The Byron Bay Wetlands are quiet at the moment. Bird numbers are low and water birds have virtually deserted the ponds. But look carefully and many of the regulars are still around. Lots of Lewin’s Honeyeaters are to be seen, Rainbow Bee-eaters still chirping, Brown Honeyeaters are still active, the Comb-crested Jacanas are on I Cell, the Pied Butcherbird is singing and Rainbow Lorikeets are barn-storming across the sky. Numbers of some species have grown, Grey Fantails abound and there is a Willie Wagtail on every corner. Today a Grey Goshawk made a surprise appearance and the Black Swan is still on the nest.
In the reed beds the grassbirds and Golden-headed Cisticolas (above) are becoming active again.
This Grey Fantail commandeered this perch above the pond on I Cell and was making repeated scoops across the water for flying insects.
A single Varied Triller counted on a survey on I Cell. Other interesting birds seen included a Black-shouldered Kite, a pair of Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, and a Grey Goshawk.
A single Shining Bronze-Cuckoo.
And a single Eastern Yellow Robin.
A Grey Goshawk seen unexpectedly in a low bush.
This Black Swan is nesting in the wetlands, the first for several years to do so. Please note that this photo was taken with a telescopic lens from over 50 metres away, on a public walkway. Every care was taken to ensure that the swan was not disturbed on its nest.
A Forest Kingfisher finds a suitable perch.
And this Willie Wagtail has too, nearby.
A Pacific Black Duck enjoying the winter sunshine.