Twitching the WTP
Victoria, Australia


The WTP (or Western Treatment Plant) is located south of Melbourne between Werribee and Geelong in Victoria. The coastal location of the plant, mixed with the large number of inland lagoons, swamps and lakes, means its an ideal habitat for migratory waders. Every so often, uncommon species turn up, (spotted by keen eyed birdwatchers), and a procession of 'twitchers' turn up to see the visitors. When such a species does, i often try to photograph the bird to document the occassion (and get a photo of a species that i'd normally have to travel, sometimes overseas, for.) Below are links to slideshows of rare or uncommon species that i've photographed over the last few years.

Ruff - 8th October 2004 - 3 Images

Franklins Gull - 18th January 2005 - 1 Image

Red Necked Phalarope - 24th December 2005 - 4 Images

Oriental Pratincole - 28th December 2005 - 5 Images

Wood Sandpiper - 28th December 2005 - 5 Images

Long Toed Stint - 30th December 2005 - 11 Images

Red Knots - 30th December 2005 - 3 Images

Unidentified Sandpiper - 16th January 2006 - 5 Images

Mystery Shelduck - 21st January 2006 - 11 Images

Little Curlew - 2nd March 2006 - 3 Images

Red-Necked Phalarope (Breeding)- 18th November 2006 - 1 Images

Pectoral Sandpiper - 13th January 2007 - 1 Images

Little Stint - 16th July 2008 - 2 Images