Went to BL yesterday and was incredibly happy to hear dozens of one of my
favorite summer birds, the Australian Reed-warbler. They are back with a
vengeance. Bring on summer! Golden-headed Cisticola were advertizing their
availability throughout the southern end in particular in the tall grassy
swamp and surrounds.
Also observed four Black-winged Stilt flying in formation, three Intermediate
Egret, two Great Egret, dozens of Pelican and Darter, plenty of Pacific Black
Duck and a few Hardhead too. There were at least five Whistling Kite working
around the lagoon and also observed an Australian Kestrel, Black-shouldered
Kite, Swamp Harrier and an immature and adult White-breasted Sea Eagle. :)
Towards the end of my visit I watched the Swamp Harrier hassle a Whistling
Kite to drop a small lizard from its talons. Unsuccessfully. It was aces
high!
One of the more beautiful birds I did observe was a Baillon's Crake near
the end of the causeway. Initially, it was on the lower branches of the partly
submerged trees to the right of the causeway, then as I kneeled my way into
the shallow water wearing my semidry 7mm wetsuit and sniper camouflage outfit
it slowly worked its way back towards the edge of the swamp, which was even
better, as I could photograph it with the light from behind me. I was not
more than four meters from this little bird for most of my time I sepnt with
it (about 30 minutes all up, slowly following as it ducked and weaved in
and out of the tussocks and kept foraging). Wow. What a little beauty. You
can see one of my many images here:
http://australasiaforum.net/australasia/index.php/topic,3410.0.html
Regards
Akos
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www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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