Pacific Black Duck

Pacific Black Duck, near Mannum, South Australia

Earlier this year my wife and I went for a drive from our home in Murray Bridge to Mannum in South Australia. Both of these towns are situated on the Murray River, Australia's largest river. After a delicious picnic lunch - bought from a local bakery - we drove along the river towards the town of Bow Hill.

Along the way we stopped at a locality called Younghusband, a small community of houses - many of them holiday homes - and a small general store and caravan park. While having afternoon tea in a picnic area next to the river I photographed the Pacific Black Duck (see above) and the Australian Pelican soaring above the river (see below).

It was lovely day and we saw some wonderful birds.

For more photos and information about Australian birds visit my other site called Trevor's Birding here. Or you might want to read about my travels in Australia and overseas on Trevor's Travels here.

Australian Pelican soaring over the Murray River in South Australia

Whistling Kite over the Murray River

Whistling Kite over the Murray River, South Australia

A few months ago my wife and I went for a day trip to Mannum which is about a half hour's drive from our home in Murray Bridge. We didn't go directly there but took several detours along the way. On arriving in Mannum we went to the local bakery and bought a few delicious items for lunch. We enjoyed our picnic lunch overlooking the nearby bird sanctuary next to the caravan park.

After looking through a few of the local shops we headed off from Mannum, crossing the Murray River on one of the two ferries which take vehicles across this part of Australia's largest river. We then followed the river along to Bow Hill, a farming community upstream. Along the way we stopped in a picnic area for afternoon tea: a cup of tea and the rest of the goodies from the bakery.

While we were sitting at the picnic table I made a list of the birds observed in the vicinity. I also  photographed the Whistling Kite soaring above the river and tree-tops - see the photo above. Just as we were about to leave the PS Proud Mary came steaming past. We must go on one of their cruises one day.

You can read more about Australian birds on my site Trevor's Birding here, and also about my travels here in Australia and overseas on Trevor's Travels here.

PS Proud Mary on the Murray River in South Australia

Crested Pigeon, Peterborough

Crested Pigeon, Victoria Park, Peterborough, South Australia

On a recent visit to family living in Peterborough in the mid-north of South Australia I visited the local Victoria Park which is next to the caravan park. I often visit this spot because it has an artificial lake which attracts a range of water birds.

It also boasts a range of dry-land birds which I sometimes don't get to observe where I live. On this occasion there was nothing of particular note, but I did get this nice shot of a Crested Pigeon feeding on the grass in the park. Crested Pigeons are a widespread species in rural Australia, but they are increasingly found in urban settings as well, especially in grassy areas like parks, gardens and ovals.

For more photos and articles about Australian birds visit my other site called Trevor's Birding here.

Mallard Ducks

Mallard Ducks at Victoria Park, Peterborough, South Australia

My wife and I recently visited family in Peterborough in the mid-north of South Australia. During our stay I drove around town taking a few photos. I always try to find time to visit Victoria Park which is an artificial lake and park next to the swimming pool and caravan park.

This park, and the lake in particular, always has some resident birds including a collection of ducks and other water birds. There is currently a loose flock of about 30 ducks of varying breeds, mostly non-native, including the Mallards shown in today's photo. This species is an introduced species in Australia and is common in parks and gardens where there is water. They often interbreed with our native species such as the Pacific Black Duck.

For more photos and articles about Australian birds visit my other site Trevor's Birding here.

Black-tailed Native-hens

Black-tailed Native-hen, Peterborough, South Australia

Black-tailed Native-hens are a widespread and relatively common bird throughout Australia, but only where suitable habitat exists. They prefer wetlands such are dams, lakes, rivers, swamps and only venture short distances from water in order to feed on pastures and grass. Sometimes, when conditions are right and food is plentiful, they can breed up quickly in large numbers in one locality, occasionally flocking together in their thousands.

On the occasion of this photo there were about 80 feeding around the artificial lake called Victoria Park in Peterborough in the mid-north of South Australia. This lovely park is next to both the swimming pool and the caravan park in the heart of the town.

For more photos and articles about Australian birds, go to my other site Trevor's Birding here.