense vegetation over the fence near the BBQs.
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo
(Calyptorhynchus funereus)
Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos are regularly seen flying overhead. Rarely do they opt to stop and have a rest in the she-oaks around the lake, but just now and then a few may land in a tree and wait for the flock to catch up. They can be heard well before they come into sight, and it is a very common sound around the whole district. They have been able to adapt to feeding on the introduced pine trees, while their relative the Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo has not been able to adapt so readily and is now a threatened species in the area.