At the end of Bayshore Drive in Byron Bay the surveyors are busy. The go ahead has finally been given to build on empty land that was once a swampland and part of the Belongil Creek estuary. Immediately behind are the massive sand dunes that protect much of the Byron Shire. The approval is for a limited number of large blocks and this is seen as a bit of a win in some quarters. A number of remnant ponds will remain with their water birds and their Latham’s Snipe visitors. However the march of the people continues as nature is continually challenged by development.
Wandering Whistling-Ducks at the pond at Zephyr Horses, a remnant of the Belongil Creek wetland. Other ducks seen here include Pacific Black Ducks, Grey Teal and Australian Wood Ducks. A Radjah Shelduck was seen here year before last.
This Royal Spoonbill is a regular visitor together with Egrets, Dusky Moorhens and Purple Swamphens. Recently an Emu, of unknown origin, made a visit to the area.
Young Purple Swamphen.