Blog dated 28 August 2016

The last couple of weeks I have returned to Jells Park in Melbourne to continue  my photography of the wildlife habitat and how it changes during the seasons.

Spring is officially upon us on 1st September, however the bird population have been busy nest building during August, and today I have witnessed the first batch of Australian White Ibis juveniles. These are probably from eggs laid at the end of July.  

An Ibis fledgling20160828-JellsPk Ibis egg incubation20160828-JellsPk

It is interesting to note that the Ibis population is predominantly the main bird species nesting on the island this year. Last year saw a large population of Cormorants, pied cormorants and darters.  While there are some and maybe these species are yet to arrive in normal numbers for nesting, or have gone elsewhere. I will keep watching.

Cormorant nest building20160828-JellsPk

Cormorants nest building20160828-JellsPk Another observation I have noticed from last season was how much of the island canopy was being used for nest building. It appears to me that the canopy has not been able to regenerate back to pre-last-season, so it is looking pretty barren (relatively) this season. Another thing to watch and compare my photographic records. It might be that spring is yet to bring on the new growth.

An interesting day with great promise of more photography with new populations of birds.