wild flowers

Musk Lorikeet pair watching the sun set

Continuing with features of our recent road trip through western NSW ( as we had been restricted to travelling outside of our state due to Covid) I will feature some of the the most notable aspects which stood out to us as a result of making our trip in Spring. Last week saw birds nesting and defending their nests, bringing out the less admirable features of particular birds. This week we will see how Spring also changes the behaviour of many birds and our environment for the better, and for a birder’s enjoyment.

While visiting the town of Gunnedah while searching for Koalas (as this town, years before the drought, was known as the Koala centre of Australia) we came across huge flocks of noisy colourful Musk Lorikeet (it gets its name from the musky smell the males give off which resembles the testosterone-linked pheromone androstone, also found in Musk Duck males), feeding from the many flowering eucalypts in the town. The noise and flashes of colour as these birds made as they fed and moved from tree to tree was amazing.

The feature photo above shows a pair (they also pair for life) resting, notice how their tail plumage matches the eucalypt leaves. The funny thing you heard in the video above was, that when the locals saw us photographing up into a tree they thought I had sighted a Koala, and were quite excited because they had not seen one for many years in town because of the drought. The Lorikeets feed on the nectar laden eucalypt blossom as well as on lerps.

The noise is actually volumes of communication and instruction coming from each bird. It is bird language. Recent research has been able to demonstrate that bird communicate in a similar way to us humans, their calls are very specific, and use far less syllables than we do, which requires a fast processing intelligence to comprehend the meaning. Birds think, act and speak faster than us. When one of the flock put out an alarm call is heard and processed in a millisecond from the very first note it is given.

The high pitch and intent communicate it, followed by details which they pick up while they respond, all in a second or two. Wow! It has also been found that many of their calls to mob or flee are actually learnt behaviour from watching other birds and their responses. The alarm call of one specie of birds as well as its call to respond in a particular way, may also warn other bird species that live in their area, including animals. Each bird has its own alarm call which most other birds sharing that habitat respond to when they hear it because they have observed and learnt the alarm protocol from the other bird species. Here is a family of young Little Wattlebirds having a conversation, we saw while on a cliff-side walk with my daughter’s family.

Have you noticed how these birds throw their whole body into the call. This is because song birds have their syrinx in their chest (some call it a lower larynx) and not in the throat (as a larynx) as we do. I love the way the tail rises when they perform their classic call with the click ending, which you saw in the above clip.

Two of the great features of Spring out west, especially when my wife and I visited the Pilliga National Park (the largest remaining forest in NSW) are the wildflowers and the Rufous Whistler (cousin to the Golden Whistler, I showcase often and which is featured in my book). In a similar way, as the Golden Whistler is doing here in our coastal rainforests the Rufous Whistler is heard continuously everywhere throughout the open woodlands of the dryer west, and I mean just that. This bird just sings its heart out throughout Spring dawn to dusk. Recent research on bird bird neurology reveals that birds get a feel good endorphin high from singing heartily which may help explain why Australia’s songbirds sing so much.

The immature male begins looking like the female and then gradually develops the white bib and black markings. Notice how he already sings like his dad, whereas his mom remains quiet, and her hubby can be heard calling in the background nearby.

Here are some stills of the Whistler. Please note that the male is very shy of the camera and it was difficult to get a photo of him on every occasion. As soon as he spotted me he would instantly move to a hiding place.

Female RW

Female RW

Immature male RW

Immature male RW

Male RW

Male RW

Male RW

Male RW

Juvenile RW

Juvenile RW

Immature RW

Immature RW

Listen as this male calls in the early morning just outside the door of where we were staying the night.

Another bird we saw which spoke of Spring was the Little Friarbird.

We also saw his larger more common cousin the Noisy Friarbird who is much louder and has a more raucous cry, fitting to its name.

Little Friarbird

Little Friarbird

Noisy Friarbird

Noisy Friarbird

Noisy Friarbird

Noisy Friarbird

Little Friarbird

Little Friarbird

Noisy Friarbird

Noisy Friarbird

It was quite humorous to observe this young Noisy Friarbird try to remove the screw from the sign thinking it was an insect. The sign reminds one a little of his nasal hump,. Maybe it thought the sign was in bad taste, as I am sure it was when it tasted it.

Later on we saw these two Noisy Friarbirds having a very noisy argument.

Noisy Friarbirds arguing

As I mentioned earlier, the fields of Spring wildflowers were a feature of the Pilliga forest and here is a small perusal of some of them:

The devastating bushfires late last year destroyed much of the Pilliga forest, but many wildflowers have come back to life, as is the nature of the unique Australian bush.

Some of the Spring birds we saw were the Common Bronzewing, which flew from the track to a tree to allow the sunlight to illuminate its beautiful wings as we walked the wildflower walk. Quieter birds, such as Pigeons, Doves and Bronzewings, communicate their alarm call through the intensity of their very audible wing movement as they flee the presumed danger.

The beautiful song of the Grey Shrike-thrush was also heard along the track. This bird has only just started singing in our coastal forest at home this Spring. The immature birds (striped front and brown) were present with the grey adults. Listen to their call:

Grey-Shrike-thrush

Grey-Shrike-thrush leaping

Grey-Shrike-thrush immature

Grey-Shrike-thrush immature

One specie of bird that kept popping up along the journey, a bird we never see in our forests at home is the Jacky Winter, who apparently acquired its name from its loud, fast call which sounds like: ‘jacky-jackie-winter’. I did not hear it call on any occasion, but was amazed at how this bird just shows up and you just notice it watching you. Here are some of my shots.

Jacky Winter

Jacky Winter

Jacky Winter

Jacky Winter immature

A highlight was to see a Jacky Winter on its tiny nest. You would wonder how it could ever have young in it, their nest is just so small.

Bird in flight verse pic

That is as much as one could digest for this week. Next week I will conclude the series with some very special photos and footage to conclude our birding venture. There are far too many birds and adventures to include in the series so I have tried to show highlights. We had no lifers that we know of but were very thankful for what we did see and experience.

Enjoy your week ! Daylight savings has started here so we get to stay out longer in the evening which many of us enjoy doing. We continue to pray and have concern for the many who remain in lock-down due to the selfish and rebellious attitudes of some in our states continuing to spread the virus. May they come to their senses soon.

Pilliga NP regenerating

Pilliga NP regenerating

Pilliga NP regenerating

Pilliga NP regenerating

Take a careful look at the above photos and notice how sparse they are of large trees and that the remaining trees are all blackened from the firestorm that consumed the Pilliga some months ago. The resilient Aussie bush is coming back to life, heralded by new life and a gorgeous floral prelude. All the beautiful forest here is gone but for the surviving burnt trees that are shooting with fresh green foliage, and the new Grass Trees emerging from the baked ash dust, not singularly as per usual, but several spears at a time.

Grass Tree spears in multiplicity

Out of devastation and much loss, new life and hope. The Rufous Whistler, Grey Shrike-thrush, several species of Woodswallow and Jacky Winter all nesting amid the charred remains gives even greater hope to the re establishment of this once magnificent forest. It will be a new normal, just as ours will be Post Covid (PC) from the loss and devastation we all have experienced.

To have hope and share hope is one of the most life giving and encouraging acts a human can do for another human, just as the forest and birds are doing for their local environment. To replace one’s fear (which is a false belief that one is alone in the world and unable to cope) with loving practical encouragement and support. My book gives hope in this way and many have shared how it has turned even the lives of suicidal people around for good. There are many ways and means to bring hope into the lives of those we meet each day. The positive attitude of gratitude, peace and acceptance because we know and believe we are loved and safe, trusting not in the present subjectivity of fears and anxiety exuded by the world around us, but trusting in the objective unshakable truth and love of the One who cares and provides for us all, and accepts us as we are. There is always hope of a new beginning while there is breath in our lungs. If you would like to explore this more and “Learn from observing the birds” as Jesus the birdwatcher exhorted his followers to do click here.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18 (NIV)

“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear [trust/rely on] him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,” – Psalm 33:18

“… those who hope in me [the Lord] will not be disappointed.” – Isaiah 49:23

“At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail.” – Job 14:7

W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).

‘To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

‘So we can learn from them how to live a healthy and 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, 2020.

Rainbow Lorikeet in flight

Having enjoyed the beautiful Spring weather on a birding date with my wife, I decided to have a break from continuing with Part two of our journey out west and share our latest birding date very early Friday morning in the Nasho (The Royal National Park). Early, to avoid the crowds that would come now that school holidays are underway, and early to hopefully see Lyrebirds and other people shy birds, that bikers, joggers and loudly talking walkers often drive back into the bush on their approach. To our delight we were some of the first to arrive. It was a cool 11°C in the crisp valley air as we made our way along the trail, which initially was faily quiet but for the noisy Rainbow Lorikeets feeding on the eucalypt blossom.

As we continued the sound of the Whipbird nearby as the male and female were communicating, but they both remained illusive as per usual. Several groups of Golden Whistler were in song along the trail, each singing a different tune. We only managed to catch one male just after he caught some food. He held on to it and waited for us to go before leaving for (what most likely is) the nest, since her did not eat it immediately.

Golden Whistler male

Golden Whistler male

Golden Whistler male

The native wild flowers were in bloom as many varieties lit up the trail. This variety of Red Spider Grevillea had an Eastern Spinebill feeding from it. These nectar rich flowers feed our many Honeyeaters, as they grow in our very nutrient poor Australian soils, this is a miracle in itself.

The very large Gymea Lily flower which has been developing for months is finally in full flower throughout the park.

Here are some of the other unique and beautiful wildflowers currently in flower in our park.

As expected this early in the morning we came upon this female Superb Lyrebird foraging for worms and insects. This rainforest bird spends most of its life scratching through leaf litter and moist soil for its food, and only flies out of necessity to avoid danger or cross the river. The female is easily identified by its rufous throat and very plain tail plumage.

Female Superb Lyrebird.

Female Superb Lyrebird.

As usual the Eastern Yellow Robin followed us for a bit of the way, from tree to tree. This bird feeds from the ground also, and would currently be nesting and out looking for food.

Eastern Yellow Robyn

Suddenly the lens is pointed skyward as we both excitedly hear the call of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and saw this pair fly over head.

As we walked on the buzzing sound was heard in a nearby tree, the classic call of the Satin Flycatcher which I only managed these two shots.

Satin Flycatcher

As we walked deeper into the rainforest we heard the classic sound, we had never heard here in our own Nasho, but had heard in others, the sound of a pair of Green Catbird calling to one another. This usually occurs at night, but here as loud as anything we heard and finally with much effort finally sighted this very elusive bird which is very shy and very difficult to see in a dark canopy. The Catbird is actually a member of the Bowerbird family and has many attributes like the Bowerbird. Listen to what we heard:

These were the only decent enough photos one of the birds would permit us before leaving.

Green Catbird

Green Catbird

Green Catbird

IMG_8483b

You can appreciate why this bird is so difficult to locate in a dark rainforest, and this photo has been light enhanced.

We commenced our return along the track on our way back to dine at the park Cafe which now for the first time on many months (pre-Covid) now with the return of table service, for their beautiful cooked breakie we love, to celebrate our anniversary for tomorrow. Oh, I best remind you if you are unaware, we celebrate our wedding anniversary every 3rd of every month, as it was on the third of the third we were married. This allows us to ask each other how we are going and assess what we can do better, a good practice for a good marriage. As we walked we heard a an immature male Superb Lyrebird practicing hsi courtship song and dance from a very young age, considering he still had his tummy fluff, and resembled his mother with rufous throat and plain tail, but with male plumes finely developing beneath it on close observation. As will most juvenile birds they resemble the female until they approach mature breeding age around 4-6 years. By then they should have learnt and perfected their repertoire of many different bird sounds and dance routine to his own beat. Watch and note that this one has not developed his song list and most of his sounds are his own specie sounds. Note in the second part of the video he is starting to move his wings with is beat song.

This the very early stages of his dance being constructed, which he will perfect with much enthusiasm with daily practice for the next few years, and all for his few moments on his performance mound to impress females enough to mate with him. Notice he even practices his vocabulary as he preens, which made me chuckle.

As we came to the Big Fig Tree where many of the fruit eating birds are currently feeding as ripe native figs are on offer, we looked for Satin Bowerbirds which frequent it, and could be heard with their purring call. Both male and female were present feeding, but also very shy, especially the male, as usual. The male has the beautiful satin plumage and the female the olive green patterned chest with olive brown primaries.

male Satin Bowerbird

female Satin Bowerbird

As we looked, to our pleasant surprise, we sighted a small flock of Top-knot Pigeon, a bird we had seen some weeks ago feeding from the palm fruit deeper into the rainforest, which they had finally depleted. Most of the rainforest birds are native fruit eaters. They do not normally eat nectar, lerps or seed as most other passerines.

Finally we made our way to the cafe where we sat outside and had a wonderful breakie served by very efficient and friendly staff. We were greeted with a very excited “We have table service now, please take a seat and we will come and take your order.” It was only a few weeks ago where we were served outside through a window and had to sit out on the grass distanced from each other. We are very pleased with our government and their handling of the pandemic in our state and pray they be given wisdom to navigate us through it daily. We are blessed to be living in one of the worlds best managed states. This is the photo my wife took while waiting for our meal. A Waratah flower (our NSW state floral emblem) on our table next to her very good and compact binoculars (she purchased at the London Wetlands Centre) and her summer hat.

Welcome to my blog, especially if this is your first visit to my website. Check out my Home Page menu to discover more. If you have not already done so check out my book, it will make the excellent Christmas or Birthday gift, especially for a young person. To find out more click here.

Have a wonderful long weekend!

Spring is the time of hope, new life and new beginnings. We saw Dusky Moorhen with their new babies busily feeding them. So dependent, so trusting, so ready to learn and grow strong. As their parents feed them, they are also learning where and how their parents are retrieving their food. This will soon become their way of life also, there means of survival, so it is important they observe and learn, and not just wait to be fed, thinking this will be their future. Watching to learn.

Nearby the Chestnut Teal family, foraged. These little ones knew what to do as they are now copying their parent’s example, but still they are in the process of discerning what is edible from what is not. They soon realised after ingesting indigestible matter what is food and what is not. Here the parents are able to rest a while as they watched their keen young students practice what will become their way of life. Practicing to become Independent.

Every aspect and moment of our lives is teaching material for us to build on and grow in wisdom and character from, in a similar way to these young ones above. The most constructive and positive take on life is that we learn from its difficulties and challenges. As a CEO has hanging above his head in his office “There is no such thing as problems only challenges.” and likewise my saying concomitantly agrees saying to always look for the Treasure in the Trial. I believe there is a purpose in all of life’s buffetings and challenges, it all develops character and respect if we choose to learn from them.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4

For those of us who believe that their loving Creator Father God is working in their life to grow and mature their character:

“Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:1-11 (NIV)

W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).

‘To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

So we can learn from them how to live a healthy and 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, 2020.

Scarlet Honeyeater male

Having returned this week from a one week birding and book marketing tour of some the western cities and towns of our state, our first holiday for the year, being unable to holiday interstate due to closed borders, we are very thankful and grateful, considering many are in lock down or suffering much greater restrictions. It was so lovely to visit the places where my book is sold and to be warmly greeted and sometimes excitedly received. It was great to see how the Covid has been a blessing to the sale of my book, as many who would normally holiday outside our state, are making the most of touring it, many for the first time. The feed back has been wonderfully encouraging. Here are just a few of the places we visited where my book is selling well:

After the long initial drive up the east coast to the Mid North Coast NSW, near where I use to live, my wife and I spent the night in a quiet Golf Course Motor Inn at Wingham. We love staying at this place as it is very quiet and off the highway on a golf course, where we always find many birds, as we dodge the occasional stray golf ball. You can see from the photo below, the view from our room is beautiful. The afternoon light shone into the tall trees exposing clearly the birds which were busily getting their last feed for the day in, joining the Evening Chorus, as they prepare for their approaching sleep.

We kept hearing a high pitched ringing call from several birds, which sounded a lot like the Willy Wagtail. As we both looked into the trees I became a little exasperated as I could not see the bird anywhere. Willy usually boldly makes himself known to you, as you shall see in further posts, especially during nesting time, which is now. Then my wife recalled the sound we had recently heard in the local Nasho (The Royal NP), a bird we only had a brief glimpse of and photo of, the Scarlet Honeyeater, which had been a bit like chasing the Scarlet Pimpernel, as we had only heard it but it eluded us during the Winter months. The afternoon Nor-Easter was blowing at the time, so wind noise was present.

Sure enough, as we started looking in the flowering native bushes nearby we were blessed with a multiplicity of male and females in amazing afternoon light. They are so fast moving, and very shy of humans that they tend to keep well away. They also camouflage well in the red flowers they feed from. Spring is the most active time for Honeyeaters as they gorge the nectar rich blossoms of our native plants. The interesting fact to the converse of our most nectar producing native flowers, is that they grow best in the poorest of soils.

We were so glad for perfect conditions, as we believed this was a gift to us, making up for the absence of these birds in our local area. We looked forward to the evening and coming day when we would spend catch up time with friends and family, who I have not seen now for a year, due to Covid. Here are some shots of the male feeding.

Scarlet Honeyeater male

The female Scarlet, as with many species, has much less colouring, keeping her safer from predatorial attack when nesting, as explained in my YouTube Channel video. We did not get a glimpse of a female Scarlet, which is basically brown with a small amount of orange/red on the face only. She may have been nesting already, as many birds are now (Spring). However we did see a couple of immature males having outings with their dad, which is typical of many Australian species, where the male is responsible for the training and feeding of the youngsters.

I noticed that several adult males were flying together with their young males, in a similar way to Magpies.

An interesting observation from studying our bird behaviours are the identifiable behavioural characteristics peculiar to each specific species. For example the Whistlers tend to tilt their head and look upwards a lot, whereas the Scarlet Honeyeater tends to look downwards a lot.

This was a lovely start to our whirlwind western tour. We enjoyed a lovely meal with friends and set off the next day further inland to a friend’s 50th party. As we visited each town along the way I would drop in to meet and greet the various sellers of my book, which was being sold in most of the towns and cities we visited. One aspect we observed the whole time away, was the aggressive behaviour between particular bird species, from which I collected data for my next YouTube video on Why Are Australian Birds So Aggressive ?

I will let you know when it is posted. You can purchase my book from one of many stores throughout NSW and various other cities throughout Australia, as well as online here on my website. This easy to read and beautifully illustrated book is the perfect introduction to the peculiar characteristics of our most popular Australian birds, from which helpful life lessons are gleaned.

The perfect Christmas or Birthday gift for any age, but especially for Primary School aged children, where it may spark an interest in bird observing, a healthy outdoor recreation. Thank you for the many blog followers who have purchased one or more copies of my book, now in its larger and improved Second Edition, and thank you to those who are supportive in prayer and encouragement for the publication of my second book.

Dorothea Mackellar’s statue at Gunnedah

Visiting the country town of Gunnedah, which was once known as the Koala capital before the drought, we saw the statue in honour of Dorothea Mackellar, one of Australia’s famous poets, who resided in that area. She is known most of all for her poem My Country (full version originally written as The Core of My Heart). I learnt at school to recite the excerpt of the poem below, which beautifully depicts our unique country:

I love a sunburnt country,
A land of sweeping plains,
Of ragged mountain ranges,
Of droughts and flooding rains.
I love her far horizons,
I love her jewel-sea,
Her beauty and her terror
The wide brown land for me!

As I was returning to the country which I love, as a country boy, I was reminded of the similar feelings I shared with Dorothea, who wrote her poem while living some years in England as a home sick young woman who had grown to love Australia’s outback and yearned to return, which she later did. Part of my birding experience is the land and its rugged beauty, as I do not like living in a crowded, noisy, polluted city.

We all experience yearnings, for a better place or better circumstances, often wanting to relive enjoyable times on our lives, especially at present with the virus lock-downs and the many losses and curtailment of civil privileges. The truth is we can not go back only forward. Disappointment is the outcome of unfulfilled expectations, which if unresolved may eventually result in Depression. I knew when I returned to towns I lived in or near for many years, things would not be the same, and that I needed a fresh new view of things as they really are. Too many people get stuck in their past, romanticizing past experiences, but we will now be faced with a new normal, post Covid. It is not healthy to live in the past, on our past feelings and experiences, but only to learn from them. It is important to stay connected to the present, looking into the future with hope.

The wonderful truth about our Creator is that he is always in the present. When Moses asked for the name of the One who sent him, he was told: Tell them I am, who I am has sent me to you. We live and grow in a time and space confined universe, but there is hope of a timeless always present experience offered by that same One, which has been made available to each of us, to escape the decay and declension of our current world, which scientists can concur, reluctantly to their conflicting philosophies, that the world is in fact breaking down and not building up or evolving into a better place. Ask the Koalas what they think. If you want to explore what I believe as a scientist who believes in a Creator, you can explore my Bird Sanctuary page, where you will find hope, help and peace for the present. Be aware that much of modern counselling is based on Judeo-Christian Biblical principles.

Have a wonderful week as best you can and keep safe and be at peace. Our prayers are daily for you, especially those we know that are in lock-down and suffering loss at this time. Next week I will continue our road trip out west. If you have a quiet moment in which to self reflect, read Psalm 139 verses 1 to 18 and consider we are in this together not just with each other.

W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).

‘To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

So we can learn from them how to live a healthy and 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, 2020.

Six years ago I did not know what a ‘blog’ was until my son and daughter-in-law suggested I start one. My wife and I wanted to encourage birding as a healthy recreational pursuit for families and couples. Most blogs at that time were focused mainly on photography of birds and ornithological subjects, and we wanted something for the beginner and the ordinary everyday person, focused more on enjoyment, observing and learning about our Aussie birds. Stepping onto the page I started a whole new world initiating my weekly blog posts and the Red-tailed Tropicbird avatar for aussiebirder through WordPress, which later moved into aussiebirder.com.

This occurred as I was writing my first book,and when I was seeing the parallel of bird behaviour with human behaviour, having studied family counselling and having a passion for the future of our younger generation. Over the years this grew into much more than I had originally anticipated. During that time I have been asked to speak and assist in various projects, as well as market my book and teach through my website which has generated some lovely relationships for myself and my wife, which we continue to enjoy. I personally thank all of my dear blog followers, especially those who take the time to read through my often long posts, with a special thank you for those who are brave enough to give encouraging comments, which at times have helped me continue. The words of Napoleon are true:

I have also created an aussiebirder YouTube Channel since where I am gradually adding interesting videos about Australian birds and their behavioural characteristics, and lessons what we can learn from them at: aussibirder YouTube

It is Spring here in Australia, as you can see by the Australian Wood Duck featured above. A time for new beginnings and new life experiences. The opportunity for many to pass from the dark winter of the soul to the new life opportunities and experiences of Spring, especially at this time where globally every human alive has suffered one form of loss or another through the extraordinary year that was unexpectedly cancelled. You may recall this video:

By now you are probably asking: “Where are the birds ? !” Well, this week’s post is a little different as I take time to reflect and appreciate the journey thus far as I move into the 7th year.

Now for some birds. I noticed this Noisy Miner yesterday spreading its wings out over a sandy mound in the warm Spring sun. After a few minutes it does a quick preen and lies there again, quite vulnerable to passing walkers. You may have come across this with birds from your own area. There are various proposed explanations of which all may be true. In summary, it can be for shear pleasure as it feels good to bathe in the Spring sun after a cold Winter. It can also be that the heat of the sun forces the lice and mites in the plumage to the edges of the wings and tail for easy removal by the bird, which is why they have short preens between their sun bathing. Some birds do this near ants, where the formic acid in the ants, causes the mites to leave (some species of ants will actually remove the mites). Should they preen immediately before and after they sun bathe, the warmth of the sun assists the preening oil to spread evenly over the feathers.

outstretched wings

outspread tail

deep preening out of insects

As a recently retired Seniour Scientist, I focus on using the skills and learning I have acquired over the years to assist, teach and encourage people, especially children and young people, to navigate a happy and healthy life through making wise/good life choices, which many of you know is a feature of my book “What Birds Teach Us” and also my second book “Flight of a Fledgling” to follow later in the year. This is my legacy. This led me to give dynamic interactive talks which I especially enjoyed, such as with this school, where I appear as Aussiebirder, which generated an amazing response in Primary School aged children.

My book has led me to experience the blessing of being given premium space in a very popular local art show and also in the Australian Bird Fair. It was great chatting with people from the community and answering their questions. It is amazing how the book has helped so many people, and my wife and I have received many testimonies of how it helped people of all ages, and has been reported to have helped a suicidal person have a complete change of mind. For this I am truly thankful and feel very humbled and privileged.

OWPS Community Fair

OWPS Community Fair

Aust. Bird Fair

Aust. Bird Fair

Thankfully, the Covid has not stopped my book selling all over Australia, in fact sales have been better than ever at present as our state has been separated from the rest of the country due to travel restrictions and closed state borders, preventing people from holidaying outside the state. Business is booming in many of the shops and visitor centres where my book is sold. My selling clientele has recently expanded and continually expanding to most of the main cities and towns in our state as well as capital cities over Australia, for which I am truly thankful and feel greatly blessed. I love how many of my clients have embraced the vision and legacy behind the book, and not just its beautiful appearance. I am delighted when one of my grandsons discovers my book on display when we visit various National Parks Visitor Centres on our birding outings.

Jesse with book

The Royal National Park Gift Shop

The Royal National Park Gift Shop

This has been a nostalgic moment, though the publishing of the Second Edition mid Covid lock-down was a great achievement. A new beginning for a book that ceased to exist because it was sold out of print. My publisher sent photos of his children copying photos from book, and how it was already being enjoyed by them during the lock-down.

Speaking of new beginnings ! Spring brings with it the adorning of breeding plumage for many species such as both the Superb and Variegated Fairy-wrens, both species seen again in the same places as last week. These tiny insectivorous birds are constantly on the move. Here I captured the male and female Superb Fairy-wren moving together, soon to be nesting.

Superb Fairy-wren (male)

Superb Fairy-wren (male)

Superb Fairy-wren (female)

Superb Fairy-wren (female)

Fairy wrens despite my depiction of their heroic actions to protect their family sighted in my book, are quite promiscuous. In fact, Sir David Attenborough has called them “the most promiscuous bird known”. Much research has been done on their sex lives. Both sexes of the Superb Fairy wren are socially monogamous (staying in the same partnerships), but sexually promiscuous, an aspect I do not condone or highlight in my book. Notice how he is easy to spot even though he is so small. When he is in this bright breeding plumage it makes him more vulnerable to attack from other birds and predators, hence the need to be moving very cautiously and quickly. My challenge is to get him in focus fast enough. Sadly there are many blurred photos before I get a good one, when he stops for more than two seconds.

Again, this Variegated Fairy-wren male was spotted in the same place as last week. This one is even more difficult to capture.

Variegated Fairy-wren male

Another group of birds I found in the same location was this small family of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo. One of the youngsters (last photo) continued to call out. The one I managed to capture through the trees in the distance was a juvenile male. Notice the eye ring is not yet pink and the feathers are mottled brown with some black feathers forming.

One little bird I always love to see on my walks and I saw for the first time in a while, is this Eastern Yellow Robin. This is our most common rainforest robin and very curious always coming quite close to take a look at me. Here it is in its classic tree hanging pose. This insectivorous robin feeds from the ground, where it dives from trees to the ground and back up again. It is known to occasionally follow me along the track watching all the time to see if I turn up or stir up any insects as I walk.

The Top-knot Pigeons had gone, as they had eaten all the palm fruits in that area, and I did not manage to see the Scarlet Honeyeater again. The Golden Whistlers continued in full chorus, though I did not manage any good captures, but I did catch this beautiful Little Wattlebird with tongue partially extended. This is one of over 70 of our many species of Honeyeater.

Little Wattlebird

Of course, to finish, a bright red bird, since the King Parrots eluded me today, one that was present in pairs was this Eastern Crimson Rosella, another chaser of seed from the previous Summer.

Thank you for taking the time to allow me share with you this review. I have equally enjoyed following your blogs and learning more about your birds from different parts of Australia and the world. I do hope you enjoy your week. For those in lock-down and various forms of deprivation and grieving loss, we pray continually for comfort, peace and a resolution for the current global crisis. It is interesting that no other time in history has there been so many people searching on the internet for information about God and Prayer and Faith related issues as now. Everyone seeks peace and consolation of mind and heart to navigate this uncertain time and remain safe and sane.

There was a man called Paul the Apostle who once wrote:

^“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.I can do all this through him [God] who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4: 12,13 (NIV)

Jesus himself comforted his followers with these words:

^“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NIV)

Finally, a verse that has been a great help to me and which has continues to prove true for me is:

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” – Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

If you would like to explore my Birder Sanctuary page you will find more Faith Based help and encouragement which is gleaned from our birds to help navigate this unprecedented time in our history.

W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).

‘To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

So we can learn from them how to live a healthy and 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, 2020.

Variegated Fairy-wren male in breeding plumage

During the very cold Autumn winds of the last week I have restricted my walks to my local Oatley Park Reserve which I have blogged many times over the years as a source of my local birds. It forms part of the important tree corridor allowing many bird species to navigate their course through busy suburban Sydney.

Australian Black-backed Magpie male

Australian Black-backed Magpie male

Chestnut Teal male

Chestnut Teal male

Chestnut Teal female

Chestnut Teal female

Eastern Water Dragon

Eastern Water Dragon

Australian Black-backed Magpie male

Australian Black-backed Magpie male

It also is permanent home to many territorial species, such as Kookaburra, Magpies, Currawongs, Rainbow Lorikeets, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Wattlebird, Noisy Miner, Australasian Swamphen, Pacific Black Duck, Chestnut Teal, Brown Thornbill, Superb Fairy-wrens and Eastern Water Dragon. This means that the predictability of finding particular birds around the same location is high, at certain times of the year, when they are not nesting or having to relocate because of drought. These Eastern Crimson Rosella are seen here mostly at this time of year eating seeds from the native Casuarina trees as well as grass seed which is in abundance here.

Eastern Crimson Rosella

Eastern Crimson Rosella

Eastern Crimson Rosella

Eastern Crimson Rosella

While some species have returned, many are yet to find their way back, now that we have had good rain for several months. The walk never gets boring seeing the same birds or lizards as there is always some interesting behaviour or activity taking place as they share the forest and interact, for example this stand off with the Kookaburra and the Noisy Miner which later comes to nothing. See how the Kookaburra is crouched low and making strong eye contact with the Miner.

Also, this male Kookaburra (on LHS) has caught a mouse and has been carrying it about for some time, not eating it. Notice the look on the Kookaburra looking on “Aren’t you going to give me any of that !?” I am wondering if this will be a courting gift for some female Kookaburra as breeding season approaches, as some couple will soon be occupying the white-ant nest nearby.

This jerky video will give you a better look at the prey. The riot of Kookaburras have just finished giving their territorial call. Notice its low grade call continuing like a car that is idling, and ready to rev into full call again. They often do this, and sometimes will keep their engine cycling over for several minutes sometimes priming the riot to break into another full on round, but it soon stops when it sees what his companion continues to carry around in its mouth. The first sound you hear is that of the grating call of the Wattlebird.

Here is a different perspective from the same shaky video. It took a while for me to find the group under the dark trees. Notice how the tail of the one idling his call moves up and down with the call. Also listen for the response in the distance of another riot or family group of Kookaburras declaring their territory in response to the call of this family riot.

Another bird which is commonly heard calling with its raspy grating call, which was heard in the recent video background is the Red Wattlebird, but this time of year we also see the Little Wattlebird, which has no visible wattle at all, but an unusual patterned chest. This one is hunting in the lower canopy of the eucalypt trees for lerps, as it is one of our largest honeyeaters. Notice the hole in the leaf, this is where part of the leaf has died due to the Psyllid larvae killing the leaf where it was lodged. You can just see some of the white lerps where the bird is about to eat which is covering a new larvae.

hunting forlerps

Little Wattlebird looking at lerps

Little Wattlebird eating lerps

When special seasonal birds appear, it is always an incentive to do frequent walks. This year we have been looking out for the beautiful and rapid moving Rufous Fantail which moves up to us from the south this time of year for warmer weather, but so far we have seen none. I am concerned they may have been one of the victim species lost in the massive bushfires that consumed much of the forests further south late last year. To see this bird fan its tail in the sunlight is brilliant, that is, if you can catch it fast enough.

Rufous Fantail fanning tail (some years ago)

Though one bird we seldom see but are delighted when we do is the Variegated Fairy-wren (see feature photo above), which I saw last week on one walk, but a couple of days later I did not see at all. People can mistake this bright little bird, when it is in breeding plumage with its cousin the Superb Fairy-wren which shares the same habitat in our forests. Compare them here. You can see the different features in the colouring, with an additional chestnut band on the back of the Variegated bird, giving it its name.

Superb Fairy-wren male in breeding plumage

Superb Fairy-wren male in breeding plumage

Variegated Fairy-wren in breeding plumage

Variegated Fairy-wren in breeding plumage

What a delight to see this tiny insectivorous bird, which is found more inland than here with little family pockets along the coast.

Another bird we are seeing more of in our park as it forages among the reeds around the Ponds is a family of White-browed Scrubwren. These are also very rapid moving insectivorous birds which offer a challenge to the photographer. They always appear to have a serious or angry look on their face.

I did enjoy pursuing this family. Here are two young ones on a branch together wondering what to do.

Here is a quick clip to illustrate what I mean by their continuous fast movement.

Of course I seem to always see or hear the curious female Golden Whistler, and on some occasions see the shy male. These birds are often captured looking upward to the under canopy for food, which is quite a different parctice to other birds which just hang upside down to look.

The last species to showcase from my daily walks and is always found, regardless of season, ascending trees and calling with its sweet little purring sound is the tiny cute Brown Thornbill. Like other small insectivorous Australian birds such as the Fairy-wren and Scrubwren, have no need to migrate, as insects are always plentiful. These birds do cycles many times a day around their claimed territories, calling all the time they move to indicate that this is their territory to others of the same species, and to signal their location to other family members.

Brown Thornbill

Brown Thornbill

I love hearing the sound of this busy little bird every time I walk in my local reserve as it ascends the native Casuarinas.

Well our early Spring here has caused some beautiful wildflowers to appear, especially after the good rain we recently were blessed with.

I had to share this reflection on the still ponds.

In conclusion most birds were found foraging in the same area each day, with a few exceptions where either the bird was not found again, as it is rarer to see it, or it is in a part of its cycle away from the track. Each day always brings something fresh and new, especially when we go birding and ask God to reveal that something, and he always comes through for us.

If this is your first visit to my weekly birding blog, welcome ! While you are here why not check out the rest of my website. You can access it from my Home Page or the above menu. Also why not check out my book which uses the unusual behaviour of our Australian birds to learn helpful hints to live a healthy and happy life.

My thoughts from this weeks roaming of the local reserve come from this little female Chestnut Teal.

She is quite happy to wash and swim up and down this narrow channel while I stand only a few feet away and watch her, quite unperturbed. I posed her no threat and she perceived it, just like the one bold Noisy Miner that is almost a pet of mine, as he trusts me implicitly to watch him wash while I stand next to the bath. He often comes and sits on the chair back and looks at me as if he wants something, or wants to tell me something. All the other birds fly off as I emerge from the house, even the alpha male Magpie, the number one boss bird in our neighbourhood, but not this enthusiastic but trusting little Miner. Even if I make eye contact he does not leave, which is normally a threat to a bird, especially the intelligent Magpie, whom will not fly off if I walk past with my back to him.

My little friend

Noisy mostly comes alone and shares his enjoyment of the swim with me by calling out to me. I have come to know his voice over time and will come out and watch him enjoy himself. He will look at me as he shakes himself off and stand for a moment and just look at me. He often leads the coalition to the baths and the others follow his lead. He visits throughout the day more than any other bird. I never feed him, just keep the baths filled and clean. He gets his food from our native flowers in our yard and nearby eucalypts.

Friendships are all based firstly on Trust, as are all loving relationships. Trust allows us to be at peace and be vulnerable in the company of those we trust. Living in trust and being trustworthy have health benefits, which is why surveys have shown that people who have trust based faiths and belief systems live longer happier lives. Trust, Faithfulness and Integrity go hand in hand and sadly are is being eroded daily from our Post Christian society, where a man’s word was as good as a signed contract. The adage still holds though: a man is as good as his word. As Jesus said long ago: “You know a tree by its fruit.”

“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.” – Matthew 12:33

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3: 5-6

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me;” – Psalm 28:7

Enjoy your week and stay safe and sane ! Our hearts and prayers go out to all in lock-down and those suffering the grief of loss, be it family, friends, job or income.

W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).

‘To introduce people to our unique Australian birds,

So we can learn from them how to live a healthy and 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, 2020.

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo

Following on from last weeks post where I deviated from our birding date in the Royal National Park to birds in my backyard, we continue down the fire trail at Mount Bass where we see some the local common bush birds of the Sydney area. Sydney is surrounded by several large National Parks, some of which were burnt during the Summer fire storms, thankfully our local park has survived untouched so far. As we walk down the track listening to the sound of Red and Little Wattlebirds calling and flocks of Rainbow Lorikeet playing (photos lost to technology) we noticed that many wildflowers were already blooming, and it is mid Winter.

Australia does not have the same 4 seasons as the Northern Hemisphere. The original inhabitants (The Australian aborigine) will tell you Australia has 6 seasons that cycle each year. Our Spring is a couple of months earlier and Summer a couple of months later. These additional seasons are more noticeable in the northern tropics of Australia. As we walked enjoying the crisp fresh Winter air and warm Winter sun, and the quietness, and lack of noisy walkers, bikers and joggers, we came across several Grass Trees with actively flowering spear heads. These tiny flowers are source of nectar for the honeyeaters during the Winter months when nectar flowers are very few. Several Silvereye were going back and forth feeding from the tiny flowers.

This flower head had an unusual kink in it.

We walked further, hoping to find the Southern Emu Wren, but there was not sound or sight of such, but we did hear the Grey Fantail. This curious bird, in a similar way to the Eastern Yellow Robin will suddenly come so close to check you out, that your camera will be out of focus. These little insectivorous guys will sometimes follow you down the track. He was not actively fanning today. They seem to have fanning and non fanning tail days.

My wife noticed a distant White-bellied Sea-Eagle flying past.

One of the most common bush birds of the rugged coastal heath is the New Holland Honeyeater. This is one of the first birds to be named when the British began renaming the Australian birds. Australia was known as New Holland as it was the Dutch explorers who found it before the British and French. This bird is featured in my book for its industrious efforts.

It later received the name of Australia, or Terra Australis the great south land. As Sydney had the first British settlement, this bird would have been numerous in the Sydney area. This busy bird is seen flying at great speed all over the park in small flocks. It is a local resident all year round here. This time of year they are joined by the White-cheeked Honeyeater which looks very similar as you can see below, especially when they are flying in and out of trees at great speed..

Another common tiny insectivorous bush bird the Brown Thornbill is more often heard rather than seen due to its size and ascent up through the dark tree canopy. This bird can be a challenge to photograph as it constantly moves and is in the dark most of the time. We so enjoy listening to his beautiful purring call as he ascends the tree.

As we just about come to the end of the trail our excitement rose as we heard the unique call of the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, a bird occasionally seen in our area, especially in Winter months, eating the native Casuarina seed cones and gum nuts. A very large flock of these birds live in the west side of this park. We spent several minutes trying to locate these birds through the bush, but could not get close due to the thick scrub. We heard a few more calling and came to join them, it appeared to be a family flock. Note the male has the pink eye surround. They sat looking at us from a distance.

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo male

Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo female

I tried to catch them flying over head but they were very close and it was difficult as they came so close.

So at lunch time we pulled out the thermos and the Leek and Sweet Potato Frittata my wife had made and watched the birds together, before returning home.

Another bush bird we frequently post which we both love hearing and seeing is the Golden Whistler. It tends to go quiet during the Winter months but becomes quite vocal during the Spring breeding season. Its joyous call is the reason this bird also features in my book. It is always a joy to see them both and hear them communicating to each other.

Male Golden Whistler

Female Golden Whistler

We saw both male and female of together today on our early morning birding date in the rainforest today. Sorry for the poor blurry shots as it was somewhat dark and difficult to capture them both in the moment.

I loved the way the light caught the eye of the male.

female

The heavy rain recently had flooded the river and the track in parts, and the waterfalls and creeks were rapidly and noisily flowing, a lovely sound to a land previously in drought for over 4 years. As we walked the mushy track we happened upon a very trusting immature Superb Lyrebird foraging by the track. We were only a few feet from as we passed and it was not perturbed at all. It is difficult to determine the sex accurately of the bird at this stage as they all resemble their mother until they begin to mature over the next few years, when the male develops his beautiful tail plumes and the female retains her tail and rufous throat colour. From close observation of the tail it may be a developing male.

If you want to find out more about why birds change their plumage several times during their lifetime: Check out my new YouTube video on my aussiebirder channel.

Immature Superb Lyrebird

Immature Superb Lyrebird

Immature Superb Lyrebird

Immature Superb Lyrebird

During the next few years, and for the rest of his life, if it is a male, he will compose a song list of mimicry and develop his own dance where he dances to his own beat similar to below, in preparation for displaying to females so as to attract them to mate with him, during the Autumn months.

The temperature in the mountain valley was only about 10°C so as the sun shone on the trees saturated with rain from the previous night this is what we saw…

This steam was quite visible, appearing at first like smoke, as it streamed from several trees that were suddenly lit directly by the warm Winter sunlight in the dark cold forest. This caused me to consider the fact that, if this occurred on a much warmer day in a well lit open woodland, we may not have noticed this steam (tiny water droplets illuminated) coming from the tree, yet it would be taking place exactly the same as we see here. The cold air temperature together with sunlight, has helped to expose and make visible what is normally invisible to our attention. This reminded me of my life growing up in a dysfunctional family. In that environment, life was modeled to me as my normal, and the best I could expect knowing later what what my parents had suffered from theirs, was from a young age, depression, fear of making mistakes, a low sense of personal value, a large love deficit and emotional pain.

However, as a teen I had the privilege of spending a day with a family who modeled practical love, joy and peace in both parents and children, showing continual gentleness, respect and encouragement. I was amazed and as a result, strongly longed for their normal, which like the warm sunlight shining on my cold dark tree, became visible to me. I wanted to know more of what they knew and thankfully I eventually did. I later was blessed with a family life where our children experienced the new normal that was revealed to me, by that family through God’s grace. When I see people living in my old normal, I want the love, joy and peace from my new normal to illuminate their lives and give them hope also. I thank God for the delight of being engaged with him in his transformation project in my life and that of those whom I have the privilege to share with.

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1

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

Enjoy your week, even if the only birds you can see in lock-down are out of your window or in your back yard. We give thanks daily and pray for you all for health and that our needs are met, as there are many who suffer great loss at this time and we pray for them daily. Stay safe and keep warm.

W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).

‘To encourage people to make good life choices,

using birds to teach important 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, 2020.

Eastern Crimson Rosella

As you have probably heard there is a second outbreak of the Covid in Sydney, which has put us all on high alert. Last Sunday my wife and I needed to get out and walk, so we went early to the Royal National Park, to hopefully escape the usual crowd, but it is now near a new virus hot-spot and locals were already there in large numbers, with some Victorian number plates sighted as well. So we decided to find a trail which no one was on to explore an area where someone had mentioned Southern Emu-wrens were sighted, a bird we have never seen, on the Mount Bass Fire Trail. Sadly, due to a technical problem, I lost many of my photos and was unable to retrieve them all, so what I have here are the ones I could retrieve from our birding date. This Eastern Crimson Rosella, is one of the many bird species from the Parrot family in Australia, the land of the Parrot. It is frequently seen and heard around the forests of Sydney.

Last week I asked some passing walkers what birds they have seen. The reply came: “I heard A Bellbird !” and I will respond saying “I don’t think so, not here in this park. But if you only heard one bird, it was probably not a Bell Miner (known as Bellbird) as they are a community bird, and they call to each other, so there are usually many. What you heard was most likely an Eastern Crimson Rosella. Listen for yourself to the chime of the Eastern Rosella calling to its mate, it can easily be mistaken. The Rainbow Lorikeet is calling noisily, as they do, in the background.

Now, before I get started on this birding date trail I want to explain that for the next few weeks I will be featuring the common local birds one can find around and in Sydney, where we live. We have many species, at throughout the year, and most local species remain all year round, and are very territorial, which means that when visiting birders ask me to take them out birding, and they name their list, I can usually find the bird they want with a reasonable probability.

Such as the Laughing Kookaburra which can be predictably found in the same location, sitting quietly watching as you pass by. We have these birds in our street, and they do occasionally visit our home and mark their territory, but choose to stay away rather then face abuse from the Noisy Miner coalition. These gentle patient birds are usually human friendly, and will come very close, especially if they see meat on your BBQ, or watch you digging in the soil. You can often get a shock when they fly suddenly down in front of you and grab a work you did not see. They have excellent binocular vision, being the largest bird in the Kingfisher family. Listen to their territorial call, it is very difficult to film them calling, as they tend to stop if they see you watching, so this is shot from a distance excuse the movement due to hand held full lens extension. This is Australia’s morning alarm clock, calling its inhabitants to rise and shine at sunrise.

This series of local birds was inspired by a request made by a blogger friend and blog follower, Takami from T Ibara Photo who showed special appreciation in my Pacific Black Duck photo, asking if I could show more of the common local birds where I live, as these often get left out, as we have so many interesting bird species.

Red Wattlebird

Red Wattlebird

Now back to trail. The first birds we heard calling and making a loud raucous metallic cough-like like sound were the Red and Little Wattlebirds, calling and feeding. The Red Wattlebird is our largest honeyeater in Sydney and is very aggressive and controlling, where as the Little (or non wattlebird as I call it) as it has no visible wattle, is not as common and mainly seen here now in Winter. Both species feed on nectar, blossoms, fruit, lerps and insects. Listen to calls and judge for yourself.

Red Wattlebird in flight

Red Wattlebird in flight

Red Wattlebird in flight

Red Wattlebird in flight

Little Wattlebird

Little Wattlebird

Little Wattlebird

Little Wattlebird

You will usually hear in the background the excitedly call of the Rainbow Lorikeet, in both above sound files. They are our most common small Parrot family bird and the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo our most common large. Both birds are found nesting in the same trees and sometimes competing for nesting holes, as I have shared previously, it is all about the Sydney Red Gum (Angophora costata) tree. Both these birds pair for life. The cone or crest of the Cockie is raised when the bird is alarmed or excited to communicate to their flock, acting somewhat like an emotional gauge. It also aids as a deterrent to any threatening situation. Both species feed on seeds, fruit, flowers, lerps and some insects, and both are featured in my book.

Rainbows drinking from tree

Rainbows drinking from tree

With raised cone

With raised cone

pair in flight

pair in flight

I love watching the Lorikeets feeding on our Bottlebrush tree each day. The excited chatter and call is continuous as the pair call to each other. So there may be many pairs feeding but they know the call of their mate. If a group alarm is sounded they are gone in a second, like airborne torpedoes they can fly with amazing accuracy past your head by an inch and through the tiniest space. I love watching the pair at the birdbath. I always get the best comments of appreciation from posting this colourful bird.

Probably the most common bird in largest numbers found around Sydney, and newly featured in the recently released 2nd Edition of “What Birds Teach Us”, is the Noisy Miner, one of the world’s most aggressive and brave birds, and Australia’s most aggressive native honeyeater. This bird has no fear when either alone or in coalition, to attack raptors, cats, dogs, humans and even kill smaller birds. This bird is a good example of a bully. It takes possession quite literally of an area of trees, and terrorizes any bird that they do not approve of, driving them from the area. They are very noisy as they put out calls to the coalition to come, and use their constant call as another form of harassment, like being in a house with the alarm going off, it is unbearable, especially to the ultra sensitive hearing of the bird.

The coalition of 6 visit my birdbath daily for their ablutions, at about 1:00 pm every day. The leader of the pack, pictured below, is now so use to me that he will often come and sit on the chair back next to me and just look at me for a few seconds. They know I fill their water for them, as all my backyard birds do. They will wait in nearby trees and on power lines, till I refill the bath, and then converge on it, madly ducking and splashing and all the time making a noisy racket, which sounds like: ” Hey, get out its my turn !”

Noisy Miner making noise

Of course they soon disperse to the tree when the alpha male Magpie comes, he is king pin and nobody argues with his very strong beak, and his powerful bite, for this territory is shared by Noisy Miners, Rainbow Lorikeets, Grey Butcherbird, Pied Currawong, Australian Raven and Australian Eastern Black-Backed Magpie, which all drink and bathe here.

Australian Magpie bathing

This is the little guy I call My Little Mate who makes my heart rejoice every time I hear him call through the day his beautiful song. I reckon he laughs a better laugh and a happier one than the Kookaburra.

He is like a pet to me, and you may remember last year how he brought his two fledglings to show me (see above). This is a younger photo of him. I never feed him, he just drinks and visits each day, sometimes several times. His call can be heard all through the day, and he varies it, so it is not monotonous.

Grey Butcherbird calling

Here are his children later on calling in the morning like their dad from the TV areal next door.

What about the lonely Pied Currawong. These are very deceptive and covert birds, known for their opportunistic behaviour, for which they have been a new inclusion in my 2nd Edition. They do have many beautiful and interesting calls, often the first call before sunrise. They silently sleek about and their bright yellow eye is constantly on the lookout for an opportunistic moment to score. In my book they teach the universal life principle of “A man reaps from what he sows.” or “What comes around goes around.” He is related to the Corvid family, and is uniquely Australian.

My Backyard Currawong usually only visits my birdbaths when no one else is around, bird or human. He is a bird of stealth and secrecy and quite shy.

Pied Currawong

Speaking of Corvids, the last bird I see near home, but rarely visits my baths is the Australian Raven, our most intelligent bird. A family flock moved into our neighborhood last year during the fires and at the beginning of the Covid. Now we have a large flock of them, but they keep well away from us and the Miners.

Our Australian Raven is quite a different bird to the crows of the Northern Hemisphere. Note its hackles beneath its chin, a distinct feature. This very intelligent bird, also has a tight social and complex structure similar to the also very intelligent Australian Magpie.

A bird I often see flying over head almost every day is the Australian White Ibis which has become in recent years a pest to Sydney gaining the name of the bin chicken. This is because it has learnt to remove garbage from bins and make a mess. Ornithologists have been studying this change of behaviour for some years now, as this recent increase in numbers within the city of Sydney has become a interesting problem. In one town nearby in the palm trees of the nature strip dividing one of the busiest roads, these birds are seen sitting on nests, perched precariously hanging from these palms while noisy traffic surges beneath. When roosting and nesting. like many flock birds, they find safety in numbers.

This bird is meant to be on mud flats and grassy fields prodding the earth with its long beak for insects and crustaceans.This is another new inclusion to my book, replacing the Glossy Ibis which is not an Australian bird but a migrant found worldwide.

Well, I have deviated from my birding date somewhat and ending up in my backyard, where we have shared some of the most common birds we see every day in the Suburbs of Sydney. I will come back to our walk again next week. One bird that has become a very real problem, even worse than our own native Noisy Miner, is the introduced Indian Myna or Common Myna. Efforts to cull this fast breeding bird have failed, and it is taking over and pushing out many of our native species. It was reported on the front of the newspaper as “The myna bird has become a major problem.” Thankfully my little coalition of 6 keep them away and they thrive further down the street. These birds have infiltrated many parts of the world with amazing success.

Indian Myna (Common Myna)

I managed to share the common or local birds that visit my back yard, as I digressed from my birding date, which I will return to next week where I will feature more local birds that are not found in my back yard. I would be interested if other bloggers would share their local backyard birds as a one off, in a blog, as some of my blogger friends have already done.

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Check out the helpful hints and interesting information about birding and how we can learn from the current research on birds from my Home Page and above menu.

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Check out the link to my book and consider it as a wonderful and unique gift for your young child or grandchild for Birthday or Christmas. The feedback and sales, even amid the Covid have been an amazing blessing. Thank you to many of my online blog followers who have purchased one or more copies for gifts.

I guess the best message we can gain from this weeks post is that it is too easy to take the things we experience daily for granted. We are constantly exhorted in the Bible to give thanks in every situation, and rejoice in all situations whether seemingly good or bad, because they are all sent to mature our character and make us into endurable people who live more by faith rather than sight. The outcome is we worry less and trust and rest and know peace more. We can only achieve this level of peace and sense of safety if we have faith in a trusted and tested source. As Jesus tried to show his followers long ago, and stands today, it is not so much how much faith one has , but the object we place our faith in that matters. This takes the pressure off of us to produce the peace, and rests it with God, who has the power to do it. (see Matthew 17:20). It is not science (though I am a scientist), nor mankind or luck, which are known from experience to be always unpredictable and constantly changing, but it is the unchangeable omniscient omnipotent loving Father God, with whom my wife and I find peace and rest in at this historically unprecedented turbulent and anxious time of uncertainty. I can understand now how the apostle Paul was able to say through the many and life threatening experiences he had:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” – Philippians 4:12 (NIV)

Have a wonderful week my dear friends and stay safe !

To privately contact the author of this website email: ashley@aussiebirder.com

otherwise, please leave your comment below.

W. A. Hewson (Adv. Dip. Counselling & Family Therapy).

‘To encourage young people to make good life choices,

using birds to teach important 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, 2020.

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