Thanks all. Karen, if you have time some stats would be awsome. Dev did some last year, and although not a competition, it does make interesting reading. If you look at the link below, you can see some of the info he was able to provide. Not sure what your able to achieve, but anything would be great.
And yes the Goshawk does have an intimidating look. I posted it on a Tasmanian FB page, there is being some study done on the white morph in our area. The founder of that page says mine photo is of a young bird.
Here is a link to that page, if you interested,not sure if you can view unless you join though!
Thanks again all, think it will be a while before I found anything new, we are on increased lockdown from midnight tonight - only go,out for work and essentials.
Stay safe, and happy birding (from your backyard).
And I'm always birding from my backyard, this was the year I had planned to actually go out and do some birding elsewhere! Oh well, I'm happiest at home so this suits me fine.
Just about to head off to bed but I heard what I think is an Owlet-nightjar not far from my window. As soon as I press record on my phone, it stops. I just went out with a torch to have a look but of course all was quiet. Probably watching me the whole time. I'm sure he will speak up again as soon as I go to bed.
It's fantastic that your happy birding from home, and you certainly have some fine species. Hopefully you can keep chugging away, even just to give me something different to look at.
Finally getting round to sorting the past 3 months photos, there aren't that many, just been lazy and busy at the sametime. A few EBC (crappy photos) and few I am quite happy with. No particular order -
Upgrade for 25. Pacific Black Duck - I like the reflection and detail in this one.
71. Musk Duck - definetaly an EBC - long way off, dark bird, grey sky, grey water, but a 1st sighting for me, and he has his lobe inflated, which struck me as odd, he was the only one around.
75 Grey Shrike Thrush. This one followed me along the track, but was busy looking for food, and wouldn't stay still for long. It was also somewhat camoflaged.
76. Collared Sparrow-hawk - this one got inside our local Animal Tuckerbox (a rural supply type store - building is like a warehouse).My colleague was picking up some supplies, and just happened to be in the right place at the right time - Nikon P900, my carry almost everywhere camera, lighting wasnt the best - the "bright" photo is lights on, the others are lights off, trying to get it to fly out the door. It was spotted chasing House Sparrows into the building. It left the building after about an hour (I as going back the following day if it was still inside with the good camera)
Took what I thought was a Black Currawong (Tas Endemic) - ID by call, but my photo is of a Forest Raven, there must have been Currawong calling very close by, but unfortunatley I didn't see them. Here is the Raven anyway - additional photo for 69.
NIce set of birds, Dale. Love the young Collared Sparrowhawk! I also agree that a good reflection does add to a picture. Seems to me your number of birds is climbing quite nicely.
Thanks Sue. Have passed last years small year challenge, and have got roughly 25% of birds seen in Tasmania. Also have a few easy ones, that I am trying to get better photos of. Maybe looking at visiting the daughter and grandson in Melbourne later this year, if and when we are allowed to travel. Hoping to get to the WTP at Werribee, so that might build some numbers.
Mostly I am enjoying seeing what everyone else sees in this great country og ours.
Been a bit quiet down here lately, have had a couple of short trips, so here are some for the past week or 2.
These Tawny Frogmouth have been hanging around for a couple of months, in the same spot. Reckon they are the most photographed Tawnies in Tassie. Went looking easily found. Was about leave when a flash of pink caught my eye - the obligatory branch spoils the focus, but hey I was happy.
80. Tawny Frogmouth - 1st photo shows the tree, in a small corridor of native bush middle suburbia. The bark they are on seems quite strong,we have had some high wind, but it remains intact (it is on the eastern side, prevailing wind westerly). Apparently nest boxes nearby, which Swift Parrots use as well, so I will be back later in the year. A lady told me these have "grown so much" in a month or so, so unclear if siblings or a young pair. The male on the right (they are always in the same spot with very similar pose).
On my way home spotted some Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in my mates orchard, couple of ordinary photos, before they flew directly overhead (autofocus too slow - or the photographer!)
61. Silvereye - replacement/additional - these guys came in after the Yellow-tails departed. I think my best shot of these so far, but still looking to improve.
Another better shot, inmy opinion, 54. Grey Currawong, there was a small flock fossicking around in a paddock, flipping bark and leaves, hunting. ID by the white coverts (Black Currowong have Black coverts, and we don't get Pieds in Tassie).
Great to see you are managing to increase those numbers, Dale. Love the Tawny Frogmouths, what a place to sit! Seems you might have to keep an eye out for young Galahs as well. Who can't love a Robin, always a delight to see one.
Thanks for all your comments, times are hard at the moment, the world we knew has certainly changed!
Again still have not had many opportunities to get out, with weather and work.
Mananged a trip last Saturday - 660klm round trip on a 16 hour day in the hope of sighting 2 birds - Nankeen Night Heron, and the Azure Kingfisher, which are not usually found in my local area (supposed to have the Kingfisher, but I can't find them). Got 1, but unfortunatley, the other was not home (called back twice to check - morning and afternoon). Anyway my day was not wasted, got to see some old favourites - White-bellied Sea Eagle pair, and later a juvenile, white-face Heron, Australian Pied Oystercathers,cormorants of 2 species, Green Rosella and Yellow-tailed black Cockatoos. I may add some more photos either here or in best photos, once I get them sorted.
But for now the hightlight of my day, was no doubt an Azure Kingfisher. If you get to Tasmania, I recommend the Leven River Cruise (Ulverstone) - a small local company who run various trips from Birdwatching, to general scenic and history tours. I have rabbited on enough, so here is 1 of about 300 photos - cropped, but not processed;
Love all the pics Dale. And what a beautiful little kingfisher, I have never seen one of those. I've only been to Tasmania once, when I was about 12. I would love to come back some day when this virus thing is all over. The birdwatching cruise sounds great.
Gorgeous kingfisher, Dale, and I love the frogmouths too. I seem to have a bling spot for froggies - so many people photograph them in Sydney, but I haven't spotted any for years - I need to train my eye for the camo.
I know things must feel a bit isolated in Tassie at the moment, but its lovely for us to see your special local birds :-)
Have to say it, Alex... no amount of bling will help! Look for a shape that does not quite fit rather than camo. The dead stick stance is more a camouflage once they realise you are looking at them.
Thanks guys. Nice to see the challenge picking up again, things have been a bit slow, I guess thanks to COVID. Hoping our Victorian friends are doing ok.
Once you see the Tawnies, they tend not to move, unless you spook them. These 2 were there for a few months. Last visit there was only 1 - hoping all is ok, maybe nesting?
The Kingfisher was an outstanding bird for me, worth the effort. Think I still have a 100 or so photos to sort, nothing new, but maybe some upgrades.
Here is a couple from today, still sorting some earlier photos, but don't think anything new. Heavily cropped.
83. Crescent Honeyeater - for Sue. Sighted maybe 3 pair, but alas no female photo. This is a new bird for me, hadn't realised how often I have heard and not seen util today.
Wow. Love these 2 Dale especially the Crescent Honeyeater. I took a photo of a felale when I was there a few years ago. Nowhere near as striking as this male. Well captured
Had a couple of trips in past weeks, a few new birds for my list, and a new bird to me (at least wild one).
85. Superb Lyrebird - have been thinking of looking for these for a while, bit the bullet yesterday, went for what was supposed to be a 8klm return walk, took a wrong turn, turned it into a 15klm walk, was geographically embarassed for about an hour, eventually back tracking and finding my way out. Had I not detoured the long way, might have missed it. Ended up seeing 3, 1 darted accross the track before I could lift the camera, this one, and another ran accross the road in front of me on the way home (got some poor dashcam footage). Poor light handheld, ISO wound up to 12,800, shutter speed 1/80th F6.3 at 600mm. Reasonably happy for a relative beginner! The only half decent photo I got.
86. Black Currawong - another Tassie Endemic - been looking in the higher country for this one, was at my mates work (he manages an orchard and juices apples), well a couple turned up for a feed of apple directly from the bin (stacked 9 high, each holding 700-750kg of apples). Again pretty happy with these couple.
87. Black Swan - been waiting to find swans which are not just dots on the screen. This family thought is was going to feed them. Again sorry if there are too many photos, but I couldn't choose.
Nice to see the Lyrebird Dale. The Cygnets are also very cute. Sometimes those wrong turns can turn to gold. I did the same a few year ago when I was on Rottnest Island. Took a wrong turn and found some White-fronted chats that were happy to have their photo taken, so it was a lifer for me.
Lovely set of photos, Dale. Well done getting that Lyrebird shot in such conditions and the Cygnets are cute. I agree, sometimes those long detours prove to be very rewarding and I do admire the phrasing of geographically embarrassed. I am sure I can use that in the future. It happened to me in Florence where I knew we had come from a certain side of a particular building as my reference... shame it was round!
Good stuff Dale! Its hard shooting in the dark Tassie forests - nice work on getting a decent shot of the lyrebird :-) And never too many swan shots, I love them.
Love that chick, Dale. Yes, it is still officially Australian Pied Oystercatcher on the working list of Australian Birds so Morcombe is incorrect. Well done on the Striated Pardalote as well.
Nice Dale. You have the nominate race Striated Pardalote (note the yellow spot on the wing). We get the one with the red spot up here although I'm not sure which subspecies it is
I do like seeing the Pardalotes, Spotted or Striated, and love their call. In Sydney, we can see red or yellow spotted ones and west of the divide another sub-species, so it can be a little confusing. There are 6 sub-species, I believe. You did manage to get a lovely unobstructed view, Dale, thanks.
So its been a while since I have put any new birds up. Sorry in advance if this is photo heavy, but I am trying to make up my lack of variety with some extra photos.
Fortunate enough to get to Bruny Island a few weeks ago, and so here are the highlights, all of which are heavily cropped.
89. Forty-spotted Pardalote - Tas. endemic and listed as endangered. 1 of 3 lifers for me, saw plenty but they are fast and hard to get close to. The limb they are perched on is hollow, and so it doubles as a nest which is currently active (in addition to nest boxes provided).
90. Swift Parrot - Tas. breeding endemic, also now listed as endangered, my 2nd lifer for the day, very much an EBC, as they were high up and a long way off. Did hear many at Adventure Bay, but were impossible to get a shot of.
92. Tasmanian Scrubwren - Tas endemic, thought initially I would not be happy with the 1st photo, given standing in heavy canopy, with bird sitting in dappled bright light on the limb, ended up happy with the result. The 2nd bird was at a different location - dry dune type habitat between the beach and the road, surprised to see at that location.
74. Dusky Robin - Tas. endemic, the 2nd photo shows what I beleive is an adult and juvenile clinging to the trunk of a tree, pity about the fencing wire across the lower (younger) bird.
Wow, what a great set of birds there Dale. The Swift Parrots and Hooded Plovers would be lifers for me. I never managed to see them when I was on Bruny a few years ago. I know exactly what you mean about those Pardalotes. I call them ADD birds as they never sit still for too long.
95. Wedge-tail Eagle - was hoping for a better view, but this is the only one I have seen with any chance of a photo this year, A definite EBC. massive crop. Taken from more than 500 metres away. You can see the size of the bill, and just maybe make out the tail shape. It's shear size caught my attention while out with the wife, lucky I decided to put the camera on the back seat.
Nice to see those birds still coming, Dale.... century approaches! The Hooded Plovers are beautiful and I am yet to see a Swift Parrot or Forty-spotted Pardalote.
Here are a few more, Inching ever so close to 100, just waiting for the chance to find some new birds. I do have a couple of photos I am holding back in the hope of better shots. But I am concerned they are not clearly identifiable enough from my poor photos, so may not bother with them.
96. Common Greenfinch - fairly ordinary photo, huge crop,
97. Dusky Woodswallow - again decent crop. Found these very close to home. The 2nd photo shows a parent leaving what I believe is the nest. It came back and forth several times. before junior (3rd photo) emerged from the "crack" in the tree (the burnt looking vertical stripe). I was fortunate enough to see it exercise it's wings, before taking flight - no photo, I was too interested in observing it. just enjoying nature at it's best.
98. Common Blackbird (male), not a bird I really like. feral pest, but a bloke has to get his numbers up somehow. This one was preening itself for a while. 1 photo, didn't care about quality much, just wanted to move on. Again a decent crop.
So close, Dale! Also love those Woodswallows and agree that you get caught in the moment and just enjoy nature.
Not sure if it will help but you are missing Golden and Olive Whistlers, Pied (Black-winged) Stilt, Pied Cormorant, Hardhead and Australasian Grebe. Thought they might be possibilities or even an Australian Gannet. Looking forward to the century!
Most of those you mention Sue, I am yet to see at all, while everyone else is busy getting them (Tasmanian Bird Sightings FB page).
I did see a flock of Australasian Gannets today whilst in a fast moving boat, unfortunately by the tile we stopped, they had passed. Have a couple of ideas up my sleeve, so hopefully later in the week, weather permitting.
100. Royal Spoonbill - sighted at the wetlands, but were 500+ metres away, so these photos from Queechy Lake - a small lake in suburban Launceston. Still a long way off, but at least easily identifiable.
101. Swamp Harrier - at the wetlands, Thought I already had an EBC, but apparently not. This photo a definite EBC - very long way off, huge crop. ID from size of bird, and lack of "Wedge Tail" haha.
You can't go to Launceston and not visit the Cataract Gorge - again disappointed with the variety on show.
103. Indian Peafowl - yes these are introduced, and they are in a reserve, but so are all the birds in the wetalnds etc. They are not confined in anyway, and have a "self sustaining" population, having been intoroduced over 100 years ago. The other bonus is you can get very close, they are used to people!
Thanks all. Karen, if you have time some stats would be awsome. Dev did some last year, and although not a competition, it does make interesting reading. If you look at the link below, you can see some of the info he was able to provide. Not sure what your able to achieve, but anything would be great.
And yes the Goshawk does have an intimidating look. I posted it on a Tasmanian FB page, there is being some study done on the white morph in our area. The founder of that page says mine photo is of a young bird.
Here is a link to that page, if you interested,not sure if you can view unless you join though!
Thanks again all, think it will be a while before I found anything new, we are on increased lockdown from midnight tonight - only go,out for work and essentials.
Stay safe, and happy birding (from your backyard).
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks Dale, I can't see a link?
And I'm always birding from my backyard, this was the year I had planned to actually go out and do some birding elsewhere! Oh well, I'm happiest at home so this suits me fine.
Just about to head off to bed but I heard what I think is an Owlet-nightjar not far from my window. As soon as I press record on my phone, it stops. I just went out with a torch to have a look but of course all was quiet. Probably watching me the whole time. I'm sure he will speak up again as soon as I go to bed.
Sorry Karen, I got distracted, I'll try again.
It's fantastic that your happy birding from home, and you certainly have some fine species. Hopefully you can keep chugging away, even just to give me something different to look at.
Dev's stats
http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/forum/Small-Year-Stats-so-far
Grey Goshawk (Pure White Morhp Tasmania)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2321293554762258/
Hope that works for you!
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Hi Dale, yep I'll do some similar stats after work today, not a problem.
Love the Grey Goshawk!!
Finally getting round to sorting the past 3 months photos, there aren't that many, just been lazy and busy at the sametime. A few EBC (crappy photos) and few I am quite happy with. No particular order -
Upgrade for 25. Pacific Black Duck - I like the reflection and detail in this one.
Pacific Black Duck by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Upgrade for 17. Australian Pied Oystercatcher - like the reflection on this one
Pied Oyster Catcher by Dale Watson, on Flickr
71. Musk Duck - definetaly an EBC - long way off, dark bird, grey sky, grey water, but a 1st sighting for me, and he has his lobe inflated, which struck me as odd, he was the only one around.
Musk Duck by Dale Watson, on Flickr
72. Laughing Kookaburra - another introduced species for Tasmania. I was able to get quite close, and so am relatively pleased with the outcome.
Kooki by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Laughing Kookaburra by Dale Watson, on Flickr
73. Common Starling - introduced feral, but hey a guys go to get numbers up somehow!
Common Starling by Dale Watson, on Flickr
74. Dusky Robin (Tas. Endemic) - another only just photo, hard to pin down,they just keep moving through the branches.
Dusky Robin by Dale Watson, on Flickr
75 Grey Shrike Thrush. This one followed me along the track, but was busy looking for food, and wouldn't stay still for long. It was also somewhat camoflaged.
Grey Shrike Thrush by Dale Watson, on Flickr
76. Collared Sparrow-hawk - this one got inside our local Animal Tuckerbox (a rural supply type store - building is like a warehouse).My colleague was picking up some supplies, and just happened to be in the right place at the right time - Nikon P900, my carry almost everywhere camera, lighting wasnt the best - the "bright" photo is lights on, the others are lights off, trying to get it to fly out the door. It was spotted chasing House Sparrows into the building. It left the building after about an hour (I as going back the following day if it was still inside with the good camera)
Collared Sparrow-hawk by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Collared Sparrow-hawk by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Collared Sparrow-hawk by Dale Watson, on Flickr
77. Scarlet Robin, very much an EBC - heavily cropped,exposure adjusted etc. Sadly backlight and a long way off. Anyhow it's another counter.
Scarlet Robin by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Took what I thought was a Black Currawong (Tas Endemic) - ID by call, but my photo is of a Forest Raven, there must have been Currawong calling very close by, but unfortunatley I didn't see them. Here is the Raven anyway - additional photo for 69.
Forest Raven by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
NIce set of birds, Dale. Love the young Collared Sparrowhawk! I also agree that a good reflection does add to a picture. Seems to me your number of birds is climbing quite nicely.
Thanks Sue. Have passed last years small year challenge, and have got roughly 25% of birds seen in Tasmania. Also have a few easy ones, that I am trying to get better photos of. Maybe looking at visiting the daughter and grandson in Melbourne later this year, if and when we are allowed to travel. Hoping to get to the WTP at Werribee, so that might build some numbers.
Mostly I am enjoying seeing what everyone else sees in this great country og ours.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Went out looking again today, not much new, but here they are -
78. Common Bronzewing - seen often, but 1st photo for me, they usually take flight before I see them.
Common Bronzewing by Dale Watson, on Flickr
79. New Holland Honeyeater - EBC - poor photo, the obligatory branch in the way.
New Holland Honeyeater by Dale Watson, on Flickr
And another Eastern Spinebill 35. Just caus I like this photo.
Eastern Spinebill 1 by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Well done, Dale... if only those branches would disappear. I have a theory that a bird likes to shade its eyes as I do!
Been a bit quiet down here lately, have had a couple of short trips, so here are some for the past week or 2.
These Tawny Frogmouth have been hanging around for a couple of months, in the same spot. Reckon they are the most photographed Tawnies in Tassie. Went looking easily found. Was about leave when a flash of pink caught my eye - the obligatory branch spoils the focus, but hey I was happy.
80. Tawny Frogmouth - 1st photo shows the tree, in a small corridor of native bush middle suburbia. The bark they are on seems quite strong,we have had some high wind, but it remains intact (it is on the eastern side, prevailing wind westerly). Apparently nest boxes nearby, which Swift Parrots use as well, so I will be back later in the year. A lady told me these have "grown so much" in a month or so, so unclear if siblings or a young pair. The male on the right (they are always in the same spot with very similar pose).
Tawny by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Tawny Frogmouth by Dale Watson, on Flickr
34. (additional photo) Galah - in a romantic frame of mind!
Galah. by Dale Watson, on Flickr
On my way home spotted some Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in my mates orchard, couple of ordinary photos, before they flew directly overhead (autofocus too slow - or the photographer!)
81. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo by Dale Watson, on Flickr
I turned as they flew toward, the overhead,
YTBC by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo flt by Dale Watson, on Flickr
61. Silvereye - replacement/additional - these guys came in after the Yellow-tails departed. I think my best shot of these so far, but still looking to improve.
Silvereye by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Another better shot, inmy opinion, 54. Grey Currawong, there was a small flock fossicking around in a paddock, flipping bark and leaves, hunting. ID by the white coverts (Black Currowong have Black coverts, and we don't get Pieds in Tassie).
Grey Currawong by Dale Watson, on Flickr
77. And another Male Scarlet Robin.
Scarlet Robin male by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Great to see you are managing to increase those numbers, Dale. Love the Tawny Frogmouths, what a place to sit! Seems you might have to keep an eye out for young Galahs as well. Who can't love a Robin, always a delight to see one.
Thanks for all your comments, times are hard at the moment, the world we knew has certainly changed!
Again still have not had many opportunities to get out, with weather and work.
Mananged a trip last Saturday - 660klm round trip on a 16 hour day in the hope of sighting 2 birds - Nankeen Night Heron, and the Azure Kingfisher, which are not usually found in my local area (supposed to have the Kingfisher, but I can't find them). Got 1, but unfortunatley, the other was not home (called back twice to check - morning and afternoon). Anyway my day was not wasted, got to see some old favourites - White-bellied Sea Eagle pair, and later a juvenile, white-face Heron, Australian Pied Oystercathers,cormorants of 2 species, Green Rosella and Yellow-tailed black Cockatoos. I may add some more photos either here or in best photos, once I get them sorted.
But for now the hightlight of my day, was no doubt an Azure Kingfisher. If you get to Tasmania, I recommend the Leven River Cruise (Ulverstone) - a small local company who run various trips from Birdwatching, to general scenic and history tours. I have rabbited on enough, so here is 1 of about 300 photos - cropped, but not processed;
82. Azure Kingfisher
Azure Kingfisher by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Wonderful shot, Dale. Certainly made the trip worthwhile! So pleased that you managed to get out & about. Stay safe.
Thanks Sue, we are pretty safe in Tassie, it's Victoria I feel for. Been a bit quiet round here lately, sign of the times?
Just hoping we can all stay safe and get through this situation, and that one day soon life will get back to the "new normal".
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Love all the pics Dale. And what a beautiful little kingfisher, I have never seen one of those. I've only been to Tasmania once, when I was about 12. I would love to come back some day when this virus thing is all over. The birdwatching cruise sounds great.
Thanks Karen, it was certainly worth the effort, and a real highlight for me to the this bird, one I didn't know was here until very recently.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Gorgeous kingfisher, Dale, and I love the frogmouths too. I seem to have a bling spot for froggies - so many people photograph them in Sydney, but I haven't spotted any for years - I need to train my eye for the camo.
I know things must feel a bit isolated in Tassie at the moment, but its lovely for us to see your special local birds :-)
Have to say it, Alex... no amount of bling will help! Look for a shape that does not quite fit rather than camo. The dead stick stance is more a camouflage once they realise you are looking at them.
Thanks guys. Nice to see the challenge picking up again, things have been a bit slow, I guess thanks to COVID. Hoping our Victorian friends are doing ok.
Once you see the Tawnies, they tend not to move, unless you spook them. These 2 were there for a few months. Last visit there was only 1 - hoping all is ok, maybe nesting?
The Kingfisher was an outstanding bird for me, worth the effort. Think I still have a 100 or so photos to sort, nothing new, but maybe some upgrades.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
I must have missed those ones Dale. Sorry. Great variety and love the Kingfisher with the twinkle in his eye
Here is a couple from today, still sorting some earlier photos, but don't think anything new. Heavily cropped.
83. Crescent Honeyeater - for Sue. Sighted maybe 3 pair, but alas no female photo. This is a new bird for me, hadn't realised how often I have heard and not seen util today.
Crescent Honeyeater by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Crescent Honeyeater by Dale Watson, on Flickr
84. Beautiful Firetail.
Beautiful Firetail by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Gorgeous, Dale, and thank you ... wonderful shots. Nice to get a new one.
Wow. Love these 2 Dale especially the Crescent Honeyeater. I took a photo of a felale when I was there a few years ago. Nowhere near as striking as this male. Well captured
Both beautiful birds, great to see the Tassie species again :-)
Gorgeous little birds, I haven't seen either of these. Crescent Honeyeater is stunning!
Thank you all for your kind words. Still struggling with time, hoping to get my ton, just have to wait and see.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Had a couple of trips in past weeks, a few new birds for my list, and a new bird to me (at least wild one).
85. Superb Lyrebird - have been thinking of looking for these for a while, bit the bullet yesterday, went for what was supposed to be a 8klm return walk, took a wrong turn, turned it into a 15klm walk, was geographically embarassed for about an hour, eventually back tracking and finding my way out. Had I not detoured the long way, might have missed it. Ended up seeing 3, 1 darted accross the track before I could lift the camera, this one, and another ran accross the road in front of me on the way home (got some poor dashcam footage). Poor light handheld, ISO wound up to 12,800, shutter speed 1/80th F6.3 at 600mm. Reasonably happy for a relative beginner! The only half decent photo I got.
Superb Lyrebird by Dale Watson, on Flickr
86. Black Currawong - another Tassie Endemic - been looking in the higher country for this one, was at my mates work (he manages an orchard and juices apples), well a couple turned up for a feed of apple directly from the bin (stacked 9 high, each holding 700-750kg of apples). Again pretty happy with these couple.
Black Currawong by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Black Currawong by Dale Watson, on Flickr
87. Black Swan - been waiting to find swans which are not just dots on the screen. This family thought is was going to feed them. Again sorry if there are too many photos, but I couldn't choose.
Black Swan by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Black Swan by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Black Swan by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Black Swan by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Nice to see the Lyrebird Dale. The Cygnets are also very cute. Sometimes those wrong turns can turn to gold. I did the same a few year ago when I was on Rottnest Island. Took a wrong turn and found some White-fronted chats that were happy to have their photo taken, so it was a lifer for me.
Lovely set of photos, Dale. Well done getting that Lyrebird shot in such conditions and the Cygnets are cute. I agree, sometimes those long detours prove to be very rewarding and I do admire the phrasing of geographically embarrassed. I am sure I can use that in the future. It happened to me in Florence where I knew we had come from a certain side of a particular building as my reference... shame it was round!
Thank you. The Lyrebird are introduced to Tasmania, and have found themselves a few secluded locations in which to hide. Was the highlight of my day.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Good stuff Dale! Its hard shooting in the dark Tassie forests - nice work on getting a decent shot of the lyrebird :-) And never too many swan shots, I love them.
Oh beautiful! The Superb Lyrebird is one of my favourites and they are very elusive around my place. And those little cygnets, so cute :-)
Thanks Alex and Karen, and now a new bird for this year, and another repeat - have trouble resistng chicks!
All photos heavy crops.
88.Striated Pardalote.
Maybe too may photos, but these are the best I have taken of them so far!
Striated Pardolote by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Striated Pardolote by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Striated Pardolote by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Australian Pied Oystercatcher with chick. Have they been re classified, Morcombe now only lists the as Pied Oystercatcher?
Pied Oystercatcher by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Love that chick, Dale. Yes, it is still officially Australian Pied Oystercatcher on the working list of Australian Birds so Morcombe is incorrect. Well done on the Striated Pardalote as well.
Nice Dale. You have the nominate race Striated Pardalote (note the yellow spot on the wing). We get the one with the red spot up here although I'm not sure which subspecies it is
I do like seeing the Pardalotes, Spotted or Striated, and love their call. In Sydney, we can see red or yellow spotted ones and west of the divide another sub-species, so it can be a little confusing. There are 6 sub-species, I believe. You did manage to get a lovely unobstructed view, Dale, thanks.
Never too many photos of pardalotes, Dale, I love them and you had a great sighting here :-) Love your Fluffy Oystercatcher too!
So its been a while since I have put any new birds up. Sorry in advance if this is photo heavy, but I am trying to make up my lack of variety with some extra photos.
Fortunate enough to get to Bruny Island a few weeks ago, and so here are the highlights, all of which are heavily cropped.
89. Forty-spotted Pardalote - Tas. endemic and listed as endangered. 1 of 3 lifers for me, saw plenty but they are fast and hard to get close to. The limb they are perched on is hollow, and so it doubles as a nest which is currently active (in addition to nest boxes provided).
Forty-spotted Pardalote by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Forty-spotted Pardalote by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Forty-spotted Pardalote by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Forty-spotted Pardalote by Dale Watson, on Flickr
90. Swift Parrot - Tas. breeding endemic, also now listed as endangered, my 2nd lifer for the day, very much an EBC, as they were high up and a long way off. Did hear many at Adventure Bay, but were impossible to get a shot of.
Swift by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Swift Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
91. Hooded Plover - my 3rd lifer, a solitary pair, again heavy crop, trying to avoid getting too close.
Hooded Plover by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Hooded Plover by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Hooded Plover by Dale Watson, on Flickr
92. Tasmanian Scrubwren - Tas endemic, thought initially I would not be happy with the 1st photo, given standing in heavy canopy, with bird sitting in dappled bright light on the limb, ended up happy with the result. The 2nd bird was at a different location - dry dune type habitat between the beach and the road, surprised to see at that location.
Tasmanian Scrubwren by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Tasmanian Scrubwren by Dale Watson, on Flickr
93. Welcome Swallow - this was 1 of a pair of fledglings, with parents circling close.
Welcome Swallow by Dale Watson, on Flickr
94. Yellow-rumped Thornbill - heavy crop, unusual to see this one by itself, there was another small flock nearby.
Yellow-rumped Thornbill by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Yellow-rumped Thornbill by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Now a couple of upgrades
70. Sooty Oystercatcher - like the overall ambience of this photo.
Sooty Oystercatcher by Dale Watson, on Flickr
74. Dusky Robin - Tas. endemic, the 2nd photo shows what I beleive is an adult and juvenile clinging to the trunk of a tree, pity about the fencing wire across the lower (younger) bird.
Dusky Robin by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dusky Robin by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Wow, what a great set of birds there Dale. The Swift Parrots and Hooded Plovers would be lifers for me. I never managed to see them when I was on Bruny a few years ago. I know exactly what you mean about those Pardalotes. I call them ADD birds as they never sit still for too long.
Great shots Dale! And some fabulous birds too. I was on my way to Bruny last year around this time - what an amazing place, I loved it
Keep it up - I can feel your century coming on :-)
Thanks Dev and Alex, inching toward 100.
95. Wedge-tail Eagle - was hoping for a better view, but this is the only one I have seen with any chance of a photo this year, A definite EBC. massive crop. Taken from more than 500 metres away. You can see the size of the bill, and just maybe make out the tail shape. It's shear size caught my attention while out with the wife, lucky I decided to put the camera on the back seat.
Wedge-tail Eagle by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Nice to see those birds still coming, Dale.... century approaches! The Hooded Plovers are beautiful and I am yet to see a Swift Parrot or Forty-spotted Pardalote.
Thanks Sue.
Here are a few more, Inching ever so close to 100, just waiting for the chance to find some new birds. I do have a couple of photos I am holding back in the hope of better shots. But I am concerned they are not clearly identifiable enough from my poor photos, so may not bother with them.
96. Common Greenfinch - fairly ordinary photo, huge crop,
Common (European) Greenfinch by Dale Watson, on Flickr
97. Dusky Woodswallow - again decent crop. Found these very close to home. The 2nd photo shows a parent leaving what I believe is the nest. It came back and forth several times. before junior (3rd photo) emerged from the "crack" in the tree (the burnt looking vertical stripe). I was fortunate enough to see it exercise it's wings, before taking flight - no photo, I was too interested in observing it. just enjoying nature at it's best.
Dusky Woodswallow by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dusky Woodswallow by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dusky Woodswallow by Dale Watson, on Flickr
98. Common Blackbird (male), not a bird I really like. feral pest, but a bloke has to get his numbers up somehow. This one was preening itself for a while. 1 photo, didn't care about quality much, just wanted to move on. Again a decent crop.
Common Blackbird by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Getting really close to that 100! Love the woodswallow shots :-)
So close, Dale! Also love those Woodswallows and agree that you get caught in the moment and just enjoy nature.
Not sure if it will help but you are missing Golden and Olive Whistlers, Pied (Black-winged) Stilt, Pied Cormorant, Hardhead and Australasian Grebe. Thought they might be possibilities or even an Australian Gannet. Looking forward to the century!
Thanks Alex and Sue.
Most of those you mention Sue, I am yet to see at all, while everyone else is busy getting them (Tasmanian Bird Sightings FB page).
I did see a flock of Australasian Gannets today whilst in a fast moving boat, unfortunately by the tile we stopped, they had passed. Have a couple of ideas up my sleeve, so hopefully later in the week, weather permitting.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Isn't that the way? I have not seen a Gannet this year. Good luck.
I am still sorting through shorebirds before I post a few more, challenging as I don't want to overlook anything.
Nearly there Dale! The century beckons :)
I'm in Tassie for Xmas, visiting the in-laws. Very excited to see what birds I can find in the short time I'm here.
Thanks Tommy. You will probably have better luck than i do. Enjoy your Christmas break.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Well it has taken me 358 days to reach my goal. Once I got there, seemed to find a few extras easily.
A few from Christmas Eve - travelled to Launceston (240klm) as I was having trouble finding new birds near me (that I could get photos of).
Sorry once again it it is a bit photo heavy. but I had trouble choosing some!
99. Brown Thornbill - West Tamar Island Wetlands. The Wetland itself was a little disappointing, a few new birds, but not as many as I had hoped.
Brown Thornbill by Dale Watson, on Flickr
100. Royal Spoonbill - sighted at the wetlands, but were 500+ metres away, so these photos from Queechy Lake - a small lake in suburban Launceston. Still a long way off, but at least easily identifiable.
Royal SpoonBill (1) by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Royal Spoonbill by Dale Watson, on Flickr
101. Swamp Harrier - at the wetlands, Thought I already had an EBC, but apparently not. This photo a definite EBC - very long way off, huge crop. ID from size of bird, and lack of "Wedge Tail" haha.
Swamp Harrier by Dale Watson, on Flickr
102. Hardhead - wetlands again.
Hardhead by Dale Watson, on Flickr
You can't go to Launceston and not visit the Cataract Gorge - again disappointed with the variety on show.
103. Indian Peafowl - yes these are introduced, and they are in a reserve, but so are all the birds in the wetalnds etc. They are not confined in anyway, and have a "self sustaining" population, having been intoroduced over 100 years ago. The other bonus is you can get very close, they are used to people!
Male
Indian Peafowl male by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Female with chicks
Indian Peafowl female with chicks by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Chick - to cute not to have it's own entry
Indian Peafowl chick by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Pages