One migratory wader, one wader that is endemic to Australia, one rare visitor and a stunningly beautiful macropod.
The first is a Red-necked Stint. This tiny wader is one of the world’s most remarkable birds. They measure about 14cm and weigh just 25g, which is about one third the weight of a hen’s large egg. And yet they migrate between Australia and Siberia. How on earth does such a tiny bird cope with such a huge migration? Red-neck Stints are one of the lesser known marvels of the world’s bird species.
The second is the Red-necked Avocet, arguably one of the world’s most elegant species. These birds are endemic to Australia; they measure 40-45cm and weigh about 310g. They are a nomadic species that travel around Australia in fairly small groups. Their insanely long bills are used by swishing them back and forth through shallow water as they forage for invertebrates.
The Red-necked Phalarope was first recorded in Australia in 1962 and the sprinkling of sightings since then are thought to be due to extreme weather events. This species is also called the Northern Phalarope as its regular migration patterns keep it within the northern hemisphere. I was super lucky to see this exquisite little bird at Werribee’s Western Treatment Plant.
And finally the macropod, the very attractive Red-necked Wallaby. These wallabies are solitary and secretive so I was especially thrilled to see one as I was driving from Jindabyne to the coast. This photograph is virtually full frame, all I have done is to trim a little from the top and bottom as I had to turn the camera to portrait to avoid capturing only part of the wallaby.
Apologies for the lack of camera settings but I’ve been unwell this week with parainfluenza which left me exhausted, achy and now with no sense of smell or taste. It’s a peculiar feeling to sniff a bottle of eucalyptus oil and feel as though it’s been replaced with water, until others smell the same bottle and confirm by their facial expressions as well as their words that it is definitely still oil.
Stay well everyone, happy birding, Kim
PS I’ve managed to do a little work on the calendar, thank you for so much feedback and my sincere apologies if I haven’t yet responded to your email.
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