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.
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9 comments:

  1. Carole M.2 January 2014 at 20:03

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

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  2. Sonja2 January 2014 at 20:07

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

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  3. Roaminoz3 January 2014 at 08:46

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

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    1. Greg Roberts3 January 2014 at 13:07

      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. Roaminoz3 January 2014 at 08:48

    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. Enrique Soto3 January 2014 at 10:46

    Hapy new year.
    Greetings from Spain.

    ReplyDelete