RED-NECKED PHALAROPE

Photographed at the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee January 2016

 756             RED-NECKED PHALAROPE                Phalarope lobatus

Australia             (600)

Also known as Northern Phalarope. 18-19 cm. In Aust. found in shallow pools; in commercial salt fields; tidal mudflats, beaches, salt marsh, freshwater wetlands. Range: breeds around Arctic; winters at sea. East Siberian population migrates to Celebes Serfdom s. Philippines, e. to PNG and Bismarck Arch. Irregular summer migrant to Aust. (Aug-Apr), regular in nw WA, but many sight records in se Aust. Odd birds over-winter acquiring breeding plumage. 

NOTE: Bird number 600!!!!!! And such a rare bird in southern Australia. I was a little disappointed, after following the bird for a couple of days these were the best photos I could get because its such a small bird and stayed out in the centre of the pond most of the time.