Over the last 18 months White-necked heron seem to be popping up more frequently in southern Victoria. I went several years prior to this without seeing one at all.
They are even appearing in in the suburbs. This one was spotted at a man-made chain of ponds fed by freeway run-off alongside Heatherdale Creek in Ringwood (Melbourne, Victoria - see geotag).
 |
| White-necked heron Ardea pacifica in non-breeding plumage. There is a little of the plum colouring that would indicate a breeding bird but the absence of colour on the breast and line of spots down the front of the neck tell otherwise. |
 |
| White-necked heron beside the Eastlink bike trail, Ringwood |
 |
| A very "suburban" view! |
In my earlier years I remember this bird going by the name Pacific heron which somehow seems a better name! Some sightings data ....
 |
| 2001 and 2004 look to be the best years in recent times for White-necked heron in Victoria (screen grab from www.eremaea.com data). The data also suggests that the spring months September - November are the most likely. |
And a few other birds photographed this day ...
 |
| New Holland honeyeater |
 |
| Eurasian coot |
 |
| Pacific black duck |
Bird on!
I love White-necked Herons and it's interesting to see photos of them in urban settings. Nice work! I also prefer the name Pacific Heron.
ReplyDeletea nice variety here Pete and good to see the white-necked up close
ReplyDelete