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 Family

Chestnut Teal Family

Chestnut Teal Family

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