Dec 20, 2020
You can do it #duskymoorhens #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #babybird #shotoniphone https://www.instagram.com/p/CJCKTPCAT7w/?igshid=4c3900ouewqj
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You can do it #duskymoorhens #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #babybird #shotoniphone https://www.instagram.com/p/CJCKTPCAT7w/?igshid=4c3900ouewqj
You can do it #duskymoorhens #birds #birdsofinstagram #birdphotography #babybird #shotoniphone https://www.instagram.com/p/CJCKTPCAT7w/?igshid=4c3900ouewqj
Friday, 11th July, 12pm; Black Duck Picnic Area
Dusky Moor Hen on paved area following children disappearing.
Friday, 11th July, 12pm; Black Duck Picnic Area
Foraging in water. Two birds.
Friday, 11th July, 12pm; Black Duck Picnic Area
A Purple Swamp Hen and a duck coincide peacefully with no aggression.
Friday, 11th July, 12pm; Black Duck Picnic Area
Foraging in reeds on shore. Finds part of an icecream cone that kids hold seed in.
Friday, 11th July, 12pm; Black Duck Picnic Area
(Carnley Avenue, Kotara, Australia NSW).
Some pictures showing the social dynamics of the Dusky Moor Hens and Ducks (Pacific Black, Australian Wood, Chestnut Teal, Hardhead).
Observations:
At first only ducks were present (four species counted and listed above) before 4 Dusky Moor Hens appeared once children began throwing food (seed mixture provided by the park).
Not afraid of mingling with ducks and will show aggressive behaviour towards ducks (regardless of size) to gain food.
When no children are present with food they tend to stick to the edge of the pond foraging among reeds. Occasionally they will dip their head in the water to get to food.
No particular preference in company between four individuals seen. They were quite happy to stick to themselves but were not bothered by each others company either.
Some rubbish was seen around edge of pond and some sort of pollution on top of water seemed evident (awaiting data from reserve from water quality testing).
Substantial work was being conducted on water pipes within 10m of pond edge on one side. Whenever noise pollution was loud ducks and swamp hens alike would swim in opposite direction.
Only once was one Dusky Moor Hen seen to leave the water and water edge and come up onto the concrete/paved viewing area. At this time no children were present and close proximity to myself did not seem to bother it (video to be posted).
When swimming, The Moor hens seem to "bob" on the water and use their strong legs to propel themselves forward.
Conditions:
Temperature: 15ᵒC
Wind Speed: 20km/h (gusts up to 45km/h)
Humidity: 54%
Precipitation: 0mm
UV: Low
Weather description: Sunny/Windy, Clear with no cloud cover.
Season: Winter
Location: Blackbutt Reserve, Carnley Ave, Kotara. Australia, New South Wales.
Time: 12pm (AEST)
Number of Moor Hens Observed: 4
Other species present: yes
Main Behaviours Observed: feeding, socialising, foraging.