Monday 2 May 2011

Early Morning Wader Count

A beautiful morning for our latest wader count, unlike last month when the count was cut short by heavy rain.

All eyes on the flock of waders that were disturbed by a Whistling Kite.

A surprise for us was a pair of Black-fronted Dotterel (Charadrius melanops), first time recorded at Mullen's

Rufous Whistler (male) (Pachycephala rufiventris)

Samphire throwing early morning shadow on the flats.

Mangroves at Mullen's.

Though most of the waders have migrated at this time of year we still managed to get 15 species with a total of 369 birds. Very noticeable were 14 Intermediate Egret looking all white against the green background of the mangroves. Also of note was a Swamp Harrier and the local Whistling Kite which frequently disturbed the waders while we were there.

13 comments:

mick said...

Great birds and very nice photos. Oh, I do wish I could get out there soon!

Neil said...

Thanks Mick you just take it easy.

FjÀllripan said...

Beautiful birds and nature!
Thanks for charing :)

eileeninmd said...

Sounds like a nice day, the birds are cool looking. And very different looking. Great photos.

theconstantwalker said...

A great post.
Sounds like a lovely birding trip.

Dave said...

Well done with the Dotterels, nice job too

Springman said...

You guy look like you were having a blast with your trousers rolled up exedition style. And what an exceptional count to boot!

Fotokarusellen said...

This is really a great post. Beautiful images.

Unknown said...

A lot of two legged camera waders as well!! Fun post. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Pat said...

Nice shots! Looks like a great place to spot birds.

MaineBirder said...

Interesting birds and great photos! Glad to see you had nice weather and that the birds were cooperative.

Sondra said...

Good Job on the count...I love that water shot....and your birds are Super!

Pat Ulrich said...

Great report! And that dotterel is really cool!