Full- and half-day outings to the Western Treatment Plant were offered on Friday 10 March and Monday 13 March. Over the two days 63 people took advantage of the opportunity to visit, guided and driven by a volunteer from among the local birders with Melbourne Water Birdwatching Permits.

Many of our interstate conference participants added new species to their life-lists and told me they were thrilled with the sheer number of birds, variety of species, and expertise of their drivers.

A total of 113 species were recorded over the 2 days. The attached list was put together by the 22 drivers - thanks for your help.

Photo: The 'big guns' were out on Friday morning at the crake pond, T Section, WTP. L to R: Keith Lightbody (WA) Geoff Lane (WA) and their driver Tim van Leeuwen.

Jill, thanks for the list. It's good to have a report of the total sightings. Congratulations on organising a very successful event. I was happy to participate as a driver and permit holder.

Our list for the day - nothing especially dramatic but a good total indicates the variety that was about, even if we dipped on the other crakes!
Ebird list S35148212