News

Tawny Frogmouth with chick

Sightings around Blackburn Lake

January 26, 20251 min read

It is so pleasing to note that the Tawny Frogmouths have been successful in raising chicks in various parts of Blackburn Lake Sanctuary and further along the corridor to the Blackburn Creeklands. Thanks to Russell and Ruth who have been regular visitors, monitoring and recording their progress.

Tawny Frogmouths

Bursaria Spinosa (Sweet Bursaria), a hardy and easily grown shrub or small tree is looking stunning as it is currently blooming throughout Blackburn Lake Sanctuary. This shrub offers long lived shelter for small birds and food for the Eltham Copper Butterfly. Its sweetly scented creamy white flowers are followed by attractive coppery seed capsules.

Sweet Bursaria flowerSweet Bursaria pods

Several sightings of the tiny Sacred Kingfisher parent and young have been delighting visitors, particularly when walking along the tracks in the early evening.

Sacred Kingfisher

If you are lucky, you may catch sight of our turtles as you wander past the Lake Wall. They are often sunning themselves there and in other parts of the Lake.

Turtles at the Lake Wall

Billabong Bridge

And good news. We hear that a replacement Billabong bridge is being built off site, so here’s hoping we will see it installed very soon.

While you are here, have a look at What's On at the Sanctuary over the next months. We would love to see you.

Back to Blog

Follow us:

Facebook

The Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a special place that sits at the origins of the Kooyong Koot tributary.

This Country, its creatures, lands, skies and waterways, has been continuously loved and cared for by the Wurundjeri peoples for over 60,000 years. We hope to walk with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung in caring for this place.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung as the First Peoples of this area and pay our respects to their spirits, ancestors and elders.

Copyright © 2025 Blackburn Lake Sanctuary Advisory Committee.

All rights reserved.