Byron Bay Wetlands in August

Spring is in the air as August ends. We are still waiting for the first Latham’s Snipe but other birds are making their spring return. The White-breasted Woodswallows are lining up and the first Pheasant Coucal appeared last week.

On the wire at the wetland entrance were the White-breasted Woodswallows, some dozen in total back on patrol.

The Tawny Grassbirds seem to be more active, their clumsy buzzy flight and busy songs and trills a give away of their presence in the reeds.

This Fan-tailed Cuckoo had a lot to say but not to anyone in particular. The arrival of the Pheasant Coucal and a busy Shining Bronze-Cuckoo were adding to the spring flavour of the day.

This Restless Flycatcher was putting on a spectacular show.

Another spring arrival, this Black-faced Monarch was also making its presence known.

Sadly the largest pond in the wetland - H Cell - has been partly taken over by this invasive weed - Salvinia. This and other weeds are a major challenge for the wetland. The Dusky Moorhen does not seem to mind.

Happily a big positive on H Cell was the visit of a pair of Australasian Shovelers, the male seen here.

A busy Brown Thornbill.