Common Blackbird in the Adelaide Hills

Common Blackbird in the Adelaide Hills

While visiting the Laratinga Wetlands in the Adelaide Hills recently I captured some good photos of a male Common Blackbird. It was foraging in the leaf litter on the side of one of the walking trails through the wetlands area.

Common Blackbirds are a common species in Europe and were introduced many years ago to parts of Australia. Since then they have spread widely and have established populations in most southern and eastern towns and cities here. In many places they are regarded as a pest species. On the other hand, many people enjoy hearing their beautiful song, especially in the spring and summer evenings.

You can see more bird photos on my other site Trevor's Birding here.

Black-fronted Dotterel, Adelaide Hills

Black-fronted Dotterel 

 

 

 

 

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Last week on my way home from Adelaide I had a few hours to spare and so I called into the Laratinga Wetlands near Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills here in South Australia.

These wetlands are a classic example of how to effectively treat effluent waste and turn it into a tourist attraction. The lovely picnic area is a delight and is very popular. The main walking and cycling trail is constantly in use by locals and visitors, and the bird life is an added attraction.

What is more - there is no nasty smell. In fact, the waste water is recycled and used in nearby orchards. Win, win, win.

The bird featured today was feeding quietly in a swampy area just off one of the walking trails. Black-fronted Dotterels are found in many parts of Australia where there is suitable habitat. They are generally only absent from the driest parts of the continent.

To see more photos of Australian birds click here.

Sacred Kingfisher

Sacred Kingfisher in our garden

A few mornings ago we were enjoying breakfast in our sun room. I was struggling over the crossword puzzle until my wife excitedly pointed out that we had an unusual visitor in the garden just a few metres from where we sat. It was a Sacred Kingfisher as shown in the photo.

I quickly ran for the camera - yes, I can still run at my age - and managed about 40 photos before our visitor flew off. While it stayed it was constantly watching the ground for breakfast. Every minute or so it would dive to ground and gobble up some fine delicacy.

Although we have seen this species on a few occasions in our garden, it has been a few years since the last visit and this is the closest we have been to one. This set of photos is also the best I have taken of this species.

You can read more and see more photos on my other site called Trevor's Birding here.