Crescent moon, venus and jupiter

Snipes, Crakes and Rails

Coolart wetlands always provides some surprises and Friday was no exception. Normally secretive birds were out in the open for extended periods allowing for good photo opportunities.

A Latham's Snipe flew in and remained exposed on the muddy bank, a Spotless Crake emerged from protective cover on several occasions as did a Lewin's Rail. Meanwhile a White Faced Heron provided some entertainment chasing away the competition from younger herons.

Sunny Day at Flinders

No wildlife shots today, instead I went for a picnic at Flinders on the edge of Westernport Bay and Bass Strait in Victoria. A beautiful sunny day for a leisurely stroll in the beach.

Echidna

This post is for Noushka, a little piece of Oz for you.

I stumbled across this Echidna at Coolart wetlands, I don't think it saw me as it went about its business digging for ants.

Western Treatment Plant, Werribee

Australian Hobby

Red-necked Stint

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

Australian Spotted Crake

Brown Falcon

William Ricketts Sculptures

Seawinds Gardens is located just a short stroll from the Arthurs Seat Summit region. The combination of indigenous and exotic formal gardens typifies the area, whilst the addition of William Ricketts sculptures makes these gardens a very popular destination. Great spot for a picnic or just a stroll around. Plenty of local wildlife including Crimson Rosellas, Kookaburras and the odd Echidna or Kangaroo.

Small Birds at Cranbourne Gardens

Even though the skies were grey I was still able to get a few snaps of some of the smaller birds at Cranbourne Botanical gardens. Dusky Woodswallows were prevalent on the way to Stringybark Picnic area and surprisingly a Sacred Kingfisher was also present.

A Red-browed Finch seemed to be collecting nesting material and a juvenile Dusky Woodswallow managed to capture a wasp directly in front of me.

Coolart

Highlights of a recent trip to Coolart wetlands included a sighting of an Australian Spotted Crake which was obliging in front of the Antechinus bird hide. Also present were several Little Black Cormorants which are always entertaining.

On my way out I spotted a female Grey Butcherbird which had captured a small lizard, some Musk Lorikeets, and some Silvereyes.