September 2014

12th September 2014
Townsville Commons, Queensland, Australia

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)

Townsville Commons is an important wetland area that holds large numbers of Magpie Geese and other wildfowl when the water levels are right (usually throughout August and September). During this time the birds can often be seen at close range from numerous points along the roadside.

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)

On the morning that I visited, the Magpie Geese flocks were actively feeding right beside one of the laybys, conveniently allowing me to use the car as a hide and to wait for the action to unfold in front of me. The geese were constantly changing their position within the wetland, with small groups taking flight from one area then re-landing a short distance away, a perfect scenario for photographing them in flight, taking off and landing...

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)

There were also several Brolgas wading around in the marsh, but they only rarely came close.

Brolga (Grus rubicundus)

Brolga (Grus rubicundus)

Brolga (Grus rubicundus)

I didn't see to much in the way of land birds during any of the short walks I took here, but then again it was a very hot morning with the temperature already over 30°C by 10am, so it is not surprising that bird activity was pretty much non-existant. One exception was a fairly cooperative Blue-winged Kookaburra...

Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii)

9th-11th September (Tyto Wetlands, QLD)

2014 index

13th September (Mackay, QLD)