aussiebirder

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. 8 Comments

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 female

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.

Australian Reed-Warbler

Last week the Spring rains arrived bringing some reprieve to the long drought for coastal inhabitants. My wife and I decided to have a date and visit Bushell’s Lagoon and afterwards have fishnchips at Windsor. On arrival there were already several keen birders present looking for recent sightings of Latham’s Snipe and Baillon’s Crake. While the Snipe was not seen anywhere, the Crake was briefly, but eluded my camera, due to its very shy nature. Being Spring, the Australian Reed-Warbler’s were once again calling in the reeds which during the Winter months lay silent. They were all busily darting about, hunting for nesting material or food.

When the nest is established the Reed-Warbler become more invisible as they call from deep down among the new reed growth and only occasionally dart back and forth to nearby trees to procure food for the nest. The bird photographer waits patiently near the sound of their call for that special moment when they rise and clinging to a reed call to nearby Warblers.

The reason we hear them in Spring is similar to many other birds such as the Golden Whistler. When they find a mate and are nest building and raising a new clutch together, they become continuously very loud and vocal, calling to warn other Reed-Warblers that this is their territory and to stay clear of their nest. Another sign of Spring was this pair of Cattle Egret starting to gain its orange breeding plumage (rear bird).

This is their young 1st year Cattle Egret from the previous breeding season, note dark remaining markings on beak and neck.

immature Cattle Egret

The highlight of our visit was also to see the small flock of the very shy Yellow-billed Spoonbill of which we saw two grazing with a couple of Royal Spoonbill some distance across the lake.

Yellow-billed Spoonbill

Royal Spoonbill

Yellow-billed Spoonbill with Australian Swamphen

Royal Spoonbill

There was some commotion in a nearby eucalypt tree when this tiny White-plumed Honeyeater was attacking a lone much larger Noisy Friarbird. Honeyeaters can be aggressive when competing for nectar, but in this case it may be that their is a nest nearby to protect.

Noisy Friarbird under attack

Noisy Friarbird

We later got much better shots of the Noisy Friarbird feeding on eucalypt blossom.

Noisy Friarbird

We did not see many Egrets there this visit as we usually see many, they and many other birds flew off when they sighted the Black-shouldered Kite hovering overhead. It was a treat watching it hover over its prey and slowly drop down to lower levels of hover.

Sadly my video was too jerky for viewing, so I have added a previous clip.

We of course saw the usual White-faced Heron, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-necked Heron and Laughing Kookaburra, all one their own.

White-faced Heron

Yellow-faced Honeyeater

White-necked Heron

Laughing Kookaburra

There were sleeping Australian Pelican and Grey Teal in their flock groups, with sleeping Roayal Spoonbill among them.

We were delighted to find three Black-fronted Dotterel wandering about near the market garden. Our findings were a little disappointing, but it was good for us to get out and about together after a rainy week and have time out. Birding is good for getting you outside to catch a breath of fresh air and a bit of a walk, and for this we were thankful. My wife was also thankful for fishnchips and a walk through Windsor’s plaza area at all the unusual tourist shops, where she replenished our scented candles.

While I am still unemployed, and continue to get treatment for my heart condition, it has been a challenge for both my wife and I. However, God in his goodness and kindness has inspired me to use this time at home to not only be a house husband and take the load off my busy working wife, but to also write books. As many of you know, I have finished my second book ‘Flight of a Fledgling’ which is in final stages of proof-reading . However, I have been also working on a much improved and larger 2nd Edition of my first book,‘What Birds Teach Us’, which is currently approaching its the finishing stages. I am hoping to them publish together. There has been a call to me from educators and counselors to produce a book that will help our youth in schools with the current issues they face. In response several additional birds have been added as well as more improved photos and a more attractive design. I will keep you posted, and it will be available here online also. My first book is almost sold out of print and will become unavailable very soon. But you can still purchase it here online here.

It has been difficult at times to not get worried about not working to earn an income, especially with my wife still working. God has comforted me knowing that this book writing is an important part of my life legacy to future generations, and that this season in life is meant to be as it is. It is good to have the comfort and peace of knowing that this is part of his plan for us and not to panic and look at it through the world’s eyes, but keep focused on his good and perfect will.

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

“For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NET)

Have a wonderful week, whatever you do live a long and enjoyable life by adopting an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’.

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.

Red Wattlebird

We are moving through our state’s driest and warmest Spring on record, with out of control bushfires raging already, water shortages due to extended drought conditions and gale force winds in the last few days with no rain relief in sight. Massive seas have beaten the coast as can be seen below.

With the return of Spring comes the yearly return of my favorite waders, the Bar-tailed Godwit. Yesterday I set off to the George’s River mudflats to see if they had made an early return, but the small flock had not yet returned. They are probably in the air doing their amazing 8 days non stop flight across the Pacific Ocean directly from Alaska to Australia and New Zealand.

It was interesting also that this year no immature Godwits stayed behind, they all flew north. Braving the very cold strong winds yesterday I found a lone Pied Oystercatcher on the mudflats.

It is also interesting that a few Eastern Curlew, which are also migratory birds have stayed the Winter here, usually one per beach. These our largest waders, are extremely shy of humans, as many have been killed for their meat as they travel the Asian coast when migrating. I always find this guy grazing no matter what the weather conditions.

Eastern Curlew

Plastic bag, not good eating!

Seeing no Godwits, I made my way to the mudflats on the other side of the bay where again I saw one lone Eastern Curlew foraging, and catching a crab. The light was not in a good place and was diffusing significantly reducing colour. You can see from this clip how their long curved beaks are ideal for extracting crabs from the mudflats, though it can be a drama trying to swallow them as they have no teeth and swallow their prey whole.

Moving to my next stop, which is hidden behind mangroves, and often gives me choice views as very few birders ever go there, again I find one lone Eastern Curlew, but this one is a younger one.

Also on the mudlats as per usual in their usual spot is a small family of Australian Pelicans resting. You will notice the classic sleeping position of birds, resting the weight of their head on their back, and tucking their bill under their back feathers with just their eyes visible. Many birds, unlike us, can turn their heads 270°. Waders will often stand on one leg to rest the other, and change at intervals as they spend most of their lives on their feet and may never sit with their long legs, usually only when sick or nesting.

While I was making my way to the mangroves I passed this beautiful Red Wattlebird with wattles glowing in the sun. It posed for me and allowed me to take several excellent shots. These are our largest honeyeaters and are quite aggressive to other birds when the nectar is on. The Banksia tree in which it sits is one major source of nectar on the coast most of the year, particularity when in Winter most native trees rest from flowering. As you can see this tree has finished flowering and has produced seed cones, which provide food for the seed eating birds such as the Cockatoos.

This male and female Australian ‘black backed’ Magpie were having a quiet time together on the grass. This is the window where we see the male and female together, just before Spring nesting. This is because the female will remain on the nest the entire nesting period while the male feeds her and the relatives protect the nest. When the nestlings fledge it is the male Magpies that watch over and train the young, leaving the female to have a break on her own. The male has the pure white rear neck where as the female’s is more dirty looking.

Male and female Magpie

This Galah was grazing on clover on the grass nearby, as the wind blew up his beautiful head comb.

Finally, I would like to share a series of shots taken during the high seas whipped up by the strong winds. A lone Pelican for some unknown reason, thought it wise to sit in front of the huge waves breaking onto Cape Banks (see photo above to view how huge they were). This Pelican almost got pounded and could have drowned if it had not acted as fast as it did. But the question remains, why did it choose to sit in such a dangerous place when it could see where the waves were breaking? View this slideshow and see how narrow its escape was, at one stage it was lost from view under the wave.

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The interesting muse concerning this Pelican was that soon after it had escaped with its life it went back and landed in the same place again, with facing away from the wave and in front of it.

I figured we are all a bit like this Pelican at times, especially when we try to get our own way and go against what we have been told and know to be best for us. The Pelican knew it was a dangerous place but in the moment when it landed (the quiet break between waves) it appeared alright to sit and watch the coastline. We warn our children to be careful when going out at night or participating in risky practices because we are aware of the dangers that lurk there. They may not be there all the time, but can appear when least expected, especially if one chooses to not be on the lookout, but just goes along with the group or just ignores parents warnings. This was reported on the news of a young girl going to school recently, her parents told her to wait and they would take her, but she refused and went on her own and was abducted. For us older ones it is more like ‘we know what is good for our physical, emotional and spiritual health, we have been around long enough to know, but we sometimes choose to ignore the warnings and sit in front of the looming wave. This is of particular importance as we try to make sense out of life itself.

“For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, because they are understood through what has been made. So people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or give him thanks, but they became futile in their thoughts and their senseless hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became foolsand exchanged the glory of the immortal God for an image resembling mortal human beings or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles.” – Romans 1:21-23 (NET)

Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (NET)

“Today I invoke heaven and earth as a witness against you that I have set life and death, blessing and curse, before you. Therefore choose life so that you and your descendants may live!” – Deuteronomy 30:19 (NET)

If you have managed to read this far, you will remember from last weeks post that I mentioned that I am writing a Second Edition of my first book release, while my second book is in the editing process. This may be your last opportunity to purchase a copy of my first book ‘What Birds Teach Us’ as the book is almost out of print and the last 10 copies for sale online are up for grabs. If you have not purchased yet ( though many of you have) or you want a gift for Birthday or Christmas that will keep on giving, this is your opportunity to purchase here online, as other outlets dry up their supplies.

Go to my BirdBook page here to view more info and reviews. This is a unique book which is non religious and is a family counseling book targeting 8 years and older, using the birds as a teaching tool.

Have a wonderful week despite the wild weather and unseasonal conditions! Our great need for rain is not just for us with our dwindling water supply, but also for the many birds, animals and trees suffering, including many blazing forests. Many native birds are not nesting in their normal places due to the drought, and native animals withholding giving birth. We all need to pray for rain and a breaking of this extreme drought here in Australia, despite many having turned away from acknowledging our Creator as our provider.

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.

White-browed Babbler

Spring, the time when most birds and animals pair off, mate and reproduce their kind. However, the great Australian drought continues into its fourth year causing rivers to dry up, trees and plants to die or give up their leaves under stress, many native plants to die or not flower, many birds and animals to leave their historic nesting areas for localities where they have not been previously reported in current field guides.

This week I took a trip to visit one of Australia’s great birding places The Capertee Valley, which is actually the widest canyon in the world, being 1km wider than the Grand Canyon at its widest point. The canyon is surrounded by the Gardens of Stone National Park, made up of interesting sandstone escarpments, which glow in the sun. Click on photos to enlarge them.

Gardens of Stone NP

Capertee River dried up

Largest conservation project

The Crown

Sandstone walls

This wonder is a north western extension of the famous Blue Mountains, and has previously been the famous conservation site for the breeding of the endangered Regent Honeyeater, which is Australia’s largest public conservation project. The last few years have seen very few birds breeding beside the now almost dried up Capertee River, where only a few pools remain. Scientists have had difficulty tracing the breeding patterns of this bird, and many others affected by the drought. The forests of NSW are tinder dry, and dying in many places for lack of regular rainfall. I was surprised to find that many of the bird species I found previously in this birding goldmine had left the valley to find food and water and nest elsewhere. While the eastern side of the ranges has been getting rain at times (Sydney), here on the western side of the ranges (Capertee) has had very little or none at all.

The positive is that there are still many birds remaining, of which I will share from my visit in this post. On arrival to the valley I started checking my usual good birding stops and in two tall eucalypts I found both the numerous White-plumed Honeyeater and the less numerous White-naped Honeyeater feeding high in the canopy together on the tree blossom as well as on lerps. The plume is the white mark on the side of the neck and the gape is the white ring around the back of the head (visible in second last photo). They were very active when chasing nectar, especially the White-gaped, which gave me several flight shots.

White-plumed Honeyeater feeding on lerps

From a tree next to the flowering one above, I could hear the unusual buzzing sound of the White-browed Babbler, which, like the two honeyeaters is mainly only seen inland over the ranges. It was interesting how many different sounds this bird makes as it communicated to a nearby companion. It is always a treat to find this bird. Disregard the Noisy Friarbird calls in the background.

Just before leaving this Noisy Friarbird appeared briefly, but was unusually quiet, which can be the case when they are alone.

Further along the road as I crossed over the Capertee River I was mesmerized by a flock Fairy Martins flying in circuits over the remaining pools of water beneath the casuarina trees. I managed to fire off some almost decent flight shots of these amazing birds as they started flying around me.

Fairy Martin cruising for insects

Fairy Martin

Fairy Martins flying together

mouth open catching insects on the fly

As I made my way further I stopped again, and out of the bush wandered this old Wombat, with a hairless back, making his way back down the road on the wrong side, being very vulnerable to cars. Sadly I had already seen over a dozen road kill from the night before, kangaroo, wallabies and wombats. Wombats are essentially nocturnal, but can bee seen during the day when disturbed. They burrow out their nesting holes under the earth like a mole or groundhog. Walking in their territory can be dangerous at night without good light as many people have injured themselves accidentally stepping into their holes.

Sadly I passed areas where in better years many species of Finch resided, but were not to be found, but it was pleasing to see several family flocks of White-winged Chough foraging about. These birds only fly short low distances and spend most of their time walking about together foraging for insects. They have a very tightly constructed family and are known to take captive young from other Chough flocks. You will see how they got their name from my video clip.

White-winged Chough family

White-winged Chough

Here is a sound file to give you an idea of their language, it sounds a little like a Catbird having a harsh lower throat squeal. Disregard the Noisy Friarbirds cackling in the background.

Looking up to a bare dead tree, always in the hope of seeing a raptor, this lone Dusky Woodswallow sat in the warmth of the Spring sun. It would occasionally go gliding, in a similar way to the Fairy Martin to catch insects on the fly.

While looking up at this little guy I saw gliding over a kilometer above a huge Wedge-tailed Eagle which I managed to get a few decent shots considering the distance away. These amazing birds with wingspans of 2.3 meters can soar on the thermals at a height of two kilometers and at one kilometer still see a mouse crawling on the ground below as its eye sight is eight times better at seeing detail than ours, with is binocular telescopic vision. This enables it not only to see its prey well, but target with precise accuracy (using triangulation like our eyes) within millimeters when it attacks. I know this for a fact having had one take a very small amount of meat from my hand without touching me at a wild bird show, and boy they are heavy when they land on your arm. They can lift a 5 kilogram animal, a young lamb, young kangaroo, snakes. lizards, ferule cats, foxes, rodents and road kill.

When a bird has its eyes set in the front of its face such as we have, similar to other raptors, Kingfishers and Kookaburras we all share binocular vision and with it the ability to triangulate which allows our brains to determine with accuracy the estimated distance away we are to an object. If you have eyes at the side of the head or only one working eye, the brain is unable to do this with any accuracy. Compare the eye placement of these birds below. Notice the eyes of the Eastern Rosella are on the side of the head, like most birds, unlike the Eagles and other birds of prey, I sighted this pair of Eastern Rosella being attacked by an aggressive Noisy Miner further down the road.

Wedge-tailed Eagle binocular vision

Eastern Rosella eye on side of head

I have previously shared about the aggressive and fearless nature of this bird and how it guards its territory from other Honeyeaters and predators. I have seen Noisy Miners chase away Eagles (which can eat them), cats and dogs (which can also eat them), even people. Their relentless attacks and bites with rapid return, often in a noisy group of between 2 and 6 birds is no feat for a single bird, though Kookaburras sit and take it till they give up while larger more aggressive Red Wattlebirds will retaliate. The Eastern Rosella pair for life, and are under attack because they eat nectar blossom also as part of their diet, which the Noisy Miner want to keep to themselves, particularly in this time of drought.

Noisy miner in position, I can see it looming

watching the Noisy Miner out of my left eye

Noisy miner attacks

Eastern Rosella recoil

Eastern Rosella post attack

the colourful undercarriage

Nearby I could hear a zitting sound which resembled what I knew to be that of a Flycatcher, as I had seen them around this area on previous visits, and yes it was a pair of Restless Flycatcher. At first I only saw a Willie Wagtail and thought it strange to be making this sound as it is a kind of flycatcher also, and looks similar, but then I saw the pair making their zitting noise which you can hear here:

Restless Flycatcher

Restless Flycatcher pair

Restless Flycatcher

Willie Wagtail

A small flock of Straw-necked Ibis grazed on a nearby cow paddock, this one is just coming into breeding as it starts to develop its long neck plumes and iridescent body plume sheen.

I came to a place where I heard a lovely bird call with which I was not familiar, but had heard on previous occasions. I looked and looked for about half an hour as it called from within a deep dark eucalypt tree cluster by the road. I prayed and asked God to let me view it, as I had spent too much time in pursuit and then it made an appearance for two seconds and was able to get this one shot off. It was a Grey Shrike-thrush which are known for their lovely variable song. Thank you Lord! It is in the not knowing what it was that kept me there, in case it might have been a lifer.

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

My meditation for the day came from my challenging experience when I finally arrived after much driving at the gate of Capertee National Park, which is a locked up park, to protect the nesting area of the endangered Regent Honeyeater, along the banks of the Capertee River.

Sadly, the entrance code I had was not the current one, and because I was out of phone range, deep in the forest, and the caretaker was miles away inside the park, I could only wait for a while hoping someone would arrive, but no one did. So I turned around and drove home, the positive side being I arrived home in good time to shop and cook dinner for my wife. I was thankful for the many birds I saw and this incident reminded me of the words of Jesus when he said: I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. – John 10:9 (NIV)

Without the correct entry code one can not enter this portion of the park and see the wonders within. You may remember the long pursuit my wife and I had trying to see these birds in the wild and how my first sighting of an unbanded bird was several miles up this road behind this gate. Just as this was the treasure I hoped to see today, so this event reminded me that Jesus has a treasure much more wonderful which will last forever for those who put their trust in him. Jesus had blazed the trial for me so that I and anyone can discover the true meaning of life. It is through him that we enter into God’s goodness and mercy and experience the freedom and peace of total forgiveness for our sinful selfish nature. With this comes the blessing of a personal relationship with God, so you are never alone or ever abandoned because he loves us and always will, and gives his Spirit to comfort and guide us through life. God’s beautiful life exchange, the free gift of Jesus’ sinless life for our sinful, is expressed in a nutshell: God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. – 2 Corinthians 5:21

Have a wonderful week and weekend! Our prayers go to the many suffering Hurricanes floods, heatwaves, earthquakes and extreme bush fires in many parts of the world. In these turbulent Last Days where many are fearful and have no hope or foundation for their lives, there is hope and peace through faith in Jesus who rightly said even before he was raised from the dead: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

We are experiencing extreme drought, facing another extreme hot Summer and water shortages. It is time for us all turn to the One who can help and pray and repent on behalf of our nations that are abandoning the same One who can truly help. There is hope and it is offered freely in Jesus words: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.”

For those interested: My second book is almost past its first editorial phase and I have begun to write a better second edition of the my first book, as the first edition is almost sold out of print and demand for it continues. The second edition will have more features and birds and will be an educational tool which I hope will be embraced by schools and family counselors. I am thankful for this break in my professional career to be given the opportunity to leave this legacy.

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.

Swamp Harrier aged

On a warm winters day there is nothing better than a walk, especially to a location not yet explored. I had read sightings of unexpected bird species at Cape Banks in the Sydney area. I had never been to Cape Banks during my time living in Sydney, and the sightings of juvenile Pacific Gull and Kelp Gull were an interesting enticement. Cape Banks is the southern point at the mouth of the Georges River better known as Botany Bay, famous for the landing of Lieutenant James Cook with his ‘HMS Bark Endeavor’ in 1770 at Kurnell near this terminal pictured below. This is all part of Botany Bay National Park. Click on photos to enlarge them.

Entrance to Cape Banks

Kamay Botany Bay NP northern mouth

Cape Banks

Looking into Botany Bay

We know him as Captain Cook, which should have been his title but was held from him because he was not of the English gentry or trained in their class system, but despite this fact, became the world’s finest navigator and cartographer. The appointment of officers within this class system resulted in many thousands of unfortunate losses of lives during English history, including Australians in the First World War. Though Cook did the work of a Captain he was precluded the title till many years later. Joseph Banks (whom the cape is named after) was the botanist on his voyage who gave English names to many of the species of plants observed on the voyage. The first sighting that travelers see when approaching Sydney airport by air is the rugged tall sandstone cliffs of Botany Bay NP and The Royal NP.

The unusual sandstone rock formations seen along this coastline are also a feature here adding to the natural beauty of the place. But sadly there are the residual signs of past disaster as the rusting wreck of the SS Minmi lies on the rocks. It was a coal carrying steamship which traveled back and forth from Newcastle to Melbourne, named after the coal mining town in Newcastle, Minmi where my eldest son use to live. Thankfully only one life was lost by heart attack and the many crew were safely brought to shore, as the army barracks nearby came to their assistance on hearing the steam expulsions of the boiler as it broke up on the rocks at night. There was a line of cars parked 4 mile long as thousands came from the Sydney area to see it, damaging the NSW Golf Course as they walked in.

It was also delightful to see some of the wildflowers of our earlier than usual Spring on the sandstone cape.

By now some of you are asking: “Hey aussiebirder! What about the birds, did you see any birds?!”

Well I did not see as many as I had hoped, though this is always a birders prospect, but yes, I did enjoy some quality sightings. As I came along the track I was greeted by the sounds and occasional sighting of many Superb Fairy-Wren mostly appearing to still be in eclipse, but soon to be reverting back to their beautiful blue breeding plumage as Spring ensures. The female has the red eye ring and a lighter blue tail. The scrubby coastal bush is ideal habitat for these tiny insectivorous birds.

As I stepped off the footbridge connecting to Cape Banks headland, I spotted this Australasian Pipit. These are interesting birds to watch, and are seen in several places on the sandstone platforms of this National Park. They have a darting motion as they forage for insects and seeds, and will take flight easily if they see you coming.

Looking out to the beautiful calm blue sea I saw one lone Humpback Whale making its way up the coast. Most of its relatives are already up north in the warmer waters of the Hervey Bay area, mating and having their young. This late arrival was continually slapping its tail, for over an hour, barely moving forward. It is not known with any definitive truth as to the purpose of the tail-slap. It may be communicating to the nearby boat to stay away, or attempting to locate other whales in the vicinity, or some believe it may be a feeding technique, but this is very dubious. As I watched the whale I noticed a lone Australasian Gannet cruising nearby. This is a bird seldom seen this close to the shoreline, though both whale and Gannet were a considerable distance out to sea.

Humpback Whale tail-slap

whale and Gannet

Australasian Gannet

One of the enticements that led me to Cape Banks suddenly appeared flying over the Cape, a pair of juvenile Pacific Gull. These birds are not normally found this far north, though we do see juvenile Kelp Gull from time to time which I have posted in the past. The Pacific Gull is found mostly in Victoria and Tasmania and is our largest Gull.

This is what these youngsters will look like when they mature. Notice the red lipstick lips. The Pacific Gull has both top and bottom lips red and the Kelp Gull only the bottom lip.

Not seeing many other birds I began to make my way back and noticed that one of the holes of the NSW Golf course which was integrated into this Reserve was over a deep chasm. So I watched as experienced golfers landed the ball. I have traced one for you. They had transverse the chasm along a footbridge onto the cape to this one tee off point and hit it back over the chasm to the green on the other side.

Just as I was almost near my car to leave, the Lord provided me with one last gift of what appeared to be an aged Swamp Harrier which flew directly over in good sunlight, what a beautiful bird! Of course this became my feature photo at the commencement of this post. We don’t see many Swampies on the coast, though I have seen one not far from here in Botany Bay over a year ago. This brought a satisfying finish to my warm Winter walk, and the delight of having ventured into new birding territory where I will soon return with my wife for a picnic.

Swamp Harrier

Finally, as I leave this beautiful place having taken in its natural and historical significance, my meditation, as I viewed the many interesting and beautiful rock formations in the sandstone, was to consider the following. As a male in particular, I generally by nature am a problem solver and tend to be more Left-brained analytical, wanting to try and work the HOW, WHEN and WHY these sandstone formations occurred, rather than just allow myself to enjoy and appreciate the beauty and artistic design of the rockface, which is using more of my Right-Brainsidedness. As I learn to take time to employ Mindful Moments in my life. By deliberately doing this, I also learn to balance my life in a healthier way as God intended. Sometimes I just need to appreciate what I see or hear or smell or touch rather than try and work it out as if it were something necessary to do. Generally, it is only my ego that needs to do this, which has sadly placed many men, including myself in the past, into workaholic mode to miss the point of it all. Instead of seeing and appreciating a beautiful rock formation and giving thanks for its Intelligent Design, one may feel the intense urge to postulate theories and possible ways it came into being. “Stop and Smell the Roses!” is a very timely saying in a very stressful over busy modern life. When I was first told this by a counselor I thought ‘What a silly thing to say!’, but now years later, having become a counselor myself and journeyed through burn out and experienced tragedy and several miracle healings at God’s hand, I try to be all the more mindful to be mindful of each life experience, whether it be a cool gentle breeze or the warmth of Winter sun on my back or the melody of a bird’s song. An Attitude of Gratitude and a thankful joyous spirit has now scientifically been shown to bring health and longevity to one’s being. So relax, be at peace, enjoy and be thankful in the precious moment that you have, for when it is over it is gone forever, but if it is pleasant memory it will continue to bless you on your Journey.

“Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them.” – Psalm 111:2

“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” – Psalm 9:1

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalm 104:24

Have a wonderful restful and enjoyable weekend appreciating your beautiful birds and getting out to enjoy the beautiful places they habitate and have a Mindful Moment!

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.

One of the exciting delights about holidaying in other states of Australia, or any other country in the world, is the different bird and animal wildlife one encounters. This week we highlight some of the birds common to Far North Queensland but not found, or very rarely found here in Sydney NSW. Above one of our favorite birds we love to see up there is the Comb Crested Jacana or Jesus Bird as some know it, because it appears to walk on water, but actually lily pads in reality. This tiny bird is easily missed unless the rained eye is looking for them, though the red comb gives them away at times.

There long toes and light weight enable them to transverse water lilies with little effort, with short flights across distant pads. These birds are rarely seen in southern Australia, but were common many years ago in northern NSW but increasing population and habitat destruction has kept them up north. These birds do not like being near noisy people. Watch this short movie clip of a Jacana foraging on the water lilies for insects.

If you are up in the Cairns area, the Cattana Wetlands is a great place to see these birds, and is a local council success story to form sustainable wetlands areas, which many Australian local councils have cottoned onto as a great tourist drawing and local recreation area.

The other very shy and rarely seen bird found with the Jacana, is the Green Pygmy-Goose. Here is the male and female and a small family, not pleased with our presence. The bird appearing to be a female is most likely an immature male tagging behind its dad, doing what typically hungry young birds do, repetitively calling and bobbing their heads up and down, but dad attempts to escape. As you know the immature males look similar to the female until they gain their mature plumage which gives them their breeding licence.

Green Pygmy-Goose male

Green Pygmy-Goose female/immature male

Green Pygmy-Goose male followed by ? youngster

taking off

Another bird which was more common here years ago but is seldom seen is the Magpie Goose, which is not technically a goose at all, but has its own peculiar classification. Many were killed for food, but thankfully they are protected and breed well in the wet tropics.

Magpie Goose

Walking along the Cairns Everglades boardwalk, which every birds in Cairns knows to do, just two hours before high tide, we saw this dark morph Eastern Reef Egret, a bird we never see in Sydney. We also saw what appeared to be the light morph nearby, though it could be an Intermediate as its legs appear more slender.

Back at Palm Cove where we did our daily bird walks through the local rainforest and well kept parks we saw several very commonly seen honeyeaters. The most common being the beautiful tiny Olive-backed Sunbird which is Australia’s closest version of Hummingbird. The mail has a brilliant metallic blue throat, and both have bright yellow under parts.

male Sunbird

female Sunbird eating nectar

We watched this female Sunbird collect spider’s web to make her nest. They make a pocket or sock nest that is entirely held together with spider’s web.

The other two honeyeaters not so commonly seen were the Dusky and the Yellow which describes them by colour. As you can see above the flowering Mistletoe provides good nectar for most birds during this winter period, as it does down south. Notice the long curved beak of the honeyeaters for accessing deep into the tubular flowers such as the mistletoe.

Dusky Honeyeater

Yellow Honeyeater

Of course with the flowering Mistletoe comes the Mistletoebird which are also found in large numbers in the tropics. The brilliant red of the male stands out in the green tree. The female was quite shy and only one shot of her, she lacks the red on upper body. The last of this photo set is a favourite of mine with the male next to a red leaf.

male

female

my favorite

The male and female Varied Triller is another bird not seen in out area. The male has the white chest and the female the striped., which is the case in the NE race leucomela.

A bird often heard calling from the canopy of fig trees was the Helmeted Friarbird which was just as noisy as its cousin the Noisy Friarbird, which we see from time to time down south. Notice the lovely almost low pile carpet light cap. We were blessed to see them out in the sunlight drinking from the gutter of a home near the park. They appeared to be a small family flock.

The Spangled Drongo would often join them feeding in the fig trees. These birds look brilliant in the sunlight with their blue sheen plumage, red eye ans classic tail shape which instantly identifies them.

There is always a special bird corridor spot on any birdwalk where you always want to go to and look and stand and wait for something to come along and the footbridge crossing the creek which led through the rainforest into the housing estate was our special spot. Along the creek my wife caught sight of the Orange-footed Scrubfowl which is endemic to northern Australia. We saw the bird in several other places also, scratching and foraging similar to the Lyrebird which is not found this far north. You know they are around as dawn and sunset they make their loud raucous blood curdling call.

But our most wonderful find here on the footbridge one morning and a wonderful gift to us, especially my wife, was this young Little Kingfisher. These birds are shy at the best of times but also very difficult to film as they usually are seen in rainforest only along rivers, such as the Daintree River where I got my first photos years ago, from a boat. This little fellow sat preening and just resting as we quietly observed. We were so delighted. I did not include the preening footage, but this shows its body bouncing as it moves its head.

This is Australia’s smallest Kingfisher, smaller than even the tiny Azure and again is endemic to northern Australia.

This footbridge across the creek through the rainforest each day gave us different and interesting birds, so it drew us back each day of our time in Palm Cove to be part of each walk. It crossed us over from the resort part of town to the residential area, a clear and noticeable change.

We cross many bridges in life’s journey, transitioning us from one season to another. The notable point being that we are transitioned to change. This occurs most frequently in times of grief and loss as well as in times of blessing and new beginnings (inheritance, job, partner, baby etc). Our acceptance and understanding of the transition will affect how we adjust to the change. As my wife and I discovered new revelations on this footbridge each day, so we have been blessed also with me being jobless at the same time as I discovered my heart problem and transitioned to a new season of lifestyle. During this time wrote a book, as I did on a previous transition some years ago, and many of you have purchased my book. The second deals more deeply with life using the birds to make it less confronting and more delightful to digest. However, I must patiently wait, which is difficult for me, and allow the editing and medical processes to take place, accepting it all as part of what must take place to bring us into our next season. King David of old recounts the blessedness of trusting and resting in God to take him over the many positive and negative life bridges he experienced in his very colorful and turbulent life journey.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23: 1-4 (NIV)

Have a wonderful restful and satisfying weekend enjoying the birds and getting out and about in the fresh air!

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.

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 course 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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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.

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.

“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!

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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.

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…

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

“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.

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This is their young 1st year Cattle Egret from the previous breeding season, note dark remaining markings on beak and neck.

The highlight of our visit was also to see the small flock of the very shy Yellow-billed Spoonbill of which we saw two grazing with a couple of Royal Spoonbill some distance across the lake.

There was some commotion in a nearby eucalypt tree when this tiny White-plumed Honeyeater was attacking a lone much larger Noisy Friarbird. Honeyeaters can be aggressive when competing for nectar, but in this case it may be that their is a nest nearby to protect.

We later got much better shots of the Noisy Friarbird feeding on eucalypt blossom.

We did not see many Egrets there this visit as we usually see many, they and many other birds flew off when they sighted the Black-shouldered Kite hovering overhead. It was a treat watching it hover over its prey and slowly drop down to lower levels of hover.

Sadly my video was too jerky for viewing, so I have added a previous clip.

We of course saw the usual White-faced Heron, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, White-necked Heron and Laughing Kookaburra, all one their own.

There were sleeping Australian Pelican and Grey Teal in their flock groups, with sleeping Roayal Spoonbill among them.

“And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

“For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NET)

Have a wonderful week, whatever you do live a long and enjoyable life by adopting an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’.

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We are moving through our state’s driest and warmest Spring on record, with out of control bushfires raging already, water shortages due to extended drought conditions and gale force winds in the last few days with no rain relief in sight. Massive seas have beaten the coast as can be seen below.

It was interesting also that this year no immature Godwits stayed behind, they all flew north. Braving the very cold strong winds yesterday I found a lone Pied Oystercatcher on the mudflats.

Moving to my next stop, which is hidden behind mangroves, and often gives me choice views as very few birders ever go there, again I find one lone Eastern Curlew, but this one is a younger one.

This Galah was grazing on clover on the grass nearby, as the wind blew up his beautiful head comb.

The interesting muse concerning this Pelican was that soon after it had escaped with its life it went back and landed in the same place again, with facing away from the wave and in front of it.

Jesus replied, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6 (NET)

“Today I invoke heaven and earth as a witness against you that I have set life and death, blessing and curse, before you. Therefore choose life so that you and your descendants may live!” – Deuteronomy 30:19 (NET)

Go to my BirdBook page here to view more info and reviews. This is a unique book which is non religious and is a family counseling book targeting 8 years and older, using the birds as a teaching tool.

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Just before leaving this Noisy Friarbird appeared briefly, but was unusually quiet, which can be the case when they are alone.

Further along the road as I crossed over the Capertee River I was mesmerized by a flock Fairy Martins flying in circuits over the remaining pools of water beneath the casuarina trees. I managed to fire off some almost decent flight shots of these amazing birds as they started flying around me.

Here is a sound file to give you an idea of their language, it sounds a little like a Catbird having a harsh lower throat squeal. Disregard the Noisy Friarbirds cackling in the background.

Looking up to a bare dead tree, always in the hope of seeing a raptor, this lone Dusky Woodswallow sat in the warmth of the Spring sun. It would occasionally go gliding, in a similar way to the Fairy Martin to catch insects on the fly.

A small flock of Straw-necked Ibis grazed on a nearby cow paddock, this one is just coming into breeding as it starts to develop its long neck plumes and iridescent body plume sheen.

My meditation for the day came from my challenging experience when I finally arrived after much driving at the gate of Capertee National Park, which is a locked up park, to protect the nesting area of the endangered Regent Honeyeater, along the banks of the Capertee River.

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It was also delightful to see some of the wildflowers of our earlier than usual Spring on the sandstone cape.

By now some of you are asking: “Hey aussiebirder! What about the birds, did you see any birds?!”

This is what these youngsters will look like when they mature. Notice the red lipstick lips. The Pacific Gull has both top and bottom lips red and the Kelp Gull only the bottom lip.

“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**