The E.L. Cygnet (photo above), a 10-seater electric punt, is a wonderful way of birding Molonglo Reach adjacent to Jerrabomberra Wetlands – slow, quiet and reasonably unobtrusive.
Jack Holland had organised two groups of eight COG members each on two successive two hour trips that left the Kingston wharf at 8am and then 10am.
The main target was late nesting Australian Darters, and we were not disappointed.
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Australian Darter on nest |
As the last vestiges of the morning fog lifted, we motored slowly and silently across East Basin and entered Molonglo Reach, running up the southern side of the river. Most of the waterbirds and waterfowl we saw were not too unsettled by our close presence, and the bare limbs of the riverine willows allowed unhindered sightings.
As to the Darters – 35 in all were seen – both adults and juveniles of various ages. One female was still sitting on a nest; and seven large fluffy juveniles were seen either around various nests or roosting in the willows. One nest still contained two fluffy juveniles.
Sub-adults were also seen, and many of the adult males were still in breeding plumage. Wonderful, close up views were had of the stunning plumage of the sunning adults.
Jim Paterson, skipper of E.L. Cygnet has been observing nesting activity in the Molonglo Reach “Dartery” since January. He has also observed Pied, Little Pied, Little Black and Great Cormorants at nest over summer.
As an added bonus, five Freckled Ducks were seen roosting on riverside vegetation. These were the closest views I have ever had of these wary birds. Magic.
We also saw 29 Wood Duck, 28 Black Swan, 40 Masked Lapwing, 80 Pacific Black Duck and 175 Eurasian Coot! As well, smaller numbers of other waterbirds were also seen – Australian Pelican, Dusky Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Little Pied and Great Cormorant, Australasian Grebe, Hardhead, White-faced Heron and Silver Gull.
Jim took the boat up to the Dairy Flat Bridge, then returned hugging the northern side of the river. A wonderful way to spend a cold Autumn morning. Many thanks to Jim and Jack. I can’t wait to repeat the trip in Spring.
Julie McGuiness