I spent a a day at Sydney Olympic Park, mainly photographing birds. It was fairly quiet when I arrived. There were not too many interesting birds in the large pond at Bicentennial Park, and not much happening at the Wreck Lookout.
Here are some of the birds at the ponds –
Here is a sequence of a Welcome Swallow –
And at the Wrecks – a White-faced Heron –
I made my way into Wentworth Common. Not far in, at the base of the circular hill, I spotted a Buff-banded Rail. I keep a distance from it, and grabbed a few shots, but it didn’t seem too spooked out by my presence, and it made its way to a pool. It then started having a bath. The bird took its time enabling me to get some nice photos –
It then shot back into the high grass. I continued on my way, and headed to the Brickpit. I didn’t spot a Black-shouldered Kite this visit. Heading back to Wentworth Common, I came across a lot of stinkhorns growing in the wood chips. Two different species. Here is Aseröe rubra –
Nearby was a large patch of Lysurus mokusin –
I walked quietly around the circular hill. I was on the lookout, not only for the Rail, but also for Brown Quails. I only saw a few Superb Fairy-wrens –
Back on the far side I did see a Buff-banded Rail. Then surprise, two of them, then even more of a surprise – some chicks. I watched from a distance. The birds seemed very cautious and did not stray far from the grass.
It was difficult shooting into the sun, so I decided to walk back, away from them, and then go all the way around the hill and approach them from the far side. But, by the time I had completed the circle, I spotted one of the parents ducking into the grass. Thats all. I wondered if my earlier encounter, with the adult taking a leisurely bath, may have been a ruse – trying to draw me away from where the chicks may have been hiding?
I went back into Bicentennial Park. At the hide I met another bird watcher. He was surveying the birds there and we had a chat. In the far distance on the east side of the pond, I could see about a dozen Black-fronted Dotterels. I left the hide and walked around the pond to get a closer view. I think I counted about 21 in the group –
Time to head home. I photographed a few more birds on the walk back to the station.
