aussiebirder

Taking a quiet walk in my local Nasho park, It was interesting that most of the birds I saw on the walk were juvenile, or at least they were being guarded by very invested parents. But before my visit I watched our two juvenile back yard Crested Pigeon as they rested together on the rooftop, which was their favorite place in the sun. I managed to catch one baby being fed by parent. Click on images to enlarge them.

The first bird I saw as I walked past the park cafe was the juvenile Masked Lapwing now growing older as it grazed unattended by father on the grass by the river. The parent was watching a fair distance away. It is noticeable that the plumage is brown and much coarser lacking full colouration.

The second group of birds I saw under the Big Fig at Figtree Flat was this family of Australian Wood Duck. The last time I showed you this family they were tiny chicks, now they are developing into teenagers and their plumage is starting to resemble that of their mother, as young juveniles do. The father and mother follow behind as they move them forward.

I was delighted as the ducklings made their way past and through my legs without any fear or concern. I was concerned as they became too close to film. Wood duck parents are the best examples of parenting, as they share the role with dedication and unwavering focus.

On the track I noted this juvenile Australian Raven resting alone. Note the dark coloured beak and eye which is a classic sign of juvenile and immature birds, developing full colour before approaching maturity. The Raven is one of our most intelligent birds and will adopt a bright white eye and considerably thicker hackles beneath its chin.

On the track we also saw an immature Eastern Yellow Robin resting. This rainforest robin is normally not as dark in colouration and has a much brighter yellow chest plumage.

Spring and Summer are breeding times for our melodious and beautiful Golden Whistler. However, this immature male has not yet gained his beautiful golden and black plumage. There is just a touch of gold near its rear.

An immature Australian Magpie showed great curiosity at my camera shown by the head tilt. This bird will learn from its parent how important that head tilt will be to its survival as it listens for Christmas Beatle chrysalis move in the soil beneath them. They use their extremely hard beak to drive into the soil to pluck them out and eat them. These insects are part of the staple diet of the Magpie which are known as the farmer’s friend. Note eye and beak colour dark. The Aussie Magpie is one of the world’s most intelligent birds listed alongside the Corvid family.

The Laughing Kookaburra can not be left out as its juvenile starts attempting to copy its parent at learning the territorial laughing skill. It is quite entertaining listening to it practicing. Listen to the contrast in this video clip.

One last pic of an adult Sacred Kingfisher (left) with its juvenile youngster (right) just resting together. This was taken in our Oatley Park. It is not difficult to see the difference. Most juvenile birds have a brown plumage which makes them more for predators to detect them in the dark of the tree canopy and nesting hole.

Have a wonderful week and stay safe. Our city and country is grieving as it tries to come to terms with the horrific tragic event that occurred on our city’s most popular beach two days ago, less than an hours drive from our home. Our hearts and prayers go out to the many families who lost loved ones, especially to our son’s friend who lost both parents that night.

“I have told you all these things so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – the words of Jesus from John 16:33 (NLT)

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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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