One thing after another ... I got lost en route and didn't get to
Mill Park Lakes until about 11 a.m (Daylight Saving Time). Two kind
photographers were leaving (I hope with decent photos) and they directed
me over the footbridge and on to the left, to the location for observing
Freckled Ducks. By then two FDs were present - both apparently sound
asleep, perched on small rocks, with their heads tucked down on their
backs, facing away from me. No trouble with ID - their oatmeal speckles
and raised triangular peak of the head still showed. Hardheads and
Chestnut Teal dived and swam round them. I felt twenty minutes of total
immobility was enough, so decided to try the viewpoint from the
peninsula opposite. When I got there, one FD had disappeared leaving
only one, now up-sun and just about out of range.
Just off the point where I was standing, there is a long narrow
island spit with small Swamp Melaleuca bushes on it, with a duck
nest-box off its north end. There seemed to be some ducks there in the
shade. Careful examination with binocs revealed that there were in fact
ducks there - one spread a wing and proved itself a Chestnut Teal, but
at least three had the speckles and even one peaked head could be made
out - so that's where Freckled Ducks go when it's too hot and windy and
they want a bit of peace.
As usual, it proves I should have got up earlier. A more
up-to-date Melway would help too.
Incidentally, by 12 noon (DST) when I left, the temperature was
about 30 degrees Centigrade and the wind quite blustery (ABC weather
report).
Antea Fleming
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