Sunday, June 24, 2012

I've not seen ibis look this good before!

Several weeks of wet, gloomy days have transformed the landscape in many parts of Victoria. This applies particularly to SW Gippsland including Phillip Island. There is water just everywhere and locales such as Koo Wee Rup and Lang Lang have been flooded with a few evacuations.

Birds that like to be close to water are able to disperse. This may mean reliable go-to birding spots are less "productive". On the other hand new, temporary habitats are created in the form of drowned paddocks and gardens.

A mixed flock of australian white ibis and straw-necked ibis exploring a large Silverleaves garden attracted my attention this morning.

Straw-necked ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis)



Australian white ibis (Threskiornis molucca)

I was actually on my way to Oswin Robert Sanctuary. However upon opening the car door on arrival, the misty rain recommenced. I persisted for a while (missing a shot of what I believe was a collared sparrowhawk) but ended up photographing wallabies once again!

The trails have become creeks at Oswin Roberts Sanctuary, Phillip Island


2 comments:

  1. Have to agree those ibises look smart, especially the rainbow colours on the Straw-necked. Love the Swamp Wallabies too.

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  2. looking decidedly clean and great plumage showing on the first photograph

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