Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve is an absolute gem, located in northern Canberra, that is always worth the trip to visit this wonderful place. I had been away for over a year, my last visit to this beautiful reserve was in December 2018, way too long! What drew me back on the first Sunday was information that the southern dam was full again. When I had visited in late 2018, the dam was just a muddy puddle a few meters wide at the base of the dam embankment. I had never seen the dam full so I was really looking forward to the visit. I was not disappointed. The morning was slightly foggy and a good friend came along as well. We both enjoyed the visit with the fog and frost giving the photographs an extra atmospheric element. I put my drone up for some shots and I hope I did not disturb anybody who was around the dam. I enjoyed my visit so much I went back the following Sunday by myself for a second visit. That day was clear with blue skies, so a different way to see the dam. I had another wonderful morning. I must not stay away so long next time. I hope you enjoy the photographs below.
Some of the flooded trees in the full dam at Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 104mm, f/7.1 and 1/60 SEC])
A number of the trees leading off to the left
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 200, 100mm, f/6.3 and 1/125 SEC])
Aerial view of some of the trees
DJI Mavic Air 2 [ISO 100, 4.5mm, f/2.8 and 1/240 SEC]
Vertical view of a tree
DJI Mavic Air 2 [ISO 100, 4.5mm, f/2.8 and 1/50 SEC]
Some of the water birds at Mulligans Flat on a foggy morning
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
Colourful leaves in the dam on the second weekend
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 148mm, f/8.0 and 1/160 SEC])
An old stump pointing across a field of grass reflecting the sun off frost and dew
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/80 SEC])
An old tree trunk with a hole in it setting of some rim lighting nicely
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 117mm, f/8.0 and 1/160 SEC])
A pair Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) were eating from the bottom of the dam on the first Sunday. They were graceful birds and unlike so many of the Black Swans in Canberra did not swim towards humans expecting a feed. This pair went about their natural search for food. Photographically, I was trying to catch a sunbeam coming through the fog past the stump hitting part of the swan. The ray was just lighting up part of the swan. These birds need a long, clear path to get airborne from the water so the the presence of this full dam makes a good habitat for them.
Black Swan getting a ray of the morning sun
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 200, 400mm, f/6.3 and 1/125 SEC])
Black Swan swimming
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 200, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
There were a number of Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) on the dam on both mornings. They were regularly calling to each other with the occasional coot chasing another one off. On both mornings, there were birds preening and washing themselves with the water.
A Eurasian Coot framed by a branch and its reflection
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
A Eurasian Coot chasing off another coot
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
Eurasian Coot stretching its wings
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
Eurasian Coot at the south-western dam embankment
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/160 SEC])
I saw one Pink-eared Duck (Malacorhynchus membranaceus) on the first weekend. Initially, it was on a submerged branch as seen at the top of the post before swimming to a different submerged branch where a number of other water birds were, again seen above. It was there for about five minutes before it re-entered the water and swam towards the south-west but I lost it among the other birds.
Pink-eared Duck swimming
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
There was a probable Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea) pair on the dam the first weekend. The male was unmistakeable with his green head and I think there was a female behind him but they were in the centre of the dam so a bit hard to see. The Chestnut Teal female looks very much like a Grey Teal but is darker hence why it is probably a female, especially when compared to the Grey Teal shown in the next section below.
Chestnut Teal male on the right, with a possible female on the left
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
There were a number of Grey Teals (Anas gracilis) on the dam and in this species both male and female look the same. Compared to the Chestnut Teal female above it is clear this bird is a lighter colour but has a very similar appearance to the female Chestnut Tea. This Grey Teal was preening itself. There was another Grey Teal with it, which may mean they were a pair and there was also another pair very nearby.
Grey Teal preening itself
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
An Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae) was also swimming on the dam in the south-west corner but was a distance away from me. I only saw one individual. It was in its non-breeding plumage, because it was mid-winter and not an ideal time for raising young birds with food being scarce.
Australasian Grebe swimming
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
On the second Sunday, a group of about eight Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) were on the ground eating the grass roots. They were not far from the dam in an area with dappled light. They were making a bit of noise and other indviduals were occasionally flying in to join the group. It is easy to see why these birds are so successful, feeding in trees and on the ground and also being regular visitor to gardens for provided food.
Sulphur-crested Cockatoo feeding on the ground
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
As we were departing on the first day, a group fo Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) were relaxing in the buffer zone between the actual reserve and the nearby houses. This juvenile male was not fussed by out attention although after a few minutes something made him raise up his upper body for a better look. Whatever it was, it was of more concern to him than our presence.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo juvenile male reclining
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 100, 220mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
On the second Sunday a group of four or five Red-necked Wallabeies (Macropus rufogriseus) were close to the dam. They were in the low shrubbery and the sun was coming from behind them. I snapped the photo below as there was a nice hint of rim light on the wallaby’s fur. The group was very nervous around me, as is normal, and I was unable to approach them too closely.
Red-necked Wallaby with rim lighting
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 500, 400mm, f/8.0 and 1/250 SEC])
Another photographer had discovered this Ringtail Damselfly covered in frost hanging on a branch near the dam on that first Sunday, with the insect probably being too cold to move. The photographer was interested in macro photography and she took some shots of this damselfly. I waited until she had finished then took some shots as well. I was not expecting to see a damselfly at this time of year but the other photographer assured me they were still around.
Ringtail Damselfly frozen with the morning frost
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 400, 100mm, f/13 and 1/100 SEC] three images focus stacked)
The week before my first trip back to Miulligans Flat I finished work slightly early and rode my bike back through Jerrabomberra Wetlands and then along Kingston Foreshore. I took my Canon EOS 6D and 70-200mm lens with me so I could photograph some of the wildlife I saw. I was fortunate that the sun was still out but the light was not too harsh. I enjoyed the ride through the wetlands, taking it very slowly so I could see what birdlife was around. The Kingston Foreshore is too built-up for me but the birdlife was more habituated to humans so it was easy enough to get close to them with a 200mm focal length.
There were a number of Australasian Darters (Anhinga novaehollandiae) around. I found one in the wetlands perched on a submerged log very near a bridge. It had its wings out drying. There is some dispute about whether they are drying their wings or if they are letting excess water drain off as their natural oil keeps their feathers dry. The next darter I saw, at Kingston Foreshore, was preening itself as well, even apparently obtaining oil from its preening gland situated just above its tail. It would then rub this oil along its wing feathers.
Australasian Darter drying its wings at Jerrabomberra Wetlands
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 400, 100mm, f/11 and 1/160 SEC])
Australasian Darter drying its wings at Kingston Foreshore
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/160 SEC])
Getting oil from its preening gland to care for its feathers
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/10 and 1/200 SEC])
Two Pacific Black Ducks (Anas superciliosa) were swimming together in one of the ponds at Kingston Foreshore.
Two Pacific Black Ducks
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/200 SEC])
A Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) was also swimming in the same pond and you may just be able to make out the red research band on its leg.
Black Swan
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/200 SEC])
A pair of Magpie-larks (Grallina cyanoleuca) were on the shore of the pond and the male was attracted when a group of people started feeding some of the birds. I was able to get one shot of it when it landed on the railing but it quickly flew down to where the food was being thrown.
Head study of a male Magpie-lark
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/200 SEC])
The people were feeding a group of Purple Swamphens (Porphyrio porphyrio), at least one adult and two immature birds. The picture below shows the obvious difference in the birds, with the adult having a very noticeable red bill and shield between the eyes.
Adult Purple Swamphen, centre, with two immature birds
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM [ISO 100, 200mm, f/7.1 and 1/160 SEC])
Four Gang-gang Cockatoos (Callocephalon fimbriatum) visited my garden in late June. They spent about an hour there in the morning and afternoon over a Saturday and Sunday. There were at least two mature males and potentially two females. They were mainly high in the iron bark but also spent some time in the box eucalyptus. When I saw them depart, they flew off in a north-north-west direction towards Red Hill.
Gang-gang Cockatoo female in an ironbark tree
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/400 SEC])
Male Gang-gang in the same tree
(Canon EOS 7D Mk II with a Canon EF100-400mm f4.5-5.6L IS II USM [ISO 400, 400mm, f/7.1 and 1/400 SEC])
Patterns and colours in the bark pealing off the a Scribbly bark gum
(Canon EOS 6D Mk II with a Canon EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM [ISO 800, 100mm, f/6.3 and 1/100 SEC])