Wetland birding is always a good option when you don't have time to travel further afield. There is always something to bring you back in touch with nature.
With various duck species ever present and the always reliable Purple Swamphens and Eurasian Coots, Australasian Grebes and Little Pied Cormorants, you can explore and find something willing to pose for a photo.
A species a bit more challenging is always fun though, whether it be an Australian Reed Warbler, Buff-banded Rail, Spotted Crake or, in this particular case, the elusive and very rare Australasian Bittern.
The call went out about a week ago at a wetland just south of Adelaide that an Australasian Bittern had been seen. I waited a few days before venturing out to take a look. Ive seen them a few times in the past, at Greenfields Wetland, north of Adelaide as well further away at Bool Lagoon in SE SA and even further east at Picks Swamp near Mt Gambier. However, my current photos were poor and always in flight. So, the chance to try for a perched photo was tempting.
I tried one morning without luck but on my second attempt was successful immediately! I was happy to see that it was sitting on the outer edge of the reeds! Although a fair distance away, it was visable which is quite unusual for this reclusive species.
Here are a few photos taken on the day.
Australasian Bittern
Australasian Bittern
Little Pied Cormorant
Australian Reed Warbler
Eurasian Coot
Little Pied Cormorant
What are you looking at?
Australasian Bittern
What do you mean I'm not as exciting as a Bittern??
