The Nature Studies Section

[Byron]

An observant reader was lucky to catch a pic. of this rare species recently.
The Great Water Butt would appear to be on its annual migration to the
southern speedo lakes and note its preparation with body decoration for the mating season: http://24.media.tumblr.com/acb8593221e5040d9857989e7257b3c1/tumblr_mrcc9xfSUF1sw5682o1_500.jpg

An earlier arrival at the lakes of a Lesser Water Butt is also recorded here,
apparently relaxing in the shallows after a long flight: http://24.media.tumblr.com/90f7d31ce795acc8805873dc832a/tumblr_mp4bro3LbJ1rem899o1_500.jpg

[afewgoodmen]

For the first pic...

A red ArrestMe speedo would look great with the turquoise backdrop of the waters!

The second pic link didn't work.

[Byron]

dammit! - must retrace the second link

[singletlover]

Damn, I knew I should have paid more attention in science

[Byron]

Found him at last : http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mcv8uy8Xbj1rfdhbao1_500.jpg

[Byron]

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mdygc8hDJ51ry4cblo1_500.jpg

New pic just arrived from the speedo lakes - not identified yet but could be a mating pair.

[Byron]

Part of daily workout at the lakes: http://31.media.tumblr.com/afebcac6b415841a8d733170b204acd6/tumblr_mxyolo6Scn1szg3fso1_1280.jpg

[Byron]

The rare Eastern Bum Bird also seen here creating an interesting water pattern in his wake: http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me62e6fN4O1ql68gto1_1280.jpg#http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_me62e6fN4O1ql68gto1_500.jpg

[Byron]

A photographer with another lucky shot here - an Odeeps Diver is just about to disappear from view: http://31.media.tumblr.com/9cdc64b2c5508fde5b2048f944e562ee/tumblr_msc6sijcZf1rvw86po1_500.jpg

[Byron]

http://31.media.tumblr.com/901b9200565afab02ffeca524da630e0/tumblr_mz8p9p2eKg1ryi6ggo1_1280.jpg
This flock-gathering not entirely understood by ornithologists but thought to be
seeking assurance of a fresh fish supply arriving on the new tide.

[Byron]

Steve Grand flies in to the lakes bearing a gift for friends:
http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/6d/44/ce/6d44ce34f3b47103d90f560ef04edd89.jpg

[singletlover]

I found him on the beach, and he seems lost. He retrieves well also. Can I keep him, Can I, Can I???

[Byron]

Well, alright then.
It sounds as if he is happy but be sure you know what you are taking on - he is quite a handful and needs to be exercised a lot.
Thank you for finding him - you will see that his mate was anxiously looking out and may now fly down for a visit too:
http://31.media.tumblr.com/7b69a72834c1c56fe5403a3a5b16a0ea/tumblr_mxu3qjg3Ol1ragkbeo1_500.jpg

[singletlover]

I will do what ever I have to do to keep them all happy.

[Byron]

Here we have a Great Cross Diver in typical action mode - but on this occasion he appears to have no success in bottom-feeding:
http://24.media.tumblr.com/e58680e493cda86a22dd919489ae1931/tumblr_n1rrrdZpOi1sfdqnxo1_500.gif

[Byron]

An alpha male of the Greater Hairbum if I'm not mistaken:
http://37.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mec94au9P61qjl0gro1_500.jpg