Godwit tailed across mud just in time

Early morning walk out on Tyto mud came just in time yesterday to capture sole Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) of the season feeding at western end of main lagoon. Overnight came the Wet. Goodbye now to such walks till late 2015.

Goodbye too to Spotless Crake (Porzana tabuensis) foraging out in open near the hide. Species likes secure footing, vanishes inside scleria when the rains come.

Even White-browed Crake (Amaurornis cinerea) won't be so easily walked up on as prey becomes harder to find with the lagoon's rise. On the plus side, Bitterns Black and Little will be among growing numbers of birds benefitting from the Wet.