Miscellaneous birds – Byron Bay 3

In early October 2017 I spent a couple of hours with my camera birding at the Byron Wetlands which is a top birding location close to but away from the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay. For more information regarding the Byron Wetlands see this post: http://avithera.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/miscellaneous-birds-byron-bay-2.html

On my own, I managed to record 56 bird species in 2.5 hours. So the Byron Wetlands is a hot spot for birds – you can see the species recorded here:

http://birdata.birdlife.org.au/survey?id=1990715&h=de5a6c20

Here is a selection of bird photos from my late afternoon visit to the wetlands.

Please click on photos to enlarge.

The elusive, mostly heard and rarely seen Australian Reed-Warbler – this bird was flying out from dense reeds to forage for food in paperbarks standing in one of the wetland cells.

Black-fronted Dotterel – an Australian endemic shorebird until its self-introduction to New Zealand around 1954 where it is now locally common.

I could not resist including another photo of this strikingly beautiful wader – this is one of a pair I photographed – I saw at least another 10 birds at the wetlands.

Male Leaden Flycatcher.

Female Leaden Flycatcher.

Restless Flycatcher perched on an information sign at the wetland.

Little Egret in breeding plumage, stalking food in one of the many wetland cells.

The Egret is lining up prey for the strike.

Lewin’s Honeyeater.

White-breasted Woodswallow nesting in a disused Magpie-lark’s mud nest – the Morcombe field guide notes the occasional use of Magpie-lark nests by this species.

The partner to the bird on the nest above – both parents share in nest building, incubation and care of the young. 

There were good numbers of Australasian Figbirds moving about in small flocks however they proved hard to approach for photos – this is a distant shot.

The Rainbow Bee-eaters by comparison were easy subjects as they perched in between aerobatic forays chasing flying insects.

The Byron Wetlands are always worth a visit however access via an electronic key requires pre-planning. The wetland is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays and weekends.