Central Coast Birds – 26 February 2024

I travelled by train to Wyong, and then walked out to the wetlands on McPherson St (Tuggerah). The aim was to look for some Black-necked Storks that had been seen there recently. Thanks to bumping into fellow birders Jenny and Rodney, we soon spotted two Black-necked Stork chicks. While we were there we did not see the parents.

On the way to the wetland, I spotted some White-breasted Woodswallows. Here is one –

At the Wetland, I saw this Royal Spoonbill –

And this wasp –

Thanks to bumping into fellow birders Jenny and Rodney, we soon spotted two Black-necked Stork chicks. While we were there we did not see the parents.

And a pair of Black Swans and their cygnet –

A last view of the Black-necked Storks –

I had been intending to next visit the Central Coast Wetlands at the old Pioneer Dairy. Jenny and Rod were heading that way, and they offered me a lift. I gratefully accepted.

In the main pond, there were may Cattle Egrets.

Near the Cattle Egrets were a couple of Black-fronted Dotterels. I waited to see if they would come closer. But they flew away to the far side of the pond. Then one returned and landed very close.

It was getting hot, and I thought I better visit some of the peripheral area before it got too hot for the birds to be out.

Just past the carpark, I spotted this Australian Pipit –

Near the toilet, I saw this Willie Wagtail –

I was on the lookout for Emu Wrens, but had no luck. But I did spot this Tawny Grassbird –

Yellow-faced Honeyeater

I then did the loop through the forest area. I walked fast – as the area was full of mosquitoes.

Grey Fantail

Back in the open area, I saw many of the wetland birds take to the air. I looked up and saw this juvenile White-bellied Sea Eagle –

And then a second one flew over.

Bell Miner

Back at the main pond.

Pelicans

Another White-bellied Sea Eagle –

And the Cattle Egrets took to the air again –

Some Egrets –

Another distant raptor, perhaps a Brown Goshawk –

Little Wattlebird

Another raptor – this time a Swamp Harrier, but distant.

Cattle Egret

White-faced Heron

Egrets

And as I was leaving, walking back to the station, some more White-breasted Woodswallows –

Red Rumped Parrots

Another good day.