A stunning shot of an osprey carrying a bream taken by Linda Cuthbert has taken the major award in the common bird category of the second annual Central Coast Bird Group Photography competition.
Ospreys were a rarity on the Central Coast 15-20 years ago but now there are seven breeding pairs with the best-known nesting on the south east light tower of Central Coast Stadium, where Council has constructed a purpose-built nesting platform.
This year’s competition attracted a good number of high-quality entries with awards made in three categories for photos taken on the Central Coast in 2021 – common bird, uncommon bird and vagrant bird.
Clear winner in the uncommon bird category was Christina Port’s photo of a black bittern reflected in the water.
Black bitterns inhabit most rivers and creeks on the coastal areas of the Central Coast but they are secretive skulking birds and difficult to find.
Tricia Sweet’s photo of a female crimson chat took out the vagrant bird category.
The bird was found at Wybung Head in Munmorah State Recreation Area on October 18, 2021.
It was the first recorded for the Central Coast.
Crimson chats are normally found west of Dubbo so this was an very unusual record.
Source:
Media release, Feb 4
Central Coast Bird Group