aussiebirder

In my last post I gave a glimpse of Australia’s smallest owl, the Southern Boobook (also known as a Mopoke), peeping from a nesting hole, which it had occupied before the Powerful Owl had a chance, since the Powerful Owl normally nest there each year at this time. It was only that the sun was shining directly into the hole that we saw the Boobook staring out, otherwise we would be unaware. As you can see from these photos during mid morning, this small owl was quite visibly seen. Several of our owl species nest during our winder months, where the female will sit on 2 to 3 eggs for a month while the male feeds her and guards the nest. Click on images to enlarge them.

My book ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ describes three birds, one being the Boobook, that use their ability to appear invisible to elude the eyes of prying human s. Click on the photo below to find out more:

While we were walking the track which was wet from recent rain, we happened upon a pair of Royal Spoonbill which took to flight on our arrival at the ponds. One landed on a tree top and commenced preening itself. Now you might ask, how does a Spoonbill preen with such a large awkward beak.

We found the second Spoonbill in one of the ponds with the Chestnut Teal where I caught some lovely images, including reflections. The reason these two birds were resting in the ponds was that they were waiting for the tidal change to low tide in Lime Kiln Bay nearby, where they will actively commence feeding again using the scythe action of their bills through the water to filter out small aquatic insects and crustaceans.

My book “What Birds Teach Us” highlights this life lesson of being Time Wise. Click on the image below to find our more. It will open in a new tab:

As we walked on we heard a commotion in the main nesting angophora tree at Frog Hollow, where a small flock of uninvited Long-billed Corella, not common to our park, were arguing with our local Sulphur-crested Cockatoo over nesting holes. Notice the wing flap alarm and calling which is quite common with birds of the Parrot family when defending their nests, warning the Cockies to keep away. However, the next day the Corella appeared to have moved on as the numbers of Cockatoo were greater and this after all was their park. These birds look similar to the Little Corella but slightly larger, having a longer upper beak (which enables them to dig roots insects and yams from soil and a pink colouring on their neck under their chin.

As we walked on we were blessed to see both male and female Golden Whistler long time residents in the park, and usually quiet during the winter months. They will calling to one another more during the nesting season in spring.

Other birds seen on the walk were a single White-faced Heron, a single Little Pied Cormorant, a single Red-browed Finch, and a Rainbow Lorikeet that landed right in front of me on the road. This highlights that the colder months are not breeding season for many birds here in the park though a couple of Cockatoo and Lorikeet are attempting to nest through this cold wet month.

Have a most enjoyable week and get some good birding in ! It has been too wet and cold here to do much, so we have to take advantage of the small windows of opportunity when the sun comes out, the rain stops and the wind dies down.

As we saw from the visit of the Long-billed Corella the stresses of life for birds are similar to our own. Even the Powerful Owl couple having to find another nesting hole to have their family creates its own unforeseen stresses. This is also the concern for many Christians, and all people who wonder why they feel so stressed all the time, and are tempted to medicate themselves with drugs and other unhealthy addictive practices. The hidden (occult) Enemy to each of our souls has orchestrated ways to cause havoc in our lives and our families if we are not wise to his tricks. The Bible says the Devil is a real entity and enemy, who likes to hide in the shadows and make you believe he does not exist. This is where the word occult which means hidden from sight has its meaning. He is a deceiver, a liar and a cheat.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10 (NIV)

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

“He [the Devil] was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44

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Adv. Dip. in Counselling and Family Therapy.

Member of Birdlife Australia

To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

And learn from them how to live a healthy and happy life.

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