Day 44 of lockdown. Another bike ride down to Barton Park and back via the Cooks River Cycleway.
On the ride down the Cooks River, I stopped to photograph a Sacred Kingfisher near Illawarra Road.
This was the only one I saw along the Cooks River on this visit.
I soon arrived at Barton Park and first stopped off at Landing Lights Wetland. Another bird photograph was also there and we compared notes.
Here is a Yellow Thornbill –
And a Yellow-rumped Thornbill –
Also hiding in the shrubs was a Yellow-faced Honeyeater –
In the pond, a Little Egret was walking around –
A Brown Goshawk flew past very quickly and dint disturb any of the other birds.
It was interesting watching the Pied Stilts. The number has increased to 21. In the past, I have been watching them squabble – probably males trying to determine a pecking order. This time I witnessed an amazing courtship dance. One flew down to join another.
The one that flew down, then started mirroring the behaviour of the other.
And then, it started walking around the other one slowly.
It must be getting close to nesting time?
Here are some Superb Fairy-wrens on the hinterland.
I then headed up to the higher area near the old stadium. More Superb Fairy-wrens –
And a New Holland Honeyeater –
Here is a Laughing Kookaburra –
I could not spot any Mannikins or Thornbills feeding on the grass, but the usual Red-browed Finches were there in large numbers .
I next visited Muddy Creek, no birds of note near the boats. Walking back along the trail to the Wetland, I spotted a Sacred Kingfisher.
This is the first one I have seen at Barton Park for a few years.
Here is another New Holland Honeyeater –
I had another look at the pond at Landing Lights Wetland. Here is a Little Pied Cormorant –
A Great Egret was walking around –
I then headed to the old soccer field area. Here are some more Superb Fairy-wrens.
I spotted a Brown Honeyeater, but could not get a good photo. Here is a White-plumed Honeyeater –
And these are Nutmeg Mannikins that were feeding on the grass.
As were a huge flock of Starlings –
Before leaving, I had one last look at the Wetlands. This time a Grey Fantail was near the boardwalk.
On the way home, I stopped off at Cahill Park, to watch some Egrets. A Great Egret was at the end of the creek.
And a Little Egret was feeding near the sand bar.
Then a second Little Egret flew in.
It seemed to be annoyed that the other one was there.
The Great Egret looks bemused as one Little Egret chases away the other.
The “boss” Little Egret returns.
After that I finished off my ride home, without seeing any more interesting birds.