Just to let everyone know - I'm going to be in Melbourne on the weekend of 26th/27th Feb, and I've arranged to meet Tom, Danika, and maybe Abby for a visit to Eastern Treatment Plant on Sat 26th. I'll also go out birding on the 27th, maybe back to ETP or possibly Serendip/You Yangs / other regional sites. I have a key and a car, and between us we can make all sorts of plans - so if any other Big Year people would like to come for a day out, let me know and I'll add you to the Whatsapp planning group :-) I'm so looking forward to meeting some of you in person...and should be an excellent day out! PM me if you dont already have my details.
I am looking forward to meeting the Victorian contingent as well! Great idea, Alex.
Looking forward to Saturday!
Wish I could join you, maybe next time!
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Perhaps some of us will get to Tassie this year. Fingers crossed.
Yes, I'm super keen on a Tassie trip too - Bruny & a pelagic at bare minimum :-)
What a great trip! Brilliant to meet you all, and what a great day out on the WTP. I think we all found something new there, and had some amazing sightings. A few pics for the memories - and some inspiration for others to join / for us to do more of this kind of thing...
Nice one, guys.
Glad you had a great day. It's nice to be with a group of like minded people.
Just now need names for the faces (I know you might not want to have your name in public), so I will just have to use my imagination.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
It was great to meet all of you and it was indeed a wonderful day... thank you for your time and company. Great to have such a knowledgable guide in Danika.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the rest of my time birding with Alex and offer a couple of pictures of the rest of our weekend away... one of the first afternoon when Alex and I got so caught up in the beauty and thrill of the area that we neglected to note the time! As the sun set, we realised dinner was a priority followed by a supermarket to stock up for the Big Day Out (managed to find one open until midnight). On our last day, we explored Serendip Sanctuary all morning and then went for an afternoon walk to the Big Rock in the You Yangs. A great weekend all round.
Love that sunset Sue.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks for the photos Alex and Sue.
It really was a great day. Thanks all :)
Dale - I checked with the team before posting the photos, we are all happy to be identified here :-) So for those who haven't met us - hover over the pics I posted above, names in the tooltips popup on each photo.
Great photos and look at all your fancy gear! Looks like a great spot :-)
For all you guys and girls in Victoria, over the next few weeks/months, there will be some special visitors coming your way, and they were seen at the WTP last year (I have seen a photo). Of course I am talking about the Orange Bellied Parrot, leaving Southwest Tasmania for South West Vic. and South East S.A. On their annual migration.
Also, I have been granted approval from the Minister for War and Finance for an excursion to WTP, should another event be organised in the future (will be subject to my work commitment, but most things are possible). As well as the great birds, I would really like to meet other participants on this site.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
That's 2 excellent reasons to go back to the WTP!
Yes that's exciting news about the OBPs - Abby and I have already mentioned to each other about a trip to WTP to check them out in April/May!
And I'd love for you to join us too Dale! Welcome any time!! As is everyone here.
Thanks Danika, I receive updates from the OBP recovery program, so, if I here of any sightings, might shoot you a PM, guessing you can liase with Abby and any other Victorians.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Sounds great, would love to hear about that! Thanks Dale
Orange-bellied Parrot sighted WTP possibly today - request for ID on ABID Facebook page with photo.
Just FYI, keep your eyes open of out that way!
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
I saw that too! TBH when I saw the photo I thought, just a Blue-winged Parrot, but I was wrong...need to open my eyes a bit wider!! Good reason to head down again, I'd be happy to get either :)
I would be taking as many photos of Blue-wings as I could. They do hangout together on the feed tables at Melaleuca. There are some subtle differences in the facial markings, and they can both have orange bellies, just to confuse us. The leg bands will be the give away, if you can see the legs on such a squat little parrot.
Hopefully there should be more there soon, if they are not already.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania