Monday 21 May 2012

Bar-tailed Godwits back at Ocean Grove

The small flock of overwintering Bar-tailed Godwits that appeared at the Barwon River in Ocean Grove last year (see previous posts from 28 June, 24 March and 10 March 2011) is back.

This afternoon, I counted 45 individuals roosting on the sandspit at the mouth of the Barwon River.

Bar-tailed Godwit, Ocean Grove

Many were banded but I did not get close enough to photograph the bands clearly. There was another photographer approaching the birds and he managed to have them take flight on three occasions :-(

Bar-tailed Godwit, Ocean Grove

They returned twice...

Bar-tailed Godwit, Ocean Grove

...but on the third strike, they took off down the beach.

4 comments:

  1. Don't they look a treat in the sunshine against the dark water and sky, Super.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the mid-late afternoon light at this time of the year is fantastic.

      Delete
  2. Were you tempted to "have a chat"?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Pete,
      He did come up to me and apologise in the car park later...but it is annoying when this happens - not to mention how the birds must feel ;-(
      Cheers, Ian

      Delete

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