Jawbone Reserve – 2

Continuing my walk along the Bay Trail, there was no shortage of water birds on display.

 

Dusky Moorhen,
(Gallinula tenebrosa)

The Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa) was nestled down in the grass and hiding in the shadows.

 

 

Chestnut Teal,
(Anas castanea)

The Chestnut Teals (Anas castanea) were all inactive and enjoying some quiet time.

 

Pacific Black Duck,
(Anas superciliosa)

 

Black Swan,
(Cygnus atratus)

This Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) swam up to me. I suspect it associates people with food and does not have any fear of humans.

Black Swan,
(Cygnus atratus)

Little Pied Cormorant,
(Microcarbo melanoleucos)

This Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) flew by and I had no time for composing the picture, it was a quick snap and hope for the best. A little way down the path I found it settled on a rock, however as you can see in the picture below, it did contemplate moving on as I approached. Once I had the photo I wanted I continued on and it relaxed.

Little Pied Cormorant,
(Microcarbo melanoleucos)

As I continued my walk a Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes) flew by however the photo I got of it in flight was blurred. However, I did manage a shot of it landing.

Yellow-billed Spoonbill,
(Platalea flavipes)

Jawbone Reserve

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Jawbone Reserve

Last Friday, I was able to visit the Jawbone Conservation Park. Weatherwise, I could not have picked a better day. After a week of dull grey skies, Friday was the complete opposite – bright blue sky and warm autumn sun.

I entered from the carpark at the intersection of Maddox and Kororoit Roads and headed east along the Bay Trail.

 

Paisley – Challis Wetlands Stormwater Drain – iPhone image.

 

 

A pair of Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus) were feeding in one of the wetland ponds.

 

A distant shot of one of the Black-winged Stilts,
(Himantopus himantopus) feeding in a wetland pond.

 

A male Australasian Darter,
(Anhinga novaehollandiae)

 

A Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) – Preening under the watchful eyes of the Australian White Ibis.

 

A female Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae) and a Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus)

Further down the trail, a Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos) was busy diving for his dinner.

 

Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarbo melanoleucos)

There are too many photos I wish to share so I will save them for future posts.

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I am the copyright holder of all photographs that appear on this blog. These images are protected by copyright laws and all rights are reserved. To purchase a print please contact me by leaving a comment below with your order and contact details. I will then get back to you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Views of Lake Corangamite

Lake Corangamite, situated on the volcanic plains of western Victoria, is Australia’s largest permanent salt lake. At one stage its water was five times saltier than the ocean, however after good rains last year it is now considered to be as salty as the ocean.

From atop Red Rock, a sleeping volcano, you over look the lake to the west. From that point there are also good views of the volcanic craters.

Lake Corangamite has never been dry, however, with drought conditions over the past decade or more, the water level has receded. Good rains last winter has ensured the waterline has expanded by about 100 to 200 metres.

Lake Corangamite is one of nine Ramsar wetlands listed in the area. It is considered a vital part of the environment and to birdlife.

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Birding at Jawbone Reserve

The other day I made my first visit for 2017 to Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve. I find this Reserve a good spot for birding – especially waterbirds.

On entering the Reserve, my first sighting was the juvenile Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) sleeping in the reeds. There was a strong cool breeze blowing and the reeds gave them protection.

Most of the birds were inactive, the Pied Cormorants (Phalacrocorax varius) were busy preening while others were content to look on.

If travelling to Melbourne I can highly recommend a visit to Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve.

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Sunset at Lake Colac

Lake Colac, situated in the south-west districts of Victoria, Australia, has a surface area of 2,778 hectares, with a circumference of 33 kilometres. It is a shallow lake with an average depth of about 2.5 metres. In 2009, the lake completely dried up for the first time in 173 years. With below average rain during the winter, and very low water levels, the lake is under threat as forecasts tell us we are about to begin a sustained dry period. Scientists have warned us we are about to experience a severe El Nino.

Bird Reserve, Lake Colac, Victoria, Australia

The Gulidjan clan of Indigenous Australians have called home the area around Lake Colac for tens of thousands of year.

Rotunda situated on the southern bank of Lake Colac, Victoria, Australia

Sunset is a good time to visit the lake. It is easy to see why the Gulidjan people have a spiritual connection to Lake Colac.

Sunset at Lake Colac, Victoria, Australia

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Red-rumped Parrot

The following photographs are of  Red-rumped Parrots (Psephotus haematonotus).

They are small birds of about 27 centimetres. Their voice is a two-syllable whistle and Red-rumped Parrots can be heard and seen in open woodlands, Red Gums, grasslands, farms and urban parks. These birds were located in an urban park (Balyang Sanctuary), situated on the bank of the Barwon River in the Victorian city of Geelong.

A male Red-rumped Parrot (Psephotus haematonotus) at
Balyang Sanctuary, Geelong.

A female Red-rumped Parrot,
(Psephotus haematonotus) at
Balyang Sanctuary.

Please Note: All photographs appearing on my blog were taken by me. They are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. If you would like to purchase a print please contact me by leaving a comment below with your order and contact details. I will then get back to you.

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A Sleeping Pelican

Yesterday I made a quick stop-off at Balyang Sanctuary on the banks of the Barwon River, and it was there I saw this Australian Pelican, (Pelecanus conspicillatus), sleeping on top of one of the nesting boxes. As I moved closer to get this shot I could see it actually had an eye on me.

A Sleeping Pelican – Keeping an eye on me!

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