Barton Park has been a good venue for bird photography recently with a good range of birds likely to be seen. You never know in advance what you will be able to photograph, and some birds, like the Swamp Harrier, you only get a fleeting glimpse of, so are keen to return and see if you can get better photos.
Brown Goshawk
This was a Sunday, so there were a fair few other bird photographers and bird watchers there, and as well it was National Tree Day – and the Bayside Council had organised some tree planting near the Landing Lights Wetland – and a large number (around 100?) volunteers had turned up.
When I arrived, I first had a look at the Landing Lights Wetland. It was relatively quiet. Here is a White-faced Heron –
Up at the top level near the old stadium I spotted this Superb Fairy-wren –
And there were a lot of Red-browed Finches –
A flock of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos flew over.
I spotted two Double-barred Finches on the grass. I sat down low and waited for them to get closer.
And here is a Welcome Swallow –
The New Holland Honeyeaters were carrying on as usual –
Back at the Spring St Canal, a White-faced Heron flew in and started hunting for fish –
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Some of the tree planters –
The trees were being planted away from the pond. It is essential that the pond be fairly open. Waterbirds like a clear view of any approaching predators.
Here is one such predator, a Brown Goshawk –
Back to the grasslands, a Yellow-rumped Thornbill –
In the canal, a juvenile Striated Heron –
White-necked Heron
Here is a very distant view of the Grey Goshawk –
Great Egret
Superb fairy-wren
Great Egret
Royal Spoonbill in the canal –
Back to the top level, some more Red-browed Finches –
A White-plumed Honeyeater –
Juvenile Striated Heron –
White-browed Scrubwren –
Juvenile Pied Stilt –
And a last glimpse of the juvenile Striated Heron –
It had been another good day at the wetlands. It was good to meet up with fellow birders Michael and Fiona from the Greenway Birdos, Lynda from the Rockdale Flock, Bret, who was visiting the area from Camden, and also Chris from the Mudlarks.
But it looks like I will have to go back for the Swamp Harrier!