Friday 22 July 2011

Wader Count Time Again

July Winter Wader Count time again. Count numbers were well down even for this time of the year. Where are the usual overwintering birds hiding? 8 species for the total of 36 birds. In May we had 15 species with a total of 369 birds. July 2010 10 species 137 birds. May 2010 10 species 133 birds.

Mullen's Wader Roost July 2011

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)

As we entered the wader flats, this Mistletoebird sat still long enough for a couple of photos.

Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) (Male)



Midden

The remains of an aboriginal midden made up of discarded mollusc shells.

The water has now cleared after all the rain, though a bit cold while standing in it counting the birds.

8 comments:

NatureFootstep said...

I wish the Red-capped Plover would come to us. I would like to see it in person. :)

mick said...

I missed seeing this when you first posted it. Great photos - especially the mistletoe bird. Those wheel ruts are still very visible. It's going to take a long while for them to disappear.

Neil said...

Thanks NF it would be a lot better if they came to us instead of us having to find them.

Neil said...

Thanks Mick I just hope the wheel ruts don't get torn up again.

Phil Slade said...

The Red-capped Plover looks an awesome attractive bird Neil but I can't get my head around your winter birds in July. Thanks for looking in on my blog.

MaineBirder said...

I would love to have the Red-capped Plover in my neck of the woods too. Great post and captures Neil!

Neil said...

Thanks Phil.

Neil said...

Thanks MaineBirder they are great to have around.