Whistlers, Fantails etc

["Rod's Gardening" <>]

I recorded 42 species during 4 hrs paddle-blitzing Jerra Creek and environs on Sat morning.  Of the species being discussed I wrote down 20 Wood Ducks, 6 Rufous Whistlers (only one female actually sighted but calling was well spread out over the distance covered) and 12 Grey Fantails which were also very vocal.  I suspect numbers were actually much higher. 

 

Also seen were at least 2 Sacred Kingfishers and a pair of WW Trillers.  Sue and Julian who were patrolling the area on foot flushed several Latham's Snipe incl one which apparently passed right in front of me - probably dismissed by me as just another duck.  I also missed out on the Sea Eagle they saw. 

 

The (presumed) Whistling Kite nest looks further advanced than 6 weeks ago, and although there was at least 1 WK patrolling I didn't see any activity in or at the nest.  The WK at one stage was harassed by 5 Masked Lapwings, and in turn a little later flushed 15 Masked Lapwings as it cruised overhead.  Another interesting observation was an unmistakeable WK call served up by a Blackbird in the middle of its repertoire. 

 

Reed Warblers were prolific, buzzing in and out of the streamside vegetation like bees.  I wrote down 30 but again that number would be conservative.

 

Cheers

 

Rod