Grey Fantail

All posts tagged Grey Fantail

A Walk in the Woods – Mulligans Flat Woodlands, Canberra ACT

Posted by aussiebirder on March 28, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Australian wildlife, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Bush-stone Curlew, Canberra, Fauna, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, wildlife. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

Last weekend my wife and I visited our national capital Canberra in the ACT where my wife and her other two sisters (The Three Sisters) visited the National Gallery for the Love & Desire
Pre-Raphaelite Masterpieces from the Tate exhibition. On the following day as the rain persisted we revisited the research woodlands of Mulligan’s Flat in the suburb of Forde, where we last were told there was a family of Red-capped Robin, a few years ago. Thankfully the rain ceased as we walked to the gates. You can read more about this research experiment here. Large electrified fences protect the wildlife from foxes, cats and other predators. Click on photo to enlarge it.

As we walked in we were under constant surveillance from the many large Grey Kangaroos resting after a night of grazing. This large male was making sure we kept clear of the youngster nearby, and we did!

Several fenced off areas have been created to reintroduce rare and once existent wildlife species to repopulate the area. These include the species below. Interesting enough, the Bush-Stone Curlew, which has been long removed from this far south, had flown the coupe, but in recent months have been sighted in the residential streets and areas at night, which means the experiment, has worked but not in the way the scientists expected . You may remember we posted these unusual birds last year when in Far North Queensland, where they are found in large numbers.

We were at first disappointed as we viewed the evidence of stressed eucalypts, empty water courses and dams and few birds due to the persisting drought.  Our first sightings of any significance were the beautiful Eastern Rosella. Birds of the Parrot family are most numerous in the inland dryer regions of Australia.

Its colorful cousin the Eastern Crimson Rosella was also feeding in a nearby street .

Eastern Crimson Rosella
Eastern Crimson Rosella
Eastern Crimson Rosella

But the highlight for us and a small family we met was this young Short-nosed Echidna (‘Spiny Anteater’) feeding quite placidly by the track unperturbed by us onlookers.

They poke their long snout (which is both nose and mouth) into holes in search of ants and termites which they lap up with their long tongue.  Their sharp claws are used to pry open bark to enter rotting logs and also dig. They have no teeth but simply flick their food into their mouth. They are usually, like their monotreme cousin the Platypus, very shy, and will easily coil into a spiny ball if approached. These two specie are only found in Australia and are in a class of their own as the only egg laying mammal.

As we walked on in search of the elusive Red-capped Robin (my lifer bird quest for 2019) we heard the distinctive call of the White-throated Treecreeper. The Brown Treecreeper is also found in this area, but not today. The orange spot on the face indicates it is a female. 

These birds call with their loud unmistakable repetitive chime as they ascend the tree to the top looking for insects and grubs, making them easy to detect. However photographically they are difficult to focus and get good shots, especially since they tend favor the non sunny side of the tree to climb.

Of course the Eastern Magpie (‘Black-Backed Magpie’) is one of the most commonly seen territorial birds on the east coast and most successful breeders ( due to their extended family structure), no matter how dry it is. They are predictably found, and are one of the world’s most intelligent and clever birds up there with the Raven and Crow. This male looked striking in the sun so I had to capture his regal pose. They are feared during the nesting season as they savagely attack passers by. However, if you are a known friend to them they will not attack. Recent research has shown that this ability to do facial recognition is some how mysteriously passed on to the next generations. I have stood next to people being repeatedly and savagely attacked when at no time did they even attempt to attack me, having been knowingly classed as their friend. 

They feel greatly threatened when the approach is quick by bicycle or running, but this only lasts through the nesting season. They have one of the most beautiful and complex song structure of any bird, we delight to hear it each morning. You will hear a Pied Currawong calling in the background, they also have an interesting and very varied call.

Of course no matter where you go in eastern Australia you will always hear the raucous call of the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, and here was no exception.

The only other birds we we saw were in the several Mixed Feeding Flocks or MFFs which are commonly seen in these woodlands. This is where several species of small, insectivorous  Passerines (tree birds) move from tree to tree together usually calling excitedly to each other as they go. This flock seemed to be driven by several Grey Fantails, a larger bird which seemed to be moving them on. The tiny fast moving feeders were almost impossible to photograph, but I did my best to identify Yellow-rumped Thornbills, Buff-rumped Thornbills, Brown Thornbills, Striated Thornbills and Spotted Pardolote (which eluded me). What an amazing combination, and by now it was quite hot standing in the sun following this flock from tree to tree. These tiny birds are all insectivorous and Lerp feeders.

 Soon we left the park having not seen the Red-capped Robin in the spot we were hoping, but instead saw the MFF. Homeward bound but very delighted with what we did see, and for the long walk we needed before our 3 hour drive home.

My bird meditation for this week was given to me this morning when I discovered this Rufous Fantail flying about in the front porch area of our home. This was an amazing blessing for any birder, since this very flighty and timid bird is never seen in residential areas but only in the dense shaded palm and rainforest areas.

We usually only see them here in our forests for a very short period in Autumn-Winter as they pass through feeding on insects. While they are stunningly beautiful in the sunshine, they are one of the most difficult birds to photograph as they seldom stay still.

So I felt very blessed for the privilege of having a few moments with this poor stressed bird, which I think had been harassed by the bully Noisy Miners, as they do to all intruding birds. It may have taken refuge in the porch, but why is it so far from the forest?  Possibly it was looking for water as it was passing through our region. 

 I took movie of its plight, hoping to catch good footage of its beautiful plumage on both sides,  without the help of direct sunlight. It rested occasionally and watched me, wondering about me. Eventually it saw I was standing outside in the sun and realised it could fly downwards to escape, and when it realized that down and not up was the way out, it was free at last! Here is some slow motion footage of its flight, slowed to half speed.

Sometimes we have to think outside of our usual learned and safe strategies. Sometimes what we have been taught or convinced of by influential and scholarly people may keep us trapped in a false thinking and belief system. Most of us need help and guidance to find the way ahead to a better life. There are so many voices, opinions and controlling influences which seek to subdue us  with their manipulative lies and  misrepresentations. Many ask what is Truth? How can I be free of all the guilt and pain of my past and present life? As the Rufous Fantail saw freedom was outside of what he knew to be the way one would normally think, by courageously flying down toward me to freedom, rather than continuing to fly upwards as he had known and been taught to always do. It takes courage to believe differently from everyone else around you, when you believe true freedom is found in a different place and by going in a different direction to the hopelessness of a world that does not know its Creator and the love and freedom that faith in him can bring.

 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins [does wrong] is a slave of sin [their wrong doing]. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son [God’s sinless Son Jesus] sets you free, you are truly free.” – John 8: 34-36 

 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?”  Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

Seek the Lord while you can find him.
    Call on him now while he is near.
Let the wicked change their ways
    and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
    Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord.
    “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.
For just as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so my ways are higher than your ways
    and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.  – Isaiah 55:6-9

Have a wonderful week !  As the seasons change so do some of our birds. If you are new to my blog and want to know more about birding, visit my Home Page menu for birding tips and interesting information which deals with the mindful and healthy recreation of bird watching. Maybe you are looking for the perfect gift, check out my book on my BirdBook page.

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

 

Searching for the Best in the West – Birding Western Sydney

Posted by aussiebirder on February 28, 2019
Posted in: Australia, Australian Birds, Bird watching, Birding, Birds, Fauna, Grey Fantail, National Parks, Nature, Nature reserve, Outings, Sydney, Uncategorized, water birds, wildlife. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Australian Hobby

We seldom go birding on the outskirts of Western Sydney, but with recent sightings of a Red-capped Robin family in Wianamatta Nature Reserve at Cranebrook, on The Northern Road, I just had to go, since this was on my lifer bucket list for this year. This nature reserve in past years, was the sight of a communications receiving station but now the abandoned concrete slabs and old granite roads where buildings and antennae once existed has given way to rejuvenating bushland, managed by NSW National Parks. The main entrance is lined with bird breeding boxes and I believe bird tagging is carried out here at times also.

 Sadly the day was dull and showery and I did not sight the Robin, though a National Park ranger told me she had seen it come up to her late last year. However I was blessed to sight from a distance high in a dead tree, a pair of Australian Hobby, which may explain why the trees were quieter than usual.  This small falcon is almost the size of a Kestrel, and looks similar from a distance to its larger cousin, the Peregrine Falcon.  It preys on birds with vigorous swift flight, snatching them in mid air, and also, like most birds, feeds on insects. I was pleased with the shots I managed to get considering the lack of light and distance from the tree, as they did not let me approach. Click on photos to enlarge them.

It amazes me how raptors and other birds can rotate their head 180° without moving their body.

The noticeable lack of birds was apparent but there were a few good ones which we seldom see near the coast as well as the Hobby, including the beautiful Yellow Thornbill, of which I saw several families, but were difficult to see again due to the poor light. This tiny insectivorous bird can be heard with its high pitched call as it communicates to its mate while scanning the small trees.

I was delighted to see a Double-barred Finch, another bird seen more inland, in the arid areas where it feeds on grass seed. Australian finches are quite remarkable survivers, and are often seen in large flocks further inland, though this guy was alone. I had to include the flight shot as poor as it is, but not wings and legs tucked, he is like a missile in flight.

It was lovely to sight this juvenile Grey Fantail, who did not seem to concerned about me.

Grey Fantail juvenile
Grey Fantail juvenile
Grey Fantail juvenile
Grey Fantail juvenile

As usual there is often a curious bird, if not a Robin, Shrike-thrush or Fantail, it is a Whistler, and in this case what appears to be a lone female Rufous Whistler. Rufous Whistlers are found more in the west and the Golden Whistler more along the eastern coastal forests. I love the curious head turn that the above mentioned birds all do.

Rufous Whistler female
Rufous Whistler female

What about the fresh waterbirds of the west this is where the rarer species are usually found, in the inland lakes, swamps and lagoons, where the water is still and water weed and aquatic food grows to feed them. Pitt Town Lagoon (Nature Reserve) as it is known, is a popular place north west of Sydney, especially after recent rains where it has refilled again. The local bird observers club have built a bird hide on one side of the lake, but the birds tend to congregate on the other side.

Many of our rarer native duck are very cautious and timid toward humans because of the long history of being hunted by early settlers, before government protection. Sadly this was the only shot I got of the rarer mainly inland dwelling, Yellow Spoonbill. On my approach I have to remain hidden, but as soon as I launch camera, this happens…

Great Egret and Straw-necked Ibis (non breeding)
Yellow Spoonbills
Pacific Black Duck in flight

Both Straw-necked and Australian White Ibis were present. The name Straw-necked refers to the breeding plumage which is not present on these birds. These birds are not water birds as such but they forage on the banks and in the shallows by pressing their long slender bills into the wet mud for small crustaceans.

Straw-necked Ibis non breeding
Australian White Ibis
Straw-necked Ibis non breeding
Australian White Ibis

Two of the rarer mainly inland fresh water birds present are the Pink-eared Duck and the Australasian Shoveler. Both these birds have wide beaks specifically designed to sift the water for minute aquatic organisms which make up much of their food, including crustaceans and insects.

Australasian Shoveler pair (male on the right)
Female Shoveler in flight
Female Shoveler in flight
Female Australasian Shoveler
gathering of Shovelers
Male Shovelers in flight

They have a dabbling action as they sift the water, often moving in circles, or simply following behind other ducks with bills submerged as they swim and stir up the surface of silt and weed in the shallows beneath. This allows them to sift the food from the unwanted water.

Pink-eared Duck pair
Pink-eared Duck in flight
Pink-eared Duck family

There is always Australia’s most numerous duck, the Grey Teal. The Chestnut Teal was also present in my earlier shots.

The Australian Pelican is an amazing survivor, even out west away from the ocean. Other birds including the rare Freckled Duck and Blue-billed Duck have been seen here as well on occasions as have several species of waders (in my previous posts) and a family of White-bellied Sea Eagle. but not on this visit.

This photo shows a family of Pacific Black Duck in flight, but notice how the iridescent speculum feathers change colour depending on the angle of suns rays striking it. You could get the impression from this photo that the lead male was a different bird specie or a mutant, but in reality it is relevant to the perspective from which you view it coupled with the angle of the sunlight striking the speculum feathers.

Pacific Black Duck

On viewing this capture I was reminded in my spirit that we need to be careful not to make judgments and interpret what we see, without understanding. The modern media and the comments of others can easily colour and change our perspective in regard to a person, their character or an event. The leading Pacific Black Duck (which is actually brown) in the photo above may give us a false impression as to its true appearance seeing a purple speculum instead of the more commonly seen turquoise. However, it is what it is, and if we were to view that same duck in another light and angle it would also appear turquoise like the others. 

Pacific Black Duck in flight

Having the understanding about speculums and how the feathers are structurally multi layered allows one to accept what they see, without going off on a tangent. This is a lesson to me to stop and try to understand before passing judgement, and to not believe everything I here or read on face value. 

“Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands.” – Psalm 119:66 (NIV)

“Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.” – Psalm 143:2

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” – Romans 2:1

“Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” – Romans 14:13

One of my youngest blog followers shared this little snippet of truth regarding the difference between a BIRDER and a TWITCHER, as I know many have asked the question, and I have done a post on this in past years. The answer is simply $$$ dollars $$$ meaning the twitcher unlike most of us birders is wealthy and able to leave their job or home on a bird tip off and travel anywhere in the world, to feed their obsession/addiction, as in the movie The Big Year

Have a wonderful week my dear birding friends, and thank you my dear ones for your kind and thoughtful regards to my health, which is slowly on the mend. Yes I am still working part time and also researching my next book which I have started, but  just need time to seriously write it.

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.