Diamond Dove!

Back in early February two Diamond Doves were spotted at a dam in the Kamarooka section of the Greater Bendigo National Park.  I've been lucky to see these lovely little doves in north-west Western Australia but they aren't so common in Victoria.

Many successful stake-outs at the dam suggested that the doves were hanging around, and up to three individuals had been seen by some birders. It seemed like a great chance to see these little guys again - and much closer to home this time. Hello, Bendigo birding trip!

Crusoe Reservoir

Actually, it wasn't just a birding trip.  I dropped a non-birder and his MTB off in Harcourt to ride the rest of the way so I couldn't head straight up to the dam in Kamarooka.  But that's ok - there's Crusoe Reservoir!

View from the start of my walk...things looking pretty dry!

I'd always found Crusoe to be very birdy, but this time it was much quieter.  Perhaps it was the forecast 34 degrees, or maybe there wasn't enough flowering to bring in the number of honeyeaters I've seen on previous visits.

Unfortunately I didn't see any of these little Yellow-footed cuties either.

Out West

Last weekend I was hoping to catch up with some Rainbow Bee-eaters in the You Yangs before they left for the season. It was pretty cool and overcast, not overly birdy, and after a while I thought I must have been too late.

Hovells Creek in the Western Plantation

Luckily, just I was walking back to the car I heard the call and briefly saw a small group of Bee-eaters flying overhead.  They were more silhouette than rainbow, but I guess that counts as successful?  And I did see a few other things too, I guess.

Next was nearby Serendip Sanctuary for lunch. With their captive birds, the resulting freeloaders, and wetlands with hides, there was some pretty reliable birdiness to be had there.

speaking of freeloaders

On the Wildlife Walk we found Australian White Ibis, Sulphur Crested Cockatoos and a Magpie Goose in the Brolga enclosure.

the Magpie Goose was in a tree

this Brolga preened and ignored

And then on to the birdhide!