A Walk Around Lake Lorne

Start your walk at the crossing of the Bellarine Rail Trail and the small pedestrian bridge. From the path you can see the shallow parts of the Lake Lorne. It is here that the water weeds are closest to the surface. The moist, damp earth encourages growth of grasses and water plants, easy takings for water birds as well as those that enjoy seeds. I have seen waders such as White-faced Herons and White-necked Herons exploring the shallow depths, ducks paddling leisurely through as well as Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, and other seed eaters on the bank amongst the grasses.

Don’t neglect to observe the train track area as the Crested Pigeons love nestling on the tracks succouring the warmth. Also Common Bronzewings. House Sparrows and smaller birds find seeds and insects easily along bare earth that surround the lines.

Look into the tree tops around the car park. There are many places one can find birds. Remember to look everywhere as some love the ground, others the safety of a thick bush and many prefer high in the foliage of a tall tree. From this height the safest spot to land and feed can be chosen.

Follow the north path that runs between the railway line and the lake. The trees and bush create a thick screen that blocks a full view of Lake Lorne however if you hear rustling it may be a Red-wattle bird or a New Holland Honeyeater. They love feeding from the small flowers found on the indigenous trees. If you do manage to see the waters edge, the shyer of water birds are here, using the reeds and logs as perfect camouflage. Redcapped Plovers totter along the waters adhering to the muddy edge where morsels may be found. My delight also is seeing magnificent stilts stroll through the shallows. Once I sighted a Latham Snipe, a tourist from Hokkaido Japan, who spends the summer months living and hiding from humans in clumps of reeds.

The more brash birds such Grey Butcherbirds may perch on the fence posts here. They are always on the search for a young bird to add to the larder. The seat gives you a favourable view over the lake. On the surface of the lake sail numerous ducks but if you can’t see them many can be viewed over in amongst the islands growth. There are many logs and overhanging branches for the ducks to shelter in safety as high above in the sky a black or whistling kite may soar. Sometimes the raptors sit on vantage points the highest branches on island trees watching for unsuspecting victims.

The islands are also favourite resting places for the various cormorants (Little Black, Little Pied and Pied). Even Royal Spoonbills and Yellow-billed Spoonbills enjoy resting safely far away from the bustle of the town traffic.

This flat land is a perfect place for ibis (both White Ibis and Straw-necked) as well trees with open boughs where Magpies and Ravens roost. Masked Lapwings also roam this area. The Dusky Moorhens, Coots, Purple Swaphens love trailing through the shallow water nearby as well as exploring the grasslands.

The path winds between the lake and the reserve area where horses are exercised. The tiniest of birds like exploring this space as they search for seeds in amongst the grass clumps. I have seen Red-browed Finches, Silver -eyes, Buff-rumped and Yellow-rumped Thornbills as well as the larger birds, the Blackbirds, Masked Lapwings and Ravens.

Often further out when the grass is cut Galahs feed on the ground, gently air rating the ground with their tough, strong beaks. The tall trees way over, provide a canopy to noisy Corellas. They too love digging the soil for tit-bits.

A favourite spot of the Superb Fairy Wrens. The females are quite obvious hopping through the grass happily searching for insects and other tasty morsels. The boss male, stupendous in his colouring is often in a bush or posing on a top branch observing his family as they happily move around. Frequently the Willy Wagtails join me at this point. The waving tails doing a wonderful job as they wave over the grasses scaring the insects into the air enabling a tasty feed. These little birds are not the shyest of the bird kingdom. They know that humans disturb insects too, consequently they are not afraid to hover nearby.

A wonderful view of the lake where often Black Swans and Australian Pelicans cruise and ducks paddle. Quite rare ducks have been sighted here such as the Blue-billed Ducks, Hard Heads and Freckled Ducks. The most commonly seen are Pacific Black Ducks and Chestnut Teals. Often the Wood Ducks enjoy a stroll on land. Look closely at their beautiful feathering. They can also be seen perched on a branch as well as drifting along the surface.

Unfortunately a family of Noisy Miners have made their home in the trees here. They are determined to claim the land as their own and will attack every other inhabitant of their territory. Most of the little occupants will depart when the miners move into the neighbourhood.

If you see and then you don’t see a tiny bird on the surface it is probably a grebe, mainly a Hoary Headed Grebe. These little birds delight in feeding under the surface so they are a ‘now you see and now you don’t’ bird. They are sighted as they rise to the surface for air then just as quickly down they go for another underwater treat.

Raucous Rainbow Lorikeets live in the trees surrounding the pathway. They yell and scream letting one and all know who is in residence. I have also seen the Red-rumped Parrots here feeding in the grass then just as quickly rising to the tree tops. The subtle green of the female is in striking contrast to the brazen male with his obvious red rump.

***** Remember that some days you can stroll the pathways and view a myriad of wildlife other days unfortunately everything seems to be hiding from you. Such is the life of a birder! Best wishes to all who explore this wonderful natural resource.

I have not mentioned the night life around this area but be assured not all the birds are sleeping. One species is certainly active as the Tawny Frogmouths are active night hunters scanning the grounds for their favourite ground dwelling. prey. If you wish to find them by day, good luck as they sit motionless, camouflaged among the tree branches looking just like a dead branch.

Carole O’Neill

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