aussiebirder

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

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.

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

adult male and juvenile

nest on platform

youngster feeding

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

female figbird

male 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 remains of leaves on 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.

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

female brush turkey

male Brush-turkey

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 leaves and returns with gift

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

he sits waiting for her attention/approval.

she approves by looking at him.

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

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

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.

On the lake a small flock of what appeared to be Common 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

after strike

realigning

fleeing

preparing for another shot

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.

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

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

Parent guarding babies

Returning to nest

in the first nest

a rear view

In the second nest

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

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

White-plumed Honeyeater

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

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

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 Superb Fairy-wren

following dad

warding off an intruder

following dad

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

the nest visited

the nest visited again

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.

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?

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?

That’s all for this post, Oh, yes before we left, we returned to our starting point where we sat under the shade of a small eucalypt sitting in our camp chairs and ate our turkeyncranny sangers and had our cuppa from the thermos. It was a hot day and the birds came close as we sat in our open air theater watching them do life. We were so thankful for a most enjoyable day!

Pulling Together

A Family, a sports team, a work place, a community all need to work together to move forward. The more effort each employs, and the more each maintains purpose, timing, effort and direction the better and faster their achievement towards their goal. The key is focused, willing co operation. It is like rowing or sculling together in a water craft. If some decides to do it differently it throws the whole purpose and goal into confusion and trouble. We all need to pull together if we want to achieve a good outcome in life. When we are all on the same page it makes life so much more enjoyable.

“…So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else… And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:12 -14 (GNT)

Have a wonderful week! if this is your first visit to my blog, why not check out my Home Page to discover more birding information and previous posts.

We are getting closer to publishing my two new books, possibly early next year, as proof reading continues. I am now writing a much more demanding work “An Introduction to Birdwatching for Young People.” which will complete the set. This will hopefully aim again at the Pre-teen and teen ages groups and be an easy reading book which will be packed with useful information for beginning a hobby or pastime in birding at any age. It will contain two sections, One: for identification of more commonly seen birds in each state and Two: containing information on the how, when, where and why of birding, the nuts and bolts. It is another exciting project the Lord dropped into my mind last week.

Since the 2nd Edition will not be published this year, why not purchase a copy of the first edition as a Christmas gift, it will change the life of the young reader in a positive way. This is the testimony of many who review my book. My wife said to me yesterday that each time she reads it it uplifts her spirits. Counselors Doctors and Teachers have shared with me how this book helped change depressed and disadvantaged young people, and older people also, encouraging them to have a positive and healthier outlook for their lives. You can purchase it here online through secure PayPal so that it arrives for Christmas. Many of my blog followers have already purchased it for their children and grandchildren and shared how it blessed them. If you are concerned, there are no religious connotations or suggestions apart from my one verse in the Introduction as to why I wrote it. It has been embraced by people of several different belief systems and various cultures, as the principles described apply to all peoples. It will also give you a better understanding of our Australian birds.

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.

The Rufous Songlark displaying with his spring song

By carefully observing the above photo one can see that it is Spring at Bushell’s Lagoon. The budding fruit tree with a springtime bird, the Rufous Songlark displaying. When a male bird displays, it is signalling to prospective females of its willingness to mate. This courtship performance involves much song and a little dance. My wife and I sighted this Rufous Songlark in full song. This is a bird we hardly ever see, so it was like seeing a lifer for us. Listen and watch as he performs.

Rufous Songlark waiting for a female response

There is usually a pleasant surprise find at Bushell’s Lagoon, which makes it one of the most frequented birding locations in the Sydney region, tucked away among the market gardens and turf farms on the rich alluvial soils of the Hawkesbury valley river flats. As some of you know, we like to enjoy a birding date where we start in the morning at Bushell’s, have fishnchip lunch at Windsor and then finish at Wianamatta Nature Reserve. We were pleasantly surprised to find a pair of Glossy Ibis resting with the other shorebirds at the edge of the lake. They were some distance away so the pics are not wonderful, but the sheen of their plumage is noticeable.

As we watched a White-bellied Sea-Eagle came over and sent many of the birds, including the Ibis into a frightened frenzy. Note that the Australian White Ibis and the Glossy Ibis (which is not endemic to Australia) are flying together. This is a feature of Ibis, they tend to find safety together, both roosting and nesting.

The bold little Black-winged Stilt (possible nesting nearby) came to the rescue and singlehandedly attacked and chased off this large raptor, while the others flew off in fear.

Hear is a brief half speed view of one attack strategy.

One feature of this ruckus was to view a Great Eastern Egret in the same tree as a Little Egret.

As we passed the cattle in the nearby paddocks, the Cattle Egret were beginning to show their orange breeding plumage, which begins from the top of the head, and makes its way down to the whole body eventually.

This was a Great capture of one particularly Great Egret, especially with its elegant breeding plumage.

There was amazing activity in the trees lining the lane into the lagoon, as dozens of White-browed Woodswallow were displaying and mating and generally having a noisy game of chasings. It was a delightful sight watching them glide about overhead in classic Woodswallow fashion.

This Red-whiskered Bulbul is another migrant back to enjoy our warmer weather. It sat for some time with a moth in its mouth waiting for us to leave so it could take it to its nest. Many birds do this so they do not disclose the location of their nest to danger.

This place hosts many families of Superb Fairy-wren beside the lake in the thicket like scrub.

We found this juvenile Magpie-lark by the side of the road, it appeared somewhat lame, and was concerned at our presence, so we only briefly viewed it as its parents were nearby trying to distract us away.

As we were leaving Bushell’s Lagoon for lunch, we noticed this Black-shouldered Kite sitting quietly, and unafraid of us in a low lying tree. It allowed us come close, and then we noticed its right eye was not functioning, and had some injury.

After our most enjoyable fishnchips lunch we headed off to Wianamatta Nature Reserve, which is under the NSW National Parks care. There before our eyes on a bare branch as per its classic pose was the first Dollarbird we had seen this season, and it looked so colorful in the sunlight. These birds migrate from up north each Spring, returning in Autumn.

There was a notable absence of Finches, with most the usual birds not present, including the Red-capped Robin. So we walked to the creek, as there was still some water from the recent brief rain, and of course that was where the birds were keeping company, as were heard the sound of several species moving through the canopy of nearby trees. The Rufous Whistler was very vocal, but insisted on eluding me. I managed to catch a few shots of the Scarlet Honeyeater and Spotted Pardolote. As you can see the Pardolote body is the shape and size of a eucalypt leaf, making it hard to detect under a dark canopy.

We finally returned home after another lovely birding date together.

Here is a famous quote of Martin Luther in reference to dealing with temptation, something we all encounter from time to time.

It is true that we all experience tempting thoughts or suggestions from time to time to do wrong or cheat or try to get away with being dishonest. While these suggestions planted in our minds by watching others or by a devilish source, may come quite randomly and sometimes surprise us unexpectedly. We each have the power and ability to reject any thought or suggestion that we deem wrong or in conflict with our integrity and moral code, refuting it when it occurs. The better we identify and turn away these temptations, the less they will occur and be a possible threat to us. One of the feelings or sensations we need to be on guard for is that of the excitement or rush that comes from trying to commit crime or cheat the system. This sometimes euphoric sensation can arouse us to step out in a moment of weakness. To be a true role model living out a character of integrity, it is wise that we be like Luther, aware that temptations will come, fly around our heads, but we can reject them from taking roost or nesting in our minds to cause us to do things we will later regret. For when we act against our conscience it has a negative effect on our health, especially our immune system as well as our inner joy and peace.

William Shakespeare. In Act 1, Scene III of the famous play, Hamlet, Polonius says: “To thine own self be true.”

“Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

Enjoy your week and Spring and Autumn birds, depending on where you live. If this is your first visit to my blog, why not check out my website for more birding tips and info.

And YES there are still more copies of “What Birds Teach Us” if you want to get one or more for that special Christmas gift. It is very popular each year for Christmas, as it is a gift that keeps on giving.

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.

Sacred Kingfisher

Now here we are well into Spring, where we hear the father whistlers sing, announcing to the world they bring, their joy for a new and marvelous thing… new life ready to begin.

Spring is a beautiful time of year to go out birding. There is so much activity and song in the bush as new families are established. For some it is their first season, and others they have lost count, having brought possibly a hundred new lives into the world. This activity is centered around nesting, providing for the nest, protecting the nest and training the new nestlings/fledglings. In this post I will share some of these activities I noticed this week,

1. Nesting: Eggs are laid by female bird and then incubated as she keeps them warm and covers them with her body to protect them. Sometimes the male may help, depending on the specie. In many cases, such as with the Black-winged Stilt which are nesting in Olympic Park, Sydney, the male will keep watch to ward off intruders. The nest is a simple hollow on dry grass next to the lake.

Thankfully, special artificial islands were created for nesting well away from nosy birders, which have proven to be a great success. Yes blue-green algae has been a problem after a hot winter drought.

2. Protecting Nest, Nestlings and Fledglings: There is a lot of aggressive activity at the moment between species that usually co inhabit territories. We saw a few weeks ago the merciless aggression of the Magpie placing a 100 meter no go perimeter around its nest. Here I watched a Silver Gull continuously chase a Blacked-winged Stilt at the edge of the lake. The Gull was protecting its immature youngster but the Stilt was protecting its nest with his mate sitting on it by the lake. Both these birds are bold and can be aggressive. However, in the end the Gull moved its youngster away from the nest and peace prevailed.

After the ordeal, the Gull parents were confronted with a hungry junior, and try to avoid its cries. One of the joys of parenting no doubt! Note the classic bowing and bobbing of the youngsters head, seen in many species of water birds when begging.

The two most intelligent bird families clashed as this immature Australian Raven was attacked and turned away by this Australian Magpie male, obviously protecting its nest. Thankfully it did not see my wife and I as a threat.

3. Feeding the Nestlings/Fledglings: In many Australian species this is done primarily by the male and relatives, as is the training of the Fledgling, especially with the Magpie and Kingfisher. Here a Sacred Kingfisher catches a worm and waits for the juvenile to come to it and then passes it to the juvenile to eat.

Adult Sacred Kingfisher

Adult prepares to give worm to youngster

Juvenile Sacred Kingfisher

4. Training: It is usually the male who models feeding and behaviour, which shows to us humans the importance of fathers being present and being good role models to their children. Children get much of their self identity and self confidence from the dad. These two juvenile Magpies are out on an excursion with their dad. As he feeds them they learn. Note how only one takes the initiative to follow dad and follows in his shadow. It so reminds me of my eldest son during his early years.

juvenile Magpies waiting in the shade.

one goes to folloe dad.

note juvenile is brown and has a dark eye and dull beak.

following dad

learning from dad

Here we see the youngsters decision to follow dad pays off as he gets a treat from dad as a reward for his following. I love the fact that no coercion is used in their training, those who want to learn do, and those who don’t there is later on when they are better prepared.

The Australian Wood Duck family is a beautiful example of the perfect family, with both parents faithful for life, devoted to each other and to raising their family together. The father leads the family to safety and to good feeding grounds. This clutch produced 14 live babies, and was one of two that I saw in the Royal National Park this week. The family strayed onto the road so dad and mum led them back down onto the green flats by the river. Thankfully, in this peaceful family, these ducklings learn to forage very quickly and less parental training is required.

As you watch the Wood Ducks come into their grazing area listen and you will hear an immature Laughing Kookaburra practicing his laugh. Unfortunately he eluded me for some time.

As an aside, this flock of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo flew over at great height. It is always a treat to see this bird, and especially to hear its unique call. Listen as they fly over. You may see some touches of yellow on their ears and tail.

As I have shared in recent weeks some birds develop breeding plumage during their breeding season, and of course the Superb Fairy-wren is no exception, being in full colour which would lure any available female. His lady may already be sitting on the nest somewhere nearby as he hunts for food.

One of the delights of not having to work during the week is I get to see birds that may not normally be seen due to the high people presence in National Parks and Reserves during weekends. This pair of Wonga Pigeon are a good example of stumbling upon a great find. This rainforest pigeon is sometimes seen by the river banks at Wattle Flat in the late afternoon grazing, always the same pair. I love the arrow like markings on their under body. They are so quiet that you could easily miss them.

Wonga Pigeon

Wonga Pigeon pair

Finally, to conclude is this series of the very shy Kookaburra flying off:

The importance of good parenting and its ongoing effects well into the life of the child are emphasized in recent research. The child carries the experiences of their upbringing into the rest of their life having a considerable influence on their well-being. This includes physical, emotional, mental, sexual and social health, including longevity. This YouTube video from one of my studies sheds light on this, and the need to instruct our children and grandchildren with gentle kind love.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 (MEV)

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, lest they be discouraged..” – Colossians 3:21 (MEV)

“He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect.” – Timothy 3:4 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week! If this is your first time visiting my blog, why not visit my Home Page and check out my birding website for more birding information and encouraging stuff. Yes, there are still more books left for sale to make a positive influence in the life of your special young person and for that Special Christmas Gift. I have just about finished editing my second and third book, but it will be next year for printing.

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.

Australian Black-backed Magpie with several Caterpillar in beak

Last weekend we had the privilege of having my grandson Joel stay with us. One of the enjoyable experiences with him was taking out to explore our beautiful local birds. An even greater plus was that he said he actually enjoyed the outdoor experience or adventure as he called it, and was soon standing alongside my wife and myself with a pair of binoculars aimed at our friends the waders, down on the Georges River mudflats. A Budding Birder: Like Grandfather, Like Grandson, you might say!

Thankfully on the day most birds were on cue and appeared in their usual areas. Of course my little friends the Bar-tailed Godwit were patrolling the waters edge and made a great start for the session. Especially watching how when they find/extract a tiny mudcrab from the sand they run off with it, as they are aware the others around them are watching.

Bar-tailed Godwit with a crab

Bar-tailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwit with crabs

Their fast and sometimes humorous movement is highlighted in this short clip using Henri Mancini’s “Baby Elephant Walk” music from the 1962 movie Hatari which in Swahili means ‘Danger’.

As we approach slowly closer there is this sudden move to the water, as we begin to enter their safe buffer zone.

In some of the males a tiny remnant of their orange breeding colour could be seen on their under body.

Bar-tailed Godwit

The occasional submerged head technique is quite interesting, that’s a long way down into the sand, it must be a sure thing…

Also sharing the beach was this small flock of Australian White Ibis, actually feeding in their natural habitat. I say this because in recent years this bird has become a pest in Sydney, where it has become known as the ‘Bin Chicken’ because it has learnt to find food in garbage bins, making a mess everywhere.

Australian White Ibis

My grandson was also intrigued by the many Light-blue Soldier Crabs marching on the mudflats, and scuttling away from our approach.

Also on the beach the Pied Oystercatcher was also checking out the crabs.

We drove to our next viewing spot on the other side of the river, hoping to find the Eastern Curlew, and yes it was exactly where we expected to find it. My grandson was able to see out largest and most shy wader.

A recently improved walk along the river included these art form images of birds seen here…

Pied Oystercatcher

This Australian Black-backed Magpie was collecting several Caterpillar in its beak, possibly to take to its nest to feed its wife and/or young ones. Thankfully it saw me as a friend, as I frequently walk quite close to him, like 1 foot away.

Lastly, my wife thought there might be just the off chance that the tiny Red-capped Plover previously seen at Bonna Point Reserve, way over on the other side of Botany Bay at Kurnell, near where Cook first landed, might be walking the shoreline, and to our delight he and two others were doing just that. Of course we sat and had our ice-cream first, watching the jets coming and going from the airport, as they passed overhead. The Red-capped Plover is one of our smallest waders, and is found all over Australia and Tasmania, even in the hot inland, but usually near water. So Joel saw both the biggest and smallest waders all in one afternoon. The amazing thing about this little bird is that if you are not looking for it, you will probably not notice it, as like other plovers, it moves quickly and stops, moves quickly and stops, blending in with the weed and dross on the shoreline. Its like blink and you might miss it.

This the major problem we are experiencing with our wildlife in our state as the Government allows the big companies to come in and totally destroy our old forests, calling it selective clearing. As they are not interested in, or even looking for the wildlife, it does not exist to them. Koala habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate and there is a call to upgrade them to endangered or by 2050 they may be extinct. Read about it here.

Picture from ABC article link above

One of the responsibilities God handed man when he entrusted him with the privilege of having dominance over his other creatures was to care for his planet and its creatures. Greed and selfish ambition have become more the case as we see mankind move away from a recognition of God and his loving and caring agenda. We were intended to be his representatives on the earth, being made like him i.e. in his likeness

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,^[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26

After the world flood which destroyed most of the earth as it was known in pre-history, and from which our fossils and many rock formations were formed, God reasserted Noah’s authority over the creation, handing him as mankind’s representative to be a responsible carer for his creation, however now there would be fear in the hearts of the creatures, as they may now become food for mankind. This is what we birders experience, as do many of us when approaching our wildlife creatures.

Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth, and on all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands.Everything that lives and moves about will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.

It is great when we can re establish a peaceful trust relationship with our birds and animals. Some of us have bird feeders to assist them through cold winters, and some like myself have bird baths to assist washing and watering the birds. The even greater experience comes now that the birds have come to know we care for them and mean them no harm, is that they will provide entertainment for my wife and I as we sit only a couple of feet away eating lunch as they dive, wash and shake. We have a smaller bath for small birds such as Noisy Miner and Grey Butcherbird and a large one next to it for larger birds such as Magpie and Currawong.

Have a wonderful week and enjoy the change of seasons. We remain in drought, and pray for rain, as many farm communities run out of water, and we head into possibly the worse bushfire season on record. This has a huge impact on our trees and wildlife, where for the first time in Australia our rainforests are actually burning.

If this is your first visit to my blog and your interested in birding as a recreational pursuit, why not check out the rest of my birding website, starting with my Homepage. You may be looking for the perfect Christmas gift for your grandchild or child or nephew or nice. Why not check out my book What Birds Teach Us and purchase it securely here online. Ideal for children 7 to 12 years of age, and it will continue to encourage them to make good life choices throughout their lives.

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.

Pacific Baza (also known as Crested Hawk)

It was interesting this past week when my wife and I on two occasions, put spending time with friends above being out birding. On these two occasions we were surprisingly blessed to see unexpected birds. We went with one of our dear friends our to the Royal National Park Cafe for lunch, after which we took our friend to see the recent clutch of 14 Australian Wood Ducklings, so she could show her family when they come there this week. While we watched the ducklings feeding off the grass seed, there sounded an alarm from one of the adult ducks, as they heard a noisy commotion in the canopy of a tall eucalypt trees nearby, being caused by none other than a pack of Noisy Miner. First two pair of Wood Duck flew off (always in pairs, as these birds faithfully pair for life).

It was enough to cause Mrs Sulfur-crested Cockatoo to emerge from her nest in the nesting hole of a nearby tree.

Immediately father Wood Duck signals his family and they make their way quickly to the river bank ready for a fast escape, as yet they are unsure of the nature of the impending danger. Click on photos to enlarge.

Soon the whole family were paddling together upstream away from us with their eyes on their parents, they followed obediently behind. Finally they returned to shore some 50 meters away.

This of course made the word raptor come to mind and my wife and I left our friend seated at the picnic table nearby while we investigated. We first of all sighted the Miner pack attacking something deep in the canopy.

It was not long before we heard and saw the raptor: a beautiful Pacific Baza, also known as the Crested Hawk. These birds are quite different to most other raptors in the way they hunt for prey. They are usually not a great threat to birds, as they tend to eat insects and small reptiles. They have this unique way of gliding quickly into a thick tree canopy grabbing insects and reptiles on their way in. Most raptors spy out their prey sitting on bare branches up high from where they can easily observe and pounce, clearly being able to see their prey, but not the Baza.

Watching this diving process gave us a few nice wing shots. The Noisy Miners continued their attack but the Pacific Baza continued hunting regardless. However, eventually the Baza saw us watching and flew away behind the trees. These birds are found in northern and north eastern Australia, but not usually found south of Sydney, though this one was. They are also found in the Pacific Islands and New Guinea, north of Australia.

We had never seen a Baza this close before. The last time you may remember was up in Far North Queensland as it flew over at great height but my photos were not that good due to the position of the sun.

A couple of days later my wife and I went for an afternoon walk in our local park, but did not see much at all, due to the continuing drought. Despite recent rains, there were few birds. A couple of dear friends live in the street near the park, several houses away, so we thought to drop in and see them, as we had not seen them in a while. As we sat chatting out around their pool, sipping wine, we were told that the Australian King parrot may come to feed on the fruiting Loquat tree hanging over their fence in clear view to us.

Australian King Parrot male

Soon the late afternoon sun caught this flash of colour emerging, as a male and then a very shy female Australian King Parrot fed from this tree. Parrots and Cockatoos are mostly fruit and seed eaters, and have the unique ability of any bird, in that they are able to hold the fruit in one claw and bring it to their mouth to eat. The female has more green on the upper parts of her body, as do the juveniles.

Australian King Parrot male

Australian King Parrot female

It was another wonderful blessing sitting, sipping and watching them feed as they caught the last light before sundown, being the first evening of Daylight Saving.

Similar to the Crimson Rosella who make a bell like chime call, the King Parrot make a more courser version of their call.

We enjoyed a wonderful evening meal with our friends, leaving feeling very blessed from their hospitality. The thought that came to me from this week was from watching a female Masked Lapwing sitting patiently on her nest in the middle of the paddock between the Cafe and the Hacking River. Now this open field is frequented by young children playing and people walking and other birds feeding, which caused the National Parks people to place a warning sign and markers around the nest, as nesting Masked Lapwing can remain quite hidden behind the clumps of Button Grass. The male was trying to ward off children playing nearby, but was unsuccessful.

Masked Lapwing on nest

These birds are known to attack people and animals by swooping on those who approach their nesting field, similar to the Magpie during nesting season. However, the male’s ploy is to try and draw attention to himself and draw the intruder away from the nest. The male will stand tall and proud with both wing spurs protruding and making threatening alarm calls to scare off any intruders who do not follow his lead.

I might wonder why these birds always nest in the middle of open fields which are frequently traversed by humans, their mowers and animals, and where Raptors can easily see their nest. These Plovers, like other plovers are historically waders, and like their cousins lay their eggs in shallow holes on beaches and river banks. In recent years many of these birds have moved inland to graze on grassy fields where they extract insects and their larvae from just below the soil surface. It is also interesting that despite the vulnerability of the nest, these birds are great survivors and is one of the most commonly seen birds found throughout most of Australia. What might appear foolish actually has much wisdom, as the males have a 360° viewing area around the nest, which is much easier for them, a ground dwelling and feeding bird, to monitor. The proof is in the very successful and secure status of this bird.

“Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?” – Job 28:20

“To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” – Job 12:13

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” – Proverbs 4:6

If this is your first time visiting my blog, why not explore my birding website and visit my Homepage.

You will find access to helpful hints and tips for Birdwatchers and Birders, as well as information on how we can learn to do life better from the birds.

There are still copies of my first book ‘What Birds Teach Us’ available for purchase here online. Check out my BirdBook page for more information.

Have a wonderful weekend! I have finally realised and accepted that my career as a Senior Scientist has come to an end, so I am now seeking God to find direction for these years ahead. This last five months has been a wonderful opportunity for me to write two more books (‘Flight of a Fledgling’ for 12+yrs and The improved and enlarged 2nd Edition of ‘What Birds Teach Us’ for 7+ yrs). I will advise here on my website when I am closer to publication. Thank you dear friends for your prayers and valued support as I continue to address my health issues and vocational direction.

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.

Waders Welcome Return – The Bar-tailed Godwit

Posted by aussiebirder on October 2, 2019

Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Botany Bay, Fauna, migratory waders, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, Sydney, Uncategorized, waders, water birds, wetlands, wildlife. Tagged: Bar-tailed Godwit, Georges River.

This week to my great delight and relief, my wader friends, the amazing Bar-tailed Godwit, have returned from Alaska again, and this time with a few more in the family making 13 in all. I found them on the Georges River mudflats on a beach where they usually are not found.

They flew off and I followed them to their usual beach, as the tide was quite low and there was plenty of area for them to forage on. It was late afternoon so there was significant yellowing due to pre-sunset light. They all looked healthy and good for their 16,000 km direct flight across the Pacific Ocean over their 8 day non stop flight. This Silver Gull liked getting in the photo also.

The mudflats are great for tiny mud crabs, and as the sand is wet and soft they can press their designer built beak well down to pull them out, sometimes with their entire head underwater.

The Bar-tails have a slightly upturned beak compared with the very straight beak of the Black-tailed Godwit, which we seldom see in these parts. The female is larger than the male, and they have all lost their breeding plumage, and ready for Summer in Australia. I could not detect any juveniles from their recent clutches, so they may stay till next season and make their first journey next year. Some appear to be 2nd year that may have made their first or second.

I am looking forward to getting better pics when the tide and sun are coordinated better. The above pic is probably the better of the bunch. Something spooked the flock and they took off quickly to another beach across the bay. They will be back. I was starting to get very concerned when it reached the 1st of October, as these little guys are usually here by then. I am so happy to see them back again on their same beach.

Often people swim and fish and look for bait on the mudflats while this little tight knitted flock wonder about not far from the them. Interesting that most people using this beach no nothing about these birds or their amazing endurance journey they make twice a year some 32,000km. They just look like sea birds among the sea gulls and offer no great interest, as from a distance they are small and the beauty of their wing patterns are hidden beneath their wings, only revealed in flight. My friends and family notice my excitement every time I see them, and become suddenly amazed when they are told about my little wader friends. They attract little notice, and yet are one of the world’s most remarkable birds. There is a life lesson in this for me that it is not the loud, noisy and showy people that necessarily that have much to contribute, but often the quiet, humble and unassuming.

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” – Matthew 5:5

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10

“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” – James 4:6

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. 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.

Australia hosts some of the worlds most deadly snakes and spiders, as well the most dangerous bird, the Southern Cassowary, which has also caused death and injury. However, in Spring each year one’s friendly neighborhood Australian Magpie joins the list during nesting season. What is normally a very friendly bird allowing close contact becomes an aggressive vicious villain to avoid coming anywhere close to its territory around the nest which male relatives closely guard(around 100m diam area). It is interesting that these clever birds see humans as such a threat considering their nest is high in a eucalypt tree away from our interest. Unlike the Masked Lapwing which is notorious for attacking humans and animals that pass over its open nesting field, there appears no logic to the Magpies concern, and the extent of its aggression.

Those who have purchased my book ‘What Birds Teach Us’ will know that Magpies are very intelligent, in fact, one of the most intelligent of birds. They have a very well organised social and family structure, and are very aware and capable survivors. Presently groups are gathering as the alpha male is established who will win the right to mate with present females, though for some the nesting process has already begun due to our early Spring. In Sydney we have the North Eastern Black-backed subspecies, whereas the states in the far south mainland have the southern and south western white-backed subspecies. The Magpie has some of the most successful survival techniques, similar to the Australian Raven.

the fight to be alpha

The alpha male when established will mate with the females in the group and after the nest is built will spend much of its time feeding the female(s) who will remain on the nest till nestlings appear, after which the responsibility to feed and train the babies will be the male and his male relatives, while the female has a break. The logic is that the clever Magpie is aware of the Cuckoos always trying to invade their nest to plant surrogate eggs, so to prevent this the female stays on the nest most of the time.

Male Australian Magpie feeding its chicks

The courting procedure is played out in full view of the group, as intimate foreplay. The female surrenders to the male making herself very vulnerable and he shows affection, just like we do. I featured the Little Corella here some months ago doing a similar thing in the flock. It is interesting that the water meter became the centre point of their love making.

It is after all this that the trouble starts for all who pass their way. A ruthless guard is placed over the surrounding area to all birds, animals and humans. Their aggression is mainly toward those running or riding bikes as their speed suggests a threat, though as you shall see from my photos below just walking slowly is also deemed a threat by the more aggressive Magpies. This swooping and continuous attacking will occur while one is their guarded zone, and fast exit is wise. A week ago a man was riding his bicycle in a town south of Sydney when he was suddenly attacked by a Magpie, his bicycle hit a post, causing him to fall, his injuries were so bad that he died. Local councils are urged to erect signs in danger areas. The problem is, if you are not already aware of a danger zone, you sometimes do not know you are being attacked until you feel it bite your ear or cut your face, as they swoop so suddenly and accurately.

As part of my research I placed myself in the danger zone of one particularly dangerous Magpie, which I witnessed injuring at least two people and scaring others. I personally allowed myself to be deliberately attacked on several occasions but did not get injured due to my quick action and awareness. The man below was walking through the attack zone and received a bleeding bitten ear lobe from an sudden swoop. In some council areas these birds have had to be taken out or destroyed as too many people are injured or emotionally damaged, especially if it occurs along a frequented footpath.

To get some idea of how focused and obsessed the attacking Magpie is with performing the task, take a look at these pics. Click on them to enlarge, though they are taken from a distance.

Consider this video I took, being the only successfully filmed movie attack caught . At first in normal speed followed by slow motion. It is filmed all the way from the Magpies tree to me.

This poor man was a victim in an open field with nothing to protect himself with. In the end, the only way he could stop the constant attack was to sit down on the grass, where he did not pose a threat, but the determined Magpie sat watching him from a few feet away, determined to take his commission to guard duty most seriously.

The Australian Magpie should probably have been named the Pied Magpie, as when compared to the European variety it lacks colour and is only black and white, but since it is named the Australian Magpie it may not be necessary. Compare these…

White-backed Magpie male

Black-backed Magpie male

Male and female Black-backed Magpie

Immature Magpie gaining more mature plumage

European Magpie

Imagine having this face looking at you from close range within a danger zone…

Interesting enough this was one place where another aggressive bird, hated for its aggression, the Noisy Honeyeater, actually came to my assistance and chased the naughty Magpie, taking its attention off me. Even the Noisy Miner were not going to let the Magpie be the meanest, as they hold that reputation all year round.

My wisdom thought for this occasion was the picture below. The rogue Magpie sitting on watch above a road sign telling people that a refuge island is located in the middle of the busy road, right in view of the Magpie’s gaze. This would be the very least place to take refuge, exposed and very visible. Normally this would be a safe place to stand when crossing the road, but something has changed, and for several weeks it may actually be a danger zone for the unsuspecting, regardless what the sign says. How important it is for us to be aware of and wise to present danger. Many people young and old are walking around with their head bowed over an electronic communication device, unaware of present danger. Many more are causing serious accidents themselves, walking onto busy roads without stopping to look, being lost in an artificial world where many seek encouragement and validation to medicate what may be low self confidence. This addiction has made necessary new challenges and therapies in counseling. Many have died on our state roads due to people texting while driving. A call to be vigilant and present in the now. Mindful of what is occurring around oneself. I often have people near where I live, walking into me on the wrong side of the footpath, or just about to because they are lost in space, cyber space. Distractions like these can be deadly so the call is to Be Alert ! and present in the now, and avoid anything that distracts you from the true purpose and activities of life.

“Be sober and alert**. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8**

Jesus began to say to them, “Watch out that no one misleads you.” – Mark 13:5

Have a wonderful week! Enjoy each precious moment and give thanks for it and for the gift of life itself.

‘What Birds Teach Us’ is available 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.

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.

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.

This is what the Figbird call sounds like:

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.

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.

I will continue with more from this area next post.

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

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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.

On the lake a small flock of what appeared to be Common 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

The abrupt scraping sound of the Red Wattlebird call.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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?

Have a wonderful week! if this is your first visit to my blog, why not check out my Home Page to discover more birding information and previous posts.

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The bold little Black-winged Stilt (possible nesting nearby) came to the rescue and singlehandedly attacked and chased off this large raptor, while the others flew off in fear.

Hear is a brief half speed view of one attack strategy.

One feature of this ruckus was to view a Great Eastern Egret in the same tree as a Little Egret.

As we passed the cattle in the nearby paddocks, the Cattle Egret were beginning to show their orange breeding plumage, which begins from the top of the head, and makes its way down to the whole body eventually.

This was a Great capture of one particularly Great Egret, especially with its elegant breeding plumage.

There was amazing activity in the trees lining the lane into the lagoon, as dozens of White-browed Woodswallow were displaying and mating and generally having a noisy game of chasings. It was a delightful sight watching them glide about overhead in classic Woodswallow fashion.

This Red-whiskered Bulbul is another migrant back to enjoy our warmer weather. It sat for some time with a moth in its mouth waiting for us to leave so it could take it to its nest. Many birds do this so they do not disclose the location of their nest to danger.

This place hosts many families of Superb Fairy-wren beside the lake in the thicket like scrub.

We found this juvenile Magpie-lark by the side of the road, it appeared somewhat lame, and was concerned at our presence, so we only briefly viewed it as its parents were nearby trying to distract us away.

As we were leaving Bushell’s Lagoon for lunch, we noticed this Black-shouldered Kite sitting quietly, and unafraid of us in a low lying tree. It allowed us come close, and then we noticed its right eye was not functioning, and had some injury.

We finally returned home after another lovely birding date together.

Here is a famous quote of Martin Luther in reference to dealing with temptation, something we all encounter from time to time.

William Shakespeare. In Act 1, Scene III of the famous play, Hamlet, Polonius says: “To thine own self be true.”

“Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8

Enjoy your week and Spring and Autumn birds, depending on where you live. If this is your first visit to my blog, why not check out my website for more birding tips and info.

And YES there are still more copies of “What Birds Teach Us” if you want to get one or more for that special Christmas gift. It is very popular each year for Christmas, as it is a gift that keeps on giving.