Today I found 4 Pink-eared Ducks on a farm pond at North Arm, on the Sunshine Coast. I've not seen this species previously in the region;. normally in Queensland it is found well inland, and occurs on the coast during times of drought. The ducks' presence coincides with the return to the coast of Australian Pelicans after their bumper nesting season inland.
The Pink-eared Ducks either kept together or separated into two pairs, often with Hardheads close by.
A pair of Cotton Pygmy-Geese were found on a small farm dam nearby on the outskirts of Eumundi. These birds turn up from time to time on local dams and are regularly encountered in small numbers on the Sunshine Coast. This is the male.
And the female.
Hardheads were in good numbers on both dams.
This Swamp Harrier was feeding over the farm dam. The harrier is a scarce winter visitor to the Sunshine Coast.
Some nice finds there Greg. Had no luck seeing the Barking Owls at Lake Broadwater, but did hear them on the first evening.
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