The business today was going to the Western Treatment Plant (WTP) near Werribee. I am not sure how big the place is, but its huge. We often do 60 km on the tracks in there. Today started off with what could be called Average weather. Possibly a step down, to Ordinary. It was still raining when we left our accommodation in Rosslyn St. The first image is Spenser St, but the small camera didn't like the low level of light: at 0800 hrs it was still barely light.
I think these next images are somewhere over the Westgate Bridge but still manky.
The rain stopped just before the the Point Cool turnoff, but the temperature still hovered around 8C. It was good to get Bird of the Day done with early. These 3 Brolgas were seen from Point Wilson Rd, before we actually got into the Plant.
We got a few birds in the T-section ponds but it was so unpleasant out in the wind we didn't get out of the car. Touring the Western Lagoons a highlight was a flock of Red-necked Avocets. An eagle-eyed observer picked out, from this image that near the front of the line were 2 Banded Stilts - the first I have seen for yonks and an addition to my Victorian list! Also Bird of the Day.
Back to Point Wilson Rd and some Brolgas - possibly the same ones - had crossed the road, One of these seemed to be trying out a few dance moves. I don't think John Travolta need fear the competition.
After attempting Gate 4, which appeared to be closed due to work on the coastal track, we spotted a pair of Black-shouldered Kites. Definitely "wham, bam, thank you ma'am".
I'm not sure how pleased she was!
We then headed up to Paradise Rd for our final leg. We went to the Little River hide and met another group, who advised that Gate 4 was open, but the coast road was closed. Here is a map of this leg covering 17 km.
The total species for the trip was 42, as included in this
eBird trip report. Pretty much all the duck counts are guesses.
I was wondering whether to go into Geelong for fuel or to buy it at a service centre. As we had to go to Avalon due to the Point Wilson crossing being closed (and the fuel seeming on Petrol Spy to be 12 cents/litre cheaper in Geelong) we did that. Then found it was only 4 cents cheaper, so basically spent about $4 to save $1!
Driving along the freeway the glass panels were very attractive. All driving images courtesy of Frances.
No difficulty on the bridge!
We went out for tea, taking a photo of the skyline as we crossed Flagstaff Gardens ...
... and another from an apartment.
The latter image, primarily of office buildings rather than apartment blocks was taken well after the offices - or at least most them - would be empty of workers. What a waste of electricity (and money) by the building occupants.
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