To celebrate World Wetlands Day, WetlandCare Australia, with CEN's Waterwatch project supported by the Pioneer Dairy Trust, Community Environment Network and Birding N.S.W., had organized a Breakfast with the Birds event at this property . Though it is not yet generally open to the public, this opportunity for all is destined by late July this year.
The weather during the week had been one with continuous rains and the grounds were well sodden. Most arrived for the 8 a.m. start wearing gum-boots or other heavy-duty footwear; wise move. Visitors were organized into smaller groups and set off in differing directions to see what bird-life they might encounter.
A wonderful telescope stands idle for a moment; it had x60 magnification I think and with a Swarovski lens; my goodness I hadn't known they not only make sparklies, but lenses too! What fun it was to see the crisp, clear picture, as if hardly any distance between us and the water-birds at all. Thanks to a very generous Central Coast Birding group member for having carried it along with her all morning, and made it available to us.
Intermediate Egret
Way out there, is the Plumed Whistling Duck Dendrocygna eytoni.
..trying to get a better image to share now with some cropping
Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa
Black Swan Cygnus atratus
Shame this next special find was way so high, but I have to share...
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus axillaris
Little Black Cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris
Referenced: Central Coast Wetands Pioneer Dairy fact sheet
Linking to The Pine River Review for:
16 comments:
Wonderful series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Great photos, Carole! I love the scenery! You saw a very nice variety of birds and it appears everyone was enjoying themselves.
Swaro's are THE scopes and bins to use Carole... the little sculptures are probably just made from the waste of some of the worlds best produced optics.
I make do with my Nikon bins... not a bad substitute.
Your images are so lovely to see
A great series of photos. It looks like a beautiful place to visit. A Swarovski scope - something to wish for!
i like the egret w/ the pond and cattle behind! nice!
What a fun outing Carole....and wonderful pictures!
Paper Hugs,
Jan
Wonderful pictures Carole! Nice chance to participate in this event before the opening for the public in July.I like the picture with the thornbill with the blue sky as the background.
Ah! what a delightful collection of captures - wetlands are beautiful peaceful areas and it's so encouraging to see more of them being opened up.
Beautiful pics ... Bravo!
Sounds like a wonderful birding group and outing. You saw some great birds and ducks. The Whistling duck is one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing, have a great day.
I like your shot of the bird just taking off in flight. Those are hard to get as you know but bluriness gives a sense of movement. It works. Birders always make for good photo subjects. Thanks for the comment on my Brown Pelicans. I too am used to just the White Pelican. I had to look the Brown up and it seems his presence is kind of spotty from my location on northward so I guess it was a lucky find for me. Keep on click'n.
You start us off with such a lovely serene scene of the area.
I especially liked the shot of the Egret and the Black Swan with a great reflection.
I had to smile at your reference to Swarovski sparklies. I make jewelry and I knew about the lenses but had forgotten.
Lovely shots Carole!
A wonderful series of images from this lovely and serene place.
Congratulations to everyone who helped organise this event. You certainly were able to collect some wonderful pictures. The Black shouldered kite is amazing! One would have to think this wetland will continue to become even more prosperous.
Great post!
Lovely selection, but I confess to a soft spot for the Black Swan. I think they're beautiful.
Lovely birds nice shot!
well done!
Ayala Project
Wonderful post!
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