Australian Painted Snipe at Parklakes

Australian Painted Snipe

Australian Painted Snipe is the latest rarity to turn up at the Parklakes Wetland near Bli Bli. This male bird was seen this morning and late yesterday afternoon at the western end of the second pond. Other local observers have seen up to four Australian Painted Snipe over the past few days, along with as many as seven Latham's Snipe.

Australian Painted Snipe

Australian Little Bittern

The pair of Australian Little Bitterns that have been around for awhile (see following posts) performed well this morning. The male and female were feeding together at one point. Both birds flew frequently from one spot to another, although they are seen most frequently in reeds along the northern edge of the second pond. Also seen this morning were 5 Baillon's Crakes, 1 Spotless Crake and 1 Little Grassbird (along with Tawny Grassbird and Australian Reed-Warbler).

Plumed Whistling-Duck & Pacific Black Duck

Plumed Whistling-Duck and Pacific Black Duck were reflective, as were these three duck species at a nearby wetland at Pacific Paradise.

Hardhead, Grey Teal, Chesnut Teal

Tawny Grassbird

Australasian Pipit

Red-kneed Dotterel

 About 20 Red-kneed Dotterels were gathered around a pool at Maroochy River. Good numbers of this species are still about the coast.

Spotted Harrier

An immature Spotted Harrier was also present at Maroochy River.