Blogging on Australian wildlife and environment. Also covering North Queensland areas including Cairns and Port Douglas.

Thala Beach Lodge is a luxury resort located on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas Australia. Fully eco accredited and with a major focus on the environment Thala is leading the way in innovative, 5 star sustainable tourism by offering more than just accommodation. Guests are invited to experience this unique part of Australia.

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Posts Tagged ‘jakana’

Comb Crested Jacana + Brown Backed Honey Eater

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

This Comb Crested Jakana was spotted at Thala foraging in saltwater

The Comb Crested Jacana (Trediparra Gailinacea) is a new species added to the growing list of birds identified at Thala Beach Lodge in Tropical North Queensland.

The Jacana is normally found in fresh water wetlands where it is seen walking on water lily leaves looking for insects. Its weight is sufficient to push the leaf just under the surface of the water giving the impression that it is walking on water. Hence it is sometimes called the Jesus Bird.

The Brown Backed Honeyeater nest in close proximity to a Paper Wasp nest.

The strange thing about this sighting, as seen in the photograph, is the foraging amongst the mangroves in the sea just off Pebbly Beach. This is not only a first at Thala, but a first time a Jacana has been seen foraging in the salt water by all who witnessed it. Comments would be greatly appreciated.

The Brown Backed Honey Eater nest is a wonderful example of symbiosis between species. Notice the proximity of the bird nest to the Paper Wasp’s nest. The honey eater relies on the paper wasp to guard its nest from any marauding predators. If you have ever been stung by disturbing a paper wasps nest, you will understand how effective that can be!