BIG BIRDS IN FLIGHT AT WTP

You never know what you'll see when you go to the Western Treatment Plant - on this day, the visit was aimed at seeing the new family of brolga chicks, but they were busy. But their relatives, and a falcon, were in full flight mode.

It's always a joy to find the brolgas at WTP. In my experience, they're usually down at the Western Lagoon or T-section area. On this particular visit, one pair were walking in close proximity to the lakes, and then decided to fly off, pretty much at eye level, in their long and slow ascent. It's a real thrill to photograph them this close and airborne. ​Click any image to enlarge.

Occasionally, one would land across the lake, in what appeared to be a very ungainly manner - this landing was captured by the camera.

This was a rather windy and grey day, however, and the brolgas seemed to be excited to engage in some aerobatics, flying really high together and then just "walking" in the air.

Nearby, a brown falcon stood mediately on a fencepost, but then also took flight, showing off his impressive wingspan. Click any image to enlarge.

It's a privilege to spend time with these magnificent creatures, and if you're in Victoria, and haven't been to WTP, it's highly recommended you make a plan to do so.