Bird News from Mike Friel
On arriving at the main car park, I asked about the Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, and was told that there are a minimum of 9 young this year at the wetlands, more than double the number of last year. I searched in vain for adults, but when I found two juveniles feeding below the Daedae bank of the wetland not far from the path I was quite happy to observe them. They spent a few hours eating small creatures found among the rich vegetation covering most of the water surface, occasionally showing their beautiful white wings as they restored balance, or moved to another spot nearby. I also saw some 20 Taiga Bean Geese and a Peregrine Falcon patrolling overhead, as well as the common ducks. Returning to the car park I also had good views of an uncommon Freyer’s Purple Emperor butterfly perched in a tree beside the path.
juvenile Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus, © Mike Friel
two juvenile Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus, © Mike Friel
juvenile Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus, © Mike Friel
juvenile Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus, © Mike Friel
Freyer’s Purple Emperor Apatura metis, © Mike Friel