Weekends That Were - December 2023

10.12.23

Oxley

 

Mr D picked me up at 6, on site 15 minutes later. Nothing of any exception – one Glossy Ibis possibly the only bird of special interest.

Breakfast at Arte & Gusto afterwards.

 

16.12.23

Minnippi

 

Picked up Mr P at 6, on site a few minutes later. A hot, sticky morning. As previously noted, the bush was very quiet, the only activity based around the water.

Nothing much of exception apart from a trio of Common Cicadabirds called in along the avenue. At the lake some intense searching found a total of 9 Latham’s Snipe feeding among the low, dying plants in the drying out lake. The only Rail/Crake in sight was a single Buff-banded Rail which showed very well, calmly feeding and washing at close range.

Breakfast afterwards at Stones Corner.

I've taken many photos of both Intermediate Egrets and Buff-banded Rails but these two birds offered themselves up better than most. The Egret in perfect light and breeding plumage - a facial pattern I hadn't seen so well before - striking combination of colours.

Intermediate Egret

The Rail was very calm and confiding - I have a soft spot for Buff-banded Rails, I think they are very under-appreciated.

Buff-banded Rail