After compiling my bird list I found myself very close to the 900 bird bird milestone. This lake was huge and promised to be bird rich. I Ubered out at noon and spent three hours there. In that time I was only able to make it halfway around the lake. Of course I was not keeping up a fast pace at all. As soon as I got out of the car I knew this was a special location. I saw 30 different species and got 4 new lifebirds putting me over the 900 mark! 144 new birds from Australia is a great haul from this unique habitat.
The swamp hen is in its element
Australian Shoveler LB#1
Straw necked Ibis
The black swans are majestic
This wetland is huge
It is even bigger with the recent rains causing it to overflow
Gray teal ducks. Teal is also a green color as some teal ducks are green but not these.
Kookaburra
the swans like this corner
But the coots are here in mass
This sign says it all
The Australian Reed Warbler, LB#2 has a great set of pipes. It earns the name warbler everyday
Not a cloud in the sky
A helpful sign identifying the waterfowl
A welcome swallow gathering mud
The ibis is feeding
Two flavors of egrets
A magpie lark
Swampy
Two maned ducks and their chicks
Yange Kep Bibi is the name of this spot. The protected tiger snake may be present. It is a fine looking snake but venomous so keep clear
Just in time, as a restroom facilities are overdue. But wait it is locked up, time to hold it in
I went around the back of the building to look for a bathroom only to find the Pink Eared Ducks LB#3 and my 900th bird on my bird list! Huzzah
Peek a boo Crested Grebe
A pelican bench
Sitting on the grass will no doubt give this man a wet butt
The grebe has woken up
These folks live nearby and have offered to let me use the facilities at their house
The tawny frogmouths like this spot
So very well camouflaged
Cara and Gavin are both native to New Zealand but they can recognize a man holding it in. Normally I would find a bush but this park was very popular and I was never all that alone, so I was happy to accept this offer.
Western Gerygone LB#4
The grass is tall and lush
The Australian shelduck is standing guard
The female with 7 ducklings
An even swampier section. There was a warning sign that the water is potentially harmful to humans and pets
But it is fine for this Australian grebe
I made a store run after I got back. Crossing through the park I saw these patterns painted on the grass. A running track with lanes in red and a soccer field painted in black
This reminds me of my bladder distress earlier
A funky mailbox
Unique flowers
A shark riding, four armed cowgirl mermaid, of course!
An old time hearse
A large church up on the hill
