Yesterday I saw a White-Necked Heron flying southwest from a neighbour's dam on the s.e. slopes of the Mt Lofty Ranges SA. I observed it through binoculars for about 45 seconds until it disappeared over a ridge. The species was clearly identified by its folded neck, dark plumage, white front & white spots on the leading edges of its wings.
This is only the second sighting of this species I've had in 27 years here, the last being in September 1994 after a very wet winter & before an extremely wet December. Currently, we're experiencing a very dry December after a very dry spring so I've observed the species in two weather extremes.
