So, since the Koels were not audible in my area today, took
a trip to Kelly’s via Fyshwick (Bunning’s and Sportsmans Warehouse
in case any of you were worried about inappropriate posts) where I observed the
Royal Spoonbills for the first time. Rushing in where angels, well
ornithologists, fear to tread, there were 8 spoonbills in evidence at Kelly’s
today, 6 of which were engaged in some form of breeding activity in the same
willow clump. Looked like the Left Hand Nest (LHS in Martin’s email) was
more ensconced with mating and nest enhancement, one bird sitting on that
edifice during an entire 2.5 hr period. The RHS was not as advanced apparently
but nevertheless mating and nest building were observed. In the crown of
the same willow coppice, another pair was observed engaging in nest-length
branch gifting. This pair actually tried to pinch some branches from the LHS
which ended up in a watery result for one of them.
It was a beautiful afternoon (3-5:30pm). Highlights were 2
Bee-eaters hawking insects (?) off the surface opposite the Tadorna hide where
they continually splashed in the water to take their catches. More like the
Sacred Kingfishers but still beat the prey against the perch once snared. Stunning
colours since the sun was at the right angle to highlight their shimmering
plumage. A single Glossy Ibis also added to the glitter.
Drongo unseen, though many Blackbirds in voice, both
tunefully and a few calls I had not heard before. Willie Wagtails pestering
Pied Currawongs just over the bridge but did not want to find the former’s
nest that I believe it was defending for fear of revealing to the latter. Lots
of Silvereyes everywhere, nests in various places. Perhaps providing a start
for Horsfield Bronze Cuckoo immature observed in grass, specifically in cranesbill
in company of Goldfinches which made me wonder if they were the original foster
parents.
A Swamp Harrier caused a disruption at a couple of points,
during the first of which I was opposite Crake Alley when 4 waders came flying
by in anxious haste. Think they were Bar-tailed Godwits, based on size,
one of them having significant rusty plumage on the neck and the very distinct alarm
call they gave, almost like a beefed up version of the Reed Warbler grating
call. You would think that the bills would have been diagnostic but in
flight, flashing by was not what I saw. Honestly could not tell you what form
or shape the bill was, just the size, calls and the contrasting colour of one
of the birds.
Just one more observation/question. I’m no
Acrocephaline expert, indeed not even an old world warbler expert as my uncle
was, but it seems to me that we have different birds amongst the “Reed
Warbler” population at Kelly’s. There are some individuals that are
quite a bit larger and do not seem to vocalize quite the same way. Has anyone
else noticed this?
Cheers
Shaun
