Lower Lake and Double Creek

On April 1 we visited Captain Stevenson's Point to see what birds could be seen.  The first sight was a vigorous surf outside the outlet.

 The sandbars around the Lower Lake are back in force.

 Before I set up my telescope to check the birds Frances spotted a large stingray swimming in the shallows.  My attempts to photograph it were not good. However it was in shallow water so that the wings came out of the water as it swam,

Based on large size and distribution I originally thought it was a Smooth Stingray. However Frances then found information about Eagle Rays, which lift their wingtips out of the water when in the shallows. Checking the image in Fishes in Australia http://fishesofaustralia.net.au/home/species/3545 that matches very well. So, Southern Eagle Ray Myiobatis tenuicaudatus it is.

Looking across to the West of the opening there was a pretty good group of small waders: at least 8 Double-banded Plovers; about 4 Red-capped Plovers (almost certainly more that I didn't see) and at least 35 Red-necked Stints. Also 14 Pied Oystercatchers; 5 White-faced Herons; and offshore a good number of Gannets and a high flying Sea Eagle.

Just off the Point a Crested Tern was making splashing noises as it dived for fish.  It then dripped as it emerged from the water.

 On 2 April I decided to explore the Double Creek Arm.  A friend, who visited before the Inlet was opened, had advised of meeting signs at Double Creek talking of the track being flooded.  The signs were still there!

 And so indeed was the flood.

So back to the road and try the Charlies Creek track on the other side of Double Creek.  Same, same!

 I did get a bit further in before hitting that lot of water and had passed this interesting looking expanse.   I shall try it again when the water has had a bit longer to drain away.