Australasian Bittern & Baillon's Crake

Sightings anywhere within a 250 km radius of Toowoomba, but excluding the local survey area (see above), for the period 1 Jun - 31 Aug 2009.

Moderator: Mick Atzeni

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Mick Atzeni
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Joined: Sun Dec 11, 2005 9:08 pm

Australasian Bittern & Baillon's Crake

Post by Mick Atzeni »

Folks

Following Tom Tarrant's posting on Birding-aus yesterday, I was one of nine birdos, including fellow members Bill Jolly and Kev and Kay Williams, at Lake Clarendon this morning relishing the sight of an Australasian Bittern - a lifer for most present including myself. They are a rarity in Queensland to boot! A second bird had been seen before the TBO contingent arrived but did not present itself again. Also saw the Baillon's Crake Tom reported - aren't they supposed to be s spring/summer visitor around these parts?

The bittern was quite conspicuous, standing right out in the open on the edge of the marsh, literally amongst the cattle. Apart from that, it was acting very bittern-like. Excellent looks through the scope. Impressive bird!

Thanks to Tom and Gavin Goodyear for sharing the sighting. They have posted photos on Birdline Central and Southern Qld at:

.://..eremaea.com/BirdlineRecentSi ... Birdline=7

Cheers
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