Laratinga Wetlands

This afternoon, Maryann and I popped into Laratinga Wetlands at Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills.

As we strolled around, there were plenty of birds to see.  First bird was a Yellow-billed Spoonbill, fast asleep in the sun. 

Water levels were low in some ponds, but the boardwalks helped get close to the birds.  Dusky Moorhens were everywhere, and a pair of "mixed up mallards" were keeping a close eye on their brood.

 Not so many Common Coots in the shallows, but there were plenty in the deeper water.  I counted over 20 Spotted Crakes, and some were very confiding.

The only parrot we saw were Adelaide Rosellas.   Another birder had mentioned he'd seen some Freckled Ducks, and we eventually found one on a log with a Grey Teal and a Hardhead for company.

The next pond held lots of birds, and we quickly ticked off Chestnut Teal and Australian Little Grebe.

A small movement in the reeds betrayed this Australian Reed Warbler, but the Hoary-headed Grebes were much more conspicuous against the dark water.

Then I flushed a small crake.  My immediate thought was a Baillon's, but it disappeared before I could see it properly.  On the way back, it was at the same spot, and I trod a little more carefully!!  ID confirmed, and duly photographed!! A Baillon's Crake.

On the way back to the car we passed this fluffed up White-faced Heron, some Purple Swamphen's and a single Hardhead.