Earlier this 12 months when we first noticed Comb-crested Jacanas near Broome that they had simply arrived from additional north in Australia. Typically we’ve needed to journey additional north to watch Comb-crested Jacanas, however when we’ve excessive rainfall throughout our moist summer time months we are able to anticipate to watch them. Though we didn’t observe any nests within the Broome space we’ve now noticed youthful Comb-crested Jacanas and so they have clearly bred regionally. We’ve got noticed nests previously additional north. The male Comb-crested Jacana builds the nest, incubates the eggs and cares for the younger. He can additionally choose up the chicks below his wings and transfer them to security. The vary of the Comb-crested Jacana varies 12 months by 12 months relying on drought or flood.
With the excessive focus of native flowers on our ephemeral lagoons and lakes close to Broome in the mean time it could possibly virtually be difficult to search out the Comb-crested Jacanas. As is usually the case, by sitting and watching you quickly uncover there are extra birds about than you might have initially thought. The Comb-crested Jacanas virtually mix into their surroundings after which develop into extra obvious as they transfer throughout the vegetation. Comb-crested Jacanas don’t all the time efficiently stability on the plant matter regardless of their extraordinarily giant ft.
Listed below are a number of the various images that I took of the Comb-crested Jacanas feeding on the vegetation. The grownup Comb-crested Jacanas have the brighter pink comb and the youthful birds are nonetheless but to realize their full color. You may see there have been a number of events the place they actually “sank” after which managed to proper themselves.
Comb-crested Jacanas
It will likely be fascinating to watch the Comb-crested Jacanas over coming weeks and months to see if they continue to be within the space this 12 months. We aren’t anticipating any extra rain for a lot of months, however with the remaining water they might keep if there may be sufficient meals for them within the space.
