The week before, I had joined Sue on visit to Sydney Park to see the birds. We had decided on another visit – but this time we started earlier. We met at the chimneys at 8:30 and were soon wandering around. A council worker saw our binoculars and my camera, and came over and told us to look out for the new Back Swan cygnets.
Well, we did see the Black Swan cygnets, but we also saw some other interesting birds and behaviour.
In the large pond, an Australasian Darter was busy catching fish –
It would soon catch another –
But it would seem to play with the fish rather than eat it. Perhaps some of the fish were unpleasant tasting or perhaps it had eaten enough?
This fish was rejected. And then grabbed by a Dusky Moorhen –
A while back, all the Eurasian Coots flew off somewhere. Not quite all. One remained. Perhaps this one cannot fly properly?
Little Pied Cormorants
Australasian Grebe and chick –
This Willie Wagtail has caught a Dragonfly –
And the Grey Butcherbird has a Cicada –
An Eel –
Now for the Black Swan family in the Island Pond –
I have heard since my visit that two of the cygnets have died. This is very common.
Dusky Moorhen family –
There was also an Australasian Grebe in the pond –
Turtle
And a few more photos –
Stinkhorn – Phallus rubicundus –
Thanks to Sue for company during the morning.