My previous visit to Bushells Lagoon at Wilberforce had only been a morning visit – and it had provided many opportunities to observe and photograph birds. I was keen to make a second visit to continue what I had been doing earlier.
Black-shouldered Kite
Like the last visit. I caught a train to Windsor, this time arriving earlier, and cycled out to Bushells Lagoon, this time via Freemans Reach. When I arrived no one else was around.
I unpacked my camera and binoculars and thats wandering around looking for interesting birds. There were plenty of the usual ducks, herons and egrets around. I couldn’t spot the Bittern that I had seen on my previous visit.
I did spot a distant Swamp Harrier.
Then another bird photographer arrived. It was Bill, who I had met a number of times before. We started then looking for birds together. I pointed out to him a nearby Black Swan nest.
Further along the path we found a Reed Warbler –
Another small bird nearby was a Golden-headed Cisticola.
In the trees further along, we spotted a White-plumed Honeyeater –
There were plenty of the usual Herons, Egrets and Welcome Swallows around –
And a Whistling Kite flew overhead –
There was also a Nankeen Kestrel –
We also saw a flock of Nutmeg Manikans. Here are two of them –
Then Bill spotted the Bittern. It was hard to see in the swamp hidden amongst the vegetation. But patient waiting was rewarded as it moved into more open areas.
Bitterns with their long necks are extraordinary birds.
We then observed a nearby Black-shouldered Kite hunting –
It caught a mouse and flew off with it.
Another Kite was hovering nearby. It would scan the ground for prey, and then look around for any other birds that may want to attack it.
It then flew past quite close. Then some more hovering and a dive. I too caught a mouse.
Another bird watcher, Adrian then joined us. We pointed out the Bittern to him. In the distance we could see a Swamp Harrier –
Nearer was a Whistling Kite.
Then, Bill and Adrian had to leave. I remained and had my lunch. Some more birds that were around –
And some wasps –
I then noticed that a flock of Pink-eared Ducks had just taken off –
They circled around a few times before landing.
I wondered what had upset them. Looking up I spotted a distant White-bellied Sea Eagle –
My next photo opportunity was provided by some squabbling Grebes. One decided to fly off, or rather, because they are “reluctant fliers” to run across the water with flapping wings.
It then settled back down on the surface with a belly flop –
Next, some more Black-shouldered Kites flew overhead nearby. They had an interesting mid air encounter. A territorial squabble or courtship?
And some of the other birds that were around –
By this time, The Bittern was back out and a bit closer – so some more photos –
I finished the day watching the hunting Black-shouldered Kites.
It looks like the Kites do a good job keeping the mouse population down. It had been another very good day out observing Nature.
