A Day at Rotto

It was an early start to catch the ferry to Rottnest Island on Sunday, for the Birds Australia Rottnest Island excursion. Rottnest is about 20km west of Perth and a good place for some island birding, especially some local races that differ from the mainland species, such as the larger and darker Singing Honeyeater.

It turned out to be a great day with 41 confirmed species and a nice temperature of 28C with a light breeze.

The ferry arrival place on Rottnest, Thomson Bay.

Looking for Rock Parrots at Thomson Bay. About 20 birders turned out for the excursion, most local but also some overseas visitors.

The island oval was a good area to see Banded Lapwing, as well as some White-fronted Chats that made an brief appearance.

One of the local sleepy residents, a Quokka (Setonix brachyurus) resting in the shade from the midday heat.

The centre of the island is made up of a network of salt lakes and a good spot for waders. About a thousand Banded Stilt were using the lakes for feeding during our visit.

A young birder having a great time checking out the new area and it's animals.

Herschel Lake held small groups of feeding Red-necked Stints, such as this one just starting to come into breeding plumage.

The group scanning Bickley Swamp for the two Spotless Crakes that some members saw and some missed out on.

Some of the island's accommodation is only a stone's throw from good birding salt lakes.

The afternoon's walk to Philip Point near Kingstown Barracks, which gave us excellent views of Bridled, Crested, Caspian and Fairy Terns, and other island birds.

A great day, but time to return to the ferries and back to the mainand before the afternoon storms hit.