G’day Birdwatchers,
We were only a small group that braved the long freeway trip, inclement weather and Mother’s Day to have a look at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne.
The gardens were established in 1970. They consist of 360 hectares of woodlands, grasslands, wetlands and a beautiful display garden of native plants. Urbanization surrounds the place, but like many such areas, it acts as a magnetic like refuge for wildlife. Kangaroos, Wallabies, Echidnas, Bandicoots, snakes and birds abound. The infrastructure – tracks, signs, shelters, etc – is impressive.
Two of us headed for the bush area and got rather wet on our 5km hike. Given the weather the birds were understandably quiet but we managed some views of a few favourites – Golden Whistler, Eastern Yellow Robin, Blue Wren, Cuckoo-shrike, Australasian Grebe. It was way too wet to head into the scrub to chase down any sightings. Various heaths were in flower and there were patches of orchid leaves visible from the track.
After 2 or 3 hours and becoming drenched we caught up with the others at the Australian Garden and headed for a sheltered lunch spot. Despite the Mother’s Day bit the place was not too crowded, thanks to the weather. After our chilly lunch Ian and the ladies headed for home and I decided I’d check out the display gardens after the glowing report from the girls.
Few words, just a few photos …
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| Superb Fairy Wren - late or early? |
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| Dusky Woodswallow |
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| Spotted Pardalote |
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| White-browed Scrubwren |
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| New Holland Honeyeater |
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| Little Wattlebird |
Regards,
Gouldiae.
beautiful photos, as usual, Peter
ReplyDeleteLinda