Sunday, June 21, 2009

Mid-Winter at Kaurna

This morning we had the lowest temperature in Adelaide so far this winter, a chilly 5 C (41 F). By 9:30 it had climbed to 10 C (50 F) and a beautiful sunny morning, so Maryann and I decided to walk around Kaurna Wetlands Park.
We walked the perimeter and saw 27 species in the 2 km (1.25 Mile) walk.
I live at the southern end off the park, and here it comprises small pools and channels surrounded by sparse eucalypt woodland. The northern end is flooded at the moment and holds a few waterbirds including Pacific Black Ducks, Grey Teal and Australasian Little Grebe (a first for me at the wetlands) and has many Welcome swallows hawking over it surface.
On the walk. I spotted a Musk Lorikeet high in a flowering eucalypt, and as Maryann was watching, a Rainbow Lorikeet flew in and perched in full view. This beautifully colourful bird is extremely common across southern and eastern coastal areas of Australia.
The path verges and any open areas of grass (and my back yard!!) are covered in soursob (Oxalis per-caprae) an invasive weed originating from South Africa.
Amongst the common birds seen were another two firsts for my park list, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Spotted Pardalote.

4 comments:

  1. What a great place to have on your doorstep Tony. I guess winter is the best time there waterwise? I love those little Pardalotes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great Images Tony,I love all the different bird colours.
    Fantastic stuff,well done.
    Back soon.
    John.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wonderful shots. I love coming here to see the variety of birds you have.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks Guys, your feedback is always appreciated.

    Hi Jen,

    Yes, once the winter rains come everything springs to life!! Many birds breed on the water cycle as opposed to the seasons (like in Europe). If we are lucky and there are good rains right through the winter, the water could last right through the summer.

    ReplyDelete