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Areas of Interest
Lake Monger
A ten minute walk away is Lake Monger - a lake right next to the freeway. The eastern freeway side is being restored and replanted with native vegetation and has had a channel placed through to filter the water before it reaches the lake proper. The western side is mainly grassed but is a good area for spotting ducks and seeing swans. Too many people still feed the birds on this side (despite signs discouraging it) and there are quite a few feral ducks. In the south-west corner is an island which is good for rails and the odd oblong tortoise.
The western side is grassed but has bamboo thickets right on the shoreline in most places. In the summer there is a large area of mudflats where one can see rails, stilts and avocets.
The northern side is similar to the western side but has less bamboo and a small viewing area over the water.
Herdsman Lake
About a 5 minute drive away is Herdsman Lake. This is the largest urban wetland in the world. 80% of it is covered by typha reed which provides an excellent breeding ground for many species. I can usually get at least 30 species on a short walk around part of the lake. Some feature birds are Great Crested Grebe, Black-fronted Dotterel and Glossy Ibis. Freckled Duck (rare in the Perth region) have also been recently spotted here.
Perry Lakes
A little further south-west is Perry Lakes two small lakes close to each other. These tend to almost dry up in the summer but apparently it's good for spotting rails in the mornings and evenings. I found two tawny frogmouths here, much to my surprise and delight. The Birds Western Australia headquarters is also near here.
Right next to Perry Lakes is Bold Park, a large area of bushland. I haven't been here yet.
Murdoch University
I go to Murdoch University. On the campus there are large gardens with lots of banksia and grevillia which attract hundreds of Honeyeater and there is a large area of bushland at the southern end of the campus. It's a great area for bushbirds. I have done some mist netting and banding on campus and we identified many species, among them the White-naped Honeyeater and Splendid Fairywren.
North Lake and Bibra Lake
Just south of the campus are North Lake and Bibra Lake. North lake is relatively small and quiet and good for waders and rails (and Tortoise). Bibra Lake is much larger. Its western side is grassed and the ducks and swans are quite tame and bold because they are used to being fed. There are also many Silver Gull and feral ducks and geese unfortunately. Franklin's Gull has been spotted here a few times. The rest of the lake is surrounded by bush and very good for bush birds. There is a bird viewing area on the eastern side.
Carine Swamps
Carine Swamps and Open Space - Two swamps surrounded by bushland and grassed ovals. I took a walk around here yesterday and spotted Grey fantail, Western Gerygone and an Australian Hobby among other things. There is a small flock of feral domestic ducks here too.
Star Swamp
Star Swamp - I will be going here in a few weeks time. I have never been there before but apparently it's good for bush birds.
Trigg Reserve
Trigg Reserve - Another large area of bushland, very close to the beach.
Lake Gwelup
Lake Gwelup - Another of the chain of lakes.
Lake Joondalup
Lake Joondalup - A large lake about 30km north of the city. This lake has the usual grassed areas and natural bushland. Apparently royal spoonbills have been spotted at the northern end. I will be going here next Saturday. Last time I went (many years ago) all I remember were HUNDREDS of Rainbow Lorikeet which are an introduced pest over here.
Garvey Park
Garvey Park - A park that runs along the Swan River, there is a lot of bushland here (and across the river at Ashfield Flats) as well as a small lake. I went on a Birds W.A. walk here and spotted many birds including Buff-banded Rail, Spotted Pardalote and Rufous Whistler. There was also a surprising number of Caspian Tern and Crested tern flying over.
Matilda Bay
Matilda Bay - Another area on the river. Good for Pelican and Cormorant.
Kings Park
Kings Park - A large (and famous) park on a large hill (Mt Eliza) next to the city. The park consists of grassed areas, lakes, gardens and natural bushland. Many species can be spotted here in the different areas.
Alfred's Cove
Alfred's Cove - Also on the river. This area is protected as it is known as a stop off for migratory species.
Penguin Island
Penguin Island - An island near Rockingham - about a half hours drive south of the city. A colony of Little Penguin nests here as well as Pelican and Bridled Tern. Most of the island is protected and inaccessible to the public.
Perth
is also close to the coast - various birds can be found at the many beaches - the most common of course being the ever present Silver Gull.
Content and images originally posted by Steve
