The Red-necked Avocet is an Australian endemic wader and is
a relatively common and widespread bird apart from areas of the south-east
seaboard. We do not get Avocets very often in West Gippsland but at the moment
there is a pair at least, on the sewerage ponds in Settlement Rd, Drouin.
 |
| Avocets at Melbourne Waste Water Treatment Plant - Werribee |
Avocets wade the shallows of wetlands, sweeping their
distinctive upturned bill back and forth like a scythe, capturing aquatic
invertebrates. They generally prefer brackish water but often congregate on
settlement ponds and inundated paddocks.
 |
| Upturned bill is a diagnostic feature of the Red-necked Avocet |
The normal home range of Red-necked Avocets is the swamps
and wetlands of the south-west corner of the continent but they are highly
nomadic.
 |
| Avocet in a flooded paddock after rain |
The Friends of Drouin’s Trees is currently undertaking its
April bird survey of Drouin.
Into the Country Tours
The Friends of Drouin’s Trees has been collaborating with
this passionate and innovative new West Gippsland enterprise.
 |
| Recent Autumn Gardens Tour by Into the Country Tours |
One upcoming
event is a bird discovery tour, this Wednesday – check out ITC’s excellent
website (link) for bookings and more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment