Greenfields Wetlands - Western Section
The western side of the wetlands lies adjacent to the saltworks. This part of the saltworks is where the salt is harvested and the water in the saltworks is very concentrated.
This side of the wetlands has much more open fresh water so there tend to be more pelicans and swans here. The water is also deeper, so there were not so many exposed margins. There was no wind and the water was giving great reflections. The Royal spoonbill in this photo is in full breeding plumage, showing a buffy cast to its breast, long plumes at the back of its head and red on its forehead.
Again, no crakes, but I found a nice spot with a bit of cover, and managed to get my first shots of Little Grassbird, a small skulking warbler that inhabits swampy areas.
While waiting for the grassbird, I managed to get a couple of flight shots of White-headed Stilt and Whiskered Tern.
I also noticed another dragonfly, and like yesterday's I have no idea what it is.
Finally, a rather surreal shot of some recently harvested salt. These piles are moved by conveyor to the processing plant where the salt is prepared for sale.
This side of the wetlands has much more open fresh water so there tend to be more pelicans and swans here. The water is also deeper, so there were not so many exposed margins. There was no wind and the water was giving great reflections. The Royal spoonbill in this photo is in full breeding plumage, showing a buffy cast to its breast, long plumes at the back of its head and red on its forehead.
Again, no crakes, but I found a nice spot with a bit of cover, and managed to get my first shots of Little Grassbird, a small skulking warbler that inhabits swampy areas.
While waiting for the grassbird, I managed to get a couple of flight shots of White-headed Stilt and Whiskered Tern.
I also noticed another dragonfly, and like yesterday's I have no idea what it is.
Finally, a rather surreal shot of some recently harvested salt. These piles are moved by conveyor to the processing plant where the salt is prepared for sale.
Lovely shots of the birds--love that Whiskered Tern. The photo of the salt mounds is surreal. Very weird!
ReplyDeleteLove that little grassbird. And again I am struck by how you have the swan, spoonbill, and stilt all in one frame. Now that is the place to birdwatch! Too bad the crake are eluding you. The salt mounds look huge teeth, almost as if you are a little morsel inside a giant's mouth looking toward its lower incisors reflected in a pool of saliva as it contemplates chomping down on you ... Now that's a gruesome thought, isn't it? Stay safe!
ReplyDeletecheers,
Wilma
I love a good reflection! (-: Glad you 'got' the Grasswren, one I didn't catch up with on my trip over. What is the scale of those salt piles Tony? Amazing shot!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelly, Yes, my "Whiskered Tern in flight" shot has taken a while to come good.
ReplyDeleteThanks Wilma, he is quite cute isn't he.
Hi Jen. I'd say around 25 - 30 feet tall - but difficult to estimate as they are over 100m (110 yards) away.