Hi all,
We finally made it across the water today for a look at the Painted
Snipe. We got to the hide at about 3:45, and after a quick look
around and in the hide, one of the very helpful volunteers took us
back outside the gate to show us the Snipe, hiding under the bushes
just near the hide. We had 'adequate' views of it sleeping, preening,
and otherwise dozing on one leg - this was for a couple of hours. We
then drove to the lakes behind the industrial estate in Aspendale,
hoping for Bitterns. Got Swamphen, Coots, Swans, etc, but no
Bitterns. When it started to sprinkle, we set off back for the
Edithvale wetland, stopping for tea on the way (while it rained quite
heavily for a brief moment). We arrived back at the hide gate a bit
before 7:00pm, but no sign of the Snipe! We should have stayed put!
We searched around on both sides of the hide for some time, even
sitting in the car, and trying to see what we could see through the
rain shower. That stopped about 7:10, and we got out for one last
look before leaving. Scanned across the mud, and there, almost
invisible, and yet quite out in the open, was the Snipe feeding in a
bit of a puddle! We watched it feed, being almost spooked by a Buff-
banded Rail, and then spending some time chasing a Spotted Crake. We
got some reasonable shots of it through the fence, but some great
views! And we almost left too soon.
Thanks to all those who helped point it out, and to the volunteers who
do such a great job.
Here's hoping for some other lifers tomorrow.
Cheers,
John Tongue
Ulverstone, Tas.
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