Unusually large numbers of waterbirds have been recorded lately despite high water levels in the Murray - Darling Basin. During the drought most water birds stayed on the lake but with widespread rain in 2010 many left. In 2011 large numbers returned to stay at the lake although water levels are high across south eastern Australia. White-eyed Ducks number up to 150 birds. No young have been seen but some may have bred. Usually only one or two pairs stay in the breeding season. At least three pairs of Chestnut Teal have bred, a few Grey Teal have been recorded and two Blue-winged Shovellers were seen. Dusky Moorhens, Purple Swamphens and Coots are breeding. One, sometimes two, Great Crested Grebes have been noted. Nankeen Night-Herons, Great Egrets, Royal Spoonbills, Little and Hoary-headed Grebes, some in breeding plumage, have all been seen. Masked Lapwings did not breed at Albert Park in 2011. Willie Wagtails are only seen in low numbers now. Both Reed Warblers and Little Grassbirds have been feeding young. Two Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos and one Pied Currawong were being harassed by Noisy Miners. Seven White Cockatoos were seen near a drinking fountain where I turned on the tap to get a drink.
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