Continuing from last week’s Birding Date, my wife and I took the opportunity to get another a couple of days later. Again we pursued freshwater birds, in particular the ever elusive and shy Blue-billed Duck, at Bushell’s Lagoon, a well known birding place I have shared many times before, nestled in the more rural northern side of Sydney surrounded by market gardens. We were surprised to find so few birds, even though the lagoon (lake) was quite full after recent rains. On arrival the above Whistling Kite was attempting to circle over the lagoon, which it does daily.
A Masked Lapwing was noisily pursuing it. This Kite is often chased by smaller waterbirds, especially when they have young to protect, as these can easily become food for it, as well as, the four other species of raptor that cruise over this often bird filled lagoon. People ask, how come these large raptors which normally kill and eat such birds, do not turn on their pursuers and make a meal of them? The smaller more agile bird has the edge on the larger less maneuverable bird, which usually plucks its prey from the ground. I have observed one Noisy Miner chasing a Whistling Kite back and forth, for over twenty minutes, and trying to bite its back (as they do).
This little family of Black-winged Stilt were feeding on the waters edge. You will note that junior has a black patch over its eye.
Black-winged Stilt in flight
Black-winged Stilt in flight
Stilt family
Black-winged Stilt in flight
Parent and immature Stilt
We saw several groups of Australasian Grebe, and this parent displaying breeding plumage had an immature with it.
Australasian Grebe
One of the Grebe couples was continually calling, which enabled a recording of their unique sound.
This Eastern Great Egret is always seen standing on this mound as if it owns the lagoon. I have not ascertained why it spends so much tine there.
Then there were the more normal Great Egrets, grazing and flying about. When Egret stretch their neck tall, after sighting you, it is because this is their defence mechanism to ward off threats. The psychology is that by making oneself appear taller, appearing larger, it will deter confrontation.
This pair of Pacific Black Duck are often left out by birders due to their common appearance, but I did like this photo.
Our eyes were turned to the sky again as this Nankeen Kestrel hovered about, the second and smaller raptor for the day. The Sea-Eagle and Swamp Harrier did not appear.
About the same time this small flock of Straw-necked Ibis flying in formation flew over. In large flocks they can take ten and more minutes to work out the formation before they move off. Sometimes circling for ages constantly changing positions in the formation, till finally the leader flies off and the V shape is formed. They can fly great distances once they have worked it out. This means of conserving energy and changing position allows the weaker younger flyers to fly in the slip-stream of the others.
The bird that marked our day was a passerine which we have never seen in so great number here. Several pairs of Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike were present, looking for opportunities, with some immature from last season. The black face is often a challenge to photograph, and the light has to be just in the right place to catch their face. Here are three images where post production has given different outcomes.
We were delighted as we enjoyed seeing so many of this bird which often fleet away from us. The younger birds have less black on their face.
We were surprised to hear the call of an Olive-backed Oriole in a tree, calling in a most unusual manner. Normally this bird would have migrated north for Winter. We have noticed several birds which normally migrate, staying in Sydney for the winter. Of course he had choose the darkest tree covering, so it is light enhanced.
We were curious as to why this Yellow-rumped Thornbill was out and about alone, as it is usually a flock bird found further inland. This unlike other Thornbill species, is more of a ground grazer.
Lastly this Silvereye caught our eye. After failing to get a photo of a very shy Golden Whistler we made our way to Windsor for our usual FishnChip lunch in the park observing the new bridge across the Hawkesbury River, after which we made our way home.
You may be interested to see this interaction between a mature White-bellied Sea-Eagle and an immature. It is difficult to understand what the adult is trying to do, but some have interpreted that the adult is displeased with the kind of prey the immature has lifted from the ocean, as we would be also. Here is the link to Daniel’s post. Click on the first photo and arrow through.
If this is your first visit to my blog why not check out my birding website HomePage for more helpful information.
If you have purchased my book “What Birds Teach Us” and would like to share it with a friend who may like birds, or have a child between 7 and 12 years why not direct them to: https://aussiebirder.com/birdbook/
Most specie of Duck nest on the ground or in reeds over water, but the Australian Wood Duck nest high up in eucalypt trees, especially in the natural holes of the Angophora costata tree, and usually over or beside water. I have on previous occasions described this as the perfect nesting tree for the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo and Rainbow Lorikeet which we also have in abundance around Sydney. This is why these ducks nest and thrive along the river in the Royal National Park. It does seem interesting and somewhat out of place to find a non passerine waterbird, which does not have the clasping claws for perching, standing on a branch high in a tree. These very faithful partners and parents are always found together as they pair for life.
Australian Wood Ducks (Male and Female)
If I did not know the Aussie Wood Duck nested in trees I could interpret their presence there as trying to escape danger below, which is often the case for the Lyrebird, another ground grazer. This teaches us how easy it can be to misinterpret people and their actions without finding out the full and true story. This is what the Australian Raven teaches in my book “What Birds Teach Us”. We need to remind ourselves and others about the danger of making ‘Global Statements’
A Global Statement is one which says: “You always…” or “… all of the time.” “They all…”, when what we really mean to say, more accurately, removing the emotion, the need to justify oneself and any anger, is: “You have on occasions…” or “Sometimes you…” “I have noticed that recently many/some…”. This will help to defuse any argument that may arise, taking the blame away and helping to identify the problem in a fairer and more honest light. This helps the other person to identify and own their problem, because when we put a label on someone we have judged them, rather than their misdeed.
Australian Raven in defensive stance
For example, a person who tells a lie, yes that is wrong, but to call them a liar is to label them as one who perpetually lies, denigrating them and their character, when it may have been a one off event. “You have lied to me.” or ” You have told a lie.” is more accurate, and focuses on the wrong deed and not the person. Of course if they frequently lie. “This person’s word may not be trustworthy, as they have been known to frequently lie.” Thus focusing on their word (action) and removing the character destroying global comment is a healthy, loving and honest way to navigate improving relationships. We all need positive encouragement to do life better, rather than judgmental accusations which tear apart one’s character and cause a person to go on the defensive to protect themselves. Both win when love has prevailed to bring correction and healing.
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly [is impetuous or rash].” – Proverbs 15:1
“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.” – Proverbs 10:17
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Have a wonderful week and stay safe !
W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).
NOTE: All photos, videos and music used on this website are photographed, composed, performed by the site owner and remains his copyrighted property, unless otherwise stated. The use of any material that is not original material of the site owner is duly acknowledged as such. © W. A. Hewson 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
Hello Ashley,
I am very glad I waited till the weekend to enjoy yet another wonderful birding update!
The little grebes mating plumage is brilliant, and I never tire of hearing their unique calls. I was especially happy to see the black-winged stilts, as I was unable to view them this Spring due to the pandemic. It seems like you and your wife had another lovely birding date and really appreciate that you decided to share with us.
I am very sorry about the rise of infections in your area of the world. Alas, it is the same in my country, and it is a very tense and stressful time on all levels. Please do try and take good care! As always hubby and I send our best to you and Mrs. H and all your family.
(I will send an email later this week, please look forward to it :))
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PS, A big thanks for me too, for featuring some “common” birds. What may be common in your area is a real treat for us in other countries 🙂 And I personally feel that even the so-called common birds are so beautiful and refined.
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Thanks Takami, I will try to include more common birds. Birds such as the Rainbow Lorikeet and Sulphur-crested Cockatoo are very common birds here, but very rare to other areas of Australia. We have several introduced birds which are very unpopular, and classified as pests, as they compete with our native birds for nesting areas and food. Take care my friend and enjoy the weekend.
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That would be very lovely indeed! As always, your informative and patient answers are much appreciated.
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Thanks Takami, I appreciate your kind comments and well wishes. The Stilts are always a favorite of mine also, especially with reflection photography, they are the best. We are trying to make the most of our time out while we can as things heat up again with this second wave. We had another birding date today, and found a track which no one was using, as most of our favorites were being over used, as people have their last day of school holidays. All the very best dear friend to you and hubby, looking forward to your letter. Stay safe and enjoy your week.
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Another birding date, what a perfect way to spend a Sunday, in my humble opinion 🙂 Even better if you and Mrs. H found a track with more privacy and peace and quiet. I am so happy you like the Stilts too. Hopefully “our” stilts will return by autumn, and keeping fingers crossed it might be a little safer to venture out again when that time comes…
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A quick note to inform an email has been sent your way! Wishing you and Mrs H a wonderful second half of the week 🙂
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Thanks Takami, sadly this pandemic has caused much of life as we knew it on hold, more so for some than others. We are very thankful for the privilege of being able at this stage to be able to go out birding. Things are changing rapidly again here as the second wave spreads through our city and nearby us, but we are trusting and praying that our families and friends will be kept safe and well. Enjoy your week and be at peace 🙂
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Such awesome sightings with beautiful captures, Ashley. It’s always lovely, too, to hear you and your wife go on ‘birding dates’. Many of us are one-spouse birders (me included), we joke how our significant other will tag along but can actually ruin the birding experience. 😉 My husband will laughingly admit though that he does know more bird names by sight than he used to. 🙂
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Thanks Donna, Yes it is sad that many birders tell me the same story, that the spouse despises birding, and find it a bore or it slows down their walk. We have tried to encourage partners to take an interest. We love it when we meet husband and wife birders, we love the enthusiasm they both share together, it is such a buzz for us. I love the way my normally quiet and shy wife comes to life when she shares with another person what we have seen or found. Yes, I know what you mean by ruin a birding experience. Some of our friends can easily do that when we go on walks with them, though I think many of them have become accustomed to us now and know that the camera and binoculars are a part of every walk. Some of my fiends are great bird spotters, and when they help spot birds, they get quite excited and encouraged when we tell them how good they are at it. Our friends and family are like your hubby, becoming more bird aware, and getting to identify them better for having been with us. Have a peaceful and enjoyable weekend my friend, and stay safe 🙂
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We know birding is a wonderful hobby, but not necessarily for everyone, nor is it necessarily on the same level for each. I can stand/sit patiently and watch a bird ‘forever’ lol. I’ve been with another birder who gets the shot and wants to move on. I want to watch, learn, capture the action. 🙂 I’ve had many, many ‘best’ photos from the end of patiently waiting (usually by myself). I love seeing people get enthused with a sighting I share or a bird I can ID for them, or vice versa them telling me with excitement. I’ve discussed with other one-spouse birders, and we laugh at how our significant others’ eyes get rolled at us. We say it is with love lol. 😉 Thank you, Ashley, same to you both!
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Thanks for an interesting post Ashley. It was good to hear the grebe and also see the formation flying of the ibis. And it was nice to include a picture of the pacific black ducks as most people don’t give them much attention because they are so common. Have a good weekend!
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Thanks Sue, yes I thought it time to give the Pacific Black Ducks (which are actually brown) a look in. You enjoy your weekend also. We are somewhat concerned here with this second more serious outbreak nearby.
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Yes, it is a worry, I’ve seen it on the news. Stay safe!
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My favorite are the Pacific Black Ducks. Their eye lines remind me of Egyptians. Nice assortment of birds. I’m sure you two enjoyed your “birding date.”
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Thanks Lee, As common as they are here, they are always good for a photo and like other ducks usually in pairs. Yes we are planning out next one before we get locked down as the second wave has hit due to some careless people infiltrating our state.
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Ashley, you certainly had a fine time out, and so many gorgeous birds.
I love Pacific Blacks. They are such independent creatures. Their longer neck stance always makes them seem so more alert.
When i was much younger, Wooducks were always a source of entertainment as they worked through the hollow trees looking for a suitable nesting site
Glad you are able to be out and about, in the meantime we have another 5 weeks of isolation, and it seems to be much more aggressively enforced this time.
Good luck. Stay Safe
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Thanks David, These last lot of uncaring people have not only reeked havoc on you again but also on us. Only this time the danger is unknown and much closer to home, as the Victorians who fled the state before border closure have already spread it to dozens of people locally and caused aver 40 businesses to shut down for two weeks and get cleaned. We are concerned for our children who use the trains for work, as social distancing has gone out the window. Things are changing rapidly here, we could be locked down again soon also. I bought more toilet paper just now 🙂
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Congratulations on the new YouTube channel!
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Thanks Myra, Praying you and the family are keeping well and staying safe, as we enter a second virus wave due to some uncaring people coming into our state. I will be adding videos to the channel as I prepare them, teaching interesting facts about our birds. Stay safe my friend 🙂
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Thank you once again. Interesting post. Helpful thoughts.
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Thanks Merryl, delighted you enjoyed my post and its gleanings. Enjoy your week 🙂
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