One of the most noticeable changes in birdlife there during that time has been the growth in the numbers of Brolga (Grus rubicunda) in the area. When I first went there, you hoped to see one or two in a day - and while you often did it was no surprise if you did not.
These days I basically expect to see them, and often see over ten individuals in 3 or 4 groups. The Brolga is not actually that rare across the whole of its range, but in Victoria (where I live) it is considered endangered.
These two birds were feeding on the edge of the T section lagoons - which is normally a location for watching diminutive crakes, rather than cranes that are 1 to 1.3 m in height, with a wing span between 1.7 to 2.4 m.
This images are only very lightly cropped, so you can see that I was bale to get close to the birds. Cars really do make excellent bird hides - and I cant help wonder if EVs would be even better because of the lack of engine noise.
Brolgas are omnivorous feeding on both plant and animals. They will eat a variety of wetland plants, insects and amphibians, and have also been known to eat mice, frogs and other small animals.
As ever, to join in with WBW click the link below. Hope all is well. Cheers SM
One of the birds of my dreams I got to see at Werribee. Such a joy!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beauty. You took some great shots! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are spectacular, I especially like the last one. Safe trekking and joyous discoveries . . . and thanks for allowing us to tag along through your wonderful photography.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shots, Stewart! YAM xx
Treatment plant is really a good place for birding
ReplyDeleteGreat shots Stewart I have seen these birds when many years ago I went on a count of the 2 species of Crane that come to the Tablelands. I remember it was very cold!!!! Thanks for hosting and commenting. I hope you have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteNice - I have never seen the Sarus Crane - I need to spend more time 'up north'. SM
DeleteWhat a wise and dignified bird! Thanks, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteAy, la última foto me encanta.
ReplyDeleteGracias, Stewart
¡Feliz día!
This is a new bird for me. They are magnificent creatures and you captured them perfectly.
ReplyDeleteSpectacular and glorious closeup photos of this beautiful bird, Stewart!
ReplyDeleteInteresting looking bird!
ReplyDeleteStunning bird, would love to see it someday.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous crane! I love seeing the sandhill cranes in our neck of the woods, and I've seen the rare whooping crane in the wild. I did visit the International Crane Foundation up in Wisconsin and they had captive specimens of all the crane spcies in the world. They also raised whooping cranes (and perhaps others) for release into the wild. Their methods to prevent imprinting on humans was extraordinary. Lots of crane costumes used in feeding and such. Was a fascinating place.
ReplyDeletePewnie nigdy go nie zobaczę w naturze. Gratuluję spotkania i pięknych zdjęć.
ReplyDelete