Subsequent to my previous message mentioning my frustration at finding
the Plumed Whistling-Duck earlier this year in Commonwealth Park and
this week at Kingston Foreshores in the ACT, I managed to track it
down this evening. My thanks to Ian Fraser for his precise directions
to where he saw it last night.
I had a look at lunchtime after receiving his message, but again failed
to locate the PWD. However, I did locate the White-bellied Sea-Eagle
that apparently roosts in the area (I don't recall who left the message
on the hotline, but their directions were spot on, too.)
I also dropped in at Jerrabomberra Wetlands (the Jerrabomberra Creek
end) and saw the Black-winged Stilt that recently arrived. The Pelican
and Great Egret were in the same spot as they were last night?! On the
way out, I heard some Crested Shrike-tits in the eucalypts just in from
the carpark, and moved in for a closer look. After swearing at the
poor close focus ability of my binoculars, I heard a rustle behind
me and turned to see a 4-5 foot Eastern Brown Snake a few metres away!
I've been this close (or closer) to Red-bellied Black Snakes before,
but this was a very different experience - even without knowing their
reputation, you can tell that these are snakes not to be messed with.
After a minute or so checking each other out, it moved off at a brisk
pace. A timely reminder that we aren't the only things interested in
birds. :)
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Paul Taylor
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