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Azure Kingfisher waiting for a meal to appear (a survivor)

We rejoice and give thanks for the recent rain and cooler days we just had, though some areas experienced powerful lightning bolts (which destroyed our NBN router), powerful winds bringing down trees and destroying houses and cars. Our national capital Canberra had a massive hail storm being pelted with golf ball sized hail which destroyed or damaged many cars and houses, taking out many windscreens. Other areas were flooded causing damage and accidents, while in other areas the fires continue their uncontrollable destructive course. Ah well! at least we got rain, as sadly many drought ridden areas got none or very little. This created another serious problem massive 300 km wide dust storms, lifting our choice dry top soil into massive clouds and creating an eerie night for many towns in the middle of the day. Here is a photo of Australian top soil staining the ice, having been blown over 2,000 km (1,200 miles) across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand in 2006 and was deposited on the Fox Glacier on the South Island. On top of all this our holiday season tourist trade has suffered a great loss, as have many businesses burnt down, cattle, orchards and farms wiped out all due to fire devastation, and its not over yet.

Australian soil on the ice of the Fox Glacier

Now to a brighter note, where we live in Sydney, the last week we have had cooler weather, the smoke has cleared and much appreciated heavy rain for a couple of days making the grass green again. While many parts of our burnt nation grieve their losses, we also grieve the many wildlife and forest losses, and the possibility that many birds and some animals may either now be extinct or on the brink of extinction.

Regent Honeyeater critically endangered species

Many of our rarer bird species are found in sometimes in very small pockets of forest making their existence very vulnerable to destructive fires. The truth will be revealed later in the year. For now the urgent cry to governments is to get active to exterminate the ferule foxes and cats which are killing the surviving suffering wildlife. Koalas have been declared, in many parts of our state as functionally extinct. Meaning that due to the extreme and total loss of habitat (eucalypt tree leaves their only food) in large areas, the surviving rescued animals cannot be placed back there, but have to be relocated to the remaining unburnt forests that have the tree leaves they require. The poor creatures do not know what to do or where to go without our help, as you can see below…

As the summer school holidays continue, we had the privilege of having our grandson Jesse stay a few days. With binoculars, camera and hat we made our way into the Royal National Park, which thankfully is one of the unburnt areas of our state. On arrival at the gift shop and cafe Jesse noticed an important item and drew my attention to it.

At first we decided to walk along the river in search of the Azure Kingfisher which we always love to show our grandies, and lo and behold he was just where we looked, fishing for his next meal, so we watched while I captured the sequence below. This is a small brightly colored and very human shy bird found mainly along freshwater rivers and lakes. It is stunning when flying in bright sunlight.

Azure Kingfisher looks over the river

Azure Kingfisher looks over the river

Azure Kingfisher waiting for a meal to appear

Azure Kingfisher waiting for a meal to appear

Sees fish and takes a dive

Sees fish and takes a dive

down beneath the surface it captures fish

down beneath the surface it captures fish

emerges with fish in beak

emerges with fish in beak

flies back to tree

flies back to tree

rests with fish in beak

rests with fish in beak

quickly consumes fish and sits waiting again

quickly consumes fish and sits waiting again

What a treat for Jesse! On our walk along the forest road we noticed how dry everything was, and how we hardly heard or saw a bird, which is unusual for this time of year when the forest is usually full of song especially from the Golden Whistler which was no where to be found. I mentioned that we would usually see the Eastern Yellow Robin about here, and lo and behold there it appeared, a young one.

We saw a juvenile Grey Fantail also. I mentioned to Jesse that both these birds have a habit of following you along the track being very curious, but also hoping we will cause food to appear by our movement along the track.

We were hoping to see and hear a Superb Lyrebird as that would have been a real treat for him but there were no sounds or even signs that they had recently been on the track. Possibly like many of our birds they had fled due to the thick smoke of previous months or the dryness of the drought. As the rainforest floor dries out (something never heard of previously) their food source diminishes causing the, the Bazzian Thrush and the Logrunner to go deeper into the moister forest floor for food. However, as we rested we sighted this most unusual looking bird the Top-notched Pigeon. Take a look at its appearance, its hairdo and makeup. We thought there were only two, but when it flew off another twenty followed. These are native fruit eaters, and may be finding it difficult to find food as many trees are stressed and not flowering or producing this year.

Top-notched Pigeon

Top-notched Pigeon

Top-notched Pigeon

Top-notched Pigeon

Top-notched Pigeon

Of course there is always a Superb Fairy-wren on our visit to the Nasho, and it always heard right next to where we park the car, almost on every occasion. He draws us away from his family, with his bright breeding plumage.

We discovered this Eastern Water Dragon female resting on a log. It was not at all concerned by our presence or passers by. The males have a bright red/orange chest which intensifies during breeding season.

One feature which reappeared during Jesse’s stay was that of our Australian Eastern (Black-backed) Magpie, which I continually gave him instruction and quizzes on during his stay. Here are some interesting photos we took of a juvenile Magpie morphing its plumage to an immature. Notice how one side of the bird is changing at a time (last photo). Important changes to look for in identifying juvenile birds is dark eye and beak color, often fluffy marbled bellies and brown or tawny plumage.

Juvenile Aust. Magpie tuning in his senses

Juvenile Aust. Magpie tuning in his senses

Immature Aust. Magpie with morphing plumage

Immature Aust. Magpie with morphing plumage

Immature Aust. Magpie from one side

Immature Aust. Magpie from one side

Juvenile Magpie molting to Immature

Juvenile Magpie molting to Immature

While Jesse was watching a pair of our resident male Australian Magpies (note: alpha male on right and almost mature male on left). This series was shot by Jesse with his camera, as the Magpies, quite conscious of our interest, continued to perform their ablutions unafraid. This highlights the fact that these Maggies know and trust me as their friend, though he did keep an eye out occasionally.

1- 2 male Magpies resting in bird baths

20 - He allows me to watch nearby but keeps an eye out

Meanwhile, Jesse just kept clicking away as the alpha male took his bath and then preened himself before leaving. Those studying this bird, like myself, may have interest in some of these images. The male on the smaller bath just sat and observed the whole time and was not sure if it would indulge itself.

6 - The younger Magpie considers copying his father in the bathe

2 - Alpha male father Magpie washes beak while younger male looks on

Let us now trace the washing preening sequence Jesse managed to capture. We believe the reason these birds came, being as intelligent as they are, they knew that this water was frsh rain water that had fallen yesterday and not the less desirable town water which has been chemicalized. I know the difference because when I lived on a property some 20 years ago we had only rain water for drinking and washing, and the difference is amazing,

(1) Bathing:

He starts by just standing for a short while in the large bath, which he knows is his.

He then proceeds to wash his beak thoroughly. Remember that Magpies do not hunt their food in trees, they are ground feeders and are constantly thrusting their very sharp steel like beak into the hard earth to find food, so it gets quite dirty. Meanwhile the lesser male continues to stare into the water.

He then follows by fully amercing his front and sides, constantly shaking off water to ensure thorough cleaning in under feathers as well as remove pests and loose feathers etc…

He then lifts his upper wing plumes to wash his back and secondaries…

This takes a little time as he ensures he is fully wet.

He then leaves the water to rub his beak clean on the back of our metal courtyard chairs…

He now looks quite beraggled and disheveled and prepares for the next stage…

(2) Preening:

The washed male now pokes his beak into his preening gland at the base of his tail where he draws an oily waxy substance.

He now proceeds to run his tail feathers through his beak coating them with the substance, which he does to condition his plumes, waterproofing them and helping strengthen them from becoming brittle.

This process takes a few minutes, where on this occasion he concentrates on his long tail plumes.

Having finished some preening he is ready to leave. But take a look at the complex and neatly packed and folded wing and tail arrangement. Only intelligent design could have created such a marvelous flight machine. He flew into the Frangipani Tree giving me his thank you look indicating that he will be back same time tomorrow for more to be sure, and with his understudy in toe leaves.

Then the Noisy Miner comes for its turn, but only after our neighborhood’s most powerful and dominant bird has left. It is amusing to watch how all the other birds scatter when the alpha male flies in. The Miner checks that it is safe before getting wet.

Here is some live footage Jesse captured. Oh, I forgot, the understudy finally took the plunge just before he left. I think he may have waited as a sign of respect, or possibly still learning how to bathe the Magpie way as all their behaviour is learnt over a 3 to 4 year period.

The Second Edition of Book 1 is with the publisher and almost ready to check its first draft. The following link will take you to a page which I will update as we move closer to launch date. Click here to view information about both the Second Edition of Book 1 and also Book 2.

It was interesting that just before the alpha male got quite wet, the lesser male started communicating to another Magpie in the distance, to which the alpha male joined in briefly. Magpie communication is one of the most complex of any language or call, and some scientists have devoted their life work to studying it. These birds during their warble are able to move between two octaves in a millisecond.

Magpies are known to warble for sometimes over an hour to one another from a distance, in this case the distant call was was inaudible to us humans. Magpie and most all bird hearing is so much more acute than ours, which is why they may fly off at the slightest sound. These birds can be taught to talk human words and phrases, as many of our birds can mimic. It is interesting also that the Magpie made a choice to place communicating above his bathing ritual, which was a most enjoyable experience in fresh rain water. It can not be stressed enough that the priority of good communication is the most important principle to any relationship following that of trust. Like the Magpie we must first prime our ears to silently listen carefully before replying. We need to make sure we understand what is being said, and if we do not ask for explanation. Most relationship breakdowns are over poor communication skills being employed. The most successful and proven way of listening well with empathy and to gain understanding, used by counselors, is Active or Reflective Listening.

Magpies wait for the other communicating Magpie to finish when communicating to another, they do not interrupt but wait their turn (of course when they call together in the morning chorus this is not the case). This is a skill not easily becoming to us men as we tend to want to fix everything with our answer. It is a lesson constantly being learnt by myself and my male friends.

‘Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” –Stephen R. Covey.

‘One of the most sincere forms of respect is to listen to what others have to say.’ – Bryant H McGill

‘We have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we speak.’ – Epictetus

‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry’ – James 1:19

Have a great week and STAY SAFE!

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.

As the fires continue to devastate and consume our forests and townships we are all so thankful that countries and people the world over are coming to assist, or raising money to help the thousands left destitute with loss of homes, property and livestock. Millions of wildlife and trees gone, with many wildlife injured and being assisted as our country pulls together in the Aussie way. A nation founded on difficult circumstances, which coined the term ‘Aussie Battler’. The last two days have been much milder as a cold front comes through in the middle of Summer, with small falls of rain. This is giving some of the firies a chance for a short break and a chance for others to contain the threatening fires nearby. These fires have shown how truly vulnerable we humans are, despite all our modern inventions and plans. My wife and I are thankful that we have been spared so far, and only the daily unpleasant thick smoke is our main problem.

It has not been wise for us to travel far out of our city, so this weeks post highlights the importance of our local parks and reserves that we frequent on a regular basis. It is these parks that provide the normalization of our emotional and physical self. A 30 minute or more walk in a nature park has been shown scientifically to have very positive health benefits. These include lowering blood pressure, lowering stress levels and revitalizing ones mind and emotions, assisting to reduce depression. It allows us to become mindful in the moment and transfer our overcrowded mind to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings using our five senses. Our most frequented park as some of you know is Oatley Park Reserve which is only a 14 minute drive from home.

I love the beautiful eucalypt trees especially the angophora costata known as Sydney Redgum, which have a very interesting and pleasing scent to me which I love to inhale. This is the tree of choice for nesting Cockatoos and Lorikeets due to the holes it leaves when the branches drop off. This tree, due to its pinkish colour and unusual branching, is known as an artists delight. Thankfully, this park has so far been spared from the fires.

As I walk the same tracks and pathways week after week, hoping to see something different something new, I sometimes wonder what the local territorial birds, animals and reptiles, that have come to know me, are thinking. So here is some suggestions…

One bird I can always count on being in the same area every visit is this male Magpie. He knows me and identifies me with his intelligent ability to remember and describe each person with perfect facial recognition. Thankfully he sees me as his friend and allows me very close contact, unlike other passersby. One interesting skill these birds have learnt and mastered is that of being able to remove the stinger from insects before eating them, by holding it down with their foot and pulling it out with their beak.

Occasionally I see one of his fledglings which is almost mature in its second-third year of training. Look carefully and you will still see small patches of brown plumage and the dirty neck can mean its is a female, as usually the male neck is white by this stage, but may still be changing.

A main feature of this park is the Ponds where waterbirds breed, feed and rest. These also provide water to other birds. This water is maintained from storm water off the streets nearby. With the recent drought, as I showed in last weeks post, the ponds are drying up and becoming foul for the water fowl. This family of Chestnut Teal rest together by the pond, these birds do not seem to worry about the problem.

The drought has caused much stress to the trees in the park as many shed their leaves and some even have died and are falling down. But occasionally wild flowers are seen such as this Flannel Flower and this tiny native orchid. Look how beautiful the flowers are when you enlarge them, what a marvelous piece of artwork from a marvelous Creator.

While it is now Summer the forest is much quieter than usual for this time of year due to the drought and extreme temperatures so bird sounds are few, but one bird always brings joy and delight to my spirit when I hear his excited laughter like call and that is the Grey Butcherbird of which there are several families in the park.

On this visit it was unusual to see a Little Wattlebird, though they do come in from time to time. It is called Little but not for the wattle which is not there, but the bird being the smallest of the three wattlebird species. It sports a very unusual and interesting breast plumage.

There does not appear to be any nesting at the moment as most have finished but the Royal Spoonbill will be nesting in private away from here. This termite nest has been used by the local Kookaburra family for generations as a nesting place. Kookas bite a hole in the nest and take it over as a ready to go nursery. But it is very quiet at present as they have already fledged.

Last of all, this Echidna (Short-nosed Spiny-anteater) was sighted on the side of the track. This is the first time we had seen it here in the park. Others had told us it was there, and now we saw it. They are very shy and quickly move away when sighted.

A solitary seat ideal for being still in the Blue Mountains National Park, Katoomba NSW

We each need time out to be quiet and still, to wait, think and to listen. What better place than in your local birding park. Sit on a park seat, or just walk alone along the track, admiring the beautiful trees and birds, how each is uniquely different and individual, listening to the birds, feeling the breeze on your face, inhaling the sweet scents of the trees and flowers of the forest. Consider it all with a grateful heart of thankfulness for the beautiful surroundings you have had the privilege to enjoy. Consider all the many insects, birds, reptiles and animals moving about you in search of food, each knowing what it must do, without us even being aware. Consider your amazing body and its brilliant chemistry and physiology, working harmoniously with millions of processes per second perfectly timed and ordered, without any knowledge or effort from you. All taken care of by One who is intimately concerned with your well being. Unload your cares and worries there and let yourself be carried away in the peaceful stress-less moment. Be refreshed and re energized.

“I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.” – Psalm 143:5

Have a great week and STAY SAFE!

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.

Cattle Egrets with developing breeding plumage. They would normally be nesting now.

A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to you all! As you are aware from the many news reports our country is suffering the worst Summer season on record. A drought in its 4th year, strong winds, dry thunderstorms and merciless raging ravaging incinerating unstoppable firestorm bushfires have turned our holiday season into a state of emergency and declared catastrophic conditions. Millions of hectares destroyed, millions of wildlife incinerated, thousands of homes and properties and livestock destroyed and 17 humans dead, and we are only just into Summer. Many had their holidays terminated or cut short, and many more fled with their lives from their holiday grounds. It is just not safe to travel anywhere at the moment, as these fires can strike and move suddenly, without warning. Here is a brief video excerpt from On Demand News on YouTube.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the many homeless and now traumatized residents, where in some places whole towns have been wiped off the map. It has affected most of the east coast of Australia in populated areas, and the thick toxic smoke continues to be the daily norm for most of us, as it has been for over the last two months. It has affected the lives of most Australians either directly or indirectly.

The sun breaking through a smoke filled sky

The sun breaking through a smoke filled sky

So many brave firefighters from home and overseas have rallied to the fire front, including our defense force. These fires along with the drought are rewriting our Bird Field Guides for location and even for the existence of species in our country. It will not be known till further down the track if we have recently added more species to our critically endangered or extinct classifications. Our local Oatley Park Reserve’s main pond in one week has been gradually drying up as many birds leave with only a only a few remaining.

Last Sunday.

Last Sunday.

Yesterday.

Yesterday.

This pair of of Chestnut Teal are not worried at all. They have raised their young already, and now taking it easy in the murky ponds.

Chestnut Teal pair

Chestnut Teal pair

This male wanted aussiebirder to include him in his next post, so I obliged.

Chestnut Teal male

Chestnut Teal male

Other then the Teal and a few Australian White Ibis a single Great Egret and Royal Spoonbill stood together in the diminishing pond.

The Spoonbill had breeding plumage which I always find quite amusing, as well as their sweeping filtering bill action.

This photo best highlights there head dress. It is one which I have previously entered in an art show as a canvas print.

The reptiles, including young Eastern Waterdragons and Skinks are not affected by the drought and make their presence known in Summer as they bathe in the warm sun.

This little skink had a perfect place to hide and rest from the heat. When it saw me it quickly slid back into its hole in the tree. It needs to be careful, as Kookaburras and Pied Currawong check these holes for food.

As my wife and I walked through the almost deserted park trail, as normally this time of year many bird species would be feeding and calling, we heard one loud raucous sound which drew our attention. It was a juvenile Channel-billed Cuckoo being fed by a adult Pied Currawong. You may remember in my previous post on Channel-bills, that I mentioned how the Cuckoos migrate south in Summer and lay/plant their eggs in the nests of unwitting birds to be surrogate raised. Here is a great example, watch. The much larger Cuckoo has an insatiable hunger that keeps the poor Currawong flying off to find food.

Channel-billed Cuckoo being raised by Pied Currawong

Channel-billed Cuckoo being fed by a Pied Currawong

As we continued back down the track we had a very exciting surprise as a pair of Buff-banded Rail ran across the track up ahead. They were fast so initial images were poor. We had reports of sightings of this bird but this is the first time we saw them here. The jerking of the camera was sadly unavoidable.

We later saw them again in more shaded bush.

Buff-banded Rail first sighting

Buff-banded Rail first sighting

Buff-banded Rail last sighting

Buff-banded Rail last sighting

Buff-banded Rail last sighting

As we walked further along the track the resident male Eastern Australian Magpie was foraging in his territory. This bird both knows me and trusts me, allowing me to walk right next to it. A lady passing by, caused it to run away, only to return beck next to me again after she passed.

I always see this bird every time I visit around the same area, usually with another male or female. My blogging friend David of the blog birdsaspoetry.com has engaged in his Magnificent Magpie 2020 Project, which will be worth following.

We are both enjoying Gisella Kaplan’s book The Australian Magpie which is to date the greatest work on this most intelligent and clever bird. As I write this I can here my resident alpha male Magpie calling to me. He usually does it after his bath in my birdbath.

A little further along the track and we could here another unfamiliar sound from a nearby eucalypt. It was difficult to see these two birds and make out what they were as the bright diffused light in the background and the smoke made it difficult, so again I apologise for the photos. They appeared to be 1st year juvenile Brown Goshawks waiting possibly to be fed. We did not see the adult, and the birds sat in the same spot watching and waiting. We had never had a sighting of this bird in the park that we know of so it is a new finding.

Approaching the creek which flows into the Georges River from the wetland, we saw these two birds. Now, on first observation one might think them two distinct species of Egret, but with binoculars it can be seen that they are both Great Egrets, one in full breeding plumage with turquoise lores, dark beak and fine streaming back feathers and the other with only very early breeding plumage yellow beak and back streaming feathers.

check out the neck extension

check out the neck extension

breeding with pre-breeding

breeding with pre-breeding

Great Egret in breeding plumage

Great Egret in breeding plumage

Great egret pre-breeding

Great egret pre-breeding

Before I finish I would like to correct an identification on my previous blog post on Lake Albert, Wagga Wagga where I thought the flock of Terns I was viewing were Common Terns. On further observation and talking with other birders they are actually Whiskered Terns (previously known as Marsh Terns). These two species of Tern do look very similar, however the Whiskered has the darker belly and distinct white throat, which is seen here. These are predominantly fresh water Terns found on inland lakes and rivers where they mainly fly close to the water surface to catch insects over and on the water as well as dive for the occasional small fish and crustacean. The heavy smoke made it difficult to photograph them with clarity. Sadly, the waterbirds of Lake Albert’s wetlands I featured recently have gone, as the wetlands are also drying up as the lake diminishes and becomes more shallow.

As we move into 2020 and get a 20/20 vision of what lies ahead, entering a catastrophic period of uncertainty and a most unpredictable Summer, we ponder as to what the future holds, and what birds will be left for us to enjoy, and where they will relocate. Most of our native wildlife is territorial and non migratory, so it will be difficult for them to find new areas, as tension will arise with birds of the same species already established in unburnt areas.

Interesting enough a friend posted this reminder, that times such as these have occurred in the past, captured by one of our renowned poets.

My second edition of ‘What Birds Teach Us’ is now with the publisher and when it is launched I will have some changes to my blog post and website. I will also be available for talks and seminars in schools and organisations, especially targetting Primary School aged children. I am delighted that despite the bushfires ravaging our national parks, my 1st Edition continued to be purchased as they sold out in National Parks gift shops there is only a hand full left. If you want to grab one of the last click here. I am hoping to publish my second book, targetting 16 years to adult, later in the year.

Birdbath Blessings

The birds love it and love you for it and it is so simple to install. Eventually they will wash and drink and allow you to sit and watch them only feet away from them, as they trust you and know that you care about them.

small and large birdbaths in shade

small and large birdbaths in shade

large for larger birds Magpies, Currawongs Ravens

large for larger birds Magpies, Currawongs Ravens

small for smaller birds Miners, Rainbows Butcherbirds

small for smaller birds Miners, Rainbows Butcherbirds

places for landing access

places for landing access

One of the best things we can do for our birds during this 4th year of drought is to install a birdbath or 2. My publisher and my sister both bought their family one for Christmas and are enjoying seeing birds come to drink and bathe. Our Australian birds are wild and aggressive around food, so it is recommended not to feed them, as they are best to gather their own, as they can become aggressive, demanding and destructive if they develop a dependence on your kindness, as many have found out the hard way. However, they do need and appreciate our contribution of fresh water. Your family can enjoy the experience watching the different local species come to your birdbath at different times of day. Children especially enjoy this. Just top up the bath daily and clean it our weekly and the birds will do the rest. Funny enough, when I arrived home from Wagga Wagga on New Years Day both birdbaths were depleted and no birds anywhere. I cleaned and filled both baths, walked up stairs and in seconds 7 birds came immediately and noisily drinking and bathing as if they had been watching and waiting for me to replenish it, as they know I do. Why 2 baths ( a small and large? because that allows both the smaller and larger birds to choose the best option and bathe at the same time. Also is is good as you will see in this photo to make sure the baths are shaded under a tree and have approach landing access, a tree, chair, post nearby, as they like to land and survey the bath before plunging in. Treat yourself to a birdbath, it will amuse and give you much enjoyment as it has us.😊

Have a great week and STAY SAFE!

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.

Christmas Greetings!

Posted by aussiebirder on December 22, 2019

Posted in: Uncategorized.

Thank you so much! All of my Dear Blogging Friends for your many encouraging comments and experiences shared throughout the past year. This year has been full of unexpected changes for my wife and I, which has presented many challenges, unexpected twists and turns, as well as some achievements. We look with great hope to the coming year as the second edition of first my book now goes off to the publisher. This is expected to be followed by my second book which is awaiting its final proofs. I have been blessed this year while unemployed with time to write, though I am hoping to re enter the workforce in 2020 as well as market my books which will include school presentations. My goal is to leave a lasting legacy to today’s young people so that they may enjoy a better tomorrow as young adults. In the new year there will be some changes to my website and some pages may be presented differently, as well as the blog posts. I look forward, as we slip into the new year, to continue sharing together the wonders of our life journey with each other, as we have done this passing year.

The Unwelcome Summer Migrant – The Channel-billed Cuckoo

Posted by aussiebirder on December 16, 2019

Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Birds, Birdwatching, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Sydney, Uncategorized, wildlife. Tagged: Channel-billed Cuckoo, Noisy Miner, Pied Currawong.

Channel-billed Cuckoo pair

This my last post for the year as we approach Christmas and the New Year, and it all occurred recently one afternoon and was filmed from my front yard up into a huge eucalypt tree several hundred meters down the street. Every Spring the Channel-billed Cuckoo arrive here to lay their eggs and plant them in the nests of unsuspecting native Australian birds to be raised by surrogate parents. The Eastern Koel is another cuckoo which does likewise. They usually target our larger black birds such as the Currawong, Magpie and Raven but they have been known to even do it to a tiny Fairy-wren. Below is a photo of a Pied Currawong raising a juvenile Channel-billed Cuckoo. Currawongs are the cuckoos easiest choice, as they are more likely to leave their next unattended and tend to be more loners, as their social structure is not as complex and community minded as that of the more intelligent Magpie and Raven. This juvenile is ready to fly away with its father which has come to collect it, and is waiting in a tree nearby, watching.

Pied Currawong caring for a juvenile Channel-billed Cuckoo

This is what a young juvenile looks like as it awaits feeding. Notice it has brown and rufous plumage and does not yet have the bright red eye.

Here is a flight shot of a mature adult.

We know Christmas is coming when we hear the raucous call of these birds each day as they are chased by all manner of birds, especially Magpies and Noisy Miners, which are wise to their game. The former to prevent them approaching the nest to drop its egg in, and the latter who see them as a threat to their babies safety, as they will eat baby birds, though native fruit is their main food. These birds have the nickname The Rainbird as it marks the beginning of the wet season when you hear their call. In early Autumn they make their way back northward to New Guinea and Indonesia with their young in tow, to enjoy the warmer winter.

Now back to my photo series which I shot as a coalition of Noisy Miners attacked this adult pair of Channel-billed Cuckoo that have made our local area their territory, having tried many times to plant their eggs. See how the Miners continue attacking, till they eventually fly off to another area. It was very windy and smoky and white skied when these were taken, thus impairing quality.

Channel-billed Cuckoo pair in eucalypt tree2

Noisy Miner attacking a pair of Channel-billed Cuckoo

Channel-bills under attack

Channel-billed Cuckoo pair

Channel-billed Cuckoo pair in eucalypt tree3

Channel-billed Cuckoo pair in eucalypt tree

Chanel-billed Cuckoo attacked by Noisy Miner

That is all I have this week as I have just been called today to go into hospital tomorrow for a cardiac ablation, which was unexpected, and suddenly slotted into tomorrow. I will be out of action for a few days, and wont know any details till afterwards. Please pray my dear friends for a good outcome, and for the surgeon. I trust the Lord will be with me throughout the event, and his angels will watch over me.

Praying you all have a wonderful, enjoyable Christmas and New Year! Remember that Jesus is the reason for the season, and that it was God’s great love for us that caused him to come to earth as a man.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

The Son of God became the Son of Man so that the Son’s of Men might become Son’s of God.

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12

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.

Not my usual feature photo for my posts, but this next two weeks marks the end forever of the 1st Edition of my book “What Birds Teach Us” after the last of the book shops that sell my book, stock up for the holiday season. The 2nd Edition as well as my second book we are looking to publish early in the new year. I will let you know when I know more. Here is the promo for the last time…

Following on from my last post we continue to showcase the birds from the bushfire devastated Mid-North Coast of NSW, where we visited 2 weeks ago. These were some of the survivors we saw. Refer to my previous post if you missed it, before reading this one, to understand more. Bushfires continue to blaze all over the state as thousands of hectares of prime forest have been destroyed, 83 fires continue to burn today in NSW and 20 not yet contained, 6 humans dead, 720 homes lost and many thousands of animals and birds incinerated (including over 1000 Koalas which many people are trying to rescue), as there is no relenting from the severe drought and the frequent strong, hot dry winds, constantly fanning the flames. You remember last week I shared how the raptors are having a field day catching wildlife as it runs frantically out of the forest to escape the flames.

Black Kites swooping on a fire they have probably lit. Credit: Bob Gosford for Cosmos Magazine.

The Black Kite in far north Australia have been observed carrying burning sticks from farm fires to grasslands and forests nearby to set them alight so as to flush out prey.

Sydney air quality 10 times over danger limit. Credit: The Australian,

Sydney, like much of the east coast has been blanketed in thick toxic smoke for weeks now, where it has been said healthwise it is like smoking 10 to 40 cigarettes a day, there are many very sick people as a result. In fact the smoke is now classified in cities according to cigarettes. We had a 20 cigarette day Tuesday, and today after the Southerly cold change we have had a small reprieve. These conditions are worse ever recorded, and the effect on our bird and animal wildlife are catastrophic. Thank you for your patience and prayers, as many have been asking for an update. Now to continue…

Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow Lorikeet

Rainbow Lorikeet

Each morning as we sat on the balcony of our resort villa, sipping our coffee. We were at eye level with the Rainbow Lorikeets as they fed on these red flowers.

It was a great spot which many birds would come and spend time at, some to feed, some to rest and some to check us out for food, which previous occupants had done, a practice which is not good for wild Australian birds, unlike in other countries. Water is the important thing we can assist with.

adult Pied Butcherbird

adult Pied Butcherbird

waiting for a hand out

waiting for a hand out

Juvenile Pied Butcherbird

Juvenile Pied Butcherbird

This Pied Butcherbird and its juvenile appeared at regular intervals to check us out. This is one of my favorite song birds, we never see them as far south as Sydney. Of course ‘Pied’ meaning having 2 or more colors. Note that many juvenile birds are brown initially to blend into trees for safety from predators, and gradually gain mature plumage. Some species of male birds take up to 6 years. Adult plumage is usually associated with ability and permission to breed. From our balcony across the valley we had a good view of the adult male Butcherbird’s main observation point where the butcher shop operated from. See him honing his blade for the next kill.

We would frequently hear the constant tweeting of a juvenile Noisy Miner being fed by the Miner family members (Miners have one of the best organised social structures among birds). Occasionally the Kookaburra would come and sit the tree, mainly to watch us for food, but the Miners saw it as a threat to the youngster and gave him curry till he left.

Kookaburra watching us

Kookaburra watching us

Noisy Miner adult

Noisy Miner adult

Noisy Miner juvenile being very noisy

Noisy Miner juvenile being very noisy

Noisy Miner adult

Noisy Miner adult

Kookaburra before Miner attack

Kookaburra before Miner attack

Juvenile Noisy Miner out in the open

Juvenile Noisy Miner out in the open

Yes, Spring means parents are continually busy feeding their offspring, as with another Noisy MIner family.

Which brings us my most interesting observation, a small family of Australian Black-backed magpie. The fact that there is only one juvenile and that the female is present can signify that these birds have been displaced possibly from a bushfire ravaged area, as these birds are territorial, and rely, like the MIners on a very complex and well orchestrated social family network which contributes to them being one of the most successful native Australian birds. In normal circumstances the female would not be present when the male trains the youngster. Training can take up to 4 years, as Magpies are one of the most intelligent birds, up there with the Ravens. Notice how the female refuses to feed the youngster, when it beds from her, as it is the males role, and he obliges.

Magpie family: mum, dad and the kid.

Magpie family: mum, dad and the kid.

Female deliberately turns away from juveniles requests

Female deliberately turns away from juveniles requests

I have recently taken to study the Magpie, as some of you know, especially in the light of my new books and the gleaning of social and life skills we can apply from a family counseling perspective. Surprisingly my daughter bought me another useful and interesting book for my birthday recently written by Australia’s authority on Magpies, Gisela Kaplan. My loving daughter seems to know what book her dad needs next, as she did with last years very timely book.

If you have half an hour to sit and listen to a very interesting radio interview with Gasela Kaplan, here is the link:

Of course! as write this, I hear my little bird friend the Grey Butcherbird, ‘The Little Fella’ as I call him, singing to me as he approaches the birdbath for a drink. So I better not forget that his relatives were also present in the same area as the Pied. Again the male has the responsibility to feed and train the youngster.

Grey Butcherbird

Grey Butcherbird

juvenile begging

juvenile begging

Grey Butcherbird adult with juvenile following

Grey Butcherbird adult with juvenile following

Early in the morning, on a couple of mornings I would walk outside and hear this strange call from high up on top of a dead tree. It was a lone Dollarbird, a Summer migrant to our state, looking beautiful in the morning sunlight. These birds are insectivorous and hunt on the fly, but with a most unique and intriguing flight path of any bird, zooming up very high and fast and then down as it flies off. You will see that it gets its name from the white markings in the wing in flight. Someone thought it looked like a Dollar coin, but I think they have a vivid imagination.

Dollarbird

Dollarbird

Dollarbird

Dollarbird

dollar sign on wings

Another beautiful bird we observed over coffee on the balcony was this beautiful pair of Eastern Rosella. These are a naturally very shy bird but we did manage to see both male and female sitting on the roof top of an adjacent villa.

Eastern Rosella male

Eastern Rosella female

Eastern Rosella pair

Eastern Rosella male

Eastern Rosella female

Eastern Rosella pair

While we were checking one of the fire ravaged areas where I had previously built the family home in the country north west of where we were staying, I was pleased to see it had been saved from the fires, and on our way back we noticed this rare sight of a lone Yellow-billed Spoonbill sharing a small dam with other ducks and Cattle Egret changing to breeding plumage. Because of the thick smoke and the distance from the road the photos are not great. But this is the second kind of Spoonbill in Australia to the more common Royal Spoonbill we see nearer the coast.

On my brothers suggestion we took a drive to Seal Rocks and the Sugarloaf Point Lighthouse, where we passed a large blow hole type cave. During the walk through the unburnt forest we found some interesting birds including the Variegated Fairy-wren, male in full breeding plumage and the female as we descended the steep steps from the lighthouse, as they popped in and out of the small shrubs along the path. This is usually not an easy bird to capture. This is my wife’s favorite.

Along the shaded track we heard and then saw the Scarlet Honeyeater family, always a wonderful find, and this time they were not high in the canopy feeding, but down low feeding and maintaining their young, somewhere.

Scarlet Honeyeater male

Scarlet Honeyeater male

Scarlet Honeyeater male

Scarlet Honeyeater male

Scarlet Honeyeater male

Scarlet Honeyeater male

As we came close to our car we heard this beautiful melody but could not place it. I had heard it before but not recently and I started guessing what it might be, and my wife finally found it yes! a Black-faced Monarch, another Summer migrant always welcome to our forests.

The Little Wattlebird is the most common wattlebird on the northern coast and lacks wattles on its neck, so it is very very little, like not there:-) Notice the interesting breast plumage.

Meanwhile back at the resort, there is Australia’s most opportunistic bird, having a similar ploy to that of the Australian Brush Turkey I posted last week. The Pied Currawong is known to steal the food of other birds, including their eggs and young, as well as human food, as he sits hopeful on the balcony railing. Their big yellow eye will watch you from a distance and wait for opportunity. In Lord Howe Island they are notorious at stealing the eggs of the beautiful White Tern, which nests in the Norfolk Pine tree, but lays its eggs on the branch. It does not build a nest. Though they do have many interesting and melodic calls which I love to hear, as they change at various times of the day. This bird is most prone to the tricks of the Cuckoos, planting their eggs in the Currawong nest while unattended. They lack the tight social structure of the Magpie, and are more selfish and private in their social structure.

I could not finish without including this very strange White-necked Heron who sat on this powerline/ aerial every day in the same spot. Strange for a wader, and always looking outward in the same direction, but never with any apparent purpose. Maybe the smell of smoke was alarming it.

These Scaly-breasted Lorikeets were feeding early morning on a native Colistamine bush nearby, the light was poor, and they were very difficult to get into full view. They kept one eye on us and each time we moved they moved. They get their name from the yellow lines on their breast.

One of the most affectionate birds I have seen is the Little Corella. Most times the faithful pair are sharing affection, mating, showing off or just sitting quietly together. This pair caught my eye.

If you have reached this far, thank you for your interest and patience, it is a long post, as many of mine are. Last of all the Golden Whistler male turned up while on a walk with my grandchildren to the beach, always a favorite of mine as you know.

My post pondering today comes from this snake skin which my son-in-law showed us on our walk to their beach. The question is: How did it get in the tree, did it shed the skin there or did some human hang it there?

This remains a mystery, as we were not there when it was shed. We could study the scene and speculate or postulate or ruminate or subjugate those who pontificate over the observable fact, which is: there is a snake skin hanging in a tree. So what?!

Like many scientists, as myself, I could spend time examining, testing, thinking, postulating and concluding, but I could miss the blatantly obvious observation: How interesting and how beautiful is the skin, how remarkable that it sheds its new skin in this way, and there it is hanging in a tree.

Oh, and by the way what snake did this? Oh, no! that sets them thinking again! Hey! why can’t we just smell the roses and appreciate the snake skin and admire the wonder and beauty of the thing for what it is. We don’t know a lot about fire and electricity but we admire and use it. We drive cars we know little about, and have bodies that function perfectly and with simultaneous harmony and complexity without us even being consciously aware. Sometimes we overthink things and for the secret sake of pride want to know how or why, and not just appreciate with humble acceptance the One who made the tree and the snake. This leads not to the giving us accolades for seeming to be clever, but to praise and appreciation for the awesome intelligent design of a truly wonderful and amazing Creator, God.

“Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.” – Psalm 40:5 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week and stay safe. Please pray for rain and cessation of these many destructive fires. As it surely lives up to the poets description in My Country: “I love a sunburnt country. A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains.”

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.

Last week my wife and I traveled up the coast to one of the worst fire ravaged areas on the Mid-North Coast of NSW. Most of the fires were now out as the clean up begins, as miles of blackened burnt forest lies smoldering and smoking, lifeless of birds, animals and vegetation. Thankfully the resilient Australian bush will renew itself in time, and many of the larger trees will survive.

Fires still smoldering

Fires still smoldering

Destroyed Road sign

Destroyed Road sign

For a week many spent their time waiting it out as the brave firefighters breached the impossible task of retaining the fires fanned by strong winds and high temperatures. Now the burnt forests lay ghostly quiet. See above how the intense heat destroyed road signs. The smell of smoke and burning was everywhere in the air as a major fire-front nearby continued to destroy forest, property and wildlife.

Many of our territorial birds had to relocate because of the fires destroying their habitat which had seen many generations of the species. Many birds and native animals could not escape the firestorm and were incinerated, including parents of nestlings and those sitting on eggs, who did not escape in time. Many species of our birds have been reduced in number, we may not know our losses till the coming year, as over 100 fires remain actively destroying our great forests, and have been doing so for months. This is the worst year on record. Meanwhile, after our long journey while we were having lunch outside with some dear friends at Hamilton’s Seafood Restaurant looking onto the sandbar, I had my camera handy and managed to catch some action. This area is known as the Great Lakes region of NSW and the lake system is large and extensive. So as we surveyed the sandbar we saw several groups of resting birds. The Australian Pelican was our first waterbird.

Crested Terns, a few Silver Gulls rested along with a Caspian Tern (orange beak) as a small flock of Bar-tailed Godwit busily probed the wet sand nearby for small crustaceans.

Suddenly, the peaceful scene changed as alarm calls went up from various species sending the Pied Oystercatcher flying off. The Bar-tailed Godwit also took flight, but the Little Pied Cormorant was not concerned at all.

Pied Oystercatcher

Little Pied Cormorant

Bar-tailed Godwit taking flight

We knew we would find the answer if we looked up. The main benefactor of the bushfires are the raptors, as they catch small creatures escaping the fires and becoming exposed in the open. This area has a very high raptor population due to the lakes and the beaches, and up in the sky was a Brahminy Kite, beautiful in the sunlight, making its way to the sandbar to briefly land and then leave.

After it left the Bar-tailed Godwit returned to their work on the sandbar.

Not long after an Eastern Osprey female came over scanning the shallows, at least it did not cause too much concern as it is strictly a fish eater. You will usually see one of the family resting on the lamps on the bridge nearby.

The Osprey and her partner have a nest several miles away which we pass each time we visit this area, only this time it is on a man made platform instead of on a power pole. They appear to have only one juvenile in the nest they are feeding. The juvenile has a very wide brown neck band. Below the father sits opposite the juvenile on the power pole.

juvenile Osprey

juvenile Osprey

adult male and juvenile

adult male and juvenile

adult male and juvenile

adult male and juvenile

nest on platform

nest on platform

youngster feeding

youngster feeding

adult male osprey

adult male osprey

After a lovely time with our friends we drove to our accommodation at Pacific Palm Resort where we heard the constant call of the Australasian Figbird in the several large fig trees that shadow the resort. The smell of smoke was in the air but not as strong as further north near the fires. Before we came, we were not sure if it would be safe for us to have this holiday, but our prayers were answered and we came on the best week of weather that this area had for a while. You can not mistake the male Figbird with its dark red warty eye ring. Most Australian birds are fruit eaters, and Australia has over 100 species of native figs which fruit at different times throughout the year, thus providing food all year round.

male figbird

male figbird

male figbird

male figbird

male figbird

male figbird

male figbird

male figbird

female figbird

female figbird

female figbird

female figbird

female figbird

female figbird

male figbird

male figbird

female figbird

female figbird

This is what the Figbird call sounds like:

The pristine beach of Booti Booti National Park’s known as Seven Mile Beach, near where we were staying, had burnt Eucalypt leaves along the shore. Booty means ‘plenty’ in our indigenous language, and to repeat the word means lots and lots of plenty. So this area represents a great feeding ground in both forest and sea. Thankfully this area was untouched by fire but it did come close.

Burnt leaves on the beach from bushfires

Burnt leaves on the beach from bushfires

burnt remains of leaves on beach

burnt remains of leaves on beach

Pristine Seven Mile beach

Pristine Seven Mile beach

The following day was a hot smoky morning with a cool sea breeze. My wife wanted to explore Booti Booti’s beach, as last time we saw a pair of Rainbow Bee-eaters there on the beach. On arriving at the same track I looked toward the beach, and lo and behold, there they were again, this year on the same dead tree, quite visible from the track. We approached and they eventually left, but we knew they would later return to the same tree during our morning beach walk, alone together in a beautiful place. Who would have looked for Bee-eaters here?!

As we walked I noticed up ahead a Black-shouldered Kite surveying the beach bush line for prey. It was not too perturbed by our passing. Then down it came and pounced on something in the bush nearby, and that was the last we saw of it. You can understand why I used the photo as my feature today.

Black-shouldered Kite taking off

Black-shouldered Kite in flight

Not long after this a beautiful adult White-bellied Sea-Eagle flew over, also scanning the beach. Maybe, those escaping the fires and have managed to escape to the unburnt bush have contributed to these raptors having a feeding heyday.

After our wonderful peaceful walk we returned to our villa where we were welcomed by an Australian Brush-turkey, which had become quite bold and clever at trying to gain entry to the villa, after food. These birds are known for their greedy opportunistic attitude and cause problems for residents in many areas where they breed, dig up gardens and build their huge egg incubation mounds. There was a family of mum, dad and junior. Usually the Brush-turkey will walk out of the mound as a chick and immediately without any help or parental feeding, go off to fend for itself.

male Brush-turkey

male Brush-turkey

female brush turkey

female brush turkey

female brush turkey

female brush turkey

male Brush-turkey

male Brush-turkey

at the door trying to gain entry

at the door trying to gain entry

I will continue with more from this area next post.

May you enjoy the rest of the week, and keep safe!

Sydney has fires nearby, and the smoke is as thick as heavy fog, and remains causing many to have breathing problems. The fires have now burned hundreds of kilometers of forest. One is heading to the cities of the central coast nearby after burning through 60 km of forest in the last month from the Wollemi NP, where people are evacuating their homes today. These National Parks contain rare plants, animals and birds, and will continue to cause great devastation while there is no rain and strong winds persist. Our state’s extensive forest system, and for the first time even our once dense green rainforests are ablaze. The fire front is so ferocious and the fires so remote and difficult to get to, they are constantly out of control, consuming homes and properties. Please join us and pray for rain and for cessation of these horrific fires and weather patterns.

If this is your first visit to my blog, then please check out my website from the menu on my homepage here.

You can purchase your copy of my book for immediate delivery by post in time for Christmas on my BirdBook page.

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.

Male and Female Rainbow Bee-eaters.

As many of you know my wife and I have been able to take more regular birding dates. This means our usual birding adventure includes a meal together. It allows us to explore new areas around Sydney and its outskirts and take time out for each other doing something we both enjoy, especially since I am currently a full time author, and my wife is working part time. This is an important aspect couples need to consider when their nest is empty – re establishing relationship around common interests.

I had a tip off that Rainbow Bee-eaters, an inland migratory species, are breeding here in our Summer months, and have appeared in the trees near Camden Community Farm and Walkway. We had never explored this area before so it became an adventure for us. It was lovely watching members of the community tending harmoniously together the little farm they had established on the outskirts of their town south west of Sydney. I did showcase the Bee-eaters earlier this year when we followed them to their Winter playground in Far North Queensland. Click here to review my post. It was a walkway through a cattle property which led down to the Napean River, though the river was not negotiable. As we walked we wondered how we would find them as there were not many trees and the wind was starting to increase as clouds came over. Some distance away toward the river, I sighted a pair of Rainbow Bee-eaters, and so the story begins as we stood and watched what transpired before our eyes in the next 30 minutes. It was a very uniquely special gift or opportunity granted to us both. Sadly, due to clouds and distance from the birds the quality wavered somewhat, so please excuse the quality or lack thereof. We start with the happy couple sitting alone together. Sometimes just being quiet and sharing each other’s company is enough to declare loving devotion. It certainly means more than a partner or parent that says “I love you”, but is never present or never takes/makes time to be interested in spending time with you.

If you look very carefully above (or to top of page) you will notice that the male bird on the right has more blue features and has a long pair of streamers extending from its tail. As with the Tropicbird tail streamers, these may assist the bird in areal maneuver, as they impress their mate or dive for their prey. They are very fast flying birds able to think and act with lightning speed, hence their ability to see and catch flying insects from their perch. The female on the left has less blue but has only a very short streamer which is sometimes barely visible. The courting process begins with just quietly sitting with the one you love for some time. Sometimes flying off to catch a flying insect on the fly but always returning to the same branch or very close by their prospective partner.

We know they are on a date courting because these birds are normally found roosting and moving in large flocks. The male eventually starts making eyes toward the female, showing her interest. This is the prelude to the following courtship. She remains uninterested as is the accepted protocol for an upright female.

He realizes that he has to win her over, just as us human males know. Now this has a set protocol also for many species. For Terns and Gulls they must present a fish, and slap it in their face. If the female eats it, its on (or at least he is) and they mate. For the Catbird it is native fruits. For the Bee-eater it is bees or other flying insects. So off he flies to make his first catch for her. She watches as he leaves knowing what may follow.

He hasn’t gone long and he catches his first gift for his sweetheart, and returns to her branch.

In this next sequence he waits with the insect and when she faces him, presents it to her. She shows her appreciation and receives the gift and eats it, while he watches.

She now tests his intent by flying away from him to another branch to see what follows.

She moves about and finally lands on different branch as he follows her. He realizes once is not enough and so off he goes again to get the second gift, which should do the trick to assure his bell that he is her man.

he waits with her in the new position

he waits with her in the new position

he leaves and returns with gift

he leaves and returns with gift

he positions himself to give it, but she looks away.

he positions himself to give it, but she looks away.

he sits waiting for her attention/approval.

he sits waiting for her attention/approval.

she approves by looking at him.

she approves by looking at him.

she receives his gift and eats it as he watches.

she receives his gift and eats it as he watches.

This confirms their relationship, they have just had their wedding ceremony, and now without to much to do the next phase begins. You will see later that the male parties after the consummation. The male moves behind the female. Now at this stage if she is uncertain at all about his advances she has an opportunity to move away. This would mean she is playing hard to get and he will have to go and find better food gifts for her, or do some clever flight acts, but in this case she sits and allows him to quietly sit behind her for several minutes. He waits patiently till she looks up at him with loving acceptance and…

The mating process begins with much earnest and wing movement by the male. His tail feathers and streamers moving/rotating about as he mounts her and proceeds placing his beak over hers.

After what seemed like several minutes the male rises high above the female, who watches as he begins his celebratory routine of areal acrobatics, he is one happy boy!

Beautiful flight movements of which I could only capture two.

After ten seconds he comes back to sit with her again, knowing that neither of them will be alone any more but will share together in digging the nesting tunnel, incubating her eggs and raising their young.

So there it is, what a wonderful adventure it was to follow this couple’s relationship development, and what a gracious gift from our Heavenly Father. I need say no more. Oh! If you are interested here is a small slideshow summary of the above with one of my 7 love songs for my wife as the backing. I hope it inspires you in your relationships and gives insight into our gracious God who always keeps the best till last.

Have a wonderful week, stay safe and love the one you’r with. Thank you for your valued prayers and well wishes as we have been smothered in smoke and 60 out of control bushfires ravage our state, consuming not only dry forests but for the first time, ancient irreplaceable rainforests. Thousands of birds and animals have already been incinerated, over 200 houses lost and 4 dead as this drought, high temperatures and strong winds fan fire storms. God is trying to get our attention but many refuse to acknowledge his existence. A big thanks to our Volunteer Fire Fighters and their intrepid bravery which is a mark of the Aussie spirit. Also a big thanks to those helpers from other states, New Zealand and the US that are assisting. We were meant to holiday in one of these areas next week, but possibly not. The terrifying thing that the Fire Commissioner reminds us is that it is the forests yet unburnt near our heavily inhabited cities that is the biggest worry, as Summer has three months to come with hotter stormier weather. Dry Thunderstorms are our greatest threat, starting fires in very remote areas of forest. It is the first time in our history that no one is safe from the fires, as they can start anywhere. Saddest of all, several young children have already been caught and some charged for starting the fires around Sydney and up north, causing much damage.

You can purchase your copy of my book for immediate delivery by post in time for Christmas on my BirdBook page.

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.

Feeding time for the Dusky Woodswallow fledgling

In my last post I shared the wonderful birding date my wife and I had on the Great River Walk where we saw many bird babies. The Dusky Woodswallows and White-plumed Honeyeaters were not yet fledged. Last weekend we drove away from the furious bushfires inland to the city of Wagga Wagga for my B’day or more accurately what became a Birday weekend. We visited my wife’s family there, staying with her sister who was recently widowed. Her sister’s home overlooks Lake Albert. As I mentioned last week, the presence of an abundant source of food near fresh water is an excellent location for nesting. I awoke early to the melodious call of the Grey Shrike-thrush family communicating to one another. At first I thought there may be a nest nearby the house, but later saw the juvenile waiting for food, as the parent went across the road to the trees by the lake to catch insects to feed its youngster.

The fledgling was calling to its own reflection in the window next door, which would occupy it for some time, till the parents told it to get back in the backyard where it was safe.

Grey-Shrike-thrush juvenile shadow singing

Grey-Shrike-thrush juvenile shadow singing

Grey-Shrike-thrush juvenile

Grey-Shrike-thrush juvenile

One adult stood watch while the other hunted for food, but they maintained their call constantly throughout the day, as they communicated their whereabouts.

There was often commotion in the tree by our bedroom window which turned out to be an aggressive little adult White-plumed Honeyeater which was trying to drive the Shrike-thrush family away from hunting near its young chicks, as these could easily become part of its current diet. Notice the size of the white plume on the juveniles compared to the adult feeding them.

two juvenile White-plumed Honeyeater

two juvenile White-plumed Honeyeater

I love rising early when I stay there, while it is still very cold, to do an early morning bird walk around part of the lake where many birds nest and live. Here the Woodswallows are in their next stage of being fledged, but still keeping close to the nest area and being fed by parents.

Both parents are coming and going as they feed their youngsters with insects quickly acquired as they glide from tree to tree. The youngsters are able to fly quite well from tree to tree, but staying in the view of the parent.

Dusky Woodswallow gliding

fledgling in flight

On the lake a small flock of what appeared to be Common Tern at the time, (but later confirmed to be Whiskered Tern) were fishing the lake, with their usual diving technique. These birds were not diving in the same manner as the Crested Tern we are use to on the coast. They fly closer to the surface and dive with less speed.

Common Tern

This Royal Spoonbill was busily scanning the shoreline also.

This pair of Black-winged Stilt were nearby, one wading and the other sleeping.

As I walked around the wetland reserve portion of the lake I spotted this lone Hoary-headed Grebe cruising peacefully.

As I looked along the reeds on the shoreline, excitement rose as I saw a bird which some distance away, appeared to be a unfamiliar shorebird. I quickly took photos. It was a parent Black-tailed Native-hen, a bird we seldom ever see, if ever on the coast, and never before here. A parent with two juveniles, a wonderful find, though one of the juveniles hid for most of the time.

Black-tailed Native-hen with juvenile

Black-tailed Native-hen with young

Black-tailed Native-hen with juvenile 2

It was great to see some of the inland birds we seldom see. The Great Dividing Range which runs from top to bottom of Australia separates many of the bird species from being coastal or inland species. Another inland specie I saw was a pair of Little Friarbirds which were in the process of nest building.

Little Friarbird

Red-rumped Parrots feeding on the grass seed by the lake is a common find here. The male has the bright red rump and the female a green rump, and is basically greenish.

Red-rumped Parrot pair

Red-rumped Parrot male

Red-rumped Parrot female

But one exciting and beautiful find inland in this particular region (inland south eastern Australia) was the Yellow Rosella, which for some strange reason was recently sub classed under the Crimson Rosella species. It looked radiant in the early morning sunlight.

Walking past this old tree stump by the lake I noticed an interesting friendship between a lone Eastern Rosella with mutation and a Yellow Rosella, two different species flying and exploring as if they were a pair. Plumage colour mutations are common in the Parrot families, showing much diversity. When these birds finally flew off because of my presence they flew off and landed together.

The Magpie-lark (known also as Pee Wee, Piper, or Mudlark depending on which state you live in) family were also present nearby. This female Pee Wee had two juveniles it was coaching. These birds are easy to distinguish sex and maturity by their black facial lines and their eye colour.

Father Pee Wee

Father Pee Wee

Mother coaching fledglings

Mother coaching fledglings

This Crested Pigeon was displaying some beautiful colours. One would think were hand painted.

One of the highlights of our time away was this small flock of Superb Parrots, another mainly inland bird, we happened upon on the side of the road. The male has a bright with yellow face and the female dull green. Again superbly brilliant in the sunlight when in flight.

male Superb Parrot

Superb Parrot female (best)

Superb Parrot male best

Superb Parrot male

female Superb Parrot in flight

Superb Parrot pair flying off

Superb Parrots in flight in the ligh 2t

Superb Parrots in flight in the light

Superb Parrot female

While there are always numerous pairs and flocks of Galahs, this one and its mate seemed to be digging deeply with their beak possibly for edible roots, with its eyes closed.

Another inland bird is the Rufous Whistler. It looks and sounds similar to its cousin the Golden Whistler which is more predominant along the coastal forests, having a rufous brown body instead of the bright yellow of the Golden species. These birds are always a challenge to photograph as they love to elude your gaze. This male was singing continuously in my wife’s niece’s garden.

Rufous Whistler

Rufous Whistler

Rufous Whistler

Rufous Whistler calling

Listen to its call. Like other Whistlers they are heard continuously throughout the breeding season of Spring and Summer, going much quieter during Winter months.

Also jumping about in the garden is this beautiful male Superb Fairy-wren, yes another superb bird! Oh, sorry this little guy was actually in the reeds by the lake, I did not include the garden ones.

This juvenile Australian Eastern Magpie was being cared for by a young relative, possibly a sbling from a previous year clutch. This illustrates the complex and well organised social family structure of the Magpie species, where by all close and extended family members assist in raising the young. Magpies are one of Australia’s most predominant and resilient birds, partly due to this reason as well as their very high level of intelligence.

As we drove home from this wonderful weekend away, a four and a half hour drive, my wife spotted a Wedge-tailed Eagle being attacked by a Magpie. This is a common sight during breeding season, where many smaller birds attack raptors. Two weeks ago I showed a Blacked-winged Stilt doing the same. There constant attack and back biting eventually drives the raptor to another area. If you have ever been attacked by an Australian Magpie, as I have, you will know they are a formidable force, and this is why survive so well, having very few predators. The missile like speed and force of their flight is remarkable, they know no fear, even the very aggressive Noisy Miner show them great respect.

coming in for the strike

coming in for the strike

after strike

after strike

realigning

realigning

fleeing

fleeing

preparing for another shot

preparing for another shot

Silhouette of the wedge tail

Silhouette of the wedge tail

We can see that the breeding season creates many concerns for caring parents, especially when predator species which may threaten the safety of their young are also living in the vicinity. This tension is mostly only realised during the breeding season. There is constant tension, as you witnessed above. These last few days have seen horrific catastrophic bushfires burn hundreds of kilometers of prime forests, destroying over 200 human homes and now 4 lives. A thousand kilometer fire front with over 60 fires burn in our state alone, and that’s not including the fires in Queensland and now WA which is having a catastrophic day today. These fires have worsened and are spreading in many areas. These fires are of unprecedented extent and ferocity for this time of year never before experienced in Spring. The long drought, tinder dry forests with much dead or dying undergrowth, high Spring temperatures with very strong winds and fire bugs have placed our eastern states in a state of emergency. What is sooo sad is that most birds and animals are nesting or feeding their very young at this time. These fires normally occur at the end of Summer, when most can escape. The fires show no mercy as many thousands of birds and animals, over four hundred of our endangered Koalas are incinerated. If we do not get good rain soon, Sydney and other large cities may run our of water, and also be unable to stop the encroaching fires effectively. Many country towns have no water. Please pray for our country that the drought would relent and good rains would be sent to replenish and cool our land. Firefighters have come from New Zealand and other states to assist, to join with our volunteer fire brigade heroes to hold back the blazes. I have never seen my local birds have such long drinks at my bird baths as I have seen today. Funny enough our friends in Victoria and Tasmania are suffering under icy cold cyclonic winds, rain and snow. This is why our stay in Wagga felt so cool and wintery. Our state is due for another catastrophic period in the next few days, which may only worsen in the coming weeks and months as the greater heat of Summer encroaches..

Enjoy your week wherever you are and keep your bird baths topped up daily with fresh water. The more they see you caring for them, the more trusting they will become. Some of my birds are beginning to allow me within their buffer zone, as they trust me more. You may experience the same. How wonderful it would be if the fear of mankind which was given creatures after man’s rebellion to God, could be reversed to a loving caring trusting kind relationship. It was for their safety it had to be, as man’s selfish and hurtful nature can not be trusted at all times.

Though the Noisy Miner is disliked by many Australians for its noisy aggressive behaviour, it surprises many of them to discover that it is one of native birds endemic to our country. I have a friendly relationship with my visitors as you can see above, and they will bathe and drink, as will other birds, while I sit and watch them only a few feet away. I have found that having the smaller and larger bird baths next to each other under the large Bottlebrush tree with many low landing points around them is a perfect scene for the many birds to enjoy a quiet drink, a shaded wash and rest in the tree. When the larger Magpie or Currawong come they know to use the largest bath and the Miners move to the smaller. The Rainbow Lorikeets strangely enough also enlist great respect from the Noisy Miner, and they use the larger bath also. I am amazed that the Miners never attack the Rainbows. I have read that the Rainbow bite is ferocious as are their claws, so the Miners have learnt to live along side them.

“Blessed is the one whom God corrects;
    so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.
For he wounds, but he also binds up;
    he injures, but his hands also heal.
From six calamities he will rescue you;
    in seven no harm will touch you.
In famine he will deliver you from death,
    and in battle from the stroke of the sword.
You will be protected from the lash of the tongue,
    and need not fear when destruction comes.
You will laugh at destruction and famine,
    and need not fear the wild animals.
For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field,
    and the wild animals will be at peace with you.” – Job 5:17-23 (NIV)

You can purchase your copy of my book for immediate delivery by post in time for Christmas on my BirdBook page.

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.

Dusky Woodswallow babies

One of the great advantages of my wife having more days off during the week is that we can have more frequent birding dates together and explore new regions around Sydney. I was tipped off that the rarely seen Painted Honeyeater had been spotted around the Penrith Weir along the Great River Walk track. So early one morning we set off with camp chairs, thermos and packed lunch to check out this unexplored birding area at the foot of the Blue Mountains along the banks of the Napean River. Of course, in western Sydney there is always the possibility of seeing snakes sunning.

Amazing as it was, we spent the first 30 minutes having only walked less than 30 meters along the path, as we a multiplicity of birds appeared, and could be identified by their calls. The scissor sound and continual displaying of the Restless Flycatcher.

Restless Flycatcher

Restless Flycatcher

The chatter of the brilliant Red-rumped Parrot in the sun as he fed on grass seed

Red-rumped Parrot male

Red-rumped Parrot male

visible red rump

The abrupt scraping sound of the Red Wattlebird call.

However, the loudest, continuous and most noticeable bird call was that of the Bell Miner community which had taken possession of the trees in this small area. They had young ones they were feeding and caring for also. The Bell Miner, commonly known as the Bellbird, has a very complex and organised social structure and will usually aggressively remove any other Lerps and nectar eaters from the trees. They are usually: loudly heard but seldom seen, as their colour is leaf green.

This would explain why we found in their midst two Dusky Woodswallow nests in trees only a few feet apart. The parent Woodswallows were busily watching the nest from nearby, and fetching food. Last week I showcased the less common White-browed Woodswallow, this is one of the more common cousins to our area. Both nests had three nestlings, as you can see with my feature photo, and these. Enjoy! New life was a feature in this small neck of the woods.

Dusky Woodswallow parent

Dusky Woodswallow parent

Dusky Woodswallow parent

Dusky Woodswallow parent

Dusky Woodswallow parent

Dusky Woodswallow parent

Parent guarding babies

Parent guarding babies

Returning to nest

Returning to nest

in the first nest

in the first nest

a rear view

a rear view

In the second nest

In the second nest

feeding time but too much to swallow

feeding time but too much to swallow

Woodswallows are mostly insectivorous and have no trouble finding food as they glide around us in classic Woodswallow fashion. As with new human mothers, some of feeding is trial and error, and this was the case when a large winged insect was brought in, but none of the babies could swallow it, eventually the mother ate it. You will hear the Bellbirds in the background.

A little further along the path we found this male Dusky Woodswallow displaying for the nearby female, who’s attention he could not capture. There was a lot of butt shaking, which must be a real turn on for the female. However, after putting on a good show for us, within seconds jumped on the back of the unsuspecting female and mated with her. Bird mating in many species happens very quickly in seconds, and he is gone! Most male birds do not possess a penis, so it is amazing how such brief contact with both their openings does the job. Sometimes this may occur many times a day during breeding season until she feels the urge to nest. This is why it is difficult to determine the sex of young birds when they all look alike. I have a couple of funny stories about my children’s Guinea Pigs and Budgerigars when they were young. How I was always told by the Pet Shop owner that they were all female, I will let you work the rest out, and why I needed to build larger enclosures.

Dusky Woodswallow displaying just before mating

male displaying

Dusky Woodswallow displaying before mating

There was one Honeyeater which continually eluded the Bell Miners due to its speed and size and that was the White-plumed Honeyeater, which had built a well hidden and secret nest in the midst of the blossom of the eucalypt tree in a very clever format. It would dash back and forth to elude the Miners.

Honeyeater concealed nest

Honeyeater concealed nest

White-plumed Honeyeater

White-plumed Honeyeater

watching nest

watching nest

Another White-plumed Honeyeater had its nest hidden deep in a small bush, making it difficult to get good pictures of it feeding its nestlings.

watching the nest

watching the nest

feeding time

feeding time

While we kept seeing new life of Spring all around us, and the exuberant calls of joyful males celebrating and warding off intruders, one threat hovered above for a short time in this Nankeen Kestrel, which has a diet of bird babies and insects.

Yes, the signs of new life are all around us and we are in bird baby heaven. We look up into a tall Casuarina Tree and there is one juvenile Australian Raven waiting for its parent to return with food. It decides to spread its wings and perhaps at this stage wonder what they are used for.

Juveile Aust Raven

Juveile Aust Raven

Testing wing spread

Testing wing spread

Further along by the river we saw this male Superb Fairy-wren in full breeding plumage followed by one juvenile baby. Notice it has no tail as yet. It was quite cute as it followed the father all over the place. The father had to ward off another breeding male which came briefly on the scene.

adult male in breeding plumage

adult male in breeding plumage

adult Superb Fairy-wren

adult Superb Fairy-wren

following dad

following dad

following dad

following dad

warding off an intruder

warding off an intruder

following dad

following dad

juvenile Fairy-wren

juvenile Fairy-wren

Nearby a female was secretly tending its nest, which was very inconspicuous and had a hidden opening. This morphing male was watching nearby, and was still changing into his breeding colours from his eclypse state. He is most likely the father to be.

female Fairy-wren nest builder

female Fairy-wren nest builder

the nest visited

the nest visited

the nest visited again

the nest visited again

morphing father to be

morphing father to be

As we came near to weir of the Napean River, we were looking for the Painted Honeyeater, but saw this male Satin Bowerbird watching us from high in a tree.

Male Satin Bowerbird

By the river our Australian native Hibiscus was blooming.

A lone Little Black Cormorant sat on the weir watching the water flow over the weir. Special provision has been made for native fish and Trout to move up and down the river through the weir.

Woman’s Rowing Team were practicing on the river also.

This little group of Australian Wood Duck made for the water on our approach. These birds pair for life, so these are three pair with the male having the darker head with light grey body.

We finally crossed over this remarkable walking bridge in search of coffee on the other side. This special bridge is the third build across the river, the previous two were washed away by floods in the last two centuries. There was a seamless stream of ‘westies’ walking back and forth across this bridge, enjoying this very special river vista.

guess who's on the bridge?

guess who’s on the bridge?

We finally found a coffee shop at the art gallery where I was almost swooped by an adult magpie which was caring for one hungry juvenile, which I failed to photograph. Yes the signs were there, not to mention this Eastern Water Dragon sunning himself by the river…

My wife had a sudden moment of excitement when she spotted this beautiful Chestnut-breasted Mannikin brilliant in the sunlight. Interesting that the crest is also chestnut rather than classic than grey, possibly a hybrid?