Monday 27 April 2009

Ibis, Spoonbill and Stilt.

Wader count time again and it seems as if most of the waders have left with only a small number remaining for us to count. The following are figures for the last three counts showing seasonal decline in numbers.
Norman Point ( small site) 1-3-09, 4 species 66 total birds. 29-3-09, 6 species 91 total birds.
26-4-09, 9 species 29 total birds.
Cooloola (main site) 1-3-09, 7 species 2537 total birds.29-3-09 11 species 2125 total birds.
26-4-09,
10 species 116 total birds. (Click on photos to enlarge)

Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca)
Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)

Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill,
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

Our other major site is the local sewage works, which nearly always gives us a good count of waders and bush birds, (Top two photos) 26-4-09 10 species 255 total birds. Also seen on this day here was a Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans). Plus the odd snake.

At the close of each count at Cooloola this wonderful view greets us at the entrance to this site after which we then walk down the beach to the car park.

4 comments:

Duncan said...

It is indeed a wonderful view Neil, makes me want to head north!

Neil said...

Thanks Duncan I guess its that time of the year when you just want to go and enjoy what is around.

Larry Jordan said...

Nice photos Neil. I really like the reflections of all of the wading birds in the second shot and the beautiful shot of the beach makes me want to jump right in!

Neil said...

Thanks for your comments Larry