Birds At Kings Park...

Birds at Kings Park are not as abundant as one would imagine. The number of visitors to the maintained gardens perhaps off putting to many. 

There is a resident magpie family which are always about. These black and white birds are one of the most beautiful songbirds in the country. They live up to 30 years and have a complex social structure. I have my own family of magpies that of late have been carolling to the moon. These birds can be very friendly and very clever. A young female was happily helping herself to a cool drink of fresh water from a water fountain.  

A family of wood ducks which are dabbling ducks, which means they frequent shallow water. They don't dive to feed, rather they simply tip forward. These ducks are rather goose-like and tend to have large clutches of eggs. I am always impressed seeing the proud parents with their tiny chicks, as for the little ones to make it to hatching is a feat unto itself, surviving to adulthood is another accomplishment to be proud of as predators are a constant threat.

Another star of the day was a red wattlebird who was having a nectar feast. Wattlebirds are somewhat rowdy especially when in groups. Thankfully this one was far too busy to be vocal. They are the second largest honeyeater found in southern Australia. They don't have a particularly pretty call; it is quite harsh and almost sounds like a bark. They are however rather striking birds...