Shelduck drops in for waterlogged figs

Looking for Radjah Shelduck (Tadorna radjah) around Ingham would mostly be a waste of time. Finding one feeding happily on waterlogged figs fallen into cattle-trodden mud this week was a surprise.

The bird did not appear injured or exhausted yet allowed rare close approach before keeping wary distance by walking slowly off. Pity the overcast light muted the plumage colours.