Kelp Gull The Kelp Gull is a cosmopolitan and expanding species found in the southern hemisphere. It is one of relatively few species that has benefitted from the activities of man. A relatively newcomer to Australia having colonised the country from New Zealand. It was first recognised in 1943 and the first breeding was recorded in 1958. In South Australia it is currently confined to the southern half of the south-east. It can be confused with the Pacific gull. See the account for that species for the differences between the two. Description…. Continue reading
Pacific Gull Pacific Gulls are Australia’s largest gull and they have the largest and deepest bill of any gull. It differs from the similar Kelp Gull in being larger in body and bill, in having: red on both mandibles, not only on the lower mandible, a rounded nostril and not a slit-like nostril, a black sub-terminal band on the tail not a pure white tail and, a narrow white edge to the secondaries whereas the Kelp Gull has a broad white band. Description. Pacific Gulls are very large with a white head,… Continue reading
Silver Gull Silver Gulls will always be associated with the sea, beaches and harbours, but they also live in large numbers in man made surroundings, parks, gardens, and dare we say it, cricket grounds. They can also be found far inland wherever there is water, whether fresh or brackish. They are supreme scavengers, living on almost anything, and they positively love rubbish dumps. Somehow, they retain their pristine appearance even in the most sordid of surroundings. Silver Gulls are typically known as Seagulls. Description. Males and females are alike. The head, neck… Continue reading
Musk Duck An unusual and uncommon species, closely related to the stifftail ducks (e.g. Blue-billed duck). A heavy bodied duck which sits low in the water. The male is very noticeable when displaying (see photo above). The tail is held upright, the neck bent to show the remarkable circular wattle under the chin, and there is much splashing, and kicking of the feet to give a “ker-plonk” sound sometimes accompanied by a whistle. Musk ducks favour deep water where they dive for crustaceans, aquatic insects, fish, and amphibians, together with a small… Continue reading