The last couple of
days have been spent catching up on some of the regular species around the
reserve and checking the pitfall traps for frogs on the seasonal pond. There
has been a suggestion that a storm is heading its way towards the reserve but
today was perfect in all ways.
I decided on a
lagoon watch which was to prove to be a good choice. A group of Swallow tailed
Kite were the first species to focus my attention. The group of seven birds
were gracefully swooping to drink from the lagoon and turning as they gained
altitude showing the contrast in the plumage detail.
I had settled down
in my chair scanning the lagoon at regular intervals when a group of small
wader like birds were observed flying quickly just above the water level. The
birds were in a tight formation and only twisted in flight to change direction.
The small flock would then drop out of sight into the reeds. This was repeated
before the birds dropped out of sight again. Becca and Stephan reported the
flock moving at the beach end of the lagoon.
I continued scanning
the lagoon and noted a Black Skimmer resting on an area of the beach where
there were no tourists. I had only seen this species at Laguna Blanca once
before and quickly called Stephan over to view this amazing bird.
My next task was to
photograph the bird and after a bit of scurrying around I had made it to the
beach and took some shots of the bird. Stephan, Victoria (Can) and I made a
plan to go out on the boat and search for the waders. The Skimmer had
re-located itself further along the lagoon and another photo opportunity was taken.
The Skimmer seemed
un-phased by the three people in a boat allowing close views and even a fly
past the boat. This bird was in no hurry to depart the lagoon. Sadly the waders
were not found after a search of all the margins of the lagoon and the three
explorers returned to base at dusk!!
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