It’s a glorious late autumn day on Port Phillip Bay.
The Altona wetlands on Port Phillip is one of the 65 RAMSAR listed sites in Australia. RAMSAR sites are critical for supporting wetland and migratory birds around the world.
Today the birds were there in force many feeding up for migration north as the southern winter approaches.
The Pelicans hunting as a pack scooping up the shoals of pilchards in their huge bills.
Egrets were flying in to join the feast.
The Herons were also there for the hunt.
It truly was a very birdifull day to be out by the bay – to be out in nature.
The Noon Flowers are in full bloom at the salt Marsh in the Jawbone Reserve.
Also the water birds are returning to the mangroves and mudflats to feed and breed. The wet conditions in inland Australia may mean that some birds may not come to the coast but stay in the inland wetland. But it was great to see some arrivals like;
Spoonbills;
Egrets;
White faced herons;
And the old friend that rarely leave, the Australian Pelican. This one was catching a fish. Hunting, priming, then strike. Two attempts for two fish.
There are also beautiful views in and from the reserve.
Another sign of spring is finally here was the nice turn up of Guzzis at the monthly coffee catchup on Saturday.
A collection of bikes at the coffee kiosk in Lygon Street an Italian Hub in Melbourne
While it’s still a battle for Spring to kick winter out the door, it will prevail. Such is the cycle of the seasons. Meanwhile way up north in Queensland. Julia Creek has experienced its hottest ever October day- 43.9c.
When travelling in Europe people ask me – What is the weather like in Australia? I answer – It depends where and when. The above is a good example of why!
