I went out to Sandy Camp wetlands today, and was rather sad to see the pitiful state that it is in. Most of the lagoons have dried up either completely or are well below their usual level. 
There are lots of birds still around, and it seems like more are moving in.
I got a chance to give my new binoculars a work out - spotted some tiny Lotusbird (comb-crested jacana) chicks running around which was very cute, but too far away to clearly photograph.
I did however spot a pair of flycatchers tending to their nest. There was a pair in the same tree last year, I wonder they're the same ones. The nest is such a tiny little thing (like the birds I guess), and I only spotted it when I saw the two adults sitting together.
Nice shots of the Leaden Flycatchers, windshear.
I'm interested in your comment about Sandy Camp wetlands being in a "pitiful state". Is it that there's been a drought which is a natural part of Australia's climate? Or is this because of human-induced damage? Or is it hard to say because climate change might be a factor?
Some more great nest shots Windshear. Where is Sandy Camp Wetlands?
Samford Valley Qld.
I'm more inclined to say it is due to the severe lack of rain we've had in QLD over the last little while. Water levels have dropped by (my estimate only) about a metre in one of the main lagoons, and several of the others have dried up completely. I guess it is unfortunately part of the natural cycle of living in Australia, but it is definitely the worst I have seen it in about 3 years of visiting the place. I'm not inclined to speculate about climate change, other than its general influence.
It has been a thriving wetlands but now it's mostly mud. The 'main' lagoon has a decent amount of water in it, and there are still lots of ibis and egrets, cormorants and ducks and other waders using it, and there are other lagoons at the site which do have water in them, but it's disappearing - noticably between my visits every week or two. Hopefully we get a decent summer wet season for what it's worth.
I guess my description as 'pitiful' is more a comment on how sad it is to see, rather than any action, or inaction by humans. Drought it just an unfortunate part of life in Australia.
Thanks.
It's on Sandy Camp Rd at Wynnum - opposite Iona College. Bit of a hike over the bridge for you I guess.
This is interesting. Would it be possible to find out if major drying out was a relatively normal occurance at this wetlands, over a reasonable time period, or is this is really out of the ordinary for that place.
Wetlands around Adelaide go through major fluctuations as part of the natural cycle. Still pretty full at the moment but drying out quickly.
Great photos of the flycatcher nest - fantastic to get the male and female together.
Thanks, windshear.
It is lovely to see these photos of a mating pair tending to their nest. Thank you so much for sharing.
One of the things I love about the Internet is how we can come together on a site like this with a common interest and learn so much. I have to say that seeing the many photos here makes it easier to identify birds when I see them as field guides give one or perhaps two pictures of a species and a description so seeing the birds in their habitat, doing their normal thing makes identifying them for a novice a bt easier.
Happy Birding!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/138588528@N02/
wow, what a great find, lovely little nest and great o get to see them in their life cycle.
thanks
mike