A visit to the lake...

...as we wanted to see if the lake has filled up after recent storms.

This is what it looked like during our last visit that I posted. But by now all of the flamingos were gone, as they migrate every winter here to the warmer countries up north on the African Continent. They will return during the late spring season next year, as they breed here. Then their youngsters grow up during our summer season to be strong enough for the migration trip the next winter.

We were happy to see that the lake is full again, and even more water will be added to sustain it now during our winter, as we are in a winter rainfall area. So, today you will see no flamingos, and none of the other migratory birds, as we had to search for any local birds that we may find. There was no water to be seen here during our last visit, as we could walk in the area where the water is now.
Fortunally we found a few local birds that I will show you in here.

No birds, not even one could be seen, and during summer there are thousands of birds all over here.

But what was this?

I saw the dive and knew that I was too close, so I stepped back to wait for the bird to emerge.

Ah! It was a Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata).

And now for a scoop, as look what I got below.

A lovely Swan couple, and it might be Black Swans (Cygnus atratus), but with the sun in my eyes I could not be certain as to the species.

I know that they can be found in Australia, and someone might have brought them in, or they escaped from somewhere.

Finally, I close with some attacking coots on a run in the lake.

We love our visits to this lake, as it has taught us so much about nature and the seasons. As much as the birds are dependent on the water, so we as human beings are also dependent on water. Only difference is that we cannot run on the water like the coots do :) Only joking, but yes, it is said that water is life, and here is evidence of it. The coots are tough little birds, and they fiercely protect their territories. If a strange coot appears, then they chase it by running after it on the water.

As far as the swans are concerned, we don't know them, but they are here, and so we will have to do some research to see what we can find. I should have done the research first before I did this post, but my excuse is that I am old and have a foggy brain, so don't ask me quickly what my name is :) In any case, I am sure that we will visit the lake again, and then when I do the post, I will have the information if I don't forget.
Such is life.

I hope you enjoyed the pictures and the story.

Photos by Zac Smith. All-Rights-Reserved.

Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.

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