aussiebirder

Last weekend my wife and I travelled to Canberra our nation’s capital city to visit family and visit the Pompey Exhibition in the National Museum. Canberra is a completely man made city constructed on sheep grazing areas half way between Sydney and Melbourne our two major cities. The reason being that each city thought it should be the nation’s capital, so Canberra was the compromise and the better plan. The city is situated on a manmade lake, Lake Burley Griffin, named after the cities’ architect. Sunday afternoon was the first lovely day, though windy, so we headed off to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve which is situated near and fed by the cities sewerage treatment plant, which is only a km from Parliament House, which is quite visible in the distance. At least its large unique flag pole is.

The city is situated on a manmade lake, Lake Burley Griffin, named after the cities’ architect. Sunday afternoon was the first lovely day, though windy, so we headed off to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve which is situated near and fed by the cities sewerage treatment plant, which is only a km from Parliament House, which is quite visible in the distance. At least its large unique flag pole situated on top of the building is.

On previous occasions we have seen some good species here, but in recent years after the drought the reeds grew very thick, obscuring much of the ponds and concealing the birds. Several well constructed Bird Hides are around the ponds for viewing and many popular walking trails where many locals walk.

This reserve is another example of local government taking advantage of opportunities to capitalise on an aera which could easily be wasted as a sewerage settling pond and transforming it into a good public recreation area and wildlife reserve, especially for water birds. We see foxes on each occasion in broad daylight there also obviously looking for a feed of local duck. In the grasslands nearby my wife sited these Straw-necked Ibis grazing. The straw neck is not present as they are not in breeding at present. Click on image to enlarge it.

Many Australasian Swamphen were grazing around the ponds. These are our most common shore birds around freshwater lakes and rivers, previously known as the Purple Swamphen.

Several species of the Parrot family live in Canberra including the brilliant Eastern Crimson Rosella.

We saw this very immature Grey Butcherbird calling in the nearby trees by the ponds. Notice it lacks all the adult markings having just lost its brown juvenile plumage, starting to gradually gain the colours of its parents.

My wife, still recovering from her broken foot, hobbled with help to two of the bird hides where we did not see much other than Pacific Black Duck pairs. She then went and rested her foot out of the wind in the car while I did a quick round of the hides.

However, to my delight, on checking out my photos at home, having noticed at a distance several unusual water birds, this lone Freckled Duck. These birds are endangered and threatened being our rarest endemic duck in the wild in Australia. What an unexpected gift to see this bird in the wild. Thank you Lord ! The Freckled Duck is not classified as a diving duck but will dive to escape danger. They have a unique way of foraging at the base of the pond often seen upended or with heads below water,

On the other hand the Grey Teal are Australia’s most numerous water bird, often found in breeding pairs. Huge flocks of these birds are found in the wetlands at the Top End of our continent. They are a very placid duck.

I caught a glimpse of this beautiful graceful Eastern Great Egret passing over the ponds.

Another fresh water bird we seldom see was present but appeared also immature, one lone Australasian Shoveler which also feeds from near the bottom of the pond stirring up tiny aquatic insects and crustaceans. It is a filter-feeder using special lamellae (grooves) along the edges of the bill to filter food. Here it is trailing a Grey Teal in a similar way to the Freckled Duck. Maybe as youngsters they have been left to fend for themselves, and follow others for company and direction.

Lastly, I saw this Australasian Grebe shoot across the water, as they do not like us seeing them. These unusual water birds are often found on their own most of the year in the centre of the pond or river, only coming together when they breed, when they display facial breeding plumage. Though bird numbers were low it was a bonus gift to see the birds we did, especially the lone Freckled Duck. We can only hope it finds a mate so it can continue the next generation.

Have a wonderful week birding and enjoy the changing seasons where ever you are as birds relocate for the next season. Check out my book which is available here online or in selected stores. It is the ideal gift for your child as well as for anyone who loves birds. To find out more Click HERE. (It will open in a new tab)

As birds become endangered and rarer to find in the wild they become more precious and valuable to us, with the need to make special efforts to protect and preserve each one. Since each human being person is uniquely different and individually uniquely different in their DNA, appearance, temperament and abilities, likewise we are each precious and valuable in God’s economy. Jesus puts much value on our lives or souls, restoring the respect, acceptance, security and significance we lost from growing up and living in our selfish sin stained society. He makes this statement:

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew [loved deeply] you” – Jeremiah 1:5

It might be worth looking up the One who made you so uniquely you. He dearly loves what he made. It is only our rebellion and selfish heart that has spoilt the beautiful relationship. Jesus has done everything to restore that relationship if we are willing to turn away from our selfish life and turn to him for Salvation and restoration. Restoring our relationship and peace with God our Creator.

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

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Adv. Dip. in Counselling and Family Therapy.

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And learn from them how to live a healthy and happy life.

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