I first visited Archerfield Wetlands in the evening on 8 January. This was before I really understood how much better birding is in the morning, so I was disappointed to only see a few birds (the Pacific Black Duck, Red-Backed Fairywren, and Australasian Swamphen).
I was so keen to see what the wetlands were like at their peak that I went back the next morning and was thrilled that the birds were much easier to spot.
Right as I walked in I was greeted by some Plumed Egrets, ethereal in the morning light:
And then I took one of my favourite photos so far—of a bird that has also quickly become one of my favourites, the Golden-Headed Cisticola:
They perch up high and scream their lungs out. It’s relatable.
Here’s another one (I think), a bit higher this time:
Next, some Australasian Figbirds, all fluffed up:
Some snuggly Rainbow Lorikeets at the top of this very tall tree:
I made my way to the lagoon and spotted some peaceful Pacific Black Ducks and some foraging Australasian Swamphens.
In the trees near the lagoon, I spotted this Rainbow Bee-Eater and was stoked to get a photo, despite how dark it was.
Luckily I’ve seen lots more since then and got some much nicer photos!
Lastly for this shorter morning trip (before heading into the city for work), I caught this Laughing Kookaburra in the middle of a meal:
I visited the next day but, again, in the evening, and didn’t see as much or take any good photos.
But I was so thrilled with my finds through the week that I dragged Sam back on Saturday morning for his first bird walk at Archerfield Wetlands.
As we headed in, this Plumed Egret was proudly showing off its plumes:
This gorgeous Brown Honeyeater checked us out through the branches:
As did a Willie Wagtail:
And we peered into an old termite nest to spot this juvenile Laughing Kookaburra waiting for its mother to return with its breakfast:
Another vocal Golden-Headed Cisticola:
And I finally got some nice shots of some stunning Sacred Kingfishers! There must have been a family around because we saw a bunch this morning.
Their shining blue feathers always make me smile.
A very common bird, but I loved this photo of an Australian Magpie. They are photogenic birds.
We heard this Bar-Shouldered Dove as we were on our way out and found it perched up in a tree:
And a couple of gorgeous Superb Fairywrens preening each other:
As we were just about to leave, Sam spotted this beautiful Rainbow Bee-Eater and took this amazing photo:
We headed home happy!
Birds
- Pacific Black Duck
- Red-Backed Fairywren
- Australasian Swamphen
- Plumed Egret
- Golden-Headed Cisticola
- Tawny Grassbird
- Australasian Figbird
- Rainbow Lorikeet
- Rainbow Bee-Eater
- Laughing Kookaburra
- Brown Honeyeater
- Willie Wagtail
- Sacred Kingfisher
- Australian Magpie
- Bar-Shouldered Dove
- Superb Fairywren
- Channel-Billed Cuckoo
- Australian White Ibis
- Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo
- Noisy Miner
- Blue-Faced Honeyeater
- Black-Faced Cuckooshrike
- Magpie-Lark
- Little Black Cormorant
- Little Friarbird
- Pied Butcherbird
- Torresian Crow
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