Hi, I live next to the Bunyip State Park, so , my backyard is full of birds, other wildlife,snakes, goannas,...and more! But one event makes us cry every spring: a beautiful grey heron arrives.He circles, sits in the trees next to the waterhole,or on the fences,and looks to the sky,...he is waiting for his wife! They used to bread every year in the tree next to the water, but for the last 8 years only he comes.He waits for a week or so, then for one day and night, he calles out,looks to the sky again,...and leaves... Will he one day take a new wife? Does anyone have the answer to his sorrow?? Or will he be lonely for the rest of his life? Marie-Louise (Araminta)
Well everyone out there, nobody seems to have any sympathy for my poor Heron? He has left until next year.He will be back, and still lonely? The wood ducks will have chicks soon, but like every year, the wedgetails will eat them all! They have cicled over the pond today, just waiting.The good thing about that is, they have young to feed aswell! keep safe you lot, Marie-Louise
M-L
Thanks Perthwings,your photo does leave me speechless!!As for "my Heron", I hope for his sake,he is hiding her somewhere.He must have found a better place to build his stick nest.He wasn't a very shy bird, he walked past my window,and looked inside a few times. I'm more into the "Nightlife of the South-Eastern Forests",we have many Owls close by,Powerful Owls, Southern Boobooks,Sooty Owls,and Frogmouths.We have some old swallow nests under the eves,something has moved into them, there are lots of droppings,some very white,some black like mouse poo. What do you think,could be little Bats? Don't think birds? Stay safe
M-L
Mhmm, you're photos sure do leave me speechless Perthwings :) I must admit I am a little guilty of just frequenting the best photos section. About the white faced heron, I'm pretty sure they are monogamous, so whether or not you're buddy will find a mate again or not is in doubt. Must agree with Perthwings, he might be out fishing or something and go back to his nest where his mate is, because they don't always travel together. They could've found a new nesting place or something, you don't really know.
Pirthwings, don't you trust me?I have 3 witnesses, 2 gogs, and my daughter,(a vet nurse),we were having dinner,when the dogs were looking out the window, and my daughter said, this big waterbird just walked past the window.Unfortunately, by the time I got the camera it had gone.(we can tell a pigeon from a heron, TRUST US) have a nice day
M-L
There was a White-faced Heron that used to stand on my parents' driveway, in suburban Brisbane, very close to their windows. It wouldn't look in, but it was very close. So I know it's entirely plausible that your heron would have a quick peek in your window as it wandered past.
Living next to a state park must be great in terms of the birds. I would love to see a Wedge-tailed Eagle.
Andy.
Thanks Andy!! It is great next to the park,it's a breading pair of Eagles, they are known in the earea.As I said, at the moment they are waiting for the little ducks,they are just snacks for them. We love it here,the wildlife is amazing! But this week is going to be the pits. We have 4500 little scouts camping in the bush behind us.What is that going to do to the breading birds? After the fires,the 4x4 clubs, and the bikes?(the list of traumas goes on and on) Keep safe!
M-L