Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Birds at the Airport Roost

I always have a good look along the bay when I first kayak around the mangroves at the south end of Mullens creek but the dark birds I saw in the water along the end of the sandy beach were a little unexpected.  They were six black swans.  I hoped for closer photos but quickly found that two legs under the water were moving a lot faster than a kayak paddling on top of the water! The sixth bird was swimming quite a long way behind the others.

There is often at least one Little Egret roosting in this area but it was nice to see this one with breeding plumes on its head.

I let the breeze and the tide drift me into the beach so I could get closer to the birds that were standing on the sand spit.  When I got in closer the birds moved over the sand into the lagoon behind.  All I could see was heads!  When the kayak eventually drifted right on to the sand I found that I could get a good look by easing up onto the higher part at the back of the kayak.  There were three Common Greenshanks and  apparently they felt quite safe only seeing my head above the sand spit.  They could definitely see me but after a good look at me they went back to doing their usual bird activities of eating, scratching and sleeping.

 For more bird photos from around the world visit Wild Bird Wednesday.

17 comments:

  1. very pretty shots. i like the black swans.

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  2. Brilliant Greenshank pictures Mick. From your naarative I expect the species is very, vary wary, just like it is here. In the UK it's impossible to get anywhere near them.

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  3. Nice to see so many unexpected Black Swans. That Little Egret is a stunner, Mick.
    I don't know how you focus and shoot while floating in a kayak.

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  4. Love your shots. We don't have Black Swans here and seeing them in a row is rather exciting. It's fun to go on your birding treks:)

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  5. Yes great to see breeding plumes!

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  6. Lovely photos! And wow black swans I really want to see some time! I know there a few here in my country Sweden too. I love the white egret too! :)
    Greetings Pia

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  7. Wow, these are gorgeous photos. I love the Black Swans, they are so pretty. And the Greenshanks look similar to one of our shorebirds here. Thanks for sharing, have a great day!

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  8. These are gorgeous, Mick! The egret is beautiful!

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  9. Greenshank are wonderful birds - I always think that they look a bit less "muscular' then other waders - but thats not the sort of think you find in a guide book!

    Cheers and thanks for linking to WBW - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  10. Very nice photos. I especially like the Black Swans. I guess they can be pretty aggressive.

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  11. Really nice to see the swans, all great pictures. The egret is looking particularly beautiful.

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  12. That was a great kayaking trip! The swans are beautiful and unusual. Egrets (any kind or variety) are my all-time favorites, my iconic bird. Lovely shore birds too.

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  13. Incredible shots of the Common Greenshanks Mick! And that Little Egret in breeding plumaage is adorable. Thanks for the kayak trip!

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  14. Mick, terrific work! A nice surprise from the swans, handsome egret and really good shots of the Greenshanks!

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  15. You really did have great success! Kudos!

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