As the water-borne strategy had demonstrated its effectiveness,
I was prompted to re-launch after a very long interval the ‘Acrocephalus’,
an ancient cut-off Canadian and a rather more stately craft than these tear-ass
kayaks so popular among younger people these days. This afternoon,at the
spot mentioned by Julian I found at least one, probably 2, juv LBs, no adults being
in evidence. I shall not inflict a picture on you as Julian’s will
be better. They were seen in a range of situations including in the
purple-flowered shrub which Ian told me some years ago is Purple
Loosestrife. He also told me it is a native, which I find confirmed on
the ANBG website, although as an introduced weed it has apparently become unwelcomely
rampant in N America.
All I can add re the bird is that it gives a soft high-pitched krrrdddl,
apparently a warning sound, louder as one approaches. It has a ventriloquial
quality, sometimes appearing to come from a spot a few metres from the bird.
I shall probably not make the effort to get video as the IBC website is well-served
with footage from Europe of this widespread species.
From: Marnix Zwankhuizen
[
Sent: Saturday, 9 February 2008 1:32 PM
To: COG bird discussions
Subject: [canberrabirds] Little Bittern
I finally caught up with a male
Little Bittern by Acacia Inlet this morning at around 10.30am after three
failed attempts.
I had fairly good views of the male bird for almost 20 minutes as it preened
and moved about atop a reedbed wedged in the corner of the lake shore west of
the boat ramp. This was the first male I had ever seen. A beautifully marked
bird.
Cheers
Marnix
