Local waterbirds

11 July 2021 - Glen Austin Pan

Glen Austin Pan is one of my favourite local sites, only 20-minutes from home and always the possibility of something unexpected. An early start is essential from a photographic perspective as I have found a spot with a where I can remain low and have the rising sun behind me.

There were the usual waterfowl - Yellow-billed Duck

Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)

and White-faced Whistling Duck

White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)

However, this morning provided a lone Southern Pochard which I hadn't seen previously at this site, this year

Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma)

Something flushed the ducks and there was one which stood out - turned out to be an 'escape' Wood Duck - a bird I never managed to see in when I visited the USA many years ago

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)

Aside from the ducks, the Blacksmith Lapwing was still present on the same patch of floating vegetation and may even consider this as a nesting site - will check again on my next visit

Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)

The Three-banded Plover also came to forage on the same patch of vegetation, but not for long

Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris)

As it warmed up, a few African Swamphen's made an appearance

African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis)

And I had a brief glimpse of Lesser Swamp Warbler

Lesser Swamp Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris)

In the grasslands away from the pan, a few Wild Dagga were still in flower - a male White-bellied Sunbird couldn't resist

Male White-bellied Sunbird (Cinnyris talatala)

Following this sighting, it was time to head back home for a late breakfast