Someone had mentioned "Casino Wetlands" during a conversation (about what and when I cannot remember!). What I do remember is that I needed to look it up as a potential site to visit. Surely there would be some birds there; and besides, a wetland in Casino? Not sure why I was as surprised as I was. I know on the Tenterfield Road (Bruxner Highway) just west of Casino there are some very large ponds/lakes watercourses ... but it turned out this one was over near the golf course and the miniature railway just off the road to Kyogle.
Jabiru Geneebeinga Wetlands is the correct name. This visit was merely a drive along Queendsland Road, a dirt road bisecting the wetland running east-west and often closed after rains. Given we visit the grand children in Casino regularly, this will be a location I will keep an eye on.
This day I was fortunate to see several gems.
First up are white-headed stilts. I have these listed on the right as black-winged stilts. This name has apparently been updated since my initial sightings in Yamba several years ago. For my list I will stick to the original name used. First photo is a nice clear view of an adult wading in the clear still waters providing a neat background setting. The second shows a younger bird foraging in the muddy shallows. Note the grey dusting on the head and the greyer wing feathers. I liked the reflection captured in this photo too - both the bird and the grass tuft just behind it! The muddy wading environment also provides a context to guage just how deep the water is the adult was wading in - the lower leg joint is just covered.
Next up I managed some nice clear photos, including some wonderful reflections (both bird and the tufted grasses again), as a black-fronted dotterel was foraging around the muddy shores while keeping a close eye on me as well. These also provide a sense of the important role played by the tufted grasses in the environment for protection and cover. A very pretty little bird with the red eyes matching the red beak extending to its black tip. The black mask suggests something of an old-fashoined cartoon or comic book robber character, while the black "collar" provides a paradoxical tuxedo effect ... who knows what I might imagine next time I look at these 😋! You, of course, will have your own interpretations.
Just as I reached the eastern edge of the water, I noticed a couple of birds in the middle of a paddock perched on fallen dead tree branches. I drove cautiously along a little further to improve my vantage ... it was well worth it! A pair of black-shouldered kites basking in the sunshine; an adult and youngster (with the rust colouring on the head and breast feathers). What a treat! Magnificent light, setting and perch showing both the built and more natural environment they were sharing. The four photos I have included offer a good sense of both symmetry and asymmetry in the direction of the gaze of the birds. Both handsome and regal here.
A few days later and a different type, and more local wetland.
A visit to the Alstonville sewerage treatment works. Why? Well, it is located beside Maguires Creek and around the back is Tosha Falls. Always a nice walk and peaceful retreat to relax and enjoy. Here are some of the small birds that shared some time with me this afternoon ... first some red-browed finches feeding on grass seeds; then a couple of male superb fairy wrens showing off on the link fence wire. I included both because the second one shows the effect on the colour of the cheek when it was singing ... the iridescent blue turned quite silver in the light given the angle I was taking the photo from. The latter two photos are in grasses beside the creek bank - one also sharing a song (not so clear image, but the open beak is clear) and the final photo with a (yellow) insect yet to be devoured.
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