Visited the Lockyer Valley on Saturday last (9.4) including Atkinson's
Dam, Helidon, Lester Bridge, Boyce's Rd and surrounds.
Usual expected birds given the fact that Atkinson's is at 3%.
At Clarendon we (Robert D & I) were delighted to see 5 Brown Falcon's
feeding (presumably) on the grasshoppers infesting the dry lake bed
which itself is full of dry, tall grass and weeds (?). We ventured down
to get a closer look and were very pleased to flush, at least 3,
probably 6, possibly as many as 10 or 12, Singing Bushlarks from the
long grass/ weeds etc. There were multiple pipits among them and a few
Willy wagtails, but the flight, tawny wing coverts and different jiz
clearly marked out these birds. Our first and, I suspect, of interest to
the birding community?? If not - that's what the delete button is for!!
Very difficult to see on the ground - although Robert did manage to get
a viewing for a few seconds and we both got a couple of fuzzy,
indistinct photos - then again that's what that delete button is for
too!!
Given the fact that we haven't come across them before and they are
rarely mentioned in bird reports - certainly here in Qld - to see so
many - very very difficult to count - I assume they are on some sort of
migration? They certainly didn't show any signs of departing - we
pursued them fairly actively for an hour or so and they were content to
simply fly 30 - 50 meters and land again.
Lots of other nice birds too, but no Banded Stilts, few duck and no
Spotted Harriers this time.
--
Colin Reid
So many birds, so little time......
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