I wonder what’s happening at home.

I took the opportunity for a few days away in a caravan, after the last lockdown and perhaps before the next. (although I’m hoping there won’t be a ‘next’). Before I left I was very excited to see, not one, but two nests on the lagoon, about a tree away from where they were last year. Last year I followed some darter babies as they grew up. (Search for darter on this blog)

I have so many questions. Is it the same bird? Will she lay eggs again? Has she already? I didn’t want to spend too much time taking photos because I didn’t want to scare her away.

Stay tuned…. we’ll see what happens when I get back.

Two entertaining Spoonbills

I was very excited when I found these two Spoonbills chilling out in a place nearby where I could spy on them. I wish I could talk bird. I watched these two for ages (expect a lot of pictures!). They were probably discussing the fishing. I thought they were going to both dive in the water. I had my fonger on ready to snap the moment. It was ready set … BUt then one seemed to think better of the idea and they relaxed again.

More Swallows

The Swallows have moved in too. They love this boat. I’m not sure whether they are Welcome Swallows or Barn Swallows. They are a bit of a nuisance because they built a massive nest structire out of mud last year. Apparently they tend to return each year to the same sites.

Compare them to this one

Introducing…

A very cheeky fellow who was lurking around my barge. My barge floats on the lagoon. It’s a little like a floating caravan or a very small house. There must be lots of fish in the water around and under it because this pelican was having a feast. He was so distracted that he let me take lots of photos.

The birds are moving in!

I’ve noticed this chap (I assume) hanging about out front. He seems to be getting bolder and bolder. I couldn’t believe how close he came to the house. And what was surprising is how close he let me get to photograph him. He couldn’t really think he was well protected by a few little grasses. I kept creeping closer and closer and he didn’t seem to care. And that was only the beginning of our relationship. Wait for tomorrow’s photos.

Shed visitor

This little one and it’s friend obviously didn’t know the Covid restrictions and came to visit in the shed.(I think they’re Striated Pardalotes.) This was good because they spent a great deal of time flitting around while I tried to capture them in an infrequent still moment. I did finally manage to capture them, and a lot of cobwebs, but it required some patience because these two were rarely still for even a moment.