Peter Barnes received an email from Hoss Bolenski:
 
Hi Peter. I belong to a Facebook group called Birds on the Eyre Peninsula, everyone is welcome to join. All the photos I send are taken in or near my backyard in the Marina at Port Lincoln. The Black Galah photo went all over Australia via the ABC. The same flock of Galahs returned 14 days to get another shot. It’s rare to see black birds or animals but not uncommon. It is called Melanism. (See photos above.)
 
 
Jo Gloster: While most AOC members were heading north on Sun, we "3 Js" set off for a morning at Oaklands Wetland and Reserve. High water levels in the ponds left very little muddy areas for waders, but 24 common bird species were seen, and definite evidence of 'Spring in the air'! Two matings were observed: Dusky Moorhen and Australasian Swamphen, and most nesting boxes and tree hollows showed evidence of occupation: Eurasian Coot was actually sitting tight on its substantial reedy nest. Sadly, the previously seen pair of Southern Boobook Owls of this site were not seen. Apologies for no photos !

Safe travels to everyone and good luck with your sightings.
Cheers to all, Jo G
 
(Oaklands Wetland and Reserve is on UBD Map 141, C 11.)
 
 
Marianne Wakelin: The Hooded Plovers are nesting at Holdfast Bay (the local council have roped off the nesting area).
 

A vulnerable shorebird found across southern Australia is showing good signs of its numbers increasing as fewer people visit beaches because of travel restrictions. A recent survey of eastern hooded plovers in South Australia and Victoria showed a noticeable boost in the numbers of breeding pairs and fledglings. Ninety-three breeding pairs were spotted by BirdLife Australia volunteers in SA, along with 56 fledglings.


 
The article can be read in detail at ABC on-line:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-02/hooded-plover-numbers-rising-in-south-australia/12513316