Hi All,
The morning at Deep Creek on Sydney's Northern Beaches was dull and overcast
and that's possibly why one of the local Black Bitterns chose to forage just
metres away from the dog training area on the north bank of the creek.
I sat on a picnic table and watched it for up to 10 minutes, it was directly
across the creek about 12 metres away and didn't seem concerned with my
presence. I then showed it to two American birders (picnicking in the car
park) who were suitably impressed, I left them still looking at it.
It is strange how these birds can go for months (years!) without being seen
and then turn up apparently quite trusting. This may be a repeat of their
behaviour two Christmases ago when they attempted to breed, at that time
they were foraging almost daily on the lower reaches of the creek. At that
time fish stocks in the creek was were probably low as the lagoon entrance
had been closed for some time and they were desperate to build up reserves
for breeding. I think they are more at home on the overgrown upper reaches
of the creek and only feed downstream during the day when food is in short
supply. Hopefully we can look forward to another breeding event.
Other birds seen were: Three types of cuckoo, Channel-billed, Shining Bronze
and Fan-tailed. Three types of cocky: Sulphur-crested, Yellow-tailed Black
and Little Corella. White-throated Gerygonies and a Black-faced Monarch
heard.
Bruce.
Bruce Cox on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
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