Jerrabomberra Wetlands is such a gem for bird lovers in Canberra because there are always interesting birds to see yet it is basically right in the heart of Canberra. I had not been to the wetlands for a while but this time I wanted to try to see birds from a different angle, by photographing them from the water. I am enjoying paddling my kayak so I thought I would try photographing purely from the kayak, not going ashore at all. I was worried the whole time I was on the water that I would turn over and wreck my photography equipment but I think the morning turned out much better than I had hoped. A lot of birds seemed less worried about me, possibly as I was less ‘human’ sitting down in the kayak, letting it slowly drift towards the birds rather than walking to them on land. I had a marvellous morning right from the start when a White-faced Heron grabbed a fish out of the shallow water I was preparing to launch my kayak from. I saw so many wonderful birds I was late getting back to my start point. I also tried more videography from the kayak, which was very hard keeping the camera still, but the video is embedded below. In summary, I had a really enjoyable morning with the amazing birds and I hope you enjoy the photos below. (Please note, I did not realise 2 February was World Wetlands Day but what a good coincidence to publish this post on that appropriate day. I hope we can protect this wetland along with the others, they are truly fantastic places that are of great importance to us all.)
Read MorePhotographing at Jerrabomberra Wetlands on Thursday, 27 December 2018 - A beautiful Red-browed Finch and a cheeky juvenile Grey Fantail
After spending far longer at the Woolshed Creek Fossil Site than planned I did not have much time to spend at Jerrabomberra Wetlands as I originally conceived. I had to get home but I knew even if I only had 30 minutes Jerrabomberra Wetlands is a place where you will see something even in that time. I love the wetlands, Canberra is so lucky to have such a special place so accessible. I was not disappointed. I saw my very first Red-browed Finch, which I think was making a nest and also a cheeky Grey Fantail who wanted to do the loop-the-loops around my head. Yes, not really wetland birds but that is the joy of Jerrabomberra Wetlands, it is more than just the wetlands. I hope you enjoy the photographs.
Read MoreA walk around Jerrabomberra Wetlands
Canberra is a wonderful place to look at birds. The bush capital really does live up to its name. This is my second time living in Canberra with 20 years separating those two periods. I think the city thrives on the idea that the bush is never far away with the several bodies of water helping to sustain the city's wildlife. While Lake Burley Griffinis an artificial lake created by damming the Molonglo Riverin the 1960s it is rich in birdlife. The ACT government has also preserved an area of wetlands where people can wonder through on established paths to minimise their impact. For bird enthusiasts there are permanent hides at various locations. Even better, the wetlands never close so you can always access them, meaning an early morning photo trip on a chilly Autumn day is a real possibility. This post is to show case some of the photos I took recently on that trip. I hope you enjoy the photos.
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