Galahs at Laratinga Wetlands
2 Comments »25th July, 2015; Category: Birders, Cockatoos and Corellas, Good Birding Sites, Nests, Parrots and Lorikeets, Trip reports
Female Galah, Laratinga Wetlands
Earlier in the week my wife had several appointments in Mt Barker which is about half way between home here in Murray Bridge and Adelaide. Her appointments were to take several hours, so took the opportunity to visit the Laratinga Wetlands on the eastern edge of Mt Barker.
The Laratinga Wetlands consist of a series of ponds which essentially deal with the town’s sewage and storm water. The treated water is later recycled into local agricultural use. The series of large ponds which make up the wetlands have been landscaped with both plants and lawns. A picnic area is provided for the public, including barbecues and toilets. Many local people and visitors use these facilities and the tracks around the ponds are popular with birders, walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Over coming days I will share some of the bird photos I took on my most recent visit. Today’s photos show a female Galah sunning itself on the trunk of one of the huge eucalypt trees surrounding the wetlands. I know that this one is a female because of the red eye. Meanwhile, I presume that the male is busy in the hollow below her, cleaning out the hollow and preparing it for nesting later in the season.
Further reading:
Female Galah with a male (?) in the hollow below
A short visit to the Laratinga Wetlands
Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia
A few months ago we travelled to Mt Barker for a special birthday celebration. My son and daughter in law had flown over from Sydney so that we could all celebrate my grandson’s third birthday. As we don’t get to spend much time with our precious little man, it was a very special time. We had the party at his other grandparents’ home in Mt Barker. After the party we all felt the need for a walk, so we drove the short distance to the Laratinga Wetlands on the eastern edge of town.
These wetlands were established in 1999 by the local council to deal with the town’s waste water and sewage. Accompanied by an extensive tree planting programme, the wetlands have become very attractive to birds – and birders. Extensive walking/cycling paths around the perimeters of the ponds allow easy access to great views of the ponds and the birdlife present. It is fast becoming one of my favourite birding destinations; it’s proximity to my home just 30 minutes away is an added bonus.
Eurasian Coot, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia
Eurasian Coot, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia
Hoary Headed Grebe, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia
Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia
No Comments »25th January, 2011; Category: Birders, Favourite Birding Spots, Good Birding Sites, Waterbirds
Laratinga Wetland, Mt Barker, South Australia
Over recent days I’ve featured some of the birds that can be seen at the Laratinga Wetland. This area has become one of my favourite birding spots. This wetland is situated on the eastern edge of Mt Barker in the Adelaide Hills, about a half hour drive from the city centre. It is a similar distance from my home.
The wetland area was established in 1999 to treat waste water from the growing town. The wetland was established, along with the planting of many local species of plants until now it is an excellent educational and recreational facility. The treated water is used for irrigation nearby. Walking tracks surround each of the ponds and these are used daily by hundreds of walkers, cyclists and birders. The tracks are linked to the town centre by a walking trail. Several hides cater for birders and there are numerous vantage points for viewing the birdlife, including some seats for the weary.
I have included below a photo of an interpretive sign which includes maps of the ponds. Click on the image to enlarge.
Laratinga Wetland, Mt Barker, South Australia
Laratinga Wetland, Mt Barker, South Australia
Chestnut Teal, Laratinga Wetlands
Chestnut Teal, Laratinga Wetlands, South Australia
The male Chestnut Teal is an attractively coloured member of the duck family here in Australia. They are moderately common in their range which covers most of SE Australia, including Tasmania, as well as the SW part of Western Australia.
The birds shown in these photos I saw at the Laratinga Wetlands in Mt Barker, South Australia, were not as confiding as the Pacific Black Ducks and I found it hard to get good photos on the day.
Chestnut Teal, Laratinga Wetlands, South Australia
Pacific Black Ducks, Laratinga Wetlands
Pacific Black Duck, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia
Pacific Black Ducks and Grey Teal are probably the most common and well known ducks found in Australia. They are very common in parks, on lakes, rivers and reservoirs and can even be found in private gardens. More than once we’ve had ducklings in our swimming pool.
They are one of most recognisable birds and are very popular in public parks and gardens where people love to feed them. I don’t encourage this practice as the food – often bread – is not only unsuitable for ducks, it is potentially harmful to them.
Pacific Black Ducks are generally quite unafraid of people, especially in public places like the Laratinga Wetlands in South Australia. This makes them excellent subjects for photography.
Further reading:
Pacific Black Duck, Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker, South Australia