Waterbirds and Stormwater Ponds 2

It's been another interesting birding weekend in Perth, with of all things, a Hudsonian Godwit seen at Lake Joondalup. This godwit has only been recorded in Australia 5 times before and all on the east coast, closest to it's normal North toSouth America migration route. It's a long, long way off course to be in Perth! Anyway, I have dipped (along with many others) on it so far, but I'll keep trying.

This last weekend was also spent looking at the last of the stormwater ponds in Kewdale and Welshpool. Besides seeing what birds were using the ponds, I wanted to have a closer look at a wonderful metallic bird structure, often seen while driving past on the busy Roe Highway.

A small square stormwater pond is located behind factories on Ewing St. This pond probably has more bird potential when it's flooded, forming a large island in the middle, at present it was poor for birds. We recorded only 7 species in the local area, with 4 of those common waterbirds, such as Black Duck, Grey Teal, Purple Swamphen and Coots.

Mills St south (also called Garnet's Park) was larger and much better for birds, with 16 species. A least 6 waterbirds were seen, but access is limited to looking in through the tall wire fence. There may be access into the pond area along the drain coming in from the south.

This turned out to be a good birding area, the southern pond (or lake) on the intersection of Roe Highway and Welshpool Rd. 22 bird species were recorded here, with 13 of those being waterbirds, including Hardheads, Australasian Shoveler and 3 species of cormorants. A slightly overgrown small trail allows access around the pond.

The big and beautiful metal bird sculpture is easily accessed from the northern end of the trail. I wouldn't mind having that in my garden!

It has been interesting over the last couple of weekends, checking out the stormwater ponds and the birds they hold, with over 40 bird species recorded in the pond areas. Some ponds are too small and of a poor design to be attractive to many birds, but some like the southern Roe & Welshpool pond and a couple others, I expect I'll visit of a more regular basis. For now, my mind is set on hunting down that poor lost Hudsonian Godwit!