Browns Road and Laratinga Wetlands

Yesterday I took a drive through the Adelaide Hills to Browns Road at Monarto. This land has recently been added to the Monarto Woodlands Conservation Park.  I've not been here for about 8 years, and was well overdue for a return visit.

It was a very foggy drive, but the sun broke through as I arrived.  it was very quiet, but there were a few birds flitting around.  The only birds I managed decent shots of were Diamond Firetail, Peaceful Dove, White-winged Chough and Grey Currawong.

I called in to Laratinga Wetlands at Mount Barker on the way home, and as usual there were plenty of birds around.  On the ponds were Grey Teal and Freckled Duck with Purple Swamphen and Common Bronzewing on the margins.

On one pool was a mass of ducks in a feeding frenzy. There were Pacific Black Ducks, Grey Teal and Hardheads, but by far the most numerous were Australian Shovelers. 

Laratinga is one of the best spots to get up close and personal with crakes, and I got a selection of shots of one confiding Australian spotted Crake. 

Laratinga Wetlands

Today we had a quick walk around Laratinga Wetlands at Mount Barker in the Adelaide Hills.

All the usual suspects were there. Most logs had ducks on them. This one had Maned Duck, Shoveler and Chestnut Teal on it.

The Pacific Black Ducks are not shy, and came too close at times!

The coots were all busy feeding, and there were lots of pairs of Shoveler here.

We had fun tracking down the Rosellas, but never quite got close enough for a good pic.  This one was almost straight into the sun, and so the colours are a bit odd.

There were also plenty of Turtles lounging in the sun, and, of course, The Australian Ibis' waiting to "mug" the picnickers!!