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Visited: summer
Recommendation: This is a lovely parkland sitting inbetween lakes and the river. The water birds here are terrific but it is also popular with parrots.
Most times when I revisit places, I am disappointed. Great birding spots are a combination of right place and right time. And that time generally only happens once. However, Geelong has now given me 2 places that I know I can visit again and again and find something new and interesting. And so it was, that on a lazy birding day I revisited Balyang Sanctuary.
Although there is activity all around, this spot in the photo is where most of the action is on both of my visits.. The ducks, cormorants and parrots all seem to like the tree in the top left and the water just behind it. The sun was shining on the water so it seemed like a good time to shoot some ducks.
Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea)
Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)
The area containing the sanctuary was once a swampy wetland, reflecting the typical lowland topography of the region. In 1845, Captain Foster Fyans purchased the land and built his home, "Bellbird Balyang," named after a young Indigenous companion. The property was primarily used for grazing. In the 1950s, the land was acquired by the City of Newtown with the intention of transforming it into a public park.
A major rejuvenation project took place in the 1970s. The swamp was drained and deepened to create a lake, and extensive landscaping and tree planting occurred. Balyang Sanctuary was officially opened to the public in 1973. Today, the sanctuary is a popular spot for locals and visitors, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature. It's a testament to the transformation of a once-swampy area into a thriving wetland ecosystem.
Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
Maned Duck (Chenonetta jubata)
Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)
Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae)
Now, I know that technically this last photo is a gull but I swear it thought it was a duck. It was the only gull present, it followed the ducks around and bathed just like a duck.
The colony of cormorants were still busy. Some were courting, some mating and the juveniles fell off the branches into the water. Wonderful spectacle.
Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos)
I'm sure the bird on the left is the original model for angry birds!
The highlight of this visit was seeing a Darter. Much larger than the cormorants, they are elegant and stunning. The red patch on the neck indicates this bird is breeding. One of my favourite bird's name is the similar species found in the US - Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga). Fantastic.
Australian Anhinga (Anhinga novaehollandiae)
Further round the park, I found a magpie lying in the sun. I've seen them do this lots of times but they just so odd. You can understand why people think they are dead. While it seems obvious that they are basking in the sun, there is another important reason for the behaviour. The primary reason for this behavior is actually to eliminate parasites. By spreading their wings and exposing their skin to the sun's heat, they create an environment that is inhospitable to mites, lice, and other tiny creatures. The sun's UV rays can kill these parasites, keeping the magpie healthy.
Australasian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)
Back around the water once more, the lorikeets were screeching. I just can't get enough of these birds!
Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)
There was as much activity in the trees as the water with cockatoo and lorikeets making their customary din. As I crossed one of the bridges I found a juvenile cockatoo sitting in a hollow. Looking much like an adult but it had a very small crest and it allowed me to approach really closely. When I returned later, it had been joined by another and later another. You wouldn't really describe these birds as being cute but these 3 were absolutely so.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita)
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