Never seen this bird here before!
When I go to Hastie’s Swamp in Atherton there are certain birds I expect to see. One such species is the Egret and I still enjoy photographing this very common bird.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
If I can get some nice light and a colourful background it makes even the common Egret all that more interesting.
However it is always nice to spot a bird at Hastie’s for the first time. I thought this was a new one for me but I was told by a bird expert present that this is an immature Nankeen Night Heron. Stunning bird.
Sunset at Hastie’s Swamp, 5th November 2022.
I love Brolgas. I find them fascinating communal birds. Despite the signs stating that they visit Hastie’s Swamp I have never seen them there in the years I have been visiting…..until the 5th of November 2022.
Hastie’s Swamp, 5th November 2022.
As you can see from the photo above Brolgas are indeed at Hastie’s Swamp this year. So I made an attempt to come back the next weekend to see if I could get some early morning photos of them leaving the swamp.
Early morning @ Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
I was late getting to the Swamp despite camping at Lake Tinaroo overnight to be close. There was only this one young bird remaining when I arrived at the Swamp.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
I should actually write “returning to the swamp” because for some reason it flew back as I arrived.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
No pretty background but I did get one shot of the young Brolga as it did a loop of the Swamp before landing.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
Luckily in the absence of Brolgas I had other bids to keep me amused. Among them a group of about 10 pelicans.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
The swam backward and forwards in front of me searching for food. Occasionally taking to flight.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
Another regular at Hastie’s, the Australasian Grebe was of course there busily feeding amongst the vegetation.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
So too were the Little Black Cormorants. Still hunting fish in the Swamp as I photographed back in July.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
The Little Pied Cormorant was also present and performed a fly by of the bird hide. I am yet to see these birds hunt fish in a group….I believe they may only fish alone. Might be wrong :)
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
Another favourite of mine, the Royal Spoonbill, challenged me to catch a photo of him in flight as he made his way down the Swamp.
Hastie’s Swamp, 12th November 2022.
I finished the morning on the 12th where I started with some final shots of Egrets. it was now time to head to Mt Garnet and the swamps out there.