Australasian darter

This newcomer is a welcome addition to the bird life of the Sydney Park wetlands. I first noticed it about one week ago in the southernmost pond in amongst the reeds near the shore but it was elusive. Then this evening there it was in the biggest pond, perched where I have photographed cormorants from time to time.

It's a male, shown by the white streak on the side of its head. Also the females have a white underside. They are solitary creatures except when mating, during no particular season. They eat wide varieties of fish and lately I've noticed some big ones in the wetlands including carp. Not good in one sense but if the darter eats them it's fine.

A magnificent creature. Just take a look at those feet.