Out to sea we saw a few small fish and two Indo-pacific Hump-backed Dolphins.
At the mouth of the Zuari were several wooden piles driven into the bottom presumably used by fishermen. On the top of these were an Osprey and good numbers of Great-crested Terns. A few Lesser-crested Terns were also present. A lone Gadwall was also spotted in the river estuary. Approximately 6 Shikra were seen either in flight or perched up in mainly bare trees. Other birds of prey included Lesser-spotted and Great-spotter Eagles, Brahminy and Black Kites. A Lesser Adjutant was found in the top of some mangroves along the edge of the river.
Whilst searching the canals for the target species we saw Common, Pied, Stork-billed, White-breasted and Black-capped Kingfishers before we found our first Collared Kingfisher sat in the middle of a riverside tree. The boat was manoeuvred allowing everyone good views of the bird. We may have been on its blind side, as the bird appeared to have a damaged eye facing towards us. Never the less it was a relief to see it as Ian was getting a nervous sweat on at this point as the boat had turned round and was heading back at this point. On entering a second canal/tributary on the way back we caught up with a second bird, which also showed well. It was more out in the open but a little further away than the previous sighting.
|
