This was another visit to Bicentennial Park at Homebush Bay. This time I was with the National Parks Association of NSW on an activity led and organised by Brian Everingham.
White-winged Triller
We met at the start of the boardwalk into the mangroves. In the party was Brian, Ken, Sue B, Sue W, Esther, John, Allen, Gary, Erden and one of his friends, and myself. Most of the party had brought along cameras with telephotos lenses.
We started off along the mangrove walk, and checked out some pools. We spotted a small Blue-tongued Skink. Ken, our reptile expert, thought it was only a week or two old and explains they were born live.
We also saw a Water Skink –
We then proceeded to the large wetland pools. Here are some of the birds we saw –
Pied Stilts
Red-necked Avocets
In a tree between two pools we were surprised to spot a White-winged Triller –
And a pair of Black Swans –
Here are some of the birds that were hunting for food –
White-faced Heron
Here is has caught a small skink.
Great Egret
The Egret swallowed the first fish, then caught two more.
Australian Pelican
The Pelican dropped the fish however. Perhaps it was poisonous?
At one time, the Avocets and Ducks all took off –
This behaviour often indicates a predator is around. Sure enough, we spotted a juvenile Sea Eagle –
And there are always some delightful Superb Fairy-wrens around –
We then made our way to Lake Belvedere. It was by now very hot, so we didn’t stay too long. Here are some Dusky Moorhens – chicks with a parent.
And some of the other birds at Lake Belvedere –
Royal Spoonbill
Pied Cormorants
Little Black Cormorant
And some Short-necked Turtles –
