 |
| Australian Little Bittern |
The recently created Parklakes wetlands at Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast has turned up a very smart male Australian Little Bittern.
 |
| Australian Little Bittern |
Last week, I reported (
see here) seeing Baillon's Crake, Spotless Crake and Little Grassbird in these excellent man-made wetlands, which are located in a new housing estate. Since then, local birders have reported seeing Lewin's Rail and Pale-vented Bush-hen at Parklakes. Then, on Christmas Day, an Australian Little Bittern was reported here.
I located the bittern early this morning, a little distantly but showing well in the north-west corner of the second lagoon. It perched on reeds at the edge of the extensive reed-bed in this lagoon in the sun as it fished. The bird caught at least one fish during the 20 minutes or so that I was watching before it disappeared into the reeds, but it was seen soon after by another observer, perched in the reed-bed.
I returned the next day and good views of the female, so there could be a pair in residence.
 |
| Australian Little Bittern |
 |
| Baillon's Crake |
No fewer than six Baillon's Crakes were feeding on the lilies this morning, some being quite approachable. A single Spotless Crake was also present along with six Latham's Snipe and a smattering of other waterbirds.
what a plus to live with this in your near surrounds; it would be so good if more new housing estates were to include a 'wetlands' area like this. Lovely waders Greg
ReplyDeleteI agree Carole. The developers deserve to be congratulated and encouraged.
DeleteOh how I wish I lived closer! It sounds like a great place, and good that it was planned into the development.
ReplyDeleteIt's great to see that humans can live along side animals in an urban context if it has been well planned. Great finds here on a regular basis by your reports and others I have seen from this same location. I'm going to have to get down and have a look over the coming week if I can. I am yet to obtain decent photographs of a few of these species that have been seen here. Thanks for sharing Greg.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashley. Yep, it's a happy if rare occasion that something good comes out of a residential development. I seem to remember now that you might have been here from one of your posts awhile back. I have driven past this place hundreds of times and never bothered to look. Glad I did.
Delete