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On the subject of bird baths:
this afternoon Andy and I were in the Hattah
Kalkyne NP (Victoria) and were greatly entertained by a White-eared
Honeyeater that refused to share its 2-bird sized puddle with a Hooded
Robin. It was a wet weekend, so we had gone shopping in Mildura and decided to
detour to the Hattah for our picnic lunch before returning home to Loxton.
Between rain showers we were treated to some spectacular light effects over Lake
Hattah and the waterfowl put on a real show for us. Scattered amongst the many
Grey Teal, Wood Ducks and Pacific Ducks, were a sprinkling of Pink-eared
ducks and some extremely busy Aussie Shovelers. An interesting trio was formed
by a Royal Spoonbill, a Yellowbilled Spoonbill and a Pacific Heron. They
followed each other around in a manner so argumentive it suggested the
arrangement was mutually beneficial, but not enjoyed. A large flock of fussy,
prancing Black-tailed Native-hens swept across the waters edge infront of us,
virtually running over a highly indignant magpie lark. On the way out we were
treated to some wonderful sightings of Mallee birds responding to
the first decent rains of the season - they were all very visible, vocal
and not at all bothered by a couple of bird watchers. We were even treated to an
investigation by an Echidna. We had driven to Mildura on Saturday afternoon, and
to illustrate how hard it was raining, a Caspian Tern was cruising the
Stuart Highway. If you are in the Mallee areas and it rains - get
out there and go bird watching!
Cheers
Shirley
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