I was so excited!
When walking at Birdsland Reserve, Belgrave Heights, a couple of days ago, which was the first time in about 3 months, and as I approached the first lake, I heard a sound I'd not heard before. Just a very soft squeak sound. Had I been with others chatting, I doubt I would have heard it.
Birdsland is a 75ha bushland reserve which was originally owned by the Birds family from the 1940s to around 1981. In order to save the site from urban development, the Shire of Sherbrooke purchased Birdsland and it was opened to the public in 1984 as a community bushland reserve. Today you can find wildlife and lots of birdlife there. It's a popular spot for the locals and visitors with two lakes and several walking tracks. It also supports over 200 species of native plants and there is a local community nursery there as well.
But back to my visit there. I love to walk on my own when out with my camera. I see and hear things that I would probably have missed if I were in the company of others. For me, it's a lovely time of solitude, taking in nature and being able to just appreciate my surroundings. It's a time for getting away from everything else, work, home, people - just being a part of my surroundings.
I turned around just in time to see a small bird fly off from a branch of a tree overhanging the edge of the lake - with colours I'd not seen before.
Thankfully I had my rubber boots on so went and walked in the long wet grass alongside the lake and found the bird again. And I was delighted to see it had a second one nearby. But they were best viewed from the path where I was originally so I went back to the path.
Azure Kingfisher at Birdsland Reserve
I checked with a site called 'Birds in Backyards' once I got back home and found out these birds are Azure Kingfisher - there were a pair of them! I've ever seen them at the reserve before in the 7 years I've been photographing birds at the park. Many I've spoken to since had never seen them there either but a couple had, some months ago. Aren't they beautiful? Wishing I had my longer lens with me that day but I'll keep an eye out. I've seen them once, I might again!
