NEWPORT LAKES & JAWBONE

We really enjoy the BirdLife Melbourne beginners' bird walks each month, and we have learnt a lot and met some lovely people. After a great hiatus over 2021, we made it to an outing in November...to Newport Lakes and then on to Jawbone Reserve. There wasn't a lot of action in the bird department at Newport (too windy), but things improved at Jawbone.

We particularly like the waterbirds there, and the great crested grebe is very photogenic, as are the cormorants.

With the slightly warmer weather, this was a timely reminder to keep your eyes peeled and watch where you step...it looks close, but be assured it was taken from quite a distance and only because the critter was well and truly making an exit.

BLUE LAKE - PLenty gorge

About the same time, we went to a new spot to our north, and part of Plenty Gorge. Blue Lake is a stunning spot, and looks like a now water-filled vacated mine...it was an exquisite day and the lake was being enjoyed by some keen swimmers (who said it was bracing).

Some families of coots were making the most of the lake as well...

We didn't see a lot of birds, but we did enjoy two in particular: first, a fantail cuckooo:

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Then the always spectacular spotted pardalote...

The climb down into the lake area was steep, and the same out...but totally worth it. A picnic lunch afterwards, including an ice cold (fake) beer was just the ticket!