Merri Birdwatch report - February 2026
By Ann McGregor
5 April 2026
The Friends’ bird outings are becoming popular – 86 people participated across the ten surveys over two Sunday mornings in February. Whether experts or beginner birders, everyone can contribute by pointing out birds they see, as we stroll along the survey routes. It’s great to see the excitement when someone gets a good close view of a bird they have never noticed before.
The surveys recorded 67 species, with an estimated total of 1,723 birds. More diversity was seen at bababi djinanang (30 species), Coburg Lake (33) and galgi ngarrk (33) than at the other sites, which recorded 23–25 species. Several leaders commented on seeing fewer birds than is typical. As Alister reflected about Coburg Lake: “Given the dryness across the landscape, I would've expected more waterbirds at a place where there is reliable water!” The total number of species was about the same as in February 2025 and only three less than in February 2024.
At galada tamboore, notable sightings were two Dusky Woodswallows and two Brown Goshawks: the latter interacting, apparently playfully, over the grassland. Two Golden-headed Cisticolas were in the reed beds along the Creek. They haven’t been observed higher up the scarp for a while, probably due to the dry conditions.
The big group of participants in the East Brunswick (Blyth St- Moreland Rd) survey enjoyed clear views of a Tawny Frogmouth roosting on the edge of CERES environment park, a Sacred Kingfisher preening by the Merri opposite Northcote Golf Course and an Eastern Rosella feeding on boxthorn fruits.
Curly Sedge Creek was dry in galgi ngarrk. It was a hot day, so many small birds were hiding in trees along the Merri and in the hedgerows. They included 32 Red-browed Finches and at least 12 Zebra Finches. It has been four years since such a large flock of Zebras was spotted. The flock of 7 Australian Wood Duck (or Maned Duck) was also unusual. A good variety of raptors: Wedge-tailed Eagle, Black-shouldered Kite, Brown Goshawk and Brown Falcon.
The highlight in Clifton Hill was a small family of Kookaburras, including a juvenile learning how to sing (laugh?). Surprisingly, no Little Ravens, or Wattlebirds, were recorded there.
Bird numbers were probably reduced at Edwardes Lake by a drone, two large and loud running groups, and dogs everywhere. Fortunately, the drone operator took it down when the impact was explained. Bird surveys at Edwardes Lake will start at 8am for the rest of the year, to try and avoid these disturbances.
The Coburg Lake observers appreciated seeing a Nankeen Night Heron, roosting in a tree next to the main playground, and two Tawny Frogmouths in a peppercorn tree near the main Merri Creek Trail.
There were the usual mobs of Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the grasslands: 50+ at bababi marning, 80 at galgi ngarrk and 15 (plus 1 Swamp Wallaby) at galada tamboore.
Our thanks to Peter Mollison for sharing these photographs.
Image credit: Birders at work!
Image credit: Australian Wood Ducks, Chenonetta jubata at the junction with Bracken Creek.
Image credit: Tawny Frogmouth, Podargus strigoides, near CERES.
Image credit: Sacred Kingfisher, Todiramphus sanctus, near the creek bank just upstream from the shared path bridge.
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Image credit: Pacific Black Duck, Anas superciliosa duckling near Albion Street.
Image credit: Little Pied Cormorant, Microcarbo melanoleucos, near CERES.
Image credit: Little Ravens, Corvus mellori, near Albion Street.
Image credit: Eastern Rosella, Platycercus eximius, near CERES.