During the current wet spell, a lull in the rain was forecast on Friday morning, so I took advantage of it and headed out to Barton Park. It turned out to be a fairy fine morning. I could see rain approaching fro the west on the radar, and headed home when it got close.
The highlight of this visit was observing a pair of juvenile Black-shouldered Kites.
When I arrived, I spotted a Blue-tongued Skink near the cycleway. It looked like it has a jaw injury.
At the Landing Lights Wetland, there were five Pied Stilts. Not very active though.
But the peace was rudely interrupted by the raucous calls of a pair of Channel-billed Cuckoos. They landed in a tree and then tried to look inconspicuous.
I then walked down the Spring St Canal. Part way down was a Great Egret –
I met up with fellow bird photographer Danielle and had a chat.
Further down was a White-faced Heron –
Then I crossed over where the new bridge is being constructed and climbed up to the higher level. On one of the light in the old stadium, I spotted a Black-shouldered Kite.
And there was a second one perched on another light. Both were juveniles.
A Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike flew past.
I walked closer to one of the Kites.
Then a Yellow-rumped Thornbill appeared on the fence.
Then the second Kite flew over, and the first one flew off.
The second kite landed on the close light.
White waiting for the Kite to take off, I noticed a pair of Double-barred Finches on the grass nearby. Here is one of them –
Then the Black-shouldered Kite took off.
Ir flew back to the light it was first on.
Then it did another flight.
Meanwhile, I could see the other Kite, the first one I had spotted. It was on a light on the far side of the stadium.
Back to the closer one. I waited to see if it would fly again.
It did eventually.
And then came back.
And another flight –
Then it flew away. The other Kite had also left. So I looked for some other birds.
New Holland Honeyeater
Tawny Grassbird
Chestnut Teal
Back down on Muddy Creek, a Little Pied Cormorant was drying its wings.
Red-browed Finch
I could see one of the Black-shouldered Kites flying towards the Cooks River.
Australian Reed Warbler
Superb Fairy-wren
New Holland Honeyeater
Yellow Thornbill
Yellow-rumped Thornbill
and I think this may be a juvenile –
It had been a good morning. But rain as fast approaching. Time to head home.