Tomato Lake....

Tomato Lake was a hive of activity yesterday, especially with the nesting white ibis. The white ibis nest in groups, and blimey was this group large. Hundreds of them were either busy building their nests, or already nurturing chicks. The white ibis have a rather enchanting mating ritual. When a female arrives the males go into a bit of a frenzy, showing aggression towards each other whilst trying to be alluring.  The successful male will bow towards the female from his branch, he then offers her a twig. If the twig is taken then they are bonded and will begin to groom each other before flying off to make a nest. 

 

I also saw one pacific black duck with her fluffy chicks, this clever mother had her chicks down in the swampy part of the lake under the cover of trees, much safer for her brood. 

The day was clear and bright with the water offering many interesting reflections. Not many other breeds of waterbirds were around, my guess is they are either busy setting up nests or still elsewhere whilst the weather is brisk.....