A visit to the Parkes Sewage Ponds this afternoon
(24/07/05), a lone Marsh Sandpiper was observed feeding with a group of
White-headed Stilt. Water fowl numbers have dropped in recent weeks, since the recent
rain with duck numbers halved. Pink-eared Ducks are still the most common out
numbering even the always present Grey Teal. Chestnut Teal, Australian
Shoveler and Hardhead have only a few remaining individuals.
The immature White-breasted Sea-eagle that was present
last months has departed, but not before making a meal of the only young Black
Swan left out of a clutch of 3. The other two species that have moved on are
the 6 Black-tailed Nativehens and 10 Red-kneed Dotterals.
As the weather turns warmer I expect some will return.
Neville Schrader
Parkes NSW
(33’05 148’15)
