Discover the spring-summer season birds of the Geelong Region
As August draws to a close, the days start to get a little warmer, the daylight hours increase and the many migratory species are on the move. Species such as Orange-bellied Parrots and Swift Parrots depart across Bass Strait to breed in Tasmania, Double-banded Plovers return to New Zealand and some of the altitudinal migrants, such as Flame Robins, return to the mountain areas to breed.
Although some birds depart from the region, many others return to spend the spring in the Geelong area. This year the cuckoos have returned early, with many reports of Horsfields and Shining Bronze Cuckoos and also Fan-tailed Cuckoos. During September, we can expect to see other species such as Olive-backed Oriole, White-winged Triller, Sacred Kingfisher and Rufous Whistler return to the bush land and Clamorous Reed Warblers in the wetlands. In open grassy areas, Brown Songlarks and Stubble Quail return to breed.
The migratory waders breed in the northern hemisphere summer (our winter) with most species nesting in the arctic tundra. They complete an amazing journey, flying immense distances to return to Australia in the spring. Latham’s Snipe return in August having bred in Japan. Large numbers of Red-necked Stint, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper spend the spring/summer in the area. Other returning waders include Eastern Curlew, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Bar-tailed and Black-tailed Godwit, Pacific Golden Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Great Knot and Red Knot. Wood Sandpiper, Whimbel and Sanderling are occasional visitors.
Large flocks of Whiskered Terns frequent the wetlands and Common Terns are sometimes seen on the beaches and shores.
The magnificent display of local wildflowers is celebrated by the Angair Wildflower and Art Show. The flowers also attract the nectar feeders such as honeyeaters and the insects that form the diet of the many insectivorous bush birds.
Spring is the season of rebirth and it is the best time of year to see the splendor of blooming wild flowers. The forest and bush land is alive with birds involved in breeding activity. In early morning, the air fills with the birdsongs of many species as they proclaim territories.
Spring-summer is a great time for bird watchers visiting Geelong. Let us show you the special spring birds on one of our tours.
