I started the day with a series of bird counts along the Cooks River for the Aussie Birds in Backyard Bird Count, then after lunch, I headed back down to the River and along to Barton Park for some more bird photography.
On the Cooks River, I walked upstream from the Lang Road Bridge and began my first 20 minute survey a short way upstream on the south bank. Nearby was a Willie Wagtail nest with two chicks.
The parents were flat out getting food for their family.
I did my second survey near the Foord St Bridge on the north side, and my third survey at the Boat Harbour and Sugar Mill Bridge.
I included the nesting Tawny Frogmouths at the Boat Harbour.
And a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo seemed at home in a hollow –
I was also pleased to spot a Sacred Kingfisher flying across the river near the Sugar Mill Bridge.
Anda flock of about 40 Little Corellas flew down the river. Here are some of them –
I then went home for lunch. After my break, I got on my bike and returned to the river. I cycled down to Barton Park and looked for birds.
My first stop was Landing Lights Wetland. About 10 Pied Stilts are still around, but sadly their 2 nests have been abandoned and there are no sign of any chicks. This could be due to the recent storms, the water level can go up quickly and flood nests. I hope it was not due to people or dogs going too close to the nests. I have seen bird photographers walk close to the nests, not realising the nests are there, and then ignoring the Pied Stilts going crazy at their presence.
As I as watching the stilts, a juvenile Black-shouldered Kite arrived.
It flew around and perched on an antenna. Some of the Chestnut Teals reacted.
The Kite then took off and flew around on the far side for a while.
The Pied Stilts resumed their feeding.
And some of the Teals were still flying around.
The Black-shouldered Kite made a brief reappearance.
It then flew away.
I left the Landing Light Wetland and visited the old soccer fields. There, I spotted a Brown Goshawk.
No sign of the Osprey on the Cooks River near the airport. At Muddy Creek there was a Striated Heron, and these birds are so well camouflaged that I dint see it till it took off a few metres away from where I was.
One last look at the wetlands. Here is a Pied Stilt –
And a Fairy Martin –
I then started for home. On my way I stopped off at Gough Whitlam Park to check on the progress of the Tawny Frogmouth chick. It seems to be doing well.
