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The Right Place at the Right Time – Rufous Owl & Mangrove Robin.

Posted by aussiebirder on August 16, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Cairns, Far North Queensland, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Uncategorized, wildlife. Tagged: , , , . 9 Comments

This week I continue showcasing some of Far North Queensland’s birds, and in particular lifers for my wife and I. If you want an amazing birding experience, the top end is the place to go. Last week I shared how the birds came to us, which was an amazing gift, considering we had agreed to rest more than bird. This week I share how when we did hire a car and go to a few of our favorite places in Cairns we were blessed again with three lifers.  The first was at the end of the famous Cairns Esplanade walk. It was textbook find, in exactly the place the birding guide told us. I of course thought ‘no way’, but as I peered into the mangroves on the northern end, my wife cries out “here it is!” and it just sat there looking at us with its back turned toward us. The Mangrove Robin which is endemic to northern Australia.

After walking the entire Esplanade walk, and my wife catching the markets just before they closed, we walked all the way back to our car. On the way we met a local birder and chatted, and he mentioned a great recent discovery that had been recently reported on ebird and many local birders were coming to Cairns to see. Again we just happened to meet the right person at the right time as the rarely seen and diminishing Rufous Owl (Rufous Boobook) was only two streets from our car, so he directed us to the tree.

As soon as I looked up into the tree I saw the pair sitting together way up top of a very large fig tree in a reserve, with one in the late afternoon sun and the other sleeping in the shade. The Rufous Owl is Australia’s only tropical owl, almost as large as the Powerful Owl. This race is endemic to northern Queensland and has the darkest rufous coloring compared with the north western race. Rufous Owl  numbers are declining, like many of our other birds. If you look carefully you will notice the male has the remains of its prey. See the leg of a small bird hanging down below its talon. Of curse we were very thankful to our new birding acquaintance who followed us to make sure we found it. Unfortunately, under the dark canopy, very high up made good photos a challenge, especially since each owl had different light settings. This bird was not on our list of lifers to find, but was granted a to us as a gift, we were in the right place at the right time.

While birding next day we just looked up and here was another lifer a Pacific Baza, a bird which had always eluded me and I so wanted to catch its beautiful patterning. It flue and soared over us but again I had difficulty getting focused shots, though even the blurry ones show the beautiful plumage.

These next two were not lifers but a feature of them was for us. On the morning coastal rainforest walk before we left to fly home, we happened upon a strange sound which at first sounded a little like the Orange-footed Scrubfowl, which were scratching about nearby, but it was not coming from ground level but from up in a large tree. To our surprise it was a pair of Black Butcherbirds communicating with each other. We had never heard their call, but only seen them and their young on previous visits. We love the call of both the Grey and Pied Butcherbirds from down our way but this was a new experience. Again this dark bird is difficult to photograph under a dark canopy. Here is some sound footage:

Lastly, after visiting the Cattana Wetlands near Cairns we had cause to suddenly stop the car and point the lens into the sky as several juvenile Jabaru (Black-necked Stalk) glided on the thermals, having heaps of fun, as if they had just learned to fly, and had just received their thermal gliding licence. It was a beautiful scene, too difficult to catch on video, but got some nice shots. They just kept soaring around till finally glided off in the distance. You will notice they have not yet had the dark blue-black features added to their plumage.

Juvenile Jabaru
Juvenile Jabaru
Juvenile Jabaru
Juvenile Jabaru
Juvenile Jabaru
Juvenile Jabaru

That’s all for now, will share more next week. Again we a thankful for our loving Creator for allowing us to be in the right place at the right time to discover these birds which we may never have seen. One of the wonders of living life in relationship with God through Jesus is that he loves to delight in us delighting in his glorious Creation. The wonderful life forms and amazing scenic artistry are all part of his Intelligent Design which declare his wisdom and power, but thankfully they come from a loving forgiving hearted Father and not a distant despotic tyrant as some see him. King David, who had a loving relationship with God, declares in one of his songs that the Creation is constantly crying out declaring the majesty and glory of God, yet without voice as we know it. The evidence declares itself and is all around us.

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge. 

They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them. 

Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.     – Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)

Have a wonderful weekend! 

If this is your first visit to my blog please explore my Website Homepage menu for more birding tips and info. Check out my book “What Birds Teach Us”, a great easy to read gift idea, which continues to get good reviews where people share how it has helped them and how it is a unique book. If you are concerned, it has been carefully  written for all cultures and beliefs and does not preach or recommend any particular belief system, but is a counselling tool that encourages good life skills by using the birds and beautiful photos of them to relate to us. People from other cultures and beliefs different to my own, have shared how they love the book. You can purchase your copy here

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rest, I Will Bring the Birds to You – The Bush Stone-curlew

Posted by aussiebirder on August 7, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Bush-stone Curlew, Cairns, Far North Queensland, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Uncategorized, wildlife. Tagged: , , . 18 Comments

This post is a continuation of our recent time away in Far North Queensland where we enjoyed a much needed rest and recuperation, as well as some birding of course. You may have noticed my weekly posts have become shorter, as I realised that many of my readers are busy and do not have the time to appreciate long posts. One blessed feature of our time in Palm Cove was that several of the birds we sought and wanted to see, were actually brought to us at the resort. Last week I featured the Rainbow Bee-eater which was just outside the window near our room each morning. However, one bird in particular that walks hunting on the nature strips along the beaches at night, of the Far North Queensland coast, is the Bush Stone-curlew, a bird which I featured in last year’s post on our visit to Townsville. Here are some day time photos taken in Townsville.

This large bird seldom flies but stalks the streets and parks at night, resting secluded during the day, similar to other night birds. It feeds on a variety of foods including  insects, molluscs, small lizards, seeds and occasionally small mammals. 

One night as my wife and I sat dining in the open tropical setting of our resort dining area, next to the garden and hallway entrance, we were surprised by some very unusual sounds coming from the garden near where we were seated. After a few minutes, to our surprise and delight, a Bush Stone-curlew emerged from that same garden  and was standing in the hallway barely six feet from us. I managed to catch the following pics on my phone, as I did not have my camera with me.

Bush Stone-curlew visits us at dinner
Bush Stone-curlew in resort hallway

This bird which we had not yet seen here had come to us. We proceeded to follow it as it made its way out of the dining area past the guests onto and across the street to the nature strip where it would spend the night stalking insects that come to the light, as it could hide along the beach in the vegetation as people passed. After dinner I took my movie camera and my wife her camera and we walked up and down the nature strip finding several lone birds in their own territories hunting. Here is some footage:

Listen to their cries, it sounds like someone being murdered. This can go on through the night as they communicate to one another and mark their territories. Sorry for the traffic noise in the background.

Notice how they freeze when they are seen, this is a protective feature many birds use when their plumage matches their surroundings, and are less likely to be seen if they do not move at night,  for example the Bassian Thrush in the dark rainforest setting.

The feature photo at the beginning of this post was taken by my wife in the dark as is these:

 

If that wasn’t enough, next morning at breakfast in the same dining area, which had been opened to the ocean and tropical breeze, a ruckus of birds being pursued was heard outside. We could hear Common or Indian Mynas as they are locally known and whistling sounds. Looking up into one of the huge native paper bark trees we saw a pair of Radjah Shelduck  terrified by this experience. These introduced Mynas are a menace to our native birds, and in some cities eradication has helped, but they breed so well here. You can hear the  whistle sound of the Shelduck:

The first bird sounds we heard on our arrival and during our entire stay from morning to night were that of the Australasian Figbird, of the northern race which differs considerably to our southern race.  Australia has over 100 varieties of Fig trees which provide food for our many  fruit eating birds all year round, as each species fruits at a different time of year. Here is what we heard each day from our room.

The male Figbird has a very dark red eye ring and complete yellow breast making it the new northern  subspecies race ashby which use to be with the now Intermediate sub species with partial yellow underparts race flaviventris. Our southern race back home is known as the green Figbird race vielloti. Compare our green Figbird from the south, pictured last below, with the northern Figbird we were seeing at Palm Cove.

Male Figbird
Male Figbird in a Fig Tree
Female Figbird NE race
Male Figbird southern race

To finish, we return to the beautiful and rapid flying Rainbow Bee-eater to show some captures shown in slow motion of a small flock first having a wash. Followed by frames taken of them washing and then shaking themselves dry together in a tree nearby. 

Shaking themselves dry after wash

That’s all for this week, will have some lifers and more exciting finds next week. The main message I received from the time away was that when I rest in God as my loving Father and trust him to bless me with his avian wonders, he faithfully brings them to me, and do not need to strive after them. When we planned this holiday, before we discovered my recent health issues, we were planning a very active birding expedition, but we were both told to rest, and for the first time I made that a priority rather than chasing the birds. This was the exciting aspect that my wife and I both enjoyed and saw as a mark of his favor during our time away. that when we rest on the Lord and wait for him he comes to us.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him…”  – Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

“Be patient and wait for the Lord to act;” – Psalm 37:7 (GNT)

and for us who are experiencing healing and/or have need of it…

“The Lord will help them when they are sick and will restore them to health.” – Psalm 41:3 (

Have a wonderful week! 

If this is your first visit to my blog please explore my Website Homepage menu for more birding tips and info

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.

 

Chasing the Warmth with our Winter Migrant – The Rainbow Bee-eater

Posted by aussiebirder on August 1, 2019
Posted in: Uncategorized.

aussiebirder

Rainbow Bee-eaters in flight in Far North Queensland

After my few days in hospital sorting out the problem with my ticker, my wife and I took flight to the warm tropical weather of Far North Queensland to the Reef House at Palm Cove. We figured that we would find out what our winter migrant birds get up to while they are away. The beautiful Rainbow Bee-eater does not like the cold, and will return to our state in a few months when Spring arrives again. We did not have to look far to find these birds. We heard their zit zitting call as we walked from our room to breakfast. They occupied the same bare tree each morning for a couple of hours.

These insectivorous birds inhabit the warm to hot regions of mainly inland mainland Australia, including the deserts, but not Tasmania. They also migrate to Indonesia and New…

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Chasing the Warmth with our Winter Migrant – The Rainbow Bee-eater

Posted by aussiebirder on August 1, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Cairns, Far North Queensland, Fauna, Holidays, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Uncategorized, wildlife. Tagged: , , , .

Rainbow Bee-eaters in flight in Far North Queensland

After my few days in hospital sorting out the problem with my ticker, my wife and I took flight to the warm tropical weather of Far North Queensland to the Reef House at Palm Cove. We figured that we would find out what our winter migrant birds get up to while they are away. The beautiful Rainbow Bee-eater does not like the cold, and will return to our state in a few months when Spring arrives again. We did not have to look far to find these birds. We heard their zit zitting call as we walked from our room to breakfast. They occupied the same bare tree each morning for a couple of hours.

These insectivorous birds inhabit the warm to hot regions of mainly inland mainland Australia, including the deserts, but not Tasmania. They also migrate to Indonesia and New Guinea. The male has two long thin streamers extended from its tail. The female has short thick streamers. Juvenile Bee-eaters lack streamers and also the black marking under the chin. see examples below:

Juvenile Bee-eater

Rainbow Bee-eater pair: female on left, male on right.

The predictable nature of these birds when perched assists the photographer and observer, as they dart from the branch after insects in flight and return to the same branch. However, the speed of their flight and rapid wing movement make them a dazzling flash of brilliant colour, which can be a challenge to photograph if you are not using the sport burst setting on your DSLR.  Here are some flight shots similar to my feature photo above. Click on photos to enlarge them.

Lastly, this slowed to half speed video of their flight.

In the next few weeks I will share more of the birds from Far North Queensland. As were in holiday rest mode we did not travel as extensively as usual, but we did lots of birding around our resort and were granted some wonderful gifts which we will share later.

Take a look at these photos. There are signs everywhere you go near water warning of the danger of Crocodiles and Stingers, but as you can see there is no fear here. Notice the stroller next to the sign and the children playing in the water. Crocodiles are mainly a threat after heavy rain, as they get washed down the rivers, where they live into the ocean and then end up on beaches. However, they can turn up at any time, which is just one of the risks of living here. The few who do get taken by crocs are usually drunk with alcohol and/or go swimming at night in the rivers without being aware of the danger. This is how it is in life. We are warned of many dangers to our health and safety, some we adhere to and others we filter out of our minds. These are the Crocs in our lives, that can lie just beneath the water waiting unseen to suddenly emerge. This was my experience when I recently found I had a heart condition, I did not expect it, but there were warnings which I did not pay enough attention to. We need knowledge and wisdom more than riches, but it is only of use to us if we actually employ it in our lives.

“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold.” – Proverbs 8:10 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week! 

If this is your first visit to my blog please explore my Website Homepage menu for more birding tips and info

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.

 

Winter Birds – Breeding and Non-Breeding

Posted by aussiebirder on July 22, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, Sydney, Sydney Olympic Park, Uncategorized, wildlife. Tagged: , , , , .

Superb Fairy-wren (male non-breeding or eclipse plumage)

Winter is here in Australia and like us, birds are adjusting to the seasonal change. Some decide to fly north to the warmer climates of Queensland, possibly seeking a good winter holiday package like us in a few days, some fly further north to Asia and Siberia/Alaska to breed and return in early Spring. Others develop breeding plumage, stay and breed during Winter months, while others like the male Superb Fairy-wren pictured above, loose their breeding plumage, stay and do not breed again till Spring. Each bird species has its own unique breeding patterns, which over all are governed by seasonal changes. Just as we change the clothes we wear for each season so do many of the birds. 

Many bird species such as the above male, moult to form a plumage similar to the female, during their non-breeding months. This plumage is known as being in eclipse. The tell tail blue tail remains, as his male sex marker when spotting him in the wild. The bright Blue Wren that we all know when breeding is incognito now till Spring for most males of this species, though there are still many breeding late due to our unusually warm Autumn. The Superb Lyrebird, of similar name, however, is most likely seated on its nest or with nestlings as they breed during Winter when more food source is easily available to feed their young from the rainforest floor.

Some birds such as this lone Royal Spoonbill have breeding plumage somewhat out of season, appearing to remain late. The head dress plumage and red forehead markings declare this. The nest would normally be with other similar large shorebirds, such as Ibis, but would be abandoned if we were to approach it. See how it sifts the water for small marine creatures.

These Pied Cormorant in Sydney Olympic Park are breeding out of season also possibly due to a warmer than usual Autumn. Usually there would be between 10 and 20 other birds nesting but only a few nests are active as the others have finished and flown. Late nesting can make breeding more vulnerable to predators, without the safety in numbers rule these birds usually employ, as can be seen as this Australian Raven contests a nesting parent, attempting to get her off the nest to steal her eggs or babies, but she stands her ground or should I say sits her ground and like a true parent ain’t gonna move for no one.

Pied Cormorant staying off Aust. Raven
Pied Cormorant with late nestling

Lastly, this cute little Yellow Thornbill was jumping around the mangroves and casuarina trees beside the lake enjoying its lone adventure. It appeared to be not only just maturing but is an example of one of the many territorial non migratory birds that remain through all the seasons and do not show any marked plumage differences when breeding.

This has been a quick post as I have just left hospital yesterday and have had some health issues to rectify which we have suddenly become aware of, from which treatment will now be ongoing. Thank you to those praying for me and sharing your kind thoughts it is much appreciated. Like these birds we have our seasons in life. The worlds wisest man King Solomon who wrote the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in the Bible explained this fact. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. You may remember The Byrds music group back in the 60s singing a popular Pete Seeger folk song formed from this passage. ‘To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn.’

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.              (NIV)

The key principle Solomon is sharing is that we need to realize and accept the fact that throughout one’s life there will be times or seasons of good and enjoyable experiences and what appear to be bad or unpleasant ones, both are the normal part of life. It is when we accept this truth we can have peace and draw courage and strength from seeing them as positive and necessary changes for our life, character and maturity, rather than anger and resentment blaming God or anyone else for their unfulfilled expectations. This is what gave me contentment this last week as I felt peace and rest in the midst of the storm my health experienced in this new life season I am presently in. Knowing that there is always Treasure in the Trial. We just have look for it, with wisdom, as you would for any treasure.

“We know that in all things [both good and bad life experiences/seasons] God works for good with those who love him…” – Romans 8:28 [ added and explained by me] (GNT)

 

Have a great week! My new book is now awaiting a first edit. 

If this is your first visit to my blog please explore my Website Homepage menu for more birding tips and info

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.

 

Finches in the Fog – The Double-barred Finch

Posted by aussiebirder on July 11, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, Uncategorized, Western Sydney, wildlife. Tagged: .

Double-barred Finch family

Early last Sunday my wife and I took a drive out to Wianamatta Nature Reserve in search of the Red-capped Robin. We were not counting on it being one of the most foggy mornings on record, lasting into the afternoon. However, this did not put us off, it only made viewing very difficult at times, especially photography. Sadly, the Robins did not make an appearance nor did many other birds, but those that were impaired by the darkness and obstruction of the fog. The fog gave some interesting vistas.

After spending some time walking around the reserve our most frequent sighting was that of the Double-barred Finch. Finches are a flock bird, often in flocks of hundreds which are known as ‘charms’.(i.e. A charm of Finches). Finches prefer the dryer inland areas of Australia where they spend much of their time grazing on grass seed, or sitting together in the shade of a tree. There are two subspecies: race bichenovii Eastern mainland Australia (NSW & QUE) having a white rump and race annulosa Far North-Western Australia (WA & NT) having a brown rump. As you can see below the white rump race as expected were present.

The white butt of the Eastern race
Torpedo away!
Hey guys take a look at that chicky babe!

Other birds included the Yellow Faced Honeyeater, Eastern Spinebill, Grey Fantail (catching insects mid air, the fog did not seem to affect its accuracy) and New Holland Honeyeater addressing its youngster. Notice how the fog affects both colour and clarity, with the brightly diffused background lighting further impairing my photos due to the silhouetting. 

Eastern Spinebill
Eastern Spinebill
New Holland Honeyeater with juvenile
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Rainbow Lorikeets flying past
Grey Fantail catching insects on the fly

Having had no success finding the resident Red-capped Robin family, we decided to go away to a nearby suburb for lunch and return later for one last try, as we were over an hours drive from home and had traveled 3 toll roads to get there. On returning at about 2pm the fog had lifted and a blue sky began to appear. Once again the Finches dominated our attention, with still no sign of the Robins. The charm truly did charm us as they flew in flock from ground to tree and back.  They were so small and quiet blending in with the grass that it was easy to almost walk on them, giving you a fright as they suddenly took flight.

 

The safety of the flock reminds us of the importance of community and how it has been so important for mankind’s survival and propagation. This encourages us to gain an appreciation for those who voluntarily give up their time and effort, often at their own expense to provide aid and assistance to others in the community, as a gracious choice. Those of like interest flock together to bring assistance and help to particular areas of the community. The Volunteer Fire Brigade, the SES, Lifeline, Street Reach, The Smith Family, Vinnies, the Salvos, various service clubs, disability support and aid organisations. The satisfaction of giving freely showing unconditional love has personal rewards of satisfaction that far exceed the cost of ones resources. 

“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your selfish nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” – Galatians 5:13

Have a great weekend! My new book is nearing the final stages and being prepared for a first edit. I am in the process of receiving treatment for a heart condition which was a surprise.

If this is your first visit to my blog please explore my Website Homepage menu for more birding tips and info

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.

 

A Winter Birding Delight – The Red-capped Robin

Posted by aussiebirder on July 3, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, Sydney, Uncategorized, wildlife. Tagged: , , , , , .

I ventured out birding on Tuesday, to get a break from writing, in search from a reported sighting of a Black Bittern, which to my disappointment I did not find, though this is often the case when stalking these secretive sleuths. However, on a visit to Bushell’s Lagoon, usually a waterbird paradise, there was unusually little to be found. However, to my delight there was one lone photographer/birder where normally there are several, presently in search of the elusive Australasian Bittern, though appearances have become less due to the roadside reeds being knocked over by recent rains, and the birds feeling safer at a further distance where they can hide. We were however able to capture the Golden-headed Cisticola flitting about and a few shorebirds.

The delight came when talking with Vas, and sharing our bird findings around Sydney, that he happened to live near Wianamatta Nature Reserve and had become acquainted with the behaviour of the Red-capped Robin family that live there, which I had only seen on one occasion with my wife, but had pursued previously on many occasions, posted here. From the feature photo above you can clearly see that Vas kindly took me to the Reserve and showed me the places and behaviour pattern of this bird, for which I was truly thankful. On cue the male and female Red-capped Robin appeared, just as he said they would with their classic Robin curiosity checking us out. Robins are non migratory and territorial and therefore very predictable and easy to find most of the year, if you know where they hang out. They are basically insectivorous but unlike most other Robins, enjoy foraging in dry open forest areas including desert regions. It has, along with the Hooded Robin, the largest geographic distribution over mainland Australia of any Robin.

Unfortunately, the female of the species is very shy and is difficult to get good clear images as she perches under the cover of a tree. The male however boldly stands out on a bare branch. The female has only a light patch of red on her head and not on her chest. 

Red-capped Robin (female)
Red-capped Robin (female)

The name Robin was taken originally from a female girl’s name in the 15th Century as the European Robin was then known as Robin Redbreast, and was later shortened to Robin. Of course the European Robin actually has an orange breast, for the colour orange had not yet  described. This only occurred when the fruit was discovered by the ocean explorers who brought oranges back to Europe from China and India.  Before this it was called yellow-red. We know that when the British ornithologists gave English and Latin names to Australian birds, they were actually confronted with truly red breasted Robins, in fact 5 varieties, each with different shades and intensities of red, one of which is the above bird. I endeavour to do a post on all of these Robins at a later date.

Not long after the Robins appeared for us and I caught the above images, they suddenly became scarce and did not appear at all. Even the usual finches were not present. As we walked through the reserve in search, we found the possible reason. A Brown Goshawk was resting in a nearby tree nearby and is a great threat to the safety of the bright and easily detectable Red-capped Robin, which would make a nice meal. We soon left and made our various ways home. This underpins the blessing of meeting and talking with other birders, and the wealth of information that can be gained as well as shared. If you would like to view some of Vas’s amazing bird images, especially his flight shot specials go to Instagram at vs_images or click here.

Have a great week birding and stay warm! I have completed the text of my second book and am now discussing with the publisher the choice of format which means more work to do. If this is your first visit to my blog please explore my Website Homepage menu for more birding tips and info.

My inspiration this week came from this music video I saw in a coffee shop while out birding, made by Jason Mraz “Love is Still the Answer” I was quite moved by his performance and reminds me how important everyone is in our life and around about us, and how they need to know and feel love, just as we do. Love brings peace and security and  is the opposite of fear which produces the inner turmoil and insecurity that reveals itself in lies, prejudice, hated, injustice, bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness.

 

“Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other.” – Ephesians 4:2 (GW)

“No fear exists where love is. Rather, perfect love gets rid of fear, because fear involves punishment. The person who lives in fear doesn’t have perfect love.” – 1 John 4:18 (GW)

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.

 

A Wonderful Winter Walk – Birding Together

Posted by aussiebirder on June 20, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Fauna, Holidays, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, rainforests, Royal National park, Sydney, Uncategorized, wildlife. Tagged: , , , , , .

Brown Thornbill

One of the advantages of being home writing my second book is that I get to spend more marriage time with my dear wife on her day off. So off we went last Wednesday on a birding date to Royal National Park, our local park, on a beautiful clear warm winters day, after several days of torrential rain (much needed). Though the rain had eroded much of the track, but it was so good to hear and see running water in the creeks again, and hear the sound of birds that had recently fallen silent because of the long drought. While having coffee at the cafe before our walk, this Noisy Miner had quite an organised operation going, checking the tables for crumbs and left overs while keeping watch.

While we sipped our coffee and talked as we enjoyed sitting in the warm winter sun I caught this Currawong sitting above a Kookaburra, which made the Kooka a little curious.

We were so relaxed and thankful that we could have a day together in the middle of the week, it was so special to my wife, as weekends can be busy, plus, the National Park is usually crowded with the noise of families walking and talking loudly as they stroll the walking tracks. We walked on toward the rainforest on Lady Carrington Drive and were amazed how many lone birders were out with their large lenses blazing.  The only native nectar flower blooming was Heath Banksia, and honeyeaters were visiting its bright heads frequently. Click on photo to enlarge it.

along the track
Banksia flowers, native nectar source

The only honeyeaters present at this time of year are the Yellow-faced Honeyeater, New Holland Honeyeater, Lewin’s Honeyeater and the Eastern Spinebill. The sounds of the Yellow-faced honeyeater ring out continuously, as large family groups play in the sub canopy of the tall eucalypts.

Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Yellow-faced Honeyeater
Lewin’s Honeyeater
New Holland Honeyeater
Eastern Spinebill

It was a great delight to hear and see the Eastern Whipbird again in his usual area not far from the now flowing creek, we had not seen or heard him for months. The rain makes such a difference. Sadly, he eluded my camera. But this Grey Fantail nearby almost eluded me as it flitted about constantly fanning its tail and checking us out, as they do.

But out greatest delight was to watch this tiny Brown Thornbill chiming its classic tune as it climbed over small trees by the track. This insectivorous territorial bird is not as affected by drought and is found in some of the driest forests.

Brown Thornbill
Brown Thornbill
Brown Thornbill
Brown Thornbill
Brown Thornbill

Over all we had a wonderful time out together enjoying moments of mindfulness as we stopped to take in the rainforest with each of our senses. How I love the smell and aroma of the forest after rain it is so refreshing.

Passing by the remains of a Liquid Amber tree’s fallen leaves, it reminded me of the loving kind and generous people in the past of my life who have now passed on and fallen from the tree. Though they have died and are no longer alive and green, they leave a colorful legacy together, among the many brown leaves, making for beautiful memories and laying down a glorious carpet of path for me to follow and walk upon, as I draw upon their memory with appreciation and thankful praise.

Have a wonderful week, and keep warm!

If this is your first time to my blog, please check out the pages on my website HomePage on birding and counseling tips.

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.

 

Unexpected Finds – The Varied Sittella.

Posted by aussiebirder on June 13, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Sydney, wetlands, wildlife. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Varied Sittella (male)

Last Monday on the public holiday, my wife and I had a birding date revisiting Bushell’s Lagoon in search of the Bittern again and to film Pink-eared Ducks vortexing for food. Surprisingly, both were not present, but got to chat to some birders where we exchanged tips and sightings. Click on photos to enlarge.

Birders focused at Bushells Lagoon wetlands

more of the extensive wetland where the Bittern usually is found.

The Blue-green algae blooms are gradually overtaking the wetland due to the drought and warmer than usual winter weather, which is limiting the area usable by the water birds.

On arrival, my best shots were taken unexpectedly from my car window before alighting, as a couple of Golden-headed Cisticola, non-breeding, came to check me out on perched on the rusty barbed-wire fence next to my car. Such little cuties!

The usual Great and Intermediate Egrets were present as was the White-faced Heron, in addition the unexpected flock of Cattle Egrets resting across the lake.

Greater Egret
Intermediate Egret
Cattle Egret flock
White-faced Heron
Cattle Egrets in flight

It was lovely to see this family of Australasian Swamphen caring for their one and only surviving baby, which is unusual as they normally have a clutch of about 3-8 eggs. 

Swamphen family on the move
Feeding Australasian Swamphen chick

Another sad story was to see this pair of Australian Black Swan who had recently, last week,  had 4 cygnets and appears to be grieving their loss, as they are gone from the nest.

feeling their loss together
Having a wash

The main reason for these losses is the large number of raptors constantly screening this area for an easy feed. While we were there this Whistling Kite made a pass over.

Followed by an juvenile (1yo) White-bellied Sea-Eagle.

Followed by this Black-shouldered Kite which is often seen nearby. These raptors spend much of their time resting on the top of dead and live trees. The film clip shows this peculiar up and down tail action or ‘tail flip’ which is thought to warn other Kites that this their territory, and go look elsewhere, but there is no other raptor of the same species, but several of different species. The other interesting observation was to watch it hover over its prey, gradually dropping to a different level, with feet extended, till finally dropping on it, in the same way as the Nankeen Kestrel.

A birding acquaintance Edwin, pictured in above photo at Bushell’s Lagoon, tipped us off as to where the flock of Pink-eared Duck could be located on a dam nearby, so off we went. We found them but they were too far away for great shots and they were resting not feeding, as I had hoped.

After lunch at Windsor we made our way to Wianamatta Nature Reserve in search of the Red-capped Robin again. However, it also was not seen on this occasion. However, we did see several small birds hopping about on one particular tree foraging, and at first looked very much like a White-throated Treecreeper, as they do look alike, but the beak was not curved. We were delighted to unexpectedly, as is one of the highlights of birding, to happen upon a bird rarely seen in our region, the Varied Sittella. 

gotcha!
chasing the insect

The Varied Sittella is only found in the south eastern states of NSW and Victoria and occasionally eastern SA. They are insectivorous and feed mainly, like the lookalike Treecreeper, on the trunks and branches of trees. However, they do not necessarily ascend the tree to the top and fly to the next tree, when they forage in similar fashion as the Treecreeper, nor do they make the loud repetitive single note call of the Treecreeper, but forage more quietly with their sharp twittering calls. We saw these two Sittella huddled high and hidden in the tree. One appeared to be a juvenile and the other an adult female.

Together in another part of the tree this pair of Sittellas sat preened and rested.

Again we saw the beautiful tiny but bright Yellow Thornbill and the handsome Silvereye.

We followed this Grey Shrike-thrush along the track for some time as he stopped to check us out.

Grey Shrike-thrush

Lastly, the White-eared Honeyeater were also present, though we were starting to loose light so I had few good shots to show after this.

While we walked at Wianamatta this beautiful cloud formation appeared, looking very much plumed like a feather, as my wife suggested. Which reminded us that our loving Heavenly Father is enjoying this experience with us. He enjoys us enjoying and appreciating his Creation and thanking him for it. So he put this this reminder in the sky for us to remember that he is always there for us and travelling with us on our journey. This also was an unexpected sign. Birding is full of exciting unexpected experiences, like Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates, “you never know what you are going to get”.

See how King David sees himself as a young bird shielded by God his Father bird, what a beautiful image for a Birder, of God’s care and protection of us.

“He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” – Psalm 91:4 (NLT)

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” – Psalm 37:4

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” – Ephesians 3:20

This week I created a private song page for the encouragement of my wife’s niece Nikki, a young mother of 3, who has been in hospital now for nine months with a debilitating illness. Her faith and joy in the Lord is remarkable and an amazing inspiration to all who know her. If you would like access to this page to listen to the selection of my songs recorded way back in my earlier Christian years, drop me a line and I will send the link and the password, and please pray for her as she may be returning home soon, but with disabilities. We continue to pray for complete healing.

Have a wonderful week and stay warm! I am working well writing my next book as the inspiration flows during my time away from my previous work. I am privileged to have this time to devote myself to the task.

If this is your first time to my blog, please check out the pages on my website HomePage on birding and counseling tips.

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.