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Visited: spring and summer
Recommendation: This area is full of tracks winding around the winery and creek. It is always a wonderful place to wander and the wildlife is fantastic.
The Tabilk Wetlands are managed by the local winery. They do an incredible job with impeccable grounds and a wonderful natural resource that they allow anyone to access for a gold coin donation. As well as being a stunning location, it is full of interesting wildlife and you can walk along various tracks by the river.
There was lots of activity with more fairywren than I think I have seen anywhere. Scrubwren and honeyeaters flitted about the scrub and trees respectively and ducks swam in the river with their young. The track winds through these areas, along the river, across wetlands and skirting the vines. There were Sacred Kingfisher everywhere but they were too busy to stop for me. I did get an Azure Kingfisher near the entrance which was a real thrill.
Undoubtedly, the Azure Kingfisher's most striking feature is its vibrant plumage. The deep azure blue back with a violet sheen, contrasting with the orange and white underparts, makes it a visual delight.
Unlike some kingfishers that dive from the air, Azure Kingfishers often perch on low branches or reeds over water. They have exceptional eyesight and will remain motionless for long periods, scanning the water for prey. Once they spot a target, they launch a rapid, direct plunge to snatch their unsuspecting prey.
They are so tiny and so vibrant. I hung around the main bridge for a while and the bird became quite unconcerned by me.
Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus)
Close to one of the hides, I heard an odd call. I couldn't place it so I looked for its owner. Several Little Friarbirds were responsible, chasing each other around. I guess it is a sign that I am getting further north as I see these different birds.
Little Friarbird (Philemon citreogularis)
Towards the end of the track, I watched an Anhinga taking off and circling the water. A female (pale body) and they are much shyer than the males so she didn't entertain me and disappeared down the river.
This behaviour might not be pure shyness, but rather a difference in cautiousness driven by their breeding roles. The female's priority might be staying safe and inconspicuous to protect the nest, while the male can afford to be bolder during courtship and nest defense.
Australasian Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)
On my way back, I heard Laughing Kookaburra with their characteristic cackle. I think this is a juvenile because of its very short bill. Still made plenty of noise though.
The kookaburra's call functions primarily as a territorial advertisement. It's a loud and clear declaration to other kookaburra groups that a particular area is already occupied. This helps to minimize conflict and avoid competition for resources like food and nesting sites.
The kookaburra call also plays a role in social bonding within family groups. Kookaburras are social birds that live in family groups with breeding pairs and their offspring. Their calls help to strengthen the bonds between group members and maintain a sense of cohesion.
Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)
My find of the day, however, was coming out of a hide and movement caught my attention. I looked up to see a ball of fir sitting in the fork of a tree. Unusual to see a possum sitting out in the daylight I thought. Only it wasn't.
It was a Koala.
My first.
To my shame, a long time ago I paid to have a 'Koala Experience' and I held a captive animal. I can't fathom why we thought it was ok, even then. It was impossibly cute but nothing compares to seeing one in the wild.
It noticed me and peered down curiously at me. It was absolutely magical. I watched it for a while as it shuffled its position, looked around, scratched its nose and then decided that I wasn't all that and went to sleep. I will never forget that!
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Some other highlights were a family of Welcome Swallow zooming around me on the bridge. This young bird took a breather but still kept an eye on me.
Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)
Then there was this sleepy Eastern Rosella. I think the heat had made it too tired to be shy of me.
Eastern Rosellas boast a vibrant plumage with a combination of red, white, yellow, blue, and green. Their red head and chest, contrasted with the white cheeks, yellow underparts,
Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius)
And my first Dollarbirds of the year!
Dollarbirds get their name from the distinctive markings on their wings that resemble silver dollar coins. The key feature is the presence of large, pale blue or white spots near the tips of their wings. These spots are particularly visible when the bird is in flight.
The historical comparison was likely drawn to silver dollar coins, which were prevalent at the time the name originated. These coins would have been familiar to people encountering the bird.
Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)
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