As I hadn't seen them since 1999 and the weather was so nice in Sydney
yesterday headed to the other end of the Cumberland Plain and look for Swift
Parots. Stoped first at Shaws Creek on the Springwood Road, and after
deciding that motor bike riders also like sunny days, went to the western
side of the road amongst the Yellow Bloodwood (you were correct Darryl).
Whilst amongst the Bell Miners, saw very briefly the tail end of two
parrots, that looked about the right size, but didn't hear the call to be
100% positive. Other lerp feeders present were Yellow-faced and White-naped
Honeyeaters.
Then went to Terrace Road and briefly listened at the roadside ironbark,
though the traffic was heavy and the Miners loud, so no calls were heard.
This remnant shows that heavily disturbed (weed smothered) blocks can still
be important for threatened species.
Finally went down to Pit Town Lagoon to re-aquaint myself with Freckled
Ducks. Two were quite close in and as usual it amazed me how distinctive
their profiles are. As I was investigating some White-plumed Honeyeaters in
the tree plantings, a movement in the corner of my eye attracted me to the
western edge of the lagoon. Initially I thought it was a very low Swamp
Harrier, but as it landed the distinctive heron profile as it disappeared
into the reeds was obvious.
Sneaking up as quietly as possible, it flushed again and I had finally
tracked down an Australaisan Bittern. Got about 20 seconds of flight before
it dropped down into reeds on the other side of the lagoon, which a lack of
gum boots prevented from trying to get a view on the ground.
A great day, with the added bonus of a new species.
Cheers,
Peter
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