Over the last ten
days PLT have been busy hosting an Earth Expedition. The group members have
engaged themselves in discussions, scientific research and engaging with the
local kids and community.
Pre breakfast bird
walks have been an optional addition with myself taking some of the group to
experience the various habitats and range of bird species that use them. Some
interesting birds have been seen but the best was to wait for the trip to see
the White-winged Nightjar.
The journey to
Nightjar land is longer these days following flooding but there was an air of anticipation
on the journey there. You don’t have to be a bird-watcher to have an
appreciation for this amazing bird.
Darkness fell and
the large group began to spread out to look for a nightjar. Joe located a male
in the long grass and people were guided in to photograph the bird. A second
bird was located by Jorge some distance away but it was not clear what he had
found so I was directed to join him to clear the matter up.
He had found a
female / juvenile White-winged Nightjar but it had moved from its original position revealing a
jewel in the crown which he quickly caught in his hands. As I approached Jorge
I could see a happy but slightly mystified look on his face. He announced that
he had a bird that he was not sure what it was.
I was intrigued and
slightly baffled as Jorge knew most of the species on the reserve. The moment
had arrived and El Magico slowly opened his hands to reveal the bird. I
instantly had an OMG moment a bird I had searched high and low for over the
years with not even a murmur of a call to indicate its presence.
I went into
controlled crazee mode (Not quite as mad as the Gannets at Beddington Farm!) as
I took the Black-masked Finch into my hand and showed it to the group around
me. My reaction was apparently priceless a life bird which complets my list of Laguna
Blanca Cerrado specials. The bird also features on an EE Youtube compilation
video which is worth watching.
The bird briefly
took centre stage as it was photographed before being released into the night
sky.
WOO HOO!!
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