This morning, by the Loddon River, I came across two terrific local species of birds, both using the eroded river bank as a nesting site. Sacred Kingfishers have featured nesting previously this summer, a pair near Tangey’s Lane using a eucalypt hollow as a nest site. This morning’s pair had constructed a similar diameter hollow, this time in a vertical bank, perhaps a more typical kingfisher home. The youngsters in the nest were begging noisily, the parents catching what appeared to be small fish from the pool below the nest.
Sacred Kingfisher nest, Loddon River @ Newstead, 20th January 2012.
One of the parents with a meal for the nestlings.
The other highlight, also nesting nearby, were some White-backed Swallows. At least two pairs, possibly more, were visiting nesting tunnels in similar sites to the kingfishers.
One of the active White-backed Swallow nests.
The adult birds were feeding in the vicinity, with a few welcome Swallows that have raised young nearby. White-backed Swallows are thought to be resident but I’ve rarely seen them around Newstead during winter. There is some evidence that they use old nesting tunnels over winter, going into torpor during colder weather. They also use tunnels to roost in during the breeding season, either overnight or during the heat of the day. I wasn’t quick enough to get a photograph this morning but have a look at this note from February last year for a glimpse.
Natural Newstead 