To celebrate World Wetlands Day, during this morning outing we will visit Kelly Swamp and Jerrabomberra Creek. Depending on numbers, the group may be divided into two, so a volunteer to lead a possible second group would be appreciated. Bring hat, sunscreen, water and, if you have one, a telescope. Meet at 7.30am in the carpark at the end of Dairy Road, Fyshwick. Register at smlashko@gmail.com
NB: this walk is flat and is wheelchair-friendly
This annual outing to celebrate World Wetlands Day (actually on February 2) was attended by 27 members, including several new ones, as well as guests. With such a large group, we split into two and headed in opposite directions. The birds were very obliging, making it very easy to distinguish Eurasian Coots from Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens. The Wetlands continue to be the best place to see a large variety of ducks, with Pink-eared Ducks being the favourites, but a male Freckled Duck, still with a red base to the bill, showed well, and Hardhead, Australasian Shoveler, Pacific Black Duck, Australian Wood Duck and Grey Teal rounded out the list.
After the recent rain, the water level was higher, making it harder to see smaller birds but many people enjoyed scope views of Australian Spotted Crake and Latham’s Snipe. White-faced Herons showed well both on the ground and in flight, and Australasian Darters of both sexes were a constant presence overhead.
On the circuit around the swamp, we added a variety of woodland birds as well as having good views of Golden-headed Cisticola and we heard the ‘reversing truck’call of Little Grassbird. Our species total for the morning was 51, a good effort when birding in a large group.
Thank you to Sandra Henderson, Lia Battisson and Peter Higgins for their assistance.