Now here's some new additions to the crowd of residents - they are a crowd on their own!
HUGE birds here at Victoria Point, Qld.
First seen about two weeks ago grazing on the seeds in an unslashed paddock, we have a family of three. One male and two females apparently are the norm, according to research.
Around a week later, a lone bird, I think male appeared on the edge of the dam.
Two days ago, I was sitting on the bench, the lone bird which had been swimming and splashing in the dam, took off directly towards me - photo not really in focus but at least I got one
- before I ducked!
Here they are, our latest arrivals.
Enjoy
Chris
What interesting looking Geese Chris, I haven't seen these before. Just love that "Sumo" knot on top of their heads. By the looks they're a fair size, I think I would have ducked in a hurry too
Great series, thanks for sharing.
West Coast Tasmania
the crown knob gets larger with age and on the male
Chris, I got an MG inflight pic recently at Tidbinbilla NR, ACT and thought that it was close but your pic looks to be a far bit closer, I know why you ducked (or is that goosed?)
Peter
Thanks for looking and your comments, Ruby and Peter.
By the time my camera would (sort of) focus, I estimate the bird was perhaps five metres away from me and building up speed.
Wingspan had to be at least a metre, looked more like an airbus than a bird.
Certainly wouldn't want to be goosed by it - LOL.
Here's another couple of shots of the same bird taking off across the dam a couple of days earlier. (these were taken in the early morning so I've had to do some adjustments to lighting and colours to show the bird and so they are not the best)
1. Magpie Goose in flight - he was just showing against the background right on the same level as the water's edge plus reflection in the water below him. I saw the reflection first in my shot and then found the bird above it :) Original photo is very dark.
2. Gaining height between the trees - about 3 metres above the water at this stage.
Enjoy
Chris
Simpson & Day says wingspan 150-160cm
I think that only the Australian Pelican looks bigger in flight
Peter