Wandering Whistling Duck takes care to the air

Adult Wandering Whistling Duck dragging its feet at Melaleuca viewing area in the Town Common Conservation Park. Flight never intended to go far because of the need to look after six immatures the parents have been shepherding among the water lilies. For more than two weeks the Whistlers and 6-7 Jacanas had the area much to themselves. As other pools hard by to the north have dried an assorted 200-400 ducks, teal, ibises, lapwings and lesser standouts have moved in. No rarities as yet, but fingers crossed . . .

Duck makes a X landing

X marks the spot as a Wandering Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arcuata) hits the main lagoon in Tyto today. Pretty handy, having your own X. Means always landing on the right spot.

After much eXiting there's not a lot of competition for landing spots right now. About XXX Plumed Whistling Ducks spend their days on dry land. Pacific Black Ducks and Green Pigmy Geese number in the XXs. Little Black and Little Pied Cormorants and Darters together wouldn't make X. Leaves XXX Comb-crested Jacanas with the run of things.