As Autumn begins, my favorite migratory wader, the Bar-tailed Godwit begins to show signs of breeding plumage as males begin to orange up and the females start to show dark chevron markings on their underside. They have begun a daily gorging frenzy at low tide to fatten themselves up in preparation for the long 16,000 km journey back to Alaska where they will have their next clutch.

Young Godwits during our 2017 Winter chose to miss a year or two of migration to mature.

Many of the young ones that returned last year will stay a year or two through our Winter months to mature, before taking the journey to Alaska. Above is a male in breeding plumage carrying a crab, escaping from a Silver Gull in pursuit. He eventually eludes his pursuer, allowing him to enjoy his find. The female is larger than the male and has a slightly longer beak. The photo below was taken in Spring shortly after their migration to Australia.

To understand why this bird has my heartfelt appreciation you need to understand the nature of its yearly journey back and forth from top to bottom of our planet. In a Godwit’s lifetime it will have traveled the distance from the earth to the moon two and a half times.

This remarkable bird is featured in my book “What Birds Teach Us” for its endurant character, which is an encouragement to us humans, who are often tempted to give up too soon, before completing what can be sometimes a very difficult time in our lives. We need to press on till we achieve our goal and enjoy the delight and satisfaction that achievement brings, even if it is not all we thought it would be, savor sweet success.

As they fly they form their single file flying order

It is interesting that unlike geese, ibis and ducks, Godwits fly single file and not in formation, which makes the journey even more difficult. However, they are the 9th highest flying bird in the world flying above in the thermals of about 6,000 meters (20,000 ft) which assists their flight considerably.

Established flight is single file led by the alpha male.

So a visit to my usual wader viewing beach at low tide, the mud flats of the Georges River in southern Sydney, where the same waders return every year to forage, shows the males are already well into breeding plumage. Note the last photo in the series below showing the chevrons on the body of a female depicting the early stages of breeding plumage. Click on photos to enlarge them. This is what I saw…

This little guy seemed smaller than the others as you can see when compared with this Silver Gull.

A few days later I was able to catch these shots on a sunny day before sunset, catching the westerly perspective of light, highlighting the plumage colour change so much better. It is sad in a way as I know in a few weeks they will be gone from the beach and only a small flock of youngsters will remain. At least they will see me through the Winter till the rest return.

Male

Female

It was also interesting to find a lone Eastern Curlew starting to show similar signs of breeding plumage. This is the largest of our migratory waders and sports a breeding plumage of a mild rufous coloring which is noticeable on this bird. These birds will also do their migratory flight soon to Russia and northern China. Sadly Curlews have a great dread of humans and will not allow you to get anywhere near them. So many have been killed for food in Asian countries on their migration journeys is it any wonder.

Then their is our non migratory wader the White-faced Heron who will be daily found on the same mud flats all year round except while breeding, where it will fly inland to nest high in a tree. This bird is non breeding.

During late August onward it will begin displaying breeding plumage similar to examples below.

White-faced Heron with breeding plumage

Of course there are many other migratory and non migratory waders we see, but these are the only ones I found on this visit which have the most stunning transformations.

It is interesting how this Silver Gull was trying to fit in with the Godwits, but realised he lacked the equipment to penetrate the wet sand to achieve what they were achieving so easily. Notice the middle Godwit looking with interest out of the corner of his right eye, while the gull stands alongside the female Godwit which is in the process of extracting a crustacean from beneath.

Each of us need to feel accepted and loved as a member of a family, community or social gathering, and we succeed in being an authentic member if we can contribute in a meaningful and productive way. With birds the design and shape of the beak or bill is essential for the foraging of their specific food types. The Silver Gull can eat the same food as the Godwit, but must use a different method to do it, such as chasing the crabs on the wet sand, as seen in the following clip..

We are each gifted with different abilities, being equipped with skill sets from different backgrounds. It is not in the copying or imitating of another that makes one an authentic contributor, but the sharing of one’s personal attributes and skills to complement and strengthen the community or family. In this way we should never consider ourselves inferior or lesser than others because we can not do what they do, the way they do it. Examining ourselves to determine where our strengths and weaknesses lie can help us work at doing better the things we do best, and also to be humble and wise enough to know our limitations, thus feeling free to ask for help and assistance when the need arises. That is the underlying strength of good family and community. It is based on love: I give my best of what I can contribute, trusting that you will do your best to return the same commitment in your different but needed contribution to me.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10 (NIV)

^“Keep out of debt altogether, except the perpetual debt of love which we owe to one another. The man who loves his neighbour has obeyed the whole Law in regard to his neighbour. ” – Romans 13:10

In the Christian Bible in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the human body as an example of how a loving caring sharing community works as God intended.

Have a very enjoyable week as you watch several bird species and bird numbers change for the approaching season. If this is your first visit to my blog please check out my website Home-Page for more birding tips and healthy life skills.

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.

Juvenile Rainbow Bee-eater

Last weekend, my wife and I drove to the Hunter Valley Wine Region for our wedding anniversary, where we not only enjoyed beautiful valley views, fine food, tasting luscious wines, but of course as per usual, birding was included. Click on photos to enlarge.

aussiebirder ready to bird

View from our accommodation.

Nearby was the Werakata National Park, one of the feeding areas of the rare and endangered Regent Honeyeater, which my followers would know I have blogged in past posts. The Spotted Gum eucalypt trees were in flower which would have been ideal for them to feed, however we did not see any Regents on this occasion.

But we did see an unexpected family of another inland bird the beautiful Rainbow Bee-eater female with juveniles. The juveniles lack colour intensity, lack the throat band which has not yet formed and lack the tail streamers. This bird lives in hot arid areas and dry forests and spends the Summer months down here, flying back up to Far North Queensland during Winter, after the cyclones of the wet season. The females have two short tail streamers (see below) and the male has longer streamers.

adult female Bee-eater

Juvenile Bee-eater

To our delight as we walked to breakfast, we found a small flock of Musk Lorikeet feeding on the Spotted Gun flowers nearby our accommodation. This bird is found inland and is often difficult to photograph and well camouflaged as they are usually deep in the tree feeding. The blue head cap and the red head markings are usually all you can detect. This birds gets its name from the male which during breeding season emits a musky odour from an oil gland on its rump. This acts as a pheromone attracting females to mate.

Musk Lorikeet

Musk Lorikeet feeding

Musk Lorikeet

The Eastern Rosella is another inland bird checking the gum trees also. A beautiful but very shy bird.

Eastern Rosella

It was lovely to see several new season juvenile birds and hear their monotonous hunger chirps as the family try to feed them. This juvenile Noisy Miner was getting attention next to our room.

Adult Noisy Miner keeping watch

Juvenile Noisy MIner

One of the best treats for me coming here was to hear again the sound of the Pied Butcherbird, my favourite songbird, which I miss hearing from my years of living up the coast in country NSW. This bird is not found as far south as Sydney, but its cousin the Grey Butcherbird sings his beautiful song to me each morning as he drinks from our birdbath. Listen and watch as this bird’s morning chorus rings through the valley.

One hot afternoon while enjoying a swim in the pool, we heard a commotion in the nearby eucalypt tree as several Noisy Miners were being very noisy and appeared to be looking at something and scolding it in the tree. At first we all could not make it out, but my wife donned her binoculars and sighted the cause of the trouble, a young Lace Monitor was on a branch high in the tree in search for bird eggs. The Noisy Miners harassed him with noise but it was the brave and more brutal Blue-faced Honeyeater that dared to come close, causing the lizard to move away.

Lace Monitor

Blue-faced Honeyeater are another bird found mainly in northern NSW and also Queensland. As with other Australian honeyeaters competing for nectar, this bird is aggressive and often sports what appears to be an aggressive look which is in it’s favor for warding off adversaries.

Blue-faced Honeyeater feeding on eucalypt flowers

While we were enjoying coffee at the Chocolate Factory, we looked out to a distant paddock where my wife sighted a Wedge-tailed Eagle going to ground. It was a long way off and barely visible and spent several minutes down. I walked smartly to the car to retrieve my camera and returned waiting at the fence. Eventually it arose and flew toward me, almost over my head and then into the distance. It appeared to be carrying its prey under one talon, which on close observation appeared to be either a native possum or small fox.

This is Australia’s largest raptor sporting a wingspan of around 2.3 meters (7.5 feet), and it is always a buzz to see them since their numbers were decimated in the last 100 years due to the 5 shilling bounty on their heads. Hundreds of thousands were slaughtered needlessly. Farmers complained that they carried off lambs as prey. This is the most persecuted eagle in the world. Today there is a $8,000 fine and imprisonment in most states for killing this now protected bird as this bounty has since been lifted, and numbers are very slowly returning, but will never be as they were. The eagle can carry up to 5kg (11pds) prey which is heavier than its body weight of 3.5kg. We also spotted a Whistling Kite passing over silently.

Whistling Kite

On our visit to Hunter Valley Gardens which is the largest floral display in Australia, we were met by many Superb Fairy-wren families bobbing in and out of the beautiful and extensive rose gardens. As roses are introduced species and lack nectar, they do not attract native honeyeaters birds but only the tiny insectivorous Superb Fairy-wren. This bird is a small fast moving territorial bird found in many flower gardens and parks in eastern Australia. Some males were morphing into eclipse after the breeding season, and others were still donning their brilliant breeding plumage which looked spectacular in the sunshine when it came out. The female looks plain brown and has a reddish marking around her eyes.

The other bird we saw many of, but had a challenge to photograph, was the another insectivorous inland bird I posted recently, the Yellow Thornbill.

We enjoyed a wonderful anniversary celebration away in the vineyards, bringing home some very enjoyable wines. One of the vineyards, the Mistletoe Winery, appeared to have giants present though we did not see any on our visit, but she had left her shoes in the garden.

You might consider this above photo to be a trick with perspective, but no the shoes are as large as they appear, by simply observing the branch in the foreground. Yes, it is a sculpture, one of many at this winery. This sculpture reminded me that sometimes the truth can be right before my eyes, but because it does not line up with what I know and understand of it in my world, I may doubt its authenticity, and consider that someone has fiddled the foto and fiddled the facts to make a false observation appear like truth. In this age where deception, lack of trust and loss of integrity is on the increase, it reminds me that I need to be alert and wise to check out the details of boldly postulated assertions, particularly from minority groups, but ever increasingly from government and media. What is so called politically correct or currently socially acceptable may not be truth and therefore good or safe to enter into. With our looming elections in coming months I and all of us need to be able, as difficult as it has become, to discern who is telling the truth, and what the facts really are for the ongoing good of our families and community.

Jesus said: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd [alert, intelligent, astute, clever, observant, perceptive] as snakes and as innocent [not guilty of causing crime, offense or suffering] as doves.” – Matthew 10:16 (NIV with added meanings)

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” – 1 Corinthians 2:12

Enjoy your week as we eclipse into changing seasons, for some autumn and others spring. It is a time to be wise with our health as the temperatures change. It is also time in the next few weeks for our migratory waders to be on the move again, which I will be sharing more of in my next post.

If this is your first visit to my blog be sure to check out my birding website for more birding info and helpful hints for body mind and spirit. Enter into the refreshing mindfulness of birding, lower your stress levels, and live a healthy happy life.

NOTE: All photos, videos and music used on this website are photographed, composed, performed by the site owner and remains his copyrighted property, unless otherwise stated. The use of any material that is not original material of the site owner is duly acknowledged as such. © W. A. Hewson 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019.

The last few weeks I have been recovering from an illness which has limited my birding exploits. One area I have been discouraged this season is the shorebirds and waders, as numbers are reducing each year. We know that hundreds are perishing each year during their migratory journeys as humans interfere with their feeding grounds (filling in and developing wetlands for industry and housing), as well as snaring and killing them for food. This is occurring mainly in the Asian countries where these birds stop off for refueling to complete their amazing 12 – 16,000 km flight.

One Critically Endangered species, we are seeing less of each year is the Eastern Curlew (see above). Our largest migratory wader. Is it any wonder it is the shyest of waders, and will take flight when it sees a human moving towards it even at a great distance, sounding its classic alrm call as it goes. This beautifully patterned bird is a delight to capture with camera. The camera is the modern rifle for notching up captures or kills, and our photos are now our trophies, and ‘no animals were harmed in the making of this film.’

How beautiful are these birds. I make my usual viewing visits at low tide to nearby Taren Point Shorebird Reserve on the banks of the huge Georges River which flows into Botany Bay. These mud flats are a rich source of crustacean food for these birds using their long probe-like beaks to penetrate into the wet sand below. Click on photos to enlarge them.

The other reason I have been slack with posting waders this season is the tides, and my ability to catch the low tide when I am not working, they do not often align, so I have to make the most of my days off. The other commonly seen migratory wader in reduced numbers on our river banks this year is the Bar-tailed Godwit. The small flocks are reduced to several pairs.

Bar-tailed Godwit curious

Bar-tailed Godwit

Youngster

Bar-tailed Godwit

Bar-tailed Godwit in flight

Bar-tailed Godwits in flight

I also use to see occasional Grey-tailed Tattler, but saw none, but did see this uncommonly seen Whimbrel smaller than the Curlew in size and beak.

One common shorebird is always the Grey-faced Heron…

Grey-faced Heron

Both the Sooty and the Australian Pied Oystercatcher are seen from time to time, either resting on the beach or prying rock oysters in the river banks.

It was interesting watching this scene play out between a flock of Silver Gull (Seagull) and a flock of Pied Oystercatcher (rarely seen in this number). At first the Silver Gull were resting on the shore and then small numbers of Pied Oystercatcher began gathering nearby. Initially one lone Pied Oystercatcher was sent packing back to his flock…

Gathering the troops the flock of more dominant Pied Oystercatcher marched on the gulls and placed themselves right next to them. No scuffles broke out.

Marching on the gulls

More troops arrive

taking control

Some of the Pied scouts discovered fresh water flowing from a storm water drain onto the beach, which attracted the attention of many other birds on the beach, including an immature Silver Gull which felt somewhat outnumbered and alone.

scouting team discover fresh water

fresh water and an immature gull

Pied Oystercatcher drinking fresh water from storm water outflow

Of course we can’t leave out the Australian Pelican, an often seen inhabitant on the river. It is a delight to see them gliding so gracefully, sometimes circling to very great heights, One strange position is seen in a photo below with bill pointed upward, not quite sure what that was about, maybe something was caught in its throat…

Speaking of gliding, on the North Easter which blows cool air off the ocean each Summer afternoon (thank God!) I saw this flock of Silver Gull just hanging in formation for long periods in the strong breeze without moving, it was almost a spiritual experience…

Gulls gliding on NEaster

The expression on this gull caught my attention and became a favorite of mine…

I moved to another position behind the mangroves and heard noisy cries of what I knew to be Little Terns. They were a fair way out with the tide so I had to wait till I got home to interpret what was happening. It appears a Little tern was being harassed by an immature Crested Tern, trying to steal its freshly caught fish, which it wanted to feed its babies waiting on the beach.

The Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill and Masked Lapwing, are also birds seen here on the river banks from time to time.

Royal Spoonbills WORKING

Masked Lapwing

I am thankful that I managed to see all of the above during the last couple of months of severe weather, unsuitable tides and persisting illness. Wader numbers appear on the decrease, as fewer return from migration to forage the same beach areas each summer. Nothing stays the same.

Each of the above birds have been equipped with beaks and bodies that allow them to extract a particular kind of food from the river and shoreline. Each bird obediently observes and follows the parent as it learns how to forage for itself, and master to tools God has equipped it with. Each different kind of bird is in a parallel and not an evolutionary series of progression. This is obvious to anyone who studies biological science, and follows the latest in neurological studies in birds and their behaviour. As the Bible says God created each after its own kind and just as we see here on the riverbank they share the same area and forage together according to their kind. The facts are right before our eyes. Modernists and charlatans try their hardest to convince the world of a no God world view but it does not answer the questions of life or the purpose thereof nor give a viable or believable substitute.

“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:21

“He created them male and female and blessed them.” – Genesis 5:2

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ” – Psalm 139: 13-14 I suggest reading the whole of Psalm 139.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week, and enjoy the birds!

Check out the rest of my website from my HomePage

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.

Recently I did my yearly visit to Lake Wollumboola on the south coast of NSW. It is well known as a breeding place for shore birds, some of which are endangered including Little Tern, Hooded Plover and Pied Oystercatcher. Because these birds nest on the sandy beaches which humans use for recreation (including 4WD vehicles) many nests are destroyed being threatening each year with a reduction in fledglings. It remains incredulous that even National Parks allow large vehicles to tear up the pristine beaches which are supposed to protect many of these nesting birds, but thankfully conservation is occurring here at Wollumboola, with fenced off areas for breeding to occur. Click on photos to enlarge them.

As you can see the drought has taken its toll on the lake, reducing water volume and purity, as well as bird numbers. I only sighted one nesting Little Tern on my visit, faithfully sitting near a number 8 sign, which may mark this nesting as the eighth for the season. It sat alone on the large sand flat which use to be surrounded by water.

Little Tern nesting alone

barren sand by lake

Little Tern nesting alone

The Little Tern is smaller and much less common than the Crested Tern seen all along our east coast. It has a black mark which runs across to its eye. When breeding, as these ones are, their bill turns from dark to yellow, similar to that of the Crested Tern. It was very interesting to watch this adult Little Tern wait on the shore alone for some time, to finally be greeted with another adult carrying a small fish which it gives to the other to eat. This is a Tern courting ritual whereby the male catches a fish and plants it in front of a desirable female. If she eats it, he delights and they mate. If she refuses it he takes it to his next choice, and so it continues till he finds a bride. Interesting enough it was just past the normal breeding season for these birds, so maybe it was a late courting or just a loving gesture.

Females proceeds to eat fish, male looks very pleased.

Because the lake has withdrawn such a large distance, I did not try to seek out other nesting areas. But beside the large flock of Crested Tern, Great Cormorants, Australian Pelicans, Australian Black Swan, Royal Spoonbill and Australian Raven were sighted around the lake. A Beach Stone Curlew had been sighted here but as I came in the late morning, there was no chance of sighting this rare night forager, which others had also came searching unsuccessfully for.

Resting Cormorants and Terns

Crested Tern flock from distance

Pelican and Black Swan

Great Cormorant

Most of my attention now turns to the Terns. The Crested Tern, which gets it name from the black crest on its head. I shared in last weeks post how we can tell the difference between breeding and non breeding. In the safety of the flock stood many immature birds from last seasons fledglings. They stand out by their dark speckled plumage, lacking the smooth grey of the adult. Most breeding has finished for these birds. Here you see the youngsters copying and learning from the parent, from observation and humble obedience.

adult with juvenile

parents and their young

the crest is seen clearly here

adult shows affection to juvenile

As many of us parents know it can be quite a challenge to keep always hungry children from wining and it is no different for the bird community as you can see from this jerky clip (the wind was quite strong on the heavy lens).

One particular parent was really getting upset with this youngster as you will see. Many shore and water birds bob up and down with their head lowered to get attention.

Finally after a scolding they all settle together for a rest, how cute.

Finally, father returns with food for the hungry tummies.

It was lovely observing the constant flying to and fro from the lake with small fish for the young, sometimes several at a time. Here I trace the journey of the parent Crested Tern as it seeks out its youngster to feed it. You will notice the fish changes position in the birds mouth, this is because I saw so many return but only kept best shots, so it is not the same bird in each instance.

The Terns have a huge wing extension which assists in their amazing ability to dive from a height at great speed into the water, swimming deeply to retrieve their catch and emerge quickly. Unfortunately they were not fishing close enough for me to photograph.

It was sad to see a young man with children test piloting his new drone over the protected area governed by National Parks. This is now illegal and he really needed to be playing with his children and giving them his time rather then selfishly playing with his own toy, which could be a threat to the birds.

Finally our message comes from the birds…

It is good to start the year focused on the things that matter. As Stephen Covey was quoted saying ” The main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing.” So it is with parenting, children want parents more than toys or electronic gear. They need emotional, social and physical interaction and support. Children need to know and feel that they are loved and accepted for who they are. many children suffer for the lack of the same, far into adult life, becoming baggage for all future relationships. Children gain their sense of personal esteem and value from the parent, especially from the father, by how the parent encourages and speaks with them. Just spending time, playing and doing homework with them and attending their school and sport functions speaks louder than any toy you could hand them to passify their need of YOU.

A daily hug and ‘I love you’ is so precious to the heart of a child, as they are sponges for emotional security. Words which build them up, and don’t ever tear them down, both types of word are carried for a lifetime as either blessings or curses from the parent, effecting the child’s future life and even their children to come. So it is said, One good turn deserves another. The very best turn we can do for our children is to love them unconditionally without expectations and to to love their mum/dad. The love you show your wife/husband will reflect in the peace and security felt by the children, and will instruct and encourage them in the same attitude as a model for their life, and for finding a good partner themselves.

‘The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.’ – Proverbs 20:7

‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’ – Proverbs 22:6

‘Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.’ – Proverbs 29:17

‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.’ – Ephesians 4:2

Have a wonderful week and keep cool or warm depending on which part of the world you are in. Our hearts and prayers go out to the many in Townsville, Queensland who are suffering the worst floods and devastation ever. Many have suffered loss, and many birds also would have suffered also, having gathered around the Common lakes for water during the drought.

As yet I have received no comments on Cathy Sexton’s Pink Pied Currawong finding.

Check out the rest of my website from my HomePage

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.

Following our Australia Day holiday tradition, my wife and I set out early Monday morning to catch the ebb tide on Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, Collaroy (on Sydney’s northern beaches), to once again visit the waders of the rock platform, many of which migrate here each summer from the northern hemisphere. Sadly the day was overcast which detracted from clear colourful shots. The beautiful Pacific Golden Plover (see above) was displaying its magnificent plumage, which would have shone for us had the sun been out. However we launched out onto the massive wide slippery wet rock platform. By the way I will be sharing a pretty amazing and undocumented bird finding by one of my blog followers Cathy Sexton, make sure you do not miss it. Click here to visit page . Click on Photos to enlarge.

Our first sightings were of the usual small flocks of Silver Gull and Crested Tern, and the Pied Cormorant sharing the usual Cormorant rock with a Great Cormorant at the far end of the reef. But we were keeping our eyes peeled for much smaller reef runners which we did not see as yet.

The Crested Tern are the most commonly seen Tern on the east coast, within in the following small flock you will notice an immature with brown specked plumage, which serves as a protective camouflage from the air. You will also notice the difference in breeding (complete black crest) and non-breeding ( partial or spotted front of crest).

Crested Tern (non breeding)

Juvenile Crested Tern

Terns are beautiful in flight as well as when they land and extend their very long wings. It is a joy to watch them fishing as they dive to the water from great height, plunging beneath and rising with fish, but sadly they were only resting on the reef while it was low tide.

Where is he going in such a hurry!

But this was my favorite shot of the day.

Another favorite we always see here in good number is the Sooty Oystercatcher, endemic to coastal Australia breeding on offshore islands and headlands such as Long Reef. Like its cousin the Pied Oystercatcher, they are usually found in breeding pairs and small family groups. It uses its powerful beak to pry open shell fish.

Sooty Oystercatcher with Ruddy Turnstone

Watch the tide there Sooty!

Sooty Oystercatcher

A breeding pair

Sooty resting

As we slowly moved to the centre of the reef we started seeing the amazing tiny Red-necked Stint, which gets its name from the red neck it develops during breeding plumage across the other side of the world in Siberia and Alaska where i spends our Winter. It returns each year to the same reef to feed, with its young and without its red neck. These fast moving reef runners as I call them, are extremely timid of humans, and photos usually have to be taken from some distance away, which is challenging to focus on such tiny birds.

juvenile stint

adult non-breeding

We also saw foraging in perfect peace with the other foragers , a small family flock of Ruddy Turnstones, another migrant here for the Summer, breeding on the coasts of northern hemisphere countries. which always look spectacular in flight. While it is difficult to turn stones on a solid sandstone reef, they have no trouble foraging for aquatic crustaceans and insects.

Sooty Oystercatcher with Ruddy Turnstone

Of course the Pacific Golden Plover was present in breeding pairs, another Summer migrant escaping the cold of the arctic tundra of Alaska where it breeds during its warmer months.

We usually see a raptor of two passing over but not on this occasion, however we had an enjoyable time, and left in time for a lovely lunch with some friends.

It is interesting to reflect on the fact that we arrive at the reef exactly one year from our last visit to find the same birds (plus new young) revisited, having flown some 8 to 16,000km to the northern hemisphere and then the same distance returning back with a new family. The unknowing human just sees the same birds, as if they are always here, but come March-April they will be gone. Look how tiny these Red-necked Stints are, compared with this already small Golden Plover.

The yearly migration of so many birds is an amazing feat of endurance and determination, faced with dangers and difficulties. Many die in the process every year due to weather and even more as a result of humans reclaiming their feeding grounds for development. If these birds arrive at a feeding spot they have been using for thousands of years, and they do not get enough to eat to finish the journey, they fall exhausted into the ocean and die. Organisations such as Birdlife Australia and Birdlife International are constantly at work to save our waders, of which several are critically endangered, with less returning every year. Click on the above links and discover exactly what is causing the problem.

We can revisit people we know and meet, and like the migratory birds, we may not be aware of the difficulties and achievements they have had to deal with in their life to survive and prosper since the we last saw them. It is not till we take the time to hear their story that we realize there is so much more to each person. We can easily make judgments on the very little we think we know, and many do, including myself at times, only to discover we did not take the time or effort to uncover their story.

‘Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance’ – Proverbs 1:5

‘You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.’ – Psalm 10:17

‘Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.’ – Titus 3:1,2 (NIV)

A personal friend, Howard, shared this link showing how the Comb-crested Jacana (‘Jesus bird’ because it appears to walk on water) carries its young to safety. I featured these birds in post last year from Far North Queensland. Click here to view.

If this is your first visit, Welcome! and do not go without checking my website Homepage for more birding tips and links, as well as my book release. Have a wonderful week and stay cool through our extreme heatwaves and drought.

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

Satin Bowerbird juvenile

As the year begins, and following on from my post last week on Mindful Birding, it is an opportunity to review,and put into action these skills, particularly for those new to birding, the 5 Steps to Better Birding. You will learn how we spotted this rare sighting in an unexpected location, as I share how you can get the most satisfying birding experience. This will be especially helpful if you are a novice birdwatcher becoming a fully fledged birder. Click on photos to enlarge them.

Initially, before you start, it is important to decide what kind of birds you want to find, and best LOCATION where you are likely find them. Local and learnt knowledge is helpful as well as The Australian Bird Guide and Finding Australian Birds both obtainable from CSIRO Publishing.

These books will help locate where particular species of bird are found in Australia and what habitat you are most likely to find them in, Other factors may involve the time of day (low tide for viewing waders, or night time for owls), the time of year or season (for migratory species) and the current weather (very hot, very dry, very windy or very wet conditions can have a negative affect). Otherwise, many of us just do a pot luck bird walk through National Parks, Reserves and State Forests and be thankful for what we might see, often surprised when we find the unexpected bird or birding experience. For our example I will take my daughter and two grand children ( one pictured above) on a stroll through Oatley Park Reserve on a pot luck bird walk. Because many Australian birds are territorial and non migratory, you can usually predict what birds you are likely to see in any given location. The Bird Field Guide will help with the geographic location of each bird (where in which States) including any races (subspecies) that a particular specie may have.

1. Listen

My first instruction to my accompanying family is to quietly listen for bird calls as they walk along the bush track. Most of the time you will hear a bird before you see it. Australia has one of the largest number of songbirds, and many have a very distinctive call which identifies them immediately. One of the skills one gains from mindful listening is to identify each bird one hears from its call. The call can tell you where to look ( nearby or further on, in tree or on ground) as well as what the bird is actually doing at the time. There are Australian birds which are gifted with many different calls, and also the ability to learn and copy the calls of other birds. The Superb Lyrebird and Satin Bowerbird are but two good examples. Listen to this Lyrebird immitate at least 6 different birds, as well as make its own peculiar call.

Eventually, one can identify when mimicry is being displayed by a Lyrebird or other bird, by skillful listening. The greatest aid to the Australian birder is the Michael Morcombe eGuide iphone app. which I have listed on the BirdingInfoTips page of my website half way down the page under Helpful Birding Links. This app allows you to hear the calls of the different birds. Slowly move to where the bird call is loudest, stop moving if the bird stops calling, as it has probably seen you and become cautious, and LOOK for movement in the direction you last heard the call. This is a similar call to what we heard, and what drew us to discover the bird pictured above. We were drawn to a tree by the pond where we could here a strange buzzing sound which I knew from experience was a Satin Bowerbird call. You will need to turn your volume up to hear it.

Be aware that with some birds it will not be their call or song that will draw attention, but careful listening may detect bark being torn and stripped from trees (eg. Crested Shrike-tit, Eastern Whipbird and the Treecreepers), leaf litter being overturned (Logrunner, Whipbird, Bassian Thrush), scratching sounds (Lyrebird, Brush Turkey) or it may be the sound of crunching pine cones and falling debris from the Cockatoo and Parrot family.

One golden birding principle is that ‘If you wait (sitting quietly is best) the birds will come to you.’ Mixed Feeding Flocks (MFFs) are constantly moving through areas of forest and field, and many territorial birds (non flock birds) will also do a circuit and return through the same area several times a day.

You will know the birds arrive by the many birds twittering as they feed and communicate with each other. Our birds are able to learn to communicate in the dialects of bird species other than their own, thus MFFs are common with smaller insectivorous and seed eating birds, and brings the advantages of safety in numbers, and better food and water locating. So wait in a place where you find birds moving, you may find a birdway. Areas that pass near fresh water sources, around lakes and swamps are often the best. Just wait there for a while and LISTEN.

2. Look

So on hearing the bird, one starts looking in the direction of the call. The most helpful tool at this stage are your eyes and your binoculars. The aim is to look for any movement at all in the vegetation and focus in on it. My grandchildren were spotting the bird high in a tree above the track but we could not see it well.

It sounded distressed because other birds such as Noisy Miners were attempting to attack it, as they are very territorial and this bird was strange to this part of the park, and in fact is not usually seen here at all. My observation revealed what appeared to be a juvenile Satin Bowerbird possibly a fledgling from early last Spring. It is probably checking out the park for food, as these birds are primarily native fruit eaters (figs, berries etc). Both immature sexes look like the female, as it will take seven to eight years for the male to mature to adult plumage but only two to three for the female. Bare in mind also that many birds go quiet and sit in the shade, mainly during the heat of the day. Also particular birds such as the Golden Whistler will go quiet during the Winter (non breeding months) and be heard almost continuously during Spring, making him much easier to find.

This is why early morning and evening are the best times to go birding, as these times are when most birds are calling as they actively feed and move about. Aussie honeyeaters (over 70 species) feed on insects, nectar, small native fruits and lerps. You may notice that particular songbirds sing less when overcast than when the sun is out, they seem to pick up their song as the sun re emerges.

Honeyeaters, lorikeets and Parrots are attracted to flowering eucalypts, Grevilea, Bottlebrush and Mountain Devil, so just wait about 10 to 20 feet from the flowers and birds should visit. Often you will see birds already feeding off nectar rich flowers, so just wait there and watch as different species visit. Birds are easier to see and often more exposed when feeding.

3. Locate

The next step is to LOCATE the bird so you can view it and/or photograph it. My wife is the ‘spotter‘ and I am the ‘shooter‘, so for me if I do not get a photograph of the bird I have not truly seen it. This is the case for many birders, we like to see the treasure we have spotted again at home. The value of doing this leads later to our last 2 steps. If you are using a telescopic lens, the secret is to pull back the focus and view in the general direction of the bird and then gradually extend the lens till you have it in focus. It is most frustrating to attempt to focus from a fully extended lens.

A bird will usually move away when it notices you watching it, so the idea is to remain very still and inconspicuous as possible. If the bird is in full sun, try and remain in the shade as you observe it so that it makes you less noticeable. Also remain very quiet and avoid using flash. I almost never use flash on birds as it alarms them and can affect the eyes of some birds such as owls and penguins. The improved ISO technology on my Canon camera allows me to get relative good photos even in reduced light. As we walked by the pond we found this clutch of baby Chestnut Teal resting.

We quietly passed so not to disturb their rest, though they noticed us they did not scuttle to water as they saw we kept our distance and were not threatening. You will find that each species of bird has a different distance of tolerance to another. For example I wan walk right up to a Magpie or Kookaburra and they will not show fear, where as an Eastern Curlew will sound the alarm and fly off if I get within 50 meters of it. Here is one of my best friends patting a Kookaburra he is feeding. The bird trusts him and permits him to enter his safety zone.

These Chestnut Teal (above) were easy to locate as they were visible, as many waterbirds and waders are, exposed near the water or on it, unlike passerines (tree birds) which can be more challenging to capture hidden in among the dark eucalypt trees. One of the reasons Australian bird photography is more challenging then elsewhere is that our trees are very dense and dark green, not allowing much light through, We noticed the difference when birding in Britain, how the lighter larger leaves allow more light in. Once the bird is in focus the photo can be taken. Sadly, most of the time I have to take Manual shots due to the small depth of field of my lens, to make sure the bird is in focus. Many times, people marvel at how I can get shots in very small windows between trees, and the only way is Manual with much effort. Considering my left eye has greatly impaired vision, I give thanks to God when I get a decent photo. Some birds are almost impossible to photograph due to their fast continuous movement or their ability to remain hidden beneath thick shrubbery. IT can take much patience and many hours stalking these ones before success is procured.

4. Log

Many birders, similar to myself, have said that the greatest delight is going home after the birding adventure and opening their box of treasures, meaning viewing the photographs they have taken. Photographing birds is a very positive and useful way of logging and recording your bird finds in addition to simply recording your findings in a book. The date, place time of day and species found. Many birders keep year round records of their finds, becoming very tuned in to and mindful to various birding areas and their resident birds. So much so that one can take you to a particular bird with a greater than 80% probability. My log is my photos. Each birding outing is a named and dated folder containing my photo treasures, backed up on several drives. My lifers and better photos are also transferred to my Speciated Bird Album of Australian Birds, which is a massive collection of all the birds I have seen, a folder for each specie, on a 2T drive. I set targets for new birds I want to discover each year (lifers) and plan to visit their areas.

5. Learn

In addition to just viewing the bird photograph, it is a teaching tool familiarizing you with the bird appearance and physical features. I also like to capture sound files and video clips of bird behaviour to help me in learning about the bird specie. Each time I find a new bird (lifer), I have not seen before, I study it up in my Bird Field Guide to find out more about it, its characteristics, location, male, female and immature forms, how and where it nests etc. I will venture back out to attempt to photograph the complete set of male, female and juvenile if it is possible, though this is not always possible as lone birds often drift into our forests. So what do I learn from this juvenile Satin Bowerbird? I identified it as juvenile from my Bird Field Guide where it was described having dark patches on head and neck, less colour on chest and dark grey legs. Compare.

Juvenile Satin Bowerbird

Female Satin Bowerbird

Male Satin Bowerbird

Here by comparing my photos of a mature female with the juvenile I can learn to identify not just the bird itself, but its level of maturity, body shape, beak, how it sits on the branch, its calls and what it feeds on. I eventually will have a mind map of where I can find this bird locally as well as seasonally. The mature male is the most elusive of the family and looks quite different. This is the case with many birds. In many species the male will take longer to mature, and when it does its plumage may change to brighter or different colours to female.

Superb Fairy-wren (male in breeding plumage)

Superb Fairy-wren (female)

Superb Fairy-wren (eclypsing male)

Male Superb Fairy-wren in full non breeding eclipse)

The immature always look similar to the female till they mature as a protective form of camouflage. Most of the colour changes and breeding plumage changes all have to do with signifying to both females and males this bird is ready to breed and bring forth offspring. Some birds go through several plumage changes a year passing in and out of breeding (eclipse), the Fairy-wrens are a good example of this. The male retains his blue tail but looses his beautiful blue and black plumage. So finding this juvenile bird as we did, brought further learning and understanding of this species, and opened the way for more interest in birding to my grandchildren who love to accompany us on our birding adventures. last week’s post showed a juvenile Rainbow Lorikeet I discovered, with its parent. Having them side by side helps highlight the developing characteristics of the young bird.

Have a wonderful week and stay out of the heat!

If this is your first visit to my blog, please take a few moments and check out my website and the interesting pages on birding and life skills the birds can teach us. Also, check out my book. You can explore all this and more from my Home page

As I mentioned earlier birds tend to nest near a source of fresh water and a good food source, and the Bible notes this:

‘The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches.’ – Psalm 104:12

“Look at [study intently] the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” – Matthew 6:26

Strange as it is, it was only the above verse in the forward of my book ‘What Birds Teach Us’ that stopped my book being used in schools and child psychology work, despite many educators loving its unique teaching method. Many local schools have put it in their libraries and some schools have supported it enough to have me come and speak and sell my book as a fund raiser. It shows how the enemy of our souls works through people’s fear and guilt.

How can one statement that gives hope and value to human life be the reason for not using a book which educators have said has great value for our youth? Sadly, this is the Secular Humanistic age we live in, where our freedoms are slowly being stripped away, and our children are being taught to believe in an empty god of science and evolution, being taught to be politically correct in a Post Christian world. The truth is God is not dead, and continues to make himself known to those who put their trust in him.

‘Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right [power] to become children of God’ — John 1:12 (NIV)

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

Female and Male Australian Logrunner

As we all launch into 2019, many of us are using this time as a waypoint from which to examine our life journey and consider what things we can do better and improve on to make our life happier and safer, and thus more satisfying. A healthy attitude of gratitude and thankfulness is vital not only to our emotional health but also in maintaining a healthy immune system. Peace, love, joy and hope are experienced through good relationships, helping to wave off the unhealthy addictive behaviors and habits which may entangled one throughout the year.

Many use the New Year as an opportunity to ‘turn over a new leaf’. The tiny Australian Logrunner is one unusual and very rarely seen Australian rainforest bird which spends its life turning over old leaves, and as you will see is a very fitting bird to launch my blog into the New Year, revealing pearls of wisdom.

Male (white neck)

Female (rufous neck)

These tiny birds are endemic to the rainforests on the east coast of northern to central NSW and southern Queensland, and spend most of their life foraging in the leaf litter. They seldom fly, and if they do it is only to briefly escape danger. Their main protective features, which make them very difficult to see, other than the poor light under the dense canopy: is their size, their camouflage coloring which blends in with leaf litter and their ability to freeze and remain very still for some time when they sense danger nearby. See what I mean…

This makes detection very difficult, but can give good photographic moments. The movement of leaf litter on the forest floor and their unique call to one another may be the only clue to their presence, as they travel in pairs and small family groups beneath bushes, palms and shrubs.

My wife and I needed a walk on one very hot heat wave day last week, so we walked in the cool of the rainforest in the Royal National Park, one of my favorite places. As we approached the surrounding woodland, it appeared and sounded birdless, to our disappointment. As we walked into rainforest loop track near the creek we saw a tiny object flit across the path and soon discovered this pair. We had never seen Logrunners in this forest before, though they have probably always been there. Most Australians have never seen them or would even know there was a bird by that name. The male has a distinct white throat and the female an orange rufous throat.

These birds have a unique digging action whereby they lean back on their purpose designed tail which is reinforced with stiff spines, and rapidly use their legs to kick leaves out sideways. They often dig down in one spot disappearing into a hole beneath the ground hunting for worms and other insects under the moist leaf litter. They get their name as they are often seen on or near old logs or at the buttress roots of native ficus trees as they make their nests there in holes and by the roots protected and out of sight.

Many people who have purchased my book “What Birds Teach Us” have commented when seeing my photos of the Logrunner, that they never knew of this bird. The lesson I gleaned and share is to ‘choose what you need rather than what you want.’The Logrunner can fly if it so desires to, but it gets all its needs met by staying safe on the forest floor out of sight from the clutches of larger hunting birds. My book discusses the need to be wise in our decision making, being able to discern our true needs from the selfishness of wants, and the dangers of placing ourselves in vulnerable situations which may have future repercussions and possibly cause irreparable damage both to our life and the lives of others. As I shared earlier regarding the unhealthy results of addictive behaviour, it starts with placing desire to satisfy excessive wants above satisfying valid needs. The want may or may not necessarily for some thing evil or immoral but may be simply for food, drink or electronic media etc.

My wife and I have taken this first week to consider areas we can improve on in our relationships and our life style, and correct and make changes to improve our lives for a more satisfying 2019. Stay free of addictive, compulsive and obsessive behaviour by forgiving the people in your past who have hurt you and thus make a new start. Forgiveness therapy enables one to let go of the pain of the past which continues to distort their life and attitude causing depression and vulnerability to bad choices in life. Some may need the help of a counselor to do this but many of us can start 2019 determined and focused on changing our habits with the help of an accountability person. This may be your partner, family member, close friend or therapist, that is, someone you can share your progress with who understands your goal and cares about you. However, you might want to explore the forgiveness that brings complete healing and restoration of relationships, by knowing and accepting God’s free gift of forgiveness offered each man, woman and child through faith in Jesus Christ. You can read more about this here.

“Tell your sins to each other. And pray for each other so you may be healed. The prayer from the heart of a man right with God has much power.” – James 5:16 (NLV)

“So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.” – Acts 24:16

May you and your loved ones enjoy a truly satisfying and peaceful New Year. If you would like to explore more of the life skills we can learn from our birds visit my Birder Sanctuary 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.

The Rufous Whistler singing. The Golden Whistler singing.

This will be my last post for 2018, and with it comes a sincere blessing to all my blog followers for a joyful, enjoyable and thankful Christmas experience. This is a special post unlike any others, for here I share my own personal experience of how one Christmas day became so important to the rest of my life. I have featured both the Rufous and Golden Whistlers in this post as examples of joy and thanksgiving since these two birds can be heard singing their hearts out non stop at this time of year bringing our bush alive with their joyful song. The Golden Whistler is featured in my book for this reason. Last weekend while in Wagga Wagga I took a short trip out to The Rock Nature Reserve, which Sue Taylor raved about in her book 100 Best Birdwatching Sites in Australia, but which we find disappointing each visit. My main goal here was to catch a glimpse of the Red-capped Robin, which I long to see, but alas as a storm moved in the only bird I heard was several persistent Rufous Whistler. The drought has caused many birds to desert this area for want of food and water.

But for their different colored chests (which give them their name) they look and sound similar. They are heard most only in the Spring and Summer while they chase mates and nest. Endemic to Australia, the Golden species is found mainly along the humid east coast of Australia, SW WA and Lord Howe Island. The Rufous is found all over Australia mainland and is more often seen in the dryer open woodland west of the ranges. Recent scientific research has discovered that many song birds sing so joyfully and with full on vigor for the pure delight of doing so, because it has an endorphin release in the brain that gives them a feel good feeling. Rejoicing and being thankful has a very positive and life giving effect in humans as in birds. This Christmas is a time for us all to take heed of these little songsters, and realize the health and social benefits of having a joyful spirit. It actually builds up our immune system and helps keep us healthy.

Listen to the several different calls of the Rufous Whistler…

In this video clip you will see (slightly out of focus) one of the amazing abilities of the Rufous Whistler with this repetitive call. All bird sing their most and best as sun rises and sun sets. Birders know this as the Morning and Evening Chorus. If you want to see and hear a bird joyfully communicating with its mates and thankfully enjoying its breakfast after a long sleep, morning is best. Then just as sun starts to set again they excitedly call and have their last feed for the day before finding their roost, usually moving to the top of the highest trees as the suns light diminishes.

As I explained in a previous blog post at the commencement of our Spring, the sound of the Golden Whistler is one such call that tells me here in Sydney’s Royal National Park that Spring has arrived and the Whistler is seeking a mate and/or nesting his mate. Note that I have only shown photos of the males, as they are main whistlers, they do communicate with each other as they foragein a similar way to the Whipbird.

Golden Whistler (male)

Golden Whistler male

Golden Whistler (male) whistling

Golden Whistler (male)

Listen to the song of the Golden Whistler, it also varies at intervals…

Again they call with such enthusiasm…

My last meditation for the year is in the form of my own personal testimony to how one Christmas at the age of 16 my life took a new journey. If you take the time to read it, it may encourage you to discover the joy I did and like the Whistlers…

“Shout out praises to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with joy!
Enter his presence with joyful singing!
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us and we belong to him;” – Psalm 100: 1-5 (NET)

^“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I say, rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:4-7 (NET)

This is the true joy of having the indwelling Holy Spirit of Jesus who keeps us joyful in his peace and love even through the difficult times of life. Jesus is the reason for the season, so why not look him up if you have not done so already. Check out my Birder Sanctuary page for more spiritual encouragement and direction. As I shared in my AboutUs page, my wife and I are not religious we are grace and faith people who have come to believe in Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life.

You can still purchase my book as a great Christmas gift for a grandchild or child 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

After the Deluge – Where Are The Birds?

Posted by aussiebirder on December 7, 2018

Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Birdwatching, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Southern Highlands NSW, Sydney, Uncategorized, wild flowers, wildlife.

Empty Woodswallow Nest

Three weeks ago my wife and I visited the Southern Highlands region south of Sydney where we found many birds, in particular a lone Regent Honeyeater. The Drunk Parrot Tree in Wollongong Botanic Gardens is now deserted of birds as the blossoms are finished, assisted by the violent deluge (Sydney’s Super Storm) we experienced a week ago. A day after the rain I went back to check how the birds fared. A friend at a National Park office told me that many birds were brought in injured from the storm and many had died. You will remember I featured the above nest in my previous post with the female Dusky Woodswallow sitting proudly on her eggs. After the storm, my investigation found no Woodswallows anywhere around the nest area in the Budderoo National Park. In fact the forest was almost silent but for the call of an elusive Rufous Whistler. However the wild flowers benefited from the rain and were in full bloom both here and in Barren Grounds National Park where I visited later. Click on photo to enlarge it.

The sound of the Fan-tailed Cuckoo could be heard making it easy to find. The Eastern Bristlebird I would usually find was also gone as were many other birds.

Then I was charmed by the lovely call of the Grey Shrike-thrush, a bird that is normally quite brave and curious of humans, though this one was rather shy.

The Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike watched as I poured my coffee from my thermos with the silent heath lands of the highlands all to myself. I love sitting in the silence with no man made machine or voice noises, just the sound of birds and wind blowing with the wisps of wild flower scent.

Another curious bird the female Golden Whistler came to check me out. I always love the way this bird turns its head to look at me in a similar way to the Robins. I could hear the male calling earlier so I knew he probably had a mate and was nesting nearby. Notice how plain looking she is compared to the stunning colors of the male.

female Golden Whistler

male Golden Whistler whistling

This Eastern Crimson Rosella was a laugh as it shook its tail doing some kind of dance. It was some distance away and in the forest darkness.

I later made my way down the mountain to visit Wollongong Botanic Gardens to see how the Bowerbirds were going and on the way I sighted this male Superb Lyrebird foraging.

Finally I arrived at the gardens and noticed the absence of nectar eating passerines, but to my delightful surprise was greeted by several rainforest birds which are not commonly seen out in the open. This Bassian Thrush was sighted behind a bush but I only got one shot and it was gone.

My second rainforest gift was this Green Catbird, a beautiful specimen out in the open sunlight, something you seldom get to see. These birds are related to the Bowerbirds and are very elusive and hard to spot in a tree due to their colour and shyness. Their call usually helps find them.

My third rainforest bird was of course the Satin Bowerbird, and not just the male but this beautiful female with food in mouth waiting to leave for the nest, not wanting me to know where it is.

Female Satin Bowerbird

The Satin Bowerbird have such beautiful eye colour. The blue-black plumage colors are the product of light refraction in the surface feathers. The males were busy repairing bowers and collecting more blue objects to decorate the bower to make it attractive to fertile females. My book “What Birds Teach Us” features this unique Australian bird and draws on a lesson we can learn from its creative nature.

One of the several males was sitting up on a branch and calling to the females.

It was noted that the unusual double bower was still intact after the storm, though others had suffered loss.

This male kept his eye on me as he foraged and dug down under a bush, unusual behaviour.

But my greatest gift was to view through the bushes a rare glimpse of a mature male Satin Bowerbird teaching the immature youngster how to dance. He was training the youngster for the most important role that would occupy the rest of his life, building the bower, doing the mating dance and singing the mating songs (mimicry) to impress and get the females to mate with him. Only the the most creative and best performers get the girl. Recent studies show that this is a learnt process from a young age, and as with humans there are different degrees of intelligence, creativity and ability. Lyrebirds have a similar learnt process. Birds with long gestation and maturity times such as these have larger brains and more neurons in their learning regions. It takes over six years for a male to mature to full adult plumage. This is the only photo I managed to get through the bushes of this immature male, the movie clip was not suitable as it was too difficult to focus through the bushes.

Immature male Satin Bowerbird

The garden desert region had the beautiful native Western Australian Kangaroo Paw flowering in various colors.

In this world of constantly changing values and morals many are left confused and disillusioned. The lack of absolute truth and the lack of adherence to such by society in government, schools, churches and law courts has assisted in increasing depression, disappointment and lack of direction for living. This has caused Family and Personal Counselling to become the fastest growing industry worldwide today. In the same way if we do not follow the manufacturers instructions problems may arise, so it is with us. If we do not recognize or want to recognize the instructions of our Loving Creator for our best life scenario, and disregard them, we will strike problems and suffer the pain of guilt and disappointment in life.

We were ‘appointed‘ to live a righteous and enjoyable life in relationship with God the Father, so we become ‘disappointed‘ when we do life our own way, following the crowd of selfish amoral modern thought. Regardless of whether or not it is legal in society, that does not make it right. This is what my brother, a barrister, explained many years ago when I shared my disapproval with some of the judgments made in our law courts.

The point is that all the birds in our region experienced the deluge of Sydney’s Super Storm and the strong winds on the day, some fared well and some were injured and died, some stayed and suffered the storm as many were still nesting and others fled, possibly being warned instinctively to flee. We all have to make choices and if we choose to make choices that are not good for us we need to be prepared to suffer the consequences which may appear later in life. The other side of this today in our Secular Humanistic society is that we may suffer standing for what is right (what we believe to be Truth) and be persecuted by what is proclaimed legal in our new Modernistic Atheistic Society, where the government becomes the new god. The question in me and each of us is: How then will I fare, how will I withstand life’s storms?

“Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
    I will not be disgraced.
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,
    determined to do his will.
    And I know that I will not be put to shame.
He who gives me justice is near.
    Who will dare to bring charges against me now?
Where are my accusers?
    Let them appear!
See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side! – Isaiah 50: 7-9a

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” – John 15:23 (NLT)

Have a wonderful week my dear blogging birding friends as we prepare for the celebration of Jesus coming to earth as our savior. I just want to leave you with a lovely thought Brian Mulroney spoke at exPresident George H W Bush’s funeral:

“There are ships that sail the seas, but the best ships are friendships!”

If this is your first visit to my blog, why not check out the rest of my website aussiebirder.com!

What better Christmas Gift than a copy of my book, a gift that keeps on giving.especially for young people 7 to 12 years of age. It not only teaches an appreciation of Australia’s beautiful birds but integrates life skills as the unique characteristics of each bird teach us how to do life better. Many from all over the world who follow this blog have purchased this book, some have given reviews. Read them for yourself and purchase here online on my BirdBook page.

A lady bought 3 books two days ago, after reading it in a Dentist Surgery waiting room. She was so pleased she had found the perfect Christmas present for her grandchildren that she came back the next day and bought 2 more.

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

Spring Bird Babies Before the Deluge

Posted by aussiebirder on November 29, 2018

Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, Uncategorized, waders, water birds, wildlife. Tagged: Australian Wood Duck, Chestnut Teal, Dusky Woodswallow.

Dusky Woodswallow nesting

It is almost Summer here and many bird babies are appearing out and about with their proud parents learning life skills for survival. Others continue nesting, as is this Dusky Woodswallow above. Little do they know that in a few days, yesterday in fact, a massive deluge will occur dropping a months rain in 2 hours on our Sydney region. One of the wildest storms recorded here. I wonder how these little families all fared? Mother birds spreading their wings and bodies over the eggs and babies while father bird shields mum, taking the full brunt of the storm as the tree sways relentlessly in 60 km/hr wind. I was not able to see this, but it is worth a thought:- the difficulties and responsibilities of parenthood shared together in the bond of love.

Female Woodswallow waits on nest for male to return

Female waits for return of male to take her place on the nest

Male returns with a stick to be added to nest, she wonders what he is going to do with it

Together they survey the nest they built

This juvenile Eastern (Black-backed) Magpie was looking to be fed as my wife shared her lunch with the adults.

The youngsters look similar to adult but are brownish as are many immature birds helping to camouflage them. Fledged Magpies are cared for and trained by the males in the family, father and uncles included. These two males are caring for the baby, the father seems to disapprove at the uncle feeding the baby.

The Australian Magpie is not only one of the most intelligent of birds having one of the best family structures for survival, but also has one of the most complex and amazing song of birds being able to change several octaves in a split second. Much study has been done on their call as they talk to one another often a short distance apart, sometimes for hours on end.

One of the encouraging features after good recent rain helping to break our long drought (we hope and pray) is the return of the water birds to breed in our Oatley Park where babies are seen out with their parents. These include a family of Chestnut Teal…

Chestnut Teal Family

Chestnut Teal babies

and a family of Australian Wood Duck. One of the features the above birds have in common is the devoutness of the father in protecting and raising their brood. The Wood Duck in particular is a great example of good fathering, carefully leading the family about and keeping it safe. Here it is the father again caring for the babies.

Other birds that are nesting, but well away from humans are the Royal Spoonbill and the Cattle Egret. Each is beginning to display breeding plumage.

The Australian Eastern Water Dragon was sunning himself in the park as usual, so I thought I would include him as he posed so beautifully for me. These lizards can swim very well propelling themselves through the water by swaying their tail, in a similar way to the crocodile.

Australian Eastern Water Dragon

Australian Eastern Water Dragon swimming

The heavy rain was welcome after the long dry hot summer of the last 2 years and dry winters. We are experiencing cold winter conditions as we transition into Summer, snow on the alps which is unseasonable. It may have caused havoc and damage for a day, however, our birds have to make the most of this now having fresh water again and Spring blossom for food. Some of our beautiful and very unique wildflowers are blooming again. With the birds we give thanks with an attitude of gratitude. God is good all the time! If you have not done so yet, why not spend a quiet moment exploring my Birder Sanctuary page on my website where you will find encouragement for experiencing the best in life..

Have a wonderful weekend, and don’t forget my book ‘What Birds Teach Us’ is a great inexpensive Christmas gift that will keep on giving, which you can purchase for the best price here on my website through the security of PayPal or in one of these shops.

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

To understand why this bird has my heartfelt appreciation you need to understand the nature of its yearly journey back and forth from top to bottom of our planet. In a Godwit’s lifetime it will have traveled the distance from the earth to the moon two and a half times.

This little guy seemed smaller than the others as you can see when compared with this Silver Gull.

Then their is our non migratory wader the White-faced Heron who will be daily found on the same mud flats all year round except while breeding, where it will fly inland to nest high in a tree. This bird is non breeding.

During late August onward it will begin displaying breeding plumage similar to examples below.

Of course there are many other migratory and non migratory waders we see, but these are the only ones I found on this visit which have the most stunning transformations.

“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10 (NIV)

“Keep out of debt altogether, except the perpetual debt of love which we owe to one another. The man who loves his neighbour has obeyed the whole Law in regard to his neighbour. ” – Romans 13:10

In the Christian Bible in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul uses the human body as an example of how a loving caring sharing community works as God intended.

Have a very enjoyable week as you watch several bird species and bird numbers change for the approaching season. If this is your first visit to my blog please check out my website Home-Page for more birding tips and healthy life skills.

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Last weekend, my wife and I drove to the Hunter Valley Wine Region for our wedding anniversary, where we not only enjoyed beautiful valley views, fine food, tasting luscious wines, but of course as per usual, birding was included. Click on photos to enlarge.

The Eastern Rosella is another inland bird checking the gum trees also. A beautiful but very shy bird.

It was lovely to see several new season juvenile birds and hear their monotonous hunger chirps as the family try to feed them. This juvenile Noisy Miner was getting attention next to our room.

Blue-faced Honeyeater are another bird found mainly in northern NSW and also Queensland. As with other Australian honeyeaters competing for nectar, this bird is aggressive and often sports what appears to be an aggressive look which is in it’s favor for warding off adversaries.

The other bird we saw many of, but had a challenge to photograph, was the another insectivorous inland bird I posted recently, the Yellow Thornbill.

We enjoyed a wonderful anniversary celebration away in the vineyards, bringing home some very enjoyable wines. One of the vineyards, the Mistletoe Winery, appeared to have giants present though we did not see any on our visit, but she had left her shoes in the garden.

Jesus said: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd [alert, intelligent, astute, clever, observant, perceptive] as snakes and as innocent [not guilty of causing crime, offense or suffering] as doves.” – Matthew 10:16 (NIV with added meanings)

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to determine if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1 John 4:1

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.” – 1 Corinthians 2:12

Enjoy your week as we eclipse into changing seasons, for some autumn and others spring. It is a time to be wise with our health as the temperatures change. It is also time in the next few weeks for our migratory waders to be on the move again, which I will be sharing more of in my next post.

If this is your first visit to my blog be sure to check out my birding website for more birding info and helpful hints for body mind and spirit. Enter into the refreshing mindfulness of birding, lower your stress levels, and live a healthy happy life.

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I also use to see occasional Grey-tailed Tattler, but saw none, but did see this uncommonly seen Whimbrel smaller than the Curlew in size and beak.

One common shorebird is always the Grey-faced Heron…

Both the Sooty and the Australian Pied Oystercatcher are seen from time to time, either resting on the beach or prying rock oysters in the river banks.

Gathering the troops the flock of more dominant Pied Oystercatcher marched on the gulls and placed themselves right next to them. No scuffles broke out.

Some of the Pied scouts discovered fresh water flowing from a storm water drain onto the beach, which attracted the attention of many other birds on the beach, including an immature Silver Gull which felt somewhat outnumbered and alone.

Speaking of gliding, on the North Easter which blows cool air off the ocean each Summer afternoon (thank God!) I saw this flock of Silver Gull just hanging in formation for long periods in the strong breeze without moving, it was almost a spiritual experience…

The expression on this gull caught my attention and became a favorite of mine…

The Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill and Masked Lapwing, are also birds seen here on the river banks from time to time.

I am thankful that I managed to see all of the above during the last couple of months of severe weather, unsuitable tides and persisting illness. Wader numbers appear on the decrease, as fewer return from migration to forage the same beach areas each summer. Nothing stays the same.

“So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living thing with which the water teems and that moves about in it, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:21

“He created them male and female and blessed them.” – Genesis 5:2

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ” – Psalm 139: 13-14 I suggest reading the whole of Psalm 139.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week, and enjoy the birds!

Check out the rest of my website from my HomePage

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As many of us parents know it can be quite a challenge to keep always hungry children from wining and it is no different for the bird community as you can see from this jerky clip (the wind was quite strong on the heavy lens).

One particular parent was really getting upset with this youngster as you will see. Many shore and water birds bob up and down with their head lowered to get attention.

Finally after a scolding they all settle together for a rest, how cute.

Finally, father returns with food for the hungry tummies.

The Terns have a huge wing extension which assists in their amazing ability to dive from a height at great speed into the water, swimming deeply to retrieve their catch and emerge quickly. Unfortunately they were not fishing close enough for me to photograph.

Finally our message comes from the birds…

‘The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.’ – Proverbs 20:7

‘Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.’ – Proverbs 22:6

‘Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire.’ – Proverbs 29:17

‘Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.’ – Ephesians 4:2

As yet I have received no comments on Cathy Sexton’s Pink Pied Currawong finding.

Check out the rest of my website from my HomePage

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Our first sightings were of the usual small flocks of Silver Gull and Crested Tern, and the Pied Cormorant sharing the usual Cormorant rock with a Great Cormorant at the far end of the reef. But we were keeping our eyes peeled for much smaller reef runners which we did not see as yet.

Terns are beautiful in flight as well as when they land and extend their very long wings. It is a joy to watch them fishing as they dive to the water from great height, plunging beneath and rising with fish, but sadly they were only resting on the reef while it was low tide.

But this was my favorite shot of the day.

Of course the Pacific Golden Plover was present in breeding pairs, another Summer migrant escaping the cold of the arctic tundra of Alaska where it breeds during its warmer months.

We usually see a raptor of two passing over but not on this occasion, however we had an enjoyable time, and left in time for a lovely lunch with some friends.

‘Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance’ – Proverbs 1:5

‘You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry.’ – Psalm 10:17

‘Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.’ – Titus 3:1,2 (NIV)

A personal friend, Howard, shared this link showing how the Comb-crested Jacana (‘Jesus bird’ because it appears to walk on water) carries its young to safety. I featured these birds in post last year from Far North Queensland. Click here to view.

If this is your first visit, Welcome! and do not go without checking my website Homepage for more birding tips and links, as well as my book release. Have a wonderful week and stay cool through our extreme heatwaves and drought.

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Initially, before you start, it is important to decide what kind of birds you want to find, and best LOCATION where you are likely find them. Local and learnt knowledge is helpful as well as The Australian Bird Guide and Finding Australian Birds both obtainable from CSIRO Publishing.

1. Listen

2. Look

3. Locate

4. Log

^“Keep out of debt altogether, except the perpetual debt of love which we owe to one another. The man who loves his neighbour has obeyed the whole Law in regard to his neighbour. ” – Romans 13:10

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ” – Psalm 139: 13-14 I suggest reading the whole of Psalm 139.