Day 98 of Lockdown. Another visit to Barton Park. Again, this visit was by bike via the Cooks River Cycleway.
On the way down the Cooks River, I was on the lookout for Sacred Kingfishers. But I didn’t manage to spot any. I think, perhaps, that they have returned to their summer breeding areas. Near Illawarra Road, I did spot a Striated Heron.
At Gough Whitlam Park, I ran into Mark from the Tempe Birdos. We had a look at the island and could see two Striated Herons.
I later went around to check their nest and found it had gone. I think it may have fallen down due to recent storms. Both the Striated Herons were in the nest area, so it looks like they may rebuild it.
I then continued to Barton Park where I first stopped at Landing Lights Wetland. Daniele was there and while we were talking, a Channel-billed Cuckoo flew past with the usual clamour.
It perched in a tree, but was soon driven off by local birds, so flew past again.
Meanwhile in the ponds, the Pied Stilts were busy.
I think one is being stalked here –
The encounter did not go so well, so the stalker flew off to look elsewhere.
Perhaps it had a chance here?
It sneaked up on the female. It looks receptive.
It gives the female a good inspection.
The male then climbs on top.
After mating, they both cross their beaks together then some mirroring takes place.
Now for some of the other birds. A Superb Fairy-wren –
And three Australian White Ibis –
This Pied Stilt is adding to its nest.
And there is a second nest –
A pair of Chestnut Teals fly in.
Another Pied Stilt photo –
One of the Ibis manages to unearth some garbage in the pond.
Then a Brown Goshawk flies over the wetland.
Mots of the pond birds don’t react. Here are some more photos of the Chestnut Teals –
Meanwhile some more action from the Pied Stilts.
The female was not willing and walks away.
I then had a look along the Spring St Canal. Here is a Great Egret –
Back at the Wetland, the Pied Stilts were squabbling.
I imagine this squabbling has something to do with the breeding season. Either males fighting for females or trying to impress females.
Another receptive female? The courtship begins.
The male walks around the female giving her a good inspection.
And then mating begins.
More crossing of beaks.
And then more mirroring.
A few more Pied Stilt photos –
And some more mirroring. Yes, this pair had just mated, but I didn’t photograph them.
In the distance is a Grey Teal. Thanks to another birder Greg, for pointing it out.
One last Pied Stilt photo –
