Pink-eared Duck
Hasties Swamp, May 2021.
These birds are uncommon and the first time I saw them I did not realise it until I was checking some photos on the camera. As you can see they get their name from the pink spot behind heir eyes.
Hasties Swamp, May 2021.
The first time I saw them they were way out in the middle of the swamp. I could not see much of their colour but noticed their behaviour was different to the other ducks. They feed by sieving plankton, algae and floating seeds with their spatulate bill.
Hasties Swamp, May 2021.
The males and females look alike. I am yet to get close or see them in good light so I am hoping to get much better photos than these.
Hasties Swamp, June 2021.
Their barred brown flanks make them easy to spot once you know what to look for. An immature bird will look similar to an adult but paler and the pink spot missing.
Hasties Swamp, June 2021.
Their upper wings are brown with a white tip. Their tail tip and rump are also white. These birds are nomadic and can be found in most areas of Australia depending on rainfall. They also breed anytime depending on rainfall. I am hoping that they will be at Hasties Swamp for a while so that I can get some better photos.