Sunshine Coast Birds

Birding and other wildlife experiences from the Sunshine Coast and elsewhere in Australia - and from overseas - with scribblings about travel, environmental issues, kayaking, hiking and camping.

Thursday 2 January 2014

Australian Painted Snipe at Parklakes

Australian Painted Snipe
Australian Painted Snipe is the latest rarity to turn up at the Parklakes Wetland near Bli Bli. This male bird was seen this morning and late yesterday afternoon at the western end of the second pond. Other local observers have seen up to four Australian Painted Snipe over the past few days, along with as many as seven Latham's Snipe.

Australian Painted Snipe

Australian Little Bittern
The pair of Australian Little Bitterns that have been around for awhile (see following posts) performed well this morning. The male and female were feeding together at one point. Both birds flew frequently from one spot to another, although they are seen most frequently in reeds along the northern edge of the second pond. Also seen this morning were 5 Baillon's Crakes, 1 Spotless Crake and 1 Little Grassbird (along with Tawny Grassbird and Australian Reed-Warbler).

Plumed Whistling-Duck & Pacific Black Duck
Plumed Whistling-Duck and Pacific Black Duck were reflective, as were these three duck species at a nearby wetland at Pacific Paradise.
Hardhead, Grey Teal, Chesnut Teal

Tawny Grassbird

Australasian Pipit

Red-kneed Dotterel
 About 20 Red-kneed Dotterels were gathered around a pool at Maroochy River. Good numbers of this species are still about the coast.
Spotted Harrier
An immature Spotted Harrier was also present at Maroochy River.

9 comments:

  1. a lovely series Greg, I especially love those red-kneed dotterels

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  2. What a special bird to welcome in the new year with!

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  3. Greg, exactly where is Parklakes Wetland near Bli Bli. I have googled it but came up blank. Jude

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    1. Jude, on the Bli Bli-Yandina Road. Leaving Bli Bli towards Yandina, it's a short way out of town on the left. You can see the first pond from the road, next to a sports oval. The best pond is the one behind this first pond.

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  4. I have never seen a pipit on a powerline. They have always been on the ground or perhaps a fence post not far off the ground. Love the Painted Snipe. Jude

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  5. Hapy new year.
    Greetings from Spain.

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