While doing my GBS count this morning a very large grey bird
flew low over me heading east to west. Its wingspan was about 1.2m, it had a
long neck which it carried fully extended, long legs trailing behind (well
beyond its body/tail) and a long, straight bill. It was uniform grey in colour
and on the downward beat of its wings the tips turned upwards. The only bird
that I have seen which it resembled is a juvenile Brolga. I say juvenile as I
could not see any red. It flew over me within 20m then westward paralleling Jerabomberra
Creek. It appeared to land in a paddock near the old Tralee Speedway, so I
jumped in the car and raced around to try and get a better look but it was
nowhere to be seen. Anyone visiting Jerra Wetlands should perhaps keep an eye
out for it.
Regards
Lindsay Hansch
