Apologies for the delay in posting this little write up, but since Sunday morning I have been struck down with an incredibly nasty gastric virus. Battling fever I took the day off work today but I thought now that I feel a little better I might post some photos.
As you can see from the photo, it was a busy day at Yorkey’s Knob. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to stay as long as I would like but still I got some nice snaps of the waterbirds present. The weed that is usually on the lagoon seems to have increased since the last time I was here and with it the number of waterfowl species present. The usual suspects were there, being the Pacific Black Ducks (Anas superciliosa), Green Pygmy-geese (Nettapus pulchellus) and a lone Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae). The new arrivals were some Grey Teals (Anas gracilis) and Wandering Whistling Ducks (Dendrocygna arcuata).
One thing I noticed was that as the weed increases, the number of Pelecaniformes seems to decrease. For the first time on Saturday, I saw absolutely no birds from this order at the lagoon. Amazing to see how the habitat, no matter how it changes, is utilised to its maximum potential. If there is lots of clear water, cormorants and darters will be present, if there is lots of weed, a larger variety of waterfowl are present. Here are some photos of the Grey Teal:
The Wandering Whistling-ducks have a rather strange habit of sticking together in tight groups, as can be seen from the photo of a raft of them at Cattana Wetlands posted Saturday. Their behaviour was no different at Yorkey’s although I noticed it is limited to when the birds are not feeding.
Some other interesting sightings were a lone Chestnut-breasted Mannikin (Lonchura castaneothorax) perched on powerlines next to the lagoon and this Yellow Oriole (Oriolis flavocinctus). I know the Oriole is fairly common, but take a look this photo with its throat extended while calling!
Overall it was well worth the stop. It was the first time I have seen Grey Teal in Queensland.
#1 by Alan on December 14, 2009 - 10:36 am
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Great birds! When you say "weed", is that one of the introduced weeds covering the water. It has certainly taken over.
#2 by SebastianM on December 14, 2009 - 10:44 am
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I can't be certain but I am fairly sure it is native. I say "weed" as this is a type of duckweed (Lemnaceae) plant. Apparently it can really improve a pond/lagoons health.
#3 by Barbara on December 17, 2009 - 5:15 am
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Yes, I was wondering if it was Duckweed or Azolla … certainly looks like the ducks are enjoying it! Our trips to Cairns never seem to allow time for birdwatching so I think we'll have to make a special trip to Yorkeys as well as taking a look at Cattana Wetlands.
Its a great photo of the Oriole!
#4 by SebastianM on December 17, 2009 - 8:48 am
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Thanks Barbara! Those whistling-ducks were particularly fond of it. It was a treat to watch!
#5 by SebastianM on December 17, 2009 - 8:47 am
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Thanks Barbara! Those Whistling-ducks especially gorged themselves on that weed. It was fantastic to watch!