Rhyll - Mar 2014

This weekends trip to Philip Island was to include a walk from Rhyll around to the Rhyll inlet and also from the other side to Observation Point. Both places were new to me.

With so many flocks of birds flying about it was also a good time to practice some action photography. This ended up being hit and miss with the focus and the subject actually being in the frame! Multiple shots were quickly adding up and sorting through them later on the computer was quite a task.

These photos are from the Rhyll side of the inlet.

Pied Oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostris

Red-necked Stint, Calidris ruficollis

White-faced Heron, Egretta novahollandiae

There were lots of flocks of birds flying past us but unfortunately we were facing into the sun so all we got was silhouettes. It was only when I got home that I noticed this flock was a bit different. Instead of straight bills they were down curved. These Whimbrels were my first new spot for the day.

Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus

Heavily cropped photo of the Whimbrels

Australian Pelican, Pelecanus conspicillatus

It was quite interesting to see a pink patch of skin on the underside of the wing when the Ibis was in flight. Apparently it turns from pink to deep scarlet during breeding season.

Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca

My 2nd new spot for the day were these Bar-tailed Godwits. I managed to get some better shots the following day from Observation point.

Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa lapponica

Pacific Gull (immature)

Later that afternoon we popped out to Swan Lake and found a pair of Australian Shelducks. The Female having the white eye ring and the Male having the white ring around the neck.

Australian Shelduck, Tadorna tadornoides

Male

Female

Welcome Swallow, Hirundo neoxena