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!

Comb Crested Jacana + Brown Backed Honey Eater orginally posted on Thala Beach Lodge