The Wetlands (part 2)–Larger visitors

The remaining environment has seasonal visiting birds,appearing when conditions suit,some often,others occasional.The larger birds I have sighted are as follows --
         AUSTRALIAN PELICAN  Pelecanus conspicillatus                                                        
    A large bird with a wingspan of 2.5M and average weight of 7.5Kg.It feeds mainly on fish but will scavenge for scraps.Breeds in colonies near lakes or the sea.Photo – Lincoln Cove
         BLACK SWAN Cygnus atratus   A large waterbird with a distinctive red bill,mainly seen on fresh water but will visit the sea during dry seasons.It has a wingspan of 2M and can weigh up to 9Kg,the call is a musical fluting that is far reaching. Breeds locally mainly at Big Swamp,the nest a large floating raft of aquatic plants up to 1M high.Food consists of aquatic plants and algae.Photo – Lincoln Cove
          CAPE BARREN GOOSE  Cereopsis  novaeholandiae                                                              
  A large bird reaching 1M in length and weighing 4 - 7Kg. One of the world's rarest geese,they breed locally on offshore islands,especially Sir Joseph bank's group where their ability to drink salt water ensures their survival.They travel to the mainland to graze on legume and barley crops
.Photo - Ravendale oval
         GREAT  EGRET   Ardea modesta                                                                                                     The largest egret in Australia,averaging 80cms with a neck longer than it’s body and snow white plumage.It feeds by wading and stabbing at prey.Photo – Lincoln Cove

NIGHT HERON  Nycticorax caledonicus                                                                                                       Averaging 60cms,this heron feeds mainly at night and is rarely seen by day although it is common throughout Australia.This photo was taken just after sunrise at Lincoln Cove.During breeding season it sports 3 white plumes at the back of the head.            

         WHITE – FACED HERON  Egretta  novaehollandiae                                                                                                 Also called Blue Crane,it has a distinctive white face and yellow legs.During breeding it displays long nuptual plumes.Photo – Lincoln Cove.