This morning I was please to see 3 pairs of Great Crested
Grebe with chicks at Prospect Reservoir (approx. 40 km west of Sydney CBD). One
pair had 3 chicks, the second pair had 2 chicks and the third pair appeared to
only have one chick. The chicks were about a quarter-third of the size of the
adults mainly white with dark brown streaks on the head and body and a long
bill similar to the adults. All these chicks were making quite a noise. Another
pair of Great Crested Grebes may also be still nesting as one of the adults
spent a fair amount of time hidden in the reeds.
The bush birds were mainly quite which is not surprising for
this time of year but there were an abundance of Mistletoebirds
(which was pretty much the same situation about this time last year). Also
interesting was seeing 8 male Variegated Wrens together within a metre or so from each other (4 where in good breeding
plumage whereas the rest were loosing a lot of colour)
with some female birds also with them. Both Double-barred Finches and
Chestnut-breasted Mannikins were also present and a
Peaceful Dove was also heard calling.
Edwin Vella.
