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Well I reckon one of the best places to be this
morning was Pitt Town lagoon. Saw 60 species there in just
under three hours. Spectacular views of a Swamp Harrier
trying to catch a Purple Swamp Hen - at one point the SH actually pickup a
PSH about 3 feet off the ground and dropped it. It kept coming back for
renewed attempts - this went on for about 20 minutes - the PSH's grouped
together while the hunt was on to increase the defence. Eventually the SH got
too tiered and landed in reeds. Saw other interesting birds that had
been reported recently including 10 Freckled Duck, 2 Black-Tailed Native
Hen (these were well over the far side (east / north/east) a single
Glossy Ibis and a single Restless Flycatcher.
Plenty of finches were around also today including good numbers of Zebra
Finches, others included Chestnut-Breasted Mannikin, Nutmeg
Mannikin, Red-Browed Finch and Double-Barred Finch. The usual ducks
were in good numbers particularly Pink-Eared and
Australian-Shoveler. Also of interest was a single
Mallard as well as a few Hoary-Headed
Grebes.
Good number of Red-Kneed Dotteral
were present, possibley the most I have seen here - they were well dispersed
around the lagoon particularly common over the eastern side of the lagoon - I
didn't get a formal count but I would think that there would have been about 40
(+/-) individuals. Also a couple of Black-Fronted Dotteral were
present. Also flushed 4 Brown Quail from long grass beside the
lagoon.
A very enjoyable morning!
Simon.
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