Sue's Big Year 2021

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dwatsonbb
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Again yet another set of amazing birds and glorious photos. I like your attitude - doesn't bother you about who gets the most, just having fun! It amazes me the variety we have in this great country.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

AbbyGrace
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Sue another nice couple of birds there. Isn't that male Red-winged Parrot stunning?!

sue818
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Thank you for the comments, Dev and Abby. Red-wing Parrots are big and the male is a stunning colour. This pair flew in to a tree in front of the bird hide and allowed me to come out for a clearer view. They particularly like those curly seed pods found on one of our native plants (no idea of the name!). I had 5 come down next to me at the Bowra Wildlife Conservancy recently and they just ignored me as I stood in full unobstructed view without much movement bar raising a camera.

Alex Rogers
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Wow Sue, some great shots of some amazing birds. Love the Little Lorikeets, and the Red-winged Parrot is a stunner! And hooray, Turquoise Parrots at last! Congrats on the lifer, you must have been very excited! Aren't they spectacular? 

I saw that lot by the churchyard in Glen Alice was for sale - it sold, $42k for 2000m2 that you can't build on! Hopefully it was to a birder who will leave it as is and allow access, it is a real hotspot right there. I have my eye on another property a little further out near Nullo Mountain, 100ha completely enclosed by the Wollemi - my dream is  to build a little birdwatching retreat / cabin out there one day. 

sue818
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Thanks Alex. I was very excited to see them and just wish that the light had been better or even less road traffic as people travelled home. Wonder who would buy a lot that without building consent!

Apologies for being absent but only been home about 2 weeks and flat out culling and editing photos around busy home life. It was a fantastic trip on a spur of the moment decision as we realised there were a couple of weeks free before life got busy again. Home now until my second Covid shot mid-July. Two lifers and a couple only seen once before made it all worthwhile apart from the refreshing break.

We left Warren for Bourke and I did not ask for the U-turn on a busy road so missed a chance to photograph two Brolgas!  However, with some spare time, we called into the Aboriginal Rock Waterholes near Byrock... often passed but never visited. A beautiful place just off the main road and a pleasant lunch stop without any mice! (Mice flourishing in the rubbish bin sat a couple of other places). We chanced upon a mob of Emus having a drink... there were numerous other birds in the surrounding fields. Definitely worth a revisit... a few pics from my phone of the area.

179   Emu... there was a mob of about 8 and this one came to check me out.

A bird from Bourke for you (on  a water tower) ... could not get a shot of the other side showing the high jump celebrating the first indigenous person, Gundabooka man Percy Hobson, to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.

sue818
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As we were winging it, we were lucky to find a bed in Bourke (no luck on the return trip!) before heading across the border to Cunnamulla and doing day visits to the Bowra Wildlife Conservancy. As usual, Bowra delivered a wonderful selection of birds although some were camera shy... especially the Hall's Babbler and Black-breasted Buzzard. As access was from 7am, I left my bed early. The drive from town to the front gate is about 20 minutes... followed by another 20 minutes from there to check-in at the mandated 30kph. All vehicles require a wash-down on arrival. It was 4 degrees C but soon dropped to 2 degrees C so I was wearing numerous layers for removal as the day warmed up. Birding from a car is not easy... you need to stop and walk to find the source of any activity so I carried an E-trex (mini GPS) and radio as it is very easy to lose sight of the car and become disorientated. There is not always mobile coverage so I am not sure if find my car apps work.

180   Black-faced Woodswallow... everywhere about as were Budgerigars and Zebra Finches. Gorgeous little bird posed very nicely in great light.

181   Bourkes's Parrot... these are beautiful little parrots with understated colours and although not the best, I like the flight shot. I spent 2 hours at the Cottage Dam as so many birds came down for a drink and a bath including these litlle ones.

182   Chestnut-crowned Babbler... for some reason, these were hard to locate and very active so hard to lock on for a photo. The Hall's Babblers were impossible to photograph as they never stopped! However, this one is quite identifiable with that coloured crown and the white on the wings.

183   Collared Sparrowhawk... I returned to a spot that was great for birds the previous day only to find it very quiet... I soon discovered the reason as this bird was perched in a tree overlooking the waterhole and watching intently. To have it then raise a foot for ID confirmation was pretty incredible... check out that elongated middle toe (apart from the rounded tail, overall slender build and lack of a beetle-brow). Every ID feature on display!

184   Crimson Chat... the lovely full coloured male was not very cooperative so I'll offer three shots for interest.. the breeding colour male followed by (I think) non-breeding male and finally a female. There were not as many as on past visits but the reliable area on the clay pan was productive.

185   Little Eagle (dark morph)... just a quick flight shot as it went over in the distance but the underwing pattern is quite distinctive

186   Little Woodswallow... this one was in present the day before I  found the Collared Sparrowhawk but nowhere in sight the next day. Beautiful little bird wihout the white edge to the wing as seen in the Dusky Woodswallow. A few of them were hawking but not in high numbers.

187   Pallid Cuckoo... I have only photographed these once before although I have seen them in the distance so this was a treat. The shape drew me to work my way across some broken ground to get closer and the light was great. Sitting quietly, the other birds were not giving it much attention which was a bit surprising as generally a cuckoo will drew numerous birds. Overall greyish colour. They are found all over Australia so surprised that I have not seen them more often

188   Plum-headed Finch... saw these in a few places but always difficult to get the light on that plummy head so I was reasonably happy with these... male with dark throat and a female. I discovered a lovely male White-winged Fairy-wren while chasing this lot.

189   Red-backed Kingfisher... seen a number of times and poorly photographed in the past so I was stoked when this one posed in such great light. A fellow birder pointed it out but the next day, I found a pair (all on my own so no-one to tell!). This is a beautiful bird but it can be quite hard to show that red and the lovely blue back. I have had to delete so many photos as I crept in closer taking pictures all the way.

190   Rufous Songlark... you'll have to look for the rufous rump but I really like this shot so chose it over others. However, I can post another if unclear.

191   White-winged Triller... discovered this one after finding the Pallid Cuckoo and was pleased when it moved to better light. Not sure if this is a male in eclipse or a female. All these birds were in trees around the claypan where the Chats were feediing.

192   Yellow-throated Miner... a striking bird when found in good light... that bit of yellow works a treat. took this shot at the Cottage Dam and quiet liked it. You can see that touch of yellow on the throat that gives it the name.

More to come from the trip so stay tuned as I hope to finish posting today... including another lifer!

No info sheets for Little Woodswallow, Plum-headed Finch or Red-backed Kingfisher.

sue818
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We had stayed in Cunnamulla for an extra night as no beds were available in Bourke and Cobar accommodation was also unavailable. Not a problem for me to spend an extra day in Bowra! No new birds were seen in Cobar although I will post a few in Best Pics when I can. We then ended up back in Lake Cargelligo as there were so many people travelling and time was getting short. It turned out to be a great option... a quick shot of sunrise over Lake Cargelligo.

193   Australian Shelduck... not the best pic as I have stitched two shots together to show female (LHS) and male (RHS) well. I also quite liked the flight shots which though distant show the wing patten quite well. These were from the water treatment works at Lake Cargelligo. The site is much improved after recent work and I doubt that Alex would find it smelly now.

A visit to Chat Alley out of Lake Cargelligo revealed that it was even wetter and more swampy so I stayed out of the mud this time. Although the Orange Chats were not in eveidence, plenty of other birds were about in the wet or cruising overhead looking for a meal.

194   Australian Spotted Crake... saw a number in the swampy area between the roadway and the fenceline but I had to wait for one to come out in decent light for a photo. They were keeping to the shade and dense growth most of the time. Eventually, this one appeared along with a Little Grassbird which sat in the sun preening! Will post it later as a better shot.

195   Black Falcon... not a lifer but I have only photographed it once before and this latest shot is much more definitive... dark colour, no tear drop markings, well troused legs, tail folded in flight, pointed wings. It came through a number of times before I finally got this shot of it staring down at me. I also include the second pic showing those features so well.

196   Black-shouldered Kite... another raptor cruising the area... striking looking bird. This first is an adult demonstrating how it gets that name and then a young one from the water treatment works to show the difference. There were three young ones and I managed a shot of one with a mouse despite the awful back light.

197   Black-tailed Native-hen... another bird taking advantage of the swampy conditions but incredibly skittish. As soon as they spotted some movement, they were off so I had to stand on the roadway and wait for one to venture out of cover. So I apologise for these awful shots but the other shots were of its tail end!

198   Painted Button-quail... a lifer! This spot was at Booberie Creek where I ventured for another look one morning after checking the Alley. I initially thought that someone had left rocks on the road but on closer inspection, I realised there were two birds sitting either side of road. Carefully, I pulled across to one side and took some shots before pulling over further to park and gently opening the door for a few more... finally I walked right up to them and took some photos before there was a 'boom, boom' sound and they were off too fast for a decent running or flight shot. In hindsight, I also realised that the strange circular clearings that I had noticed the previous day were platelets formed when they were feeding.

Still more to come as I broke through 200. I was a bit reluctant to post while our Victorian friends were in lockdown but think that everyone might find the birds interesting. I expect someone will soon catch me up and race past! Wonderful.

Woko
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Oh gosh, Sue. These photos are stunning & so educational - as is your text.

sue818
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The final few come from the South West Forest Reserves near West Wyalong where some Ironbarks were still flowering. Superb Parrots were still present in Little Blow Clear area but so were a number of sheep... as most had twins and one was a still bloody newborn, I left as indications were another was on the way and mum looked nervous. These final few birds are from the Hiawatha area where I spent some time before coming back with a pretty muddy car after slip-sliding along the tracks. It was quite interesting when a Harrier came through over the farmland, all the birds took cover and I was standing beside a small bush in which 5 birds were sheltering. They eventually came out and headed into deeper forest as this was the second fly pass.

199   Brown-headed Honeyeater... took a while to get this shot as the birds were high up but patience paid off as they ventured down to lower blossoms. Quite shady so a bit washed out but great to see one so close.

200   Dusky Woodswallow... love the way they gather together. They were landing on blossom quite high up in the trees and also hawking in large numbers before the Harrier came through. I don't know whether they were feeding on insects or nectar from the blossom but quite interesting behaviour. Notice the white edge to the wings.

201   Inland Thornbill... really hard to get a shot clear of twigs but demonstraing the necessary characteristics... streaked breast, whitish scalloping on the head and rufous rump. I have a soft spot for the little birds so it was pleasing to spot these ones in the bush.

Devster
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Oh my Gosh Sue. So many wonderful shots. I love your painted Buttonquail and you RB Kingfisher shots the most. Absoluteyly stunning variety of birds there. I had the offer to go to Bowra and I was all excited when I checked the dates and they clashed with a work event. NOOOOOOOO. I was gutted.

sue818
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Thanks Woko, so pleased that you are following our posts. I thought it might be interesting to explain my IDs rather than just post a picture. I like to hear about other's adventures and there are some fantastic birds being seen. 
 

Thank you, Dev... so sorry you missed out on a visit to Bowra. It is always rewarding so grab the next chance if you can. I feel a bit guilty on our quest as I have the advantage of being retired. I think the Red-backed KF shots are one of my favourites as well. The Painted BQ was pure luck as I  would not expect them to be out in the open like that and stationary as I came closer. Looking forward to some more stunning birds from you.

dwatsonbb
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What a great trip. Nice to get some background as well. 200 and not even half way, well done. Thanks for sharing.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

TommyGee
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My goodness Sue! Congrats on so many wonderful birds, and on breaking through 200 :) Too many to choose a favourite, but that Painted Button Quail is quite spectacular.

Alex Rogers
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Oh wow Sue, what an amazing lot of photos! I havent had time to look until now, and I'm blown away, what a great trip. Bowra looks amazing, I'll add it to my list of places to go for sure. 

The Button Quail! Awesome sighting, and great pics. Loved so many of the shots, the raptors, the kingfisher, Bourkes Parrot etc - so many great shots and cool birds :-) 

karentwemlow
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Sue your photos are amazing! That Collared Sparrowhawk photo should be used in field guide, what an obliging individual :-).

Love the Painted Button-quail, and so many I have never seen before - gorgeous little Kingfisher and the Bourke's Parrot....  plus those beautiful big eyes on the Inland Thornbill, hard to pick a favourite out of that lot!

karentwemlow
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And wow congrats on the double century Sue!!

AbbyGrace
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Oh my goodness Sue! What an amazing set of birds and photos! Love the Bourkes Parrot, understated but pretty cool! Congratulations on getting to 200. :)

sue818
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Thanks all for the kind comments. We were lucky to get that window of opportunity considering all that is currently happening around the country.

I have posted all the new birds but have so many other pictures to edit and upload now I have some free time. The Major Mitchells were especially photogenic!

sue818
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A number of replacement pictures from our recent travels before the lockdown.

1:     Australasian Darter... a mature female from Lake Cargelligo

14:   Great Egret... just liked the clear background of this shot and the lovely folds in the long neck

39:   Australian Ringneck... still not the best shot but a little clearer showing the Mallee variety again (on the way to Bourke)

43:   Eastern Rosella... showing those lovely colours in the sunlight at Little Blow Clear (SW forest reserve) near West Wyalong

44:   Grey Butcherbird...  still an immature bird but seeking food at Lake Cargelligo

59:   Yellow-billed Spoonbill... a posing bird from Warren and a flight shot from Trangie

68:   White-winged Fairy-wren... from Bowra Wildlife Conservancy, Cunnamulla, QLD... happy to see a fully coloured male

70:   Brown Treecreeper... doing its thing going up a tree while constantly pinking which drew my attention

72:   Little Corella... enjoying  a close cuddle (before the lockdown) at the Goan Waterhole near Trangie

73:   Straw-necked Ibis...at Warren, this flight shot shows the irridescence so well even if the head is a bit blurred

80:   Mulga Parrot... a beautiful female showing off her the sheen at Bowra near Cunnamulla

102: Little Grassbird... at Chat Alley out of Lake Cargelligo... extremely happy when this very co-operative bird came out and preened in clear view.

146: Grey Fantail... from Warren... I thought it interesting to see the bird face on

151: Common Starling... from Warren, showing the beautiful irridesence of aging plumage as opposed to fresh as posted earlier

154: Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo... from Karen's garden at Kurrajong but still room for improvement

155: Double-barred Finch... from Hiawatha (SW forest reserve) out of West Wyalong... slightly improved shot

156: Grey-crowned Babbler... on the way to Bourke; gathering nesting material  and posing nicely

161: White-eared Honeyeater... came in to check me out at the Floral Reserve near Gilgandra

171: Olive-backed Oriole... awful backlight but posing well at Hiawatha (SW Forest Reserve) near West Wyalong

And a few extras for various reasons

8:   immature Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike seen on the road to Cobat

33:   Superb Parrot... at Little Blow Clear (SW Forest Forest Reserve); thrilled to see this male posing in much better light followed by a female in shadows where she was feeding on the quandong

36: Striated Pardlote... because they had been not seen recently at Bowra

57:   Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater... seen at West Wyalong

67:   White-necked Heron... from Trangie, NSW... young ones I think but could be wrong

71:   Grey Shrike-thrush... a mature bird posing in Hiawatha (SW Forest Reserve) near West Wyalong

74:   Variegated Fairy-wren... Chat Alley near Lake Cargelligo, NSW

82:   Rufous Whistler... gorgeous male at West Wyalong

83:   Southern Whiteface... from Bowra WC near Cunnamulla in QLD because I like the bokeh

84:   Splendid Fairy-wren... from Byrock showing eclipse plumage

89:   Striped Honeyeater...from Warren as I like these chubby honeyeaters

93:   Bluebonnet... from Bowra WC near Cunnamulla because I like the colour intensity when wet

94: Budgerigar... from Bowra WC near Cunnamulla where there were hundreds in residence

105:  Sacred Kingfisher... a couple of shots from Warren to show how light affects the colour

106: Spotted Bowerbird... at Bowra Wildlife Conservancy near Cunnamulla because I love the reflection and the clarity!

108:   Singing Honeyeater... from lake Cargelligo in nice light

109:   Whistling Kite... from Warren

114:   White-plumed Honeyeater... from Capertee Valley because I like the surroundings

and a bonus butterfly

I'll post a few new ones soon and a number in Best Photos forum.

sue818
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So for a couple of new ones seen when Alex and I visited Karen at Kurrajong. Room for improvement on both birds but great to see them... thanks Karen for a lovely time.

202   Yellow-faced Honeyeater... of course, it posed without all the twigs after I had packed up the camera! Love the grevillia flowers colour matching the bird.

203   Yellow-tufted Honeyeater... awful backlight and shadow but features quite definitive... hope for a better shot some time when we can move around again.

dwatsonbb
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Another great set, and some great upgrades.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Devster
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Wow Sue, you have been busy. Some great upgrades

sue818
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Thanks, guys. Sorry it so long to get them uploaded but so many birds seen on our trip, it was time consuming to edit and choose my favourites.

karentwemlow
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Beautiful pics Sue, I love the Spotted Bowerbird with the reflection in the water! Perhaps you can visit again after lockdown, there's plenty of action around my place at the moment and I think will be even more in Spring.

Alex Rogers
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Some lovely photos Sue. I love the Swift Parrot, Spotted Bowerbird, White-necked Herons etc - you've been having a great bird year :-)

sue818
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Thank you for commenting. Love to revisit sometime, Karen, and I also loved that reflection.
I wish I had seen a Swift Parrot, Alex ... assume you meant the Superb Parrot. It has been successful birding in short bursts with the lockdowns. Trust the boys were good company.

Stay safe ... wish I was in your backyard at present, Karen!

AbbyGrace
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Wow Sue, what a lovely set of photos! I do love your Superb Parrot shot and your bonus butterfly shot. Hope you are keeping well there.

sue818
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Thanks Abby, there are a few more in Best Photos. Sometimes the butterfly is as challenging to photograph as a bird but there some beautiful ones out there and this one was quite obliging.

sue818
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It has been a while since I could get out with the camera and find a new bird apart from managing the walk. A week after lockdown eased, I hurt my back. Fortunately, it has responded really well so I went for a walk at Warriewood in the middle of a windy day and found my one new bird for the challenge. There should be two but the Red-whiskered Bulbul spooked just as I had it lined up!

204   Nankeen Night-heron .... they were once easy to find here but conditions have changed and I only saw this one by chance. Not the best shot but I am having to watch my step on uneven ground and I was reluctant to go wading. Two shots because one just shows that long white plume.

Now a few more just for fun... double-ups and not all birds.

Pacific Black Ducks showing their colours

Eastern Yellow Robin making a very unusual call ... thought it must be a warning about a nest but no, there was a youngster nearby.

Another young bird, not so tiny but the wattle is uncoloured on this Australian Brush-turkey.

Now a few for Dale: Eastern Water Dragon

I guess it is a Lace Monitor or a Goanna if preferred. An Eastern Whipbird was really upset by this one working its way through the buush

This is birdy... the droppings below this termite mound high in a tree indicated birdy activity but the sound coming from within the nest could only come from young Laughing Kookaburras. I waited ages but no-one came to visit.

Devster
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I love the Nankeen Night-Heron. Their plumage reminds me of a Jedi in the newer Star Wars movies. 

michaelrt71_1
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Birds, and then dinosaurs in the undergrowth! Seen any snakes on your walks yet?

sue818
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Thanks Dev, usually I can get much closer and they are a bit Jedi-ish.

Yes Michael, I have seen snakes on my walks and Red-bellied ones are common in this part of Warriewood as are Diamond Pythons but not yesterday. I do my best to avoid them after a startling couple of encounters with Eastern Browns and a mass of Tiger Snakes in Albany. The Tigers were basking beside the boardwalk and we saw at least five. At Barren Grounds, the biggest Brown I've ever seen took off from beside my overseas visitor's foot (she felt it move) and shot off to the bushes very quickly ... to our relief.... I had taken my eyes off the path briefly and felt quite guilty as I knew to expect them. Another Brown reared up beside me as I stood up from my birding spot in Mudgee... another place known for them but I had been watching an Azure KF and the snake was probably sunbaking... both of us surprised but another close call. I much prefer Diamond Pythons! Mind you, I think I prefer watching out for snakes to my friend's bear watch!

dwatsonbb
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Nice photos Sue, glad your able to get out again.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

sue818
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Thanks Dale. Hoping to find another good spot soon with different birds and flattish walks.

AbbyGrace
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Nice photos Sue! 

sue818
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Finally managed a couple of outings but nowhere exciting as it was more for the exercise in the heat and humidity. There has been so much rain in Sydney! I had also put the camera into Nikon for cleaning and calibration as I have acquired a couple of new lenses for Christmas (but no pics with them as yet).

205   Spotted Dove... the one at home would not cooperate so here is one from around Lake Belvedere at Olympic Park.

That was the highlight as the Rufous Fantail would not reappear despite my patience. So I'll post a non-bird for Dale and some replacements.

I think it is an Eastern Long-neck Turtle as they inhabit Lake Belvedere but don't usually pose out of the water for very long.

replacement of 147   Common Myna ... strutting its stuff at Olympic Park

replacement of 44   Grey Butcherbird... a nice pair from around home as I think I've not posted an adult this year. The adult (first 2 shots) did not feed the youngster (last shot) in my presence despite it being quite insistent.

dwatsonbb
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Some more stunning images, thanks Sue.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Devster
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Nice Sue. Love the stories that go along with the photos and the last sequence of the Butcherbirds

sue818
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Thanks guys, I am really trying to escape Sydney for a bit but the weather is not helping much... wind and rain along the coast and continued flooding west. Now that I have my new lenses, I need to find some subjects.... like Chestnut-rumped Heathwren and Glossy Black-cockatoos from down the coast or that elusive Ground Cuckoo-shrike or a Painted Honeyeater from out west. Actually I'd settle for anything a litle different from home.

Apologies for my Butcherbird shots as I had forgotten to set a date on the back-up camera so everything appeared to be in 2010! It was only last week when I walked with my son and I managed to correct it in Flickr so I hope that was OK. I'll have to see if I can fix up the originals somehow.

karentwemlow
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Lovely pics Sue, love the turtle too, we've been seeing quite a lot of them here lately.

I saw Glossy Blacks with a baby here this time last year, but none so far this year. There have been reports of them in the wetlands near Richmond though.

Hope you can get a break in the weather and get out a bit.

sue818
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Thanks Karen, going to visit with friends on the NSW south Coast next week so fingers crossed. Hope you get to see the Glossies again soon.

Alex Rogers
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Good to see you getting out again Sue. Yeah, with lockdown and endless grey/rain, its not been a great birding time in Sydney. Good luck down the south coast. And do tell - what did you treat yourself to (lenswise) for Xmas? 

sue818
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It was wonderful to be able to escape Sydney for a little while, visit some friends and get out looking for birds down on the south coast of NSW. My first stop was the Barren Grounds Nature Reserve above Kiama in hopes of spotting an Eastern Bristlebird or a Pilotbird... those hopes soon dashed. Numerous people turned up there after I arrived on a Sunday and with all the rain the gound was very wet.

It is tempting to show a picture of the heath where I heard the pair of Lewins Rails calling constantly as the birds remained well hidden... quite frustrating when you know they are so close to you! 

206   Bassian Thrush... numerous birds were feeding on the damp ground where I had expected the Bristlebirds so that is a nice compromise. 

207   Glossy Black-cockatoo... I did a return visit on my way home and missed the Bristlebirds by about 30 minutes (according to Shorty who was up from the ACT) but these Glossies were a nice reward. You hear them before you see them. Females have the yellow on the head.

A couple of other birds from there that I liked and some other things for interest: 

143   Brown Thornbill...a bonus shot as it posed so nicely

157   Fan-tailed Cuckoo ... I just like this one against the sky as the original is pretty good

154   Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo ... trying out flight shots in ordinary light

Plenty more to come as I find time to load them.

sue818
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I was hoping to see Glossy Black-cockatoos in the Ulladulla area and they did not disappoint. This was before my return trip to Barren Grounds so I'll put a few bonus shots in best photos. The heathland areas are great for birds but I dipped on the Chestnut-rumped Heathwren this trip.

208   Oriental Dollarbird... saw this one briefly at Meroo Reserve as i  chased after the Koel which kept calling and moving... awful light and I was too tired to return to the car for another lens.

209   Eastern Reef Egret... again too tired to get the TC so quite a distant shot but clearly identifiable.

210   Little Wattlebird... extremely noisy and numerous on the heathland but a nice little bird when the light is good.

211   Satin Bowerbird.... lovely dark male followed by the greener female (or young male). The male was calling constantly at Narrawalle while the female posed near the heathland in Ulladulla. I just love those violet eyes!

212   Shining Bronze-cuckoo... a treat to have this one appear as I ventured along an extremely muddy track through the bush near the lighthouse in Ulladulla. The 3 bush ticks were not so great but at least I found them on the clothing before they attached to me! Two pictures so the pattern can be seen as well as that lovely irridescent green.

Now for a few extras as I just like them or they may be a better replacement:

142   Brown Gerygone... i had so many of these little one calling and flitting around me in the understory of the forest at Narrawallee but fortunately they stopped briefly for a pose. Love the bokeh!

143   Brown Thornbill... just too cute as you can see it was close quarters on the lighthouse track

144   Eastern Whipbird... this is a young one and it was quite vocal and extremely ready for a picture!

153   New Holland Honeyeater... so many feeding on the heath that you justhad to take a photo. handsome little guys.

another slightly more arty shot...

A few more to come still from the Booderee National Park

sue818
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Final few are from around the Booderee National Park in the Jervis bay area of the ACT. I stayed at Nowra and visited on the 3 day pass ... good value at $13. So the sad news is I was too late again... friends saw the Bristlebirds and an Eastern Ground Parrot on the track, the evening before I arrived! Unfortunately, the weather turned as I waited in the Bristlebird area so the camera was fine in its dry sack but I was soaked completely through as I trudged back the 1km or so back to the car. However the raea is great and a few birds were worth my time. Along the Murray's Beack track:

213   Eastern Spinebill... surprised I had not photographed this bird until now

214   White-cheeked Honeyeater... another surprising ommission  and somewhat distant 

215   Tawny-crowned Honeyeater... a wonderful surprise but only a few shots as the other Honeyeaters harrassed it and it did not return.

216   Leaden Flycatcher...saw these in a couple of places and I'll include two shots to clarify the ID ... grey undertail, colour band meets chest at right angles not downturned as in Satin.

A few replacement shots from the same area: Booderee National Park

148   Rufous Fantail... spotted this one in the Botanic Gardens and this shot is definitely an improvement. I sat and waited as it came closer but a young child appeared and the bird was off so the best I could do. Grogeous little birds and lok quite spectacular in the sunlight. Here I also picked up a leech (only discovered some time later when it was the biggest fattest leech I'd seen! Still itchy!)

202   Yellow-faced Honyeater... enjoying the native fruit but its name eludes me. This was also from the Murray Beach track. There a number of differnet habitats along the way.

154   Yellow-tailed Black-cockatoo... another improvement shot from along the Murrays Beach track whle searching for those elusive bristlebirds yet again. This was andult was feeding a youngster but I could not get that shot as other walkers approached.

A few more things seen along the way

dwatsonbb
dwatsonbb's picture

Oh wow Sue.Love them all, but I think the Glossy Black and your gorgeous macropod mum and Joey are my faves.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Devster
Devster's picture

Oh my goodness Sue, so many wonderful photos. Hard to pick a favourite but here's a few I particularly like. The New Holland Honeyeaters, just because we don't get many of them up here (well I haven't seen any for the last few years). The Tawny-crowned Honeyeater as I have never seen one. The Immature Whipbirds, the background and photo of the Brown Gerygone and the Glossy Blacks. I do like the mum and bub Macropods as well

sue818
sue818's picture

Thanks, guys. Forgot to name the critters... mum Swamp Wallaby & bub and an Echidna doing its best to burrow under the leaf litter to hide. You chose my favourites although I wish there was a better shot of the Tawny-crowned Honeyeater as I have not seen them very often. 

I was pretty happy with the pictures from my short trip as I was challenging my camera skills in awful light & playing with a new lens (Nikon 500mm PF) alongside my usual Tamron 150-600mm. I must say that the weight difference was considerable as the Nikon is so light but difficult to get far enough away at times.

Alex, I also acquired a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 but left it at home. Not travelling left money in the account for my big Christmas present. Now I just need to find a gift for my husband! 
 

Not sure I'll find anything more this year unless the Koel comes closer to home or the Topknot Pigeons remain at my daughter's place... I doubt that a Regent Bowerbird will be putting in an appearance but one can hope. Merry Christmas, my friends and I wish you a wonderful, safe & happy 2022.

dwatsonbb
dwatsonbb's picture

Merry Christmas to you, and yours, wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

michaelrt71_1
michaelrt71_1's picture

Fantastic sets, Sue! Very enjoyable looking through them. 

Topknot pigeons busy around Jerrara dam at the moment, but I figure you have headed north again by now.

Cheers, for the season!

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