Hey Duck! Look here!
Pacific Black Duck, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker
The Pacific Black Duck is a common bird in many parts of Australia. Wherever there is a dam, pond, lake, wetland, swamp, river, estuary or other body of water the observant birder will often see this species, frequently in large numbers. Many tend to overlook this species because they are so common, but I love to photograph them whenever I get the chance. I guess, to be honest, I just like taking photographs of birds.
On a recent birding visit to the Laratinga Wetlands in Mt Barker, South Australia, this Pacific Black Duck was resting on the wooden walkway over one of the ponds. I zoomed my camera lens in to get a good shot but it kept looking the other way. I tried asking it to turn my way but it generally ignored me. Eventually it sort of looked towards me – see the photo below – but wasn’t really interested in becoming the next big photographic star on the web.
Can’t say I blame it. It was freezing cold that morning. It was probably just trying to get warm in the early morning sun.
I will post more photos from from this site of more cooperative birds in the coming days.
Good Birding.
Trevor
Pacific Black Duck, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker
Ducks in the Lane Cove National Park
Australian Wood Ducks – male (L) and female (R)
The Lane Cove National Park in Sydney has the Lane Cove River flowing through it. Many areas near the banks of the river have been cleared of vegetation to accommodate ovals, picnic grounds and parking space for the many visitors who frequent the park daily. The water and the picnic areas naturally attract a range of ducks.
On our visit a few months ago I only recorded two species: Australian Wood Ducks and Pacific Black Ducks. The photo above shows the male on the left and the female on the right. The photo shows – in part – the big differences in the plumage between the male and female. The photo below shows some of the fine markings on the male bird.
Male Australian Wood Duck
Today’s last photo is of a Pacific Black Duck, one of our most common ducks.
Pacific Black Duck
Birding in the Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Pacific Black Duck, Adelaide Botanic Gardens
A few moths ago my wife and I attended a special food fair at Norwood. The emphasis was on South East Asian food and Chinese food in particular. Some Chinese friends of ours had especially invited us to attend. The food was magnificent and we introduced our palates to many new dishes.
After the festivities we decided to spend an hour or so in the nearby Adelaide Botanic Gardens. I had my camera at the ready because I knew from past visits that this was an excellent venue to obtain some great bird photos. This time, however, I was a little disappointed. I had a frustrating time; not many birds, my batteries ran flat and the spares were also flat. You have days like that.
I did manage to get a few photos of some of the trees and flowers shown on this page, plus a rather nice shot of a Pacific Black Duck. I guess the birds will have to wait for another day.
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
Adelaide Botanic Gardens