I spent the day in the Mandurah area starting at Creery
Wetland Nature Reserve which is situated on the Peel Inlet. The reserve has
trails boardwalks, hides and a viewing platform. It is a short haven for
migratory shorebirds and waterfowl. I don’t think I have seen so many ducks since
visiting Donana in Spain.
The shorebird numbers were not high with Red Capped Plover
being the most numerous of the smaller species. I noted a couple of Greenshank
and a Pectoral Sandpiper. Pied and Banded Stilt was numerous scattered about
the shallower areas.
The majority of the ducks were Pacific Black and Grey Teal
but the challenge was to find Chestnut Teal amongst the masses. This was a task
that took some work but a male was seen within a group of Grey Teal. It was
about mid water which made obtaining decent pictures of it tricky. A few
Shoveler and Shelduck were the other species seen during the search.
As the morning progressed Great and Little Egret joined the
masses this was an amazing sight.
I moved on to the inlet side and Coodanup Reserve which was
a sandy beach with scrub and groups of trees separating the housing from the
waters edge. I noted a couple of Whimbrel with more Stilts, Pelicans, Gulls and
Crested Tern commuting between feeding grounds. A Whistling Kite put in a brief appearance overhead. I did not find the Bar Tailed
Godwit which were present earlier on it the day but made a note to return early
morning!
No comments:
Post a Comment