Local Wetlands
As we end summer and move into autumn, I decided to check out the local wetlands. My first stop was Kaurna Wetlands Park, right on my doorstep. It is a very sad sight, and there has been no water here for the past couple of months. Hopefully a good autumn and winter will soon fill it up again.
Just up the road is another small wetland at Springbank. There is plenty of water here and consequently a few birds as well.
The ducks here are pretty tame, and consist of a few "mixed up mallards" and various other hybrids. This one is almost a Pacific Black Duck, but the supercilium needs to be a creamy white to be pure.
I have no idea on this one. The pale outer tail feathers are mallard, the head pattern is reminiscent of Grey Teal, and the breast marking, head shape and bill look like Chestnut Teal.
Eucalyptus trees are evergreen. They do not loose all of their leaves at the same time, but shed leaves throughout the year. Different species also flower at different times so there is nectar available throughout the year too. This one has just started flowering.
Greenfields Wetlands was not faring much better with most pools very low on water. One pool had a reasonable level on it, and here Great Egret, Purple Swamphen and Little Grebe were all feeding happily, whilst nearby a Little Black Cormorant was drying its wings.
Just up the road is another small wetland at Springbank. There is plenty of water here and consequently a few birds as well.
The ducks here are pretty tame, and consist of a few "mixed up mallards" and various other hybrids. This one is almost a Pacific Black Duck, but the supercilium needs to be a creamy white to be pure.
I have no idea on this one. The pale outer tail feathers are mallard, the head pattern is reminiscent of Grey Teal, and the breast marking, head shape and bill look like Chestnut Teal.
Eucalyptus trees are evergreen. They do not loose all of their leaves at the same time, but shed leaves throughout the year. Different species also flower at different times so there is nectar available throughout the year too. This one has just started flowering.
Greenfields Wetlands was not faring much better with most pools very low on water. One pool had a reasonable level on it, and here Great Egret, Purple Swamphen and Little Grebe were all feeding happily, whilst nearby a Little Black Cormorant was drying its wings.
A nice set of pics. Hope you get some good rains soon.
ReplyDeleteWeather is so much more extreme there isn't it Tony. Can you imagine any of the wetlands on the Somerset Levels drying out like that??? Jane and I were almost outside your old house earlier today looking for an early Wheatear. No luck, but saw Crossbills and Mandarin in the F of Dean.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mosura, I hope so too.
ReplyDeleteHi Jen. It sure is - With more floods in queensland, we will be getting more water down the river Murray, but it doesn't help our local wetlands.