Istarted the morning off at the Marlgu Billabong where there were thousands of ducks and other waterbirds. Unfortunately, as I walked out to the blind, most of the birds flushed and flew off, but a few stayed. I spent the morning photographing Green Pygmy-Geese and Wandering Whistling-Ducks as well as Eurasian Coots and Comb-crested Jacanas. The highlight of the morning was watching a young Brown Goshawk attack anything in sight including several Darters, Nankeen Night-Herons, and of course the ducks. Inever did see him catch anything but he sure made everything nervous and mad.
Iguess it should probably be mentioned that the Wandering Whistling Ducks were my 350th bird species I have photographed in Australia. To put that in perspective, Ihave only seen 351 species of birds in North America in about 15 years of birding. Its amazing what you can do when you have an entire year dedicated to it!
In the afternoon, Ihad planned to go into Wyndham to search for some Gouldian Finches but I was sidetracked when I found a flock of mixed finches drinking at a pool in the road. While there weren't any Gouldians, I did see Star, Double-barred, Crimson, Zebra, Long-tailed, and Masked Finches all coming in to drink and bathe. I also had Diamond and Peaceful Doves and a Galah or two also joined the party. The sun wasn't quite right to try and photograph them but I think I will try them again in the morning.
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