Comb-crested Jacana

We have recently been enjoying views of this delightful bird on our wetlands. Extraordinarily long toes enable the Jacana to walk on the waterlilies as it feeds; it is a very active bird, moving fast but in a dainty manner and quite fascinating to observe.

Birds of Prey

Whistling Kite are again building a nest in a tall Melaleuca across the road from our driveway entrance and we frequently see and hear them. We have also had frequent sightings of Grey Goshawk (white morph), Pacific Baza and Brown Goshawk in fact we suspect that the latter bird has been responsible for the reduction in number of our laying hens! In spite of this domestic problem we are delighted that the property is providing food for such a variety of raptors.

Earlier this week we had a first sighting of a Peregrine Falcon at Wild Wings & Swampy Things -the falcon had probably been attracted by the large number of Metallic Starling flying back and forth from their nesting tree on the hill.

Winged Creatures

Allen identified and photographed some more dragonflies during our wet season - this strikingly marked Yellow-spotted Emerald was enjoying the wetlands habitat.
We are delighted to see an increase in the number of birds on the property, an encouraging sign that our restoration works are providing good habitat. We have had several recent sightings of juvenile Yellow-breasted Boatbill in family groups which is especially pleasing as we have previously only seen this species in remnant rainforest along the creek.
Black Bittern is still feeding in the new wetland and a pair of Azure Kingfisher has also been making use of the perching posts installed prior to the wetlands filling with the rains.

Birds, Birds Everywhere

As usual at this time of the year the water in our wetland recedes but this is when we see more water loving birds here as the water in other areas dries up completely.
This afternoon 40+ Wandering Whistling Duck were feeding with a small flock of Magpie Goose on Rupert's Pond while 5 Green Pygmy-Goose were observed from the bird hide on Graham's Pond. Spotless Crake, White-browed Crake, Azure Kingfisher, Forest Kingfisher, White-faced Heron, White-necked Heron and Great Egret are frequently seen on the various ponds that make up the wetlands while our gardens are filled with the sound of Honeyeaters, Orioles, Metallic Starlings and Double-eyed Fig Parrots. There are many families of Lovely Fairy Wren residing here now and with some patience it is not too difficult to find some flitting around on the edge of the sheltered gulllies or along the path through the woodland. They are a delightful bird to observe as are the many other insectivorous birds that frequent the property.

Winter in the Tropics

Another beautiful sunny day and there are birds everywhere. Victoria's Riflebird is often observed in the house garden as well as being frequently seen along our walks. The noise of tearing bark often alerts us to its presence as it probes for insects with its amazing bill. The resident Honeyeaters are making the most of the fine weather and seem to be constantly on the move between flowers as well as enjoying some of the Black Sapotes that have been left to ripen on the trees in the orchard.

Our favourite specimen of Ficus benjamina is fruiting again; it is growing on an easily accessible slope so it is possible to look into the tree and watch Double-eyed Fig Parrot quite closely. We enjoy listening to their quiet chatter and the gentle sound of bits of fig falling to the ground as they carefully eat the tiny seeds. Their cryptic appearance makes it difficult to know how many are feeding in the tree until a large flock leaves near dusk.

Birds and Butterflies

Wandering Whistling Duck have returned to the wetlands after an absence of a few months. They are so well camouflaged amongst the waterlilies that I wouldn’t have noticed them if I hadn’t been scanning around with the binoculars.
Grey and Rufous Fantail have arrived for their winter residency; it is always delightful to watch them hunting for insects. We have recently enjoyed regular close sightings of Gould’s Bronze Cuckoo on the edge of the rainforest along the creek where there is usually much activity in the morning sun. And there are lots of butterflies about, especially when there is a burst of sun in between showers on a a wet day.

The photo shows a Union Jack butterfly feeding on Melaleuca blossom.

Litoria lesueuri

A soft purring call alerted us to the presence of these Lesueur's or Stony Creek Frogs.
These frogs lack a vocal sac with which to amplify their call so they are not so obvious.