A long time feature of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands is the “Preening Log”. It is the scene of serious preening, especially on still days when the water provides mirror support. Positioning is jealously guarded resulting in frequent aggro.
Of course, it is not necessarily essential to actually be out of the water to preen. Serious bathing is well supported by the submerged part of the said log.
Space is often jealously guarded, and it was clear early on that there was to be ‘trouble a’mill’:
Well you may hang your head in shame!
It is permissible to be at the wetlands even if not in serious preening mode. It is amazing how often you look out and see just more of those Duckin’ Ducks. Then on closer inspection there are many different varieties. So below from left to right is a Grey Teal, Pink-eared Duck and Male breeding Australasian Shoveler.
This is also a male breeding Australasian Shoveler:
This is a Freckled Duck.
And this is an adult breeding Australasian Grebe.
Michael Monaghan
September 2018
