Maffra Swamp

Is officially called the Macalister Swamp Reserve. Although it has a catchment from local paddocks, it is the influx from a flood on the Macalister River that completely fills it. I went for a visit this afternoon with a card in my camera this time! I wondered if the Latham's Snipe would still be there. A sign in the Alistair Fielding Bird Hide says that 200 of these intrepid migratory summer visitors have been seen at one time in a bonza year. I spotted about 10, mostly because they flew away with their typical quick, explosive 'chak' Pizzey & Knight or rasping 'kzek kzek kzek' Morcombe on take-off. But I was able to get some good images; by stealth. I also saw plenty of other birds. A selection below.

Part of the Macalister Swamp Reserve from the walking path

As the season advances and wetlands begin to dry out, the area for foraging diminishes and the species become more concentrated and, perhaps, less discerning as to their feeding companions?

Left to right: Dusky Moorhen, Latham's Snipe,
Purple-fronted Swamphen, Red-kneed Dotterel

Latham's Snipe, Grey Teal

Spot the Snipe

Snipe markings are striking

Australian Reed-warbler

Little Grassbird

juvenile Grey Fantail

Royal Spoonbill

Great Egret in a tree

Magic. f8 and be there.