To celebrate World Wetlands Day (2 February), 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. No booking required.
Sun 05 February 2017 07:30am
Sue LashkoPost event report
This annual outing to celebrate World Wetlands Day was well attended and it was pleasing to see a number of COG’s newer members improving their birding skills. We began by visiting Ardea hide which gave us great views of three juvenile Nankeen Night Herons cavorting in front of us. There was an interesting interaction between a Little Pied Cormorant fishing in a small patch of water and a Night Heron which wanted to share the same patch. Five Intermediate Egrets perched in a dead tree and a well-coloured Australasian Grebe was accompanied by two large stripe-faced young. Dusky Moorhens and Australasian Swamphens were also busy tending chicks. At least 7 Latham’s Snipe were seen.
As we circumnavigated the swamp, we were lucky enough to watch New Holland and White-plumed Honeyeaters, as well as Red-browed Finches perched for unusually long periods of time. Male and female Australasian Darter were obligingly sitting on dead sticks allowing everyone excellent scope views.
We crossed the bridge to visit the woodlands where we had great views of a pair of Sacred Kingfishers. From Fulica hide on Jerrabomberra Creek, the highlight was an Eastern Great Egret.
The species total for the morning was 53 which was very pleasing in the hot conditions.