1st September

The wetlands are overflowing again due to recent rains, an unusual situation at this time of the year. The regular rainfall through the “dry season” has been perfect for our revegetation works and we are very pleased with the growth. In just under a year the new wetland is providing habitat for many creatures.
Green Pygmy-Geese and Wandering Whistling Ducks are still in residence and the Magpie Geese have been regular visitors since their return in early August with five juveniles. The young are flying but have dark bills, are smaller in build and their calls are still the sibilant whistles of goslings.
Forest Kingfisher, Azure Kingfisher, White-necked Heron, Little Black Cormorant, Little Pied Cormorant, Darter and Great Egret are also frequently observed while White-Rumped Swiftlets and Rainbow Bee-eaters are spectacular to watch as they feed on insects on the surface of the water. And we had our first sighting of a Jacana on August 10th feeding on and around the waterlilies.
The gardens are alive with the sounds of birds ……… Metallic Starlings have returned and make quite an impression when the flock swoops past en route to the nesting tree on the hill.