Saturday, December 26, 2009

Just the spot for Spotless spotting



Spotless Crake (Porzana tabuensis) in front of Tyto hide in patchy light yesterday. The birds were out and about again in worse light today. Increasing evaporation this month has thickened the weed mat, providing them with secure footing. But the birds remain difficult to close in on.



And the thickening growth may have discouraged this Water Rat (Hydromys chrysogaster - pictured earlier in month) from further burrowing through the water and weeds.




Another clump of weeds in another wetland near Ingham. But a very big nest builder. This Saltwater Crocodile nest is 10 metres from a well-used vehicle track and 200 metres from a busy road. No sign of the crocodile at picture time, so I'll (very) carefully keep a distant eye on things. The probability is the Wet will flush the nest and eggs away from the old river channel before the estimated 60 days left to hatching.

10 comments:

Denis Wilson said...

Hi Tony
Fascinating to see the Croc's nest.
Did you uncover the eggs, or are they open like that normally?
If you did open it for a photo, I assume you closed it over again. But it is interesting to see.
.
Careful as you go, out there.
Cheers
Denis

Denis Wilson said...

PS. Love the ears on the Water Rat.
Never noticed them like that, before. Always assumed they did not have flaps on their ears.
Cheers
Denis

mick said...

I would like to see the bird but the croc - thanks for the photos and that's as close as I want to be!

Tyto Tony said...

Hi Denis: Nest uncovered briefly for pictures. Shown to me by local farmer. Have no fear, I'll take care. Think she's just a 'little' 3m!

Hi Mick: Probably not much chance of good croc pix. Too much cover.

Denis Wilson said...

Hi Tony
"Little", like small truck, eh?
I'm sure you kept a watchful eye open.
Cheers
Denis

Anonymous said...

Interesting photos Tony, I've especially enjoyed having a good long look at your Spotless Crake. Whenever I see one here it is just a glimpse before it disappears into the Persicaria again.
Nice shot of the water rat; I love watching them quietly slip into the water at dusk. We don't usually see them during the day.

Tyto Tony said...

Hi Barbara: Not usual to see rats out by day here either. But it seems a few have no aversion to strong light.

Snail said...

My goodness, Tony! How exciting. I hope someone was watching out for mum.

Tyto Tony said...

After the farmer left, I began to think really hard about mum.

Sebastian said...

Wow, nice one. I'm not sure I would have the balls to poke around a croc nest!

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