jabiru

"...a jabiru collided with a powerline, causing blackouts on the main electrical feeder to five small towns."

According to Birds Australia the jabiru (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) is an endangered species in New South Wales.

To minimise the risk of these large birds colliding with power lines, Country Energy has attached special bird diverters to wires spanning a breeding area at Brown's Swamp near Casino in northern NSW.

Jabirus, pelicans and black swans are occasionally killed in such accidents. Black swans, in particular, are at risk because they often fly at night.

The diverters draw the jabiru’s attention to powerlines in much the same way as ribbons draw our attention to wire fences.

Looking like mini tennis rackets, the diverters are placed on the wires by ‘live line’ staff wearing specially insulated clothing and equipment. Working while the wires are still ‘live’ prevents residents and businesses in the area from having their supply interrupted.

about the jabiru

Photo credit: www.ozbird.com
Although the jabiru is traditional in Australian literature, it is not an aboriginal name as is often supposed (the official name for the species is black-necked stork). Rather, it is one given by Brazilian natives to a similar bird (Jabiru mycteria ) in South America.

They are, however, Australia’s only representative of the stork family and one of the world’s largest at up to a metre and a half tall. Jabirus have a massive bill, long bright red legs and boldly marked black-and-white plumage - iridescent on the head and neck. They are a shy and retiring species.

Usually inhabiting shallow wetlands, jabirus use their long legs to forage in water up to half a metre deep where they search for fish, crustaceans, insects and snakes. They are excellent flyers and young birds sometimes turn up far outside the species’ usual range.

The Jabiru’s nest is a huge structure made of sticks and is usually placed high in a tall and secluded tree. They lay about four eggs in a clutch with both the male and female taking turns to incubate.

Can you see the jabiru in this picture at Brown's Swamp near Casino? We did say they were shy and retiring! This was as good a photo as our cameraman could obtain on the day. WANTED: One high powered telephoto lens !