Fogg Dam

On the ride out to Kakadu, more than an hour from Darwin, we passed a turn off to Fogg Dam. We decided to drive out for look around. We indeed did get to see some of our feathered friends. Above is the Australian Darter.

Moolort Wetlands

Not far from Newstead, between there and Maryborough, is a man-made lake called Cairn Curran. Around this lake are various places to look for birds. The trees that remain in the water make roosts for the birds that live there. Above, we see a Pacific Black Duck and a Little Black Cormorant.

The Castlemaine Botanical Garden

We've had a lot of rainy cool days lately, but during a recent spot of sun, I visited the Botanical Garden here in Castlemaine. such a garden is a standard fixture in every town of any size in Australia. Just like the bowls club, veterinarian office, and place to wet your whistle, it is an iconic part of small town life here.

I'm not entirely sure who we have above. I believe it is some sort of Mallard-mix. He's missing the band around the neck. Ducks are quite promiscuous and there are variations that span the gamut.

Lake Dyer

We visited Lake Dyer and found the water to be very low. These rocks in the background would all usually be underwater. Sitting on them are the Little Black Cormorant, the Great Egret, and the Little Pied Cormorant.

A First Attempt At Birding (updated)

Today we spent a couple hours in the Toowoomba Waterbird Habitat. It is a modest (19 acre) park about four minutes from the house. We've arrived in Australia in time for breading season, and the Australian White Ibis (a.k.a. the Sacred Ibis) were in full breeding plumage and were clearly frisky on their nests. In fact, there was lots of squabbling about who was going to be in what nest with what partner.