aussiebirder

We have not ventured out much these last few weeks as the weather and the business of life have prevented it. However we did manage a walk on a lovely day when we both said we really need on so we went to a local Shorebird Reserve on the river banks of Botany Bay where we did not encounter many bird species as it was high tide. We did see the local resident flock of Grey-tailed Tattler resting from their labours between tides with one or two on lookout duty. Click on images to enlarge them.

Birds rest usually by turning their heads and placing their nostrils under the warmth of their rear feathers which helps them to relax. Birds live one of the most stressful lives, always on the lookout to avoid predation. They also will stand on one leg while they rest to help take he weight off the other for a time, changing them over after a time. This is because birds do not sit like we do, only when nesting they fully rest their bodies, or if ill. Sometimes with exception they will lay tummy down in the sand to warm and allow ants to remove lice. Many passerines do this. They also tend to rest as a flock facing into the wind in same direction, as seen above as the Nor’easter blows.

Other are resting and nesting in the protection of the man made bird island in the bay with the back drop of the shipping terminal. Pied Cormorants, a lone Australian Pelican and numerous nesting and resting Silver Gull.

The main reason for the island construction was the diminishing numbers of breeding now in NSW classified as Endangered Pied Oystercatcher which years ago would breed on the beaches of the bay. Human presence and their dogs and cats have destroyed this breeding cycle here. The Oystercatcher pair for life and remain constantly together.

The other important birds that appear on these beaches which are also sadly reducing in number are our migratory Endangered Bar-tailed Godwit and our now Critically Endangered Eastern Curlew. Both species, in particular the larger Curlew are favorites for the poorer Asian nations which trap them on the beaches when they stop mid journey to feed on the tidal mud flats due to their size and significant meat component which can be sold in local markets. Birdlife International is attempting with little affect to educate the fowlers to raise and breed chickens as a an alternative.

As we approach Christmas once again being betwixt the ‘Bers’, I take the opportunity to advertise my three books, one of which have been successfully selling now for over ten years as the ideal Christmas gift for a pre-teen child aged 7 to 11 years. It nis unique in that it not only teaches about Australian birds with beautiful images of them and their behaviour, but each bird teaches useful life lessons that will assist the reader well into adulthood for a happier and healthier life. This book is recommended by counsellors, educators, grandparents, parents and booksellers wherever it is sold. Click on image below to make your choice to find out more about these books and purchase from my secure online checkout in time for Christmas, especially for countries outside Australia.

For those who are Christian in their faith or have relatives who are, this 70 day life changing Reflective Devotional cleverly uses Australian birds to introduce each topic. This recent book release is also available here online by clicking the image below. This book has had much encouraging feedback in the short time it has been released. Click below and find out more about the book which is only available here at aussiebirder.com online..

The shorebirds rest peacefully and harmoniously together without fear or dread. We also can know perfect peace and the accompanying joy and assurance that accompanies this by connecting our lives to the Almighty Father God who made us and knows us each intimately. He lovingly calls us to come to him through his Son the Lord Jesus who died as our substitute to pay the debt for all of our sinful selfish thoughts, words and deeds as a free gift of grace and mercy. Its yours through faith – Jesus acquired eternal life for all who believe, repent and receive him into their lives as Saviour and Lord.

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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.

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, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026