Devs Big Year 2021

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dwatsonbb
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They are great photos, and to get the kangaroo, just brilliant.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Devster
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A couple more I forgot to include from last time.

150. Whistling Kite

Replacement Australasian Swamphen (21) - I like this photo better and still shows their big feet

Replacement for Blue-faced Honeyeater (68) - You can even see the pollen on his head

Replacement for Rufous Whistler (7)

Replacement for Spangled Drongo (86)

Alex Rogers
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Wow Dev - those Black-necked Storks are amazing - and I'm jealous of all those gorgeous honeyeaters in your yard :-) 

dwatsonbb
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Your work never ceases to amaze me, some more fantastic photos.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

sue818
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Wonderful set of photos again, Dev. Love the pair of Black-necked Storks (male & female by eye colour!) but the Blue-faced Honeyeater is also a cracker... and a beautiful flower to boot.

AbbyGrace
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Wow Dev, love your Black-necked Stork photos! I have only seen these at the zoo. 

Devster
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Thanks guys, I appreciate your comments.

Due to lockdown and bad weather I haven't had a chance to do much in the way of birding. I did however managed to get out last weekend for a bit but it was extremely windy. Blow a dog off a chain! At one point part of a tree broke off and nearly hit our car. Luckily only some of the smaller debris hit it and no damage was done. It did cause us to sit a little higher in our seats though.

151. Brown Falcon (Dark Morph) - This took off from a fence post and was navigating the high winds with Torresian Crows hot in pursuit

152. Ground Cuckoo-shrike - (No factsheet) One of the Highlights. There were four of these navigating the grass to get out of the high winds but still foraging for food

153. Australasian Shoveller - Another at the dried lake. This is by far my worst pic of the comp and didn't even know I had it until going through the photos. We don't see many of these up here so I'll have to take it. Hopefully there is enough to ID

154. Black Kite - This was at Lake Clarendon which is just a few small water holes. The main lake was all but dried up.

155. Grey Teal - In one of the water holes

156. Blue-billed Duck - Havent photographed one of these is years aas they arn't common up here.

157. Pink-eared Duck - Another duck that is not common up here although more common than the Blue-billed

sue818
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Oh wow, Dev, some great birds... including my bogie bird, Ground Cuckoo-shrike. Green-eyed again. I also have not seen a Blue-billed Duck in ages. So pleased you are out of lockdown.

AbbyGrace
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A nice of birds there Dev! I do like your photos of the Pink-eared Ducks.

Alex Rogers
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Never seen a Ground Cookoo-shrike - very cool. 

karentwemlow
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Some more lovely pics Dev, particularly love the Pink-eared Duck, what a beautiful bird (and beautiful photo).

dwatsonbb
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Fantastic range, love the Pink-eared and Blue-billed ducks, but they are all great.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Devster
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Well it's been a long while since I have been out as I moved house. It was my birthday the other weekend and I managed to go to Charlotte Plains for 4 nights with my partner on a birding expedition. Over 60 species of birds photographed but only 1 lifer. Did improve a lot of shots though even though my camer focus I felt was playing up a lot. Here are a few from the trip.

158. Yellow-throated Miner - This one was collecting material from an erosion blanket. I'm guessing it was for the nest

159. Brown Treecreeper - These were everywhere at the place we were staying

160. Australian Ringneck (Mallee race) - I for the life of me can't figure out why these are not sperated yet. They are all in different locations and all look different, but they are the same bird apparently. Lots of these there

161. Mulga Parrot - The best shots I have of these. This one was happy just feeding on the ground in front pf us while we were photographing other birds. Didn't even realise they were there until someone pointed them out.

162. Chestnut-rumped Thornbill (No Factsheet) - Plenty of these around but were not very cooperative. I chose this shot as you can see the Chestnut Rump.

163. Brolga - Nice afternoon light on this parent and immature one. There were not huge numbers of them there but we did see them nearly everyday

164. Diamond Dove - These were everywhere, while they are very cute, they were particularly flighty unless you were in a car, then you just about run them over before they move.

165. Plum-headed Finch (No factsheet) - This apparently was a rare find here. Only got photos of one the first day and never saw them again so I was lucky

166. Rufous Songlark - These guys are such characters and their song is so unusual but unmistakeable. I didn't even realise I had photographed the nest until I was processing the photo

167. Red-capped Robin - Quite a few of these there. This one came in close to investigate me. Sooo cute all fluffed up

168. Pallid Cuckoo - This one was so curious and kept following us around

169. Yellow-rumped Thornbill - Little flocks of these jumping around on the ground or deep within cover. managed to get this one out in the open but not for long

170. Splendid Fairy-wren - Not as many of these around as I had hoped but enough to see them every couple of days. Didn't seem to be as curious as our Supurbs so I was lucky to get this shot. This was my partners favourite bird and she would chase them for hours trying to get a photo.

More to come

sue818
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Gorgeous set of birds, Dev. Great to see you out and about again. Which one was the lifer?

Plum-head Finch are sometimes in huge numbers and other times I cannot find a single one. The Splendid Fairy-wren would be one of my favourites but so is the Red-capped Robin and the pallid Cuckoo. I probably would not have that nest either as I concentrated on the bird.

I also have a liking for the Mulga Parrots are there is something about the feathers which just glisten in the sunlight. Hope to see more soon... maybe from the new neighbourhood?

dwatsonbb
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Another great set Dev, some really top notch photos. Thanks.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Devster
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sue818 wrote:

Gorgeous set of birds, Dev. Great to see you out and about again. Which one was the lifer?

Hope to see more soon... maybe from the new neighbourhood?

Thanks Sue. The lifer is yet to come. Still processing my 3000 images. lol. I have moved more in suburbia to be closer to my kids and their school so unfortunately it is nowhere near as bountiful with birds as my old place was

michaelrt71_1
michaelrt71_1's picture

Fantastic set! Enjoy chugging through the 3000 shots. 

I had to goggle-map Charlotte Plains, looks like a super spot.

Devster
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Some more from my trip out to Charlotte Plains Qld

171. White-necked Heron - A few of these giants flying about

172. Variegated Fairy-wren - Again Very hard to get a decent shot as they are always under cover

173. Black Honeyeater - The only one I saw the whole time and this one is a female by the looks with the duller colouring

174. Grey-crowned Babbler - A lot of these guys about being absolute larikins. These remind me of 3 guys in a bar, the middle with his arms around his mates while they sing a song.

175. Blue Bonnet - Very flighty and not many of these about. I just happened to have my camera on me when this one flew in the tree above me. It saw me and was gone 2 seconds later.

176. Budgerigar - Lots and losts of these in flocks from 20- 50. I particularly liked this one in the afternoon golden light.

177. Australian Raven. They are on the road everywere but as soon as you hop out to take a photo they are gone. This is heavily cropped. You can even see the heat haze on the road.

178. House Sparrow. This was in at Cunnamulla. We don't get many of these in Brisbane. This is a nice coloured male. I even have photos of these eating nectar which I didn't realise they did.

179. Emu - I just love these guys. Plenty of them out there. A few dead on the road was well which was a bit sad

180. Red-winged Parrot - Another extremely flighty bird that I could just not get any quality photos of. These two was the best i could do.

dwatsonbb
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Wow Dev, some more shots, which make me jealous. Please keep them all coming.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

sue818
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Another beautiful set of birds and shots, Dev. I think the Varigated Fairywren is my favourite but I do love the Bluebonnet as well. What a wonderful and rewarding trip. 

Devster
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Thanks guys.

Yet some more from my trip out west

181. Sacred Kingfisher - This one was fishing for little yabbies in the bore. I didn't manage a photo with that as he is just so quick.

182. Collared Sparrowhawk - This sat in a tree above us but I missed when it took off. Another person we met up with managed an incredible in flight shot as it took off

183. Royal SpoonBill - Only saw the one there. Mainly Yellow-Billed

184. Yellow-billed Spoonbill - I also managed a closer shot when he was chilling in a tree late one afternoon

185. Nankeen Night-Heron (Juv) - Absolute EBC shot. Another birder managed better in flight shots of it. Let me know if you are happy enough with it. 

186. Little Woodswallow (No Factsheet) - Just saw the one. Usually these guys hang out together but this one was just chilling on his own.

187. Southern Whiteface (No Factsheet) - So stoked to see this little one again as I have ever only seen them at Bowra once before.  I usually like to do a tighter crop but these guys are so small and she was so far away I wanted to give some perspective as to the size. I say she as it looked like she was inspecting this tree as a nesting site.

188. Crested Bellbird - One of the most uusual birdsounds in the bush I recon. So unmistakeable. The first is an average shot but his crest was up. The second is better as he came in closer and in good light.

189. Hooded Robin - These two were such characters. Chasing each other around. When the male stopped chasing she would land on a stump, regain her breath and then perch herself near him again as if t say, come and get me. So lucky to get them both in the one shot

190. Grey Shrike-thrush  Very surprised to get this here. Was busily looking for food and didn't really take much notice of me.

Alex Rogers
Alex Rogers's picture

Oh wow Dev - what a great trip! You have some lovely photos there, too many to pick a favourite, but as always your standard is very high. And I'm just enjoying scrolling through them all and vicariously enjoying the idea of a 4 day birding trip in such a good spot :-) Month 4 of lockdown and I'm pretty bored of my locals lol. But end of October we should be free to travel outside of Sydney - and I'm going to hit the road as soon as I can, the 4x4 is ready :-)  Thanks for posting!

Alex Rogers
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Actually I will pick a favourite :-) I like the Sparrow, I love the Superb Fairywren (awesome bird!) but the his & hers Brolgas are the best of this lot for me - awesome shot of amazing birds. 

Devster
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Thanks very much Alex. Actually I think the Brolgas were an adult and a Juvenile

michaelrt71_1
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Fantastic collections, Dev. Thanks for sharing. :-)

sue818
sue818's picture

Some great birds, Dev. Sounds like a fantastic and rewarding trip. Well done on the Crested Bellbird, they are amazing to hear as the soound travels far but it is so hard to get a decent picture of one. I also am enjoying this vicarious birding. Eager to see what else you may find and gleefully waiting to be overtaken!

dwatsonbb
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Agh some more great photos, particularly like the Sacred Kingfisher and the Southern Whiteface. Putting up some good numbers. Thanks

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

Devster
Devster's picture

Thanks heaps guys. Here's my last lot from my trip.

191. Red-browed Pardalote (No Factsheet) - This one was near our accomodation. Although calling nonstop, it was always moving around deep in the trees so was very hard to get a decent photo of.

192. White-plumed Honeyeater - These were everywhere

193. Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater - Another very common bird there. I particularly liked how this one posed on the Charlotte Plains sign

194. Fairy Martin - This tree was full of nests with Martis going in and out. I managed to get on of them in flight

195. Little Eagle - At first glance I thought it was just a Whistling Kite but when I was going through the photos on my PC I realised hey this is a little Eagle. Very happy

196. Black-tailed Native-hen - This was my lifer for the trip. Although very shy, this one actually ran towards me and then in the bush so I managed one non blury shot.

197. White-winged Triller - Only saw two of these the whole trip. This flowering gum was a haven for all types of birds.

198. White-browed Woodswallow - Again in this flowering gum. One minute there were only a couple of birds, then next minute all these Woodswallows came down. I didn't realise they were nectar feeders.

199. Masked Woodswallow (No Factsheet) - These hung out with the WBWS. The person that first named these really got his birds mixed up. The one with a black face is called Masked Woodswallow and the one that has a mask is called Black-faced woodswallow. Very confusing

200. Spotted Bowerbird (No factsheet) - Boy oh boy this guy was elusive. I actually found his bower which he lined with glass, seeds and bones on the outside and some rocks in the middle. When he was out collecting grass I snuck in and snapped a few photos of it. It was well hidden so I tried to disturb as little as possible then left.

201. Tree Martin - This one was nesting right above the laundry. It was not phased by us one little bit. Both parents constantly in and out feeding the young.

202. Major Mitchell's Cockatoo - This is why we were here and probably my favourite bird of the trip. There were hundreds feeding on the melons. Such a joy to watch and characters to photograph as they squabbled amongst each other over a particular melon, even though there were plenty of others around. Theres a bit of a story on the one thats bowing on the branch. We were sneaking up to a tree to take photos of a flock in it and they all took off except this one. I managed to get close enough for a shot but it was late afternoon and what little sun was out dipped begind some clouds. I was talking to this guy asking if he would go to the top and show his crest for me. He jumped around the tree stripping bark off the limbs and then before I knew it, he made his way up the top and not only showed me his crest but gave me with a bow before he joined his flock. Such a joy to watch.

dwatsonbb
dwatsonbb's picture

Another great set. Particularly like the Major Mitchell.

Congrats on the double century.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

sue818
sue818's picture

Wow, another great set of birds and pictures. Wonderful shot of the lifer Black-tailed Native-hen showing the interesting colours. Also love the Major Mitchells and the Woodswallows. I agree that someone got the naming really wrong there! Well done getting the Spotted Bowerbird... they can be difficult to get clear of vegetaton. You also managed one of my bogie birds with the Red-browed Pardalote... no idea why I cannot find one!

There must be one or two more birds so that you can overtake me, Dev... remember, I might get out again soon.  Really enjoyed your trip, thank you.

Alex Rogers
Alex Rogers's picture

Oh wow Dev, what an awesome set of photographs! So cool to see the bower, I've never seen those pardalotes, loved the obliging spiny on the Charlotte Downs sign - but the Major Mitchell! You must have been so excited :-) I also talk to the birds, and cajole them into posing nicely - but never with such great results! I'm still to see pink cockies - a treat in store one day, such fabulous creatures. 

Congrats on the double century! We come out of lockdown over October, and I can travel outside Sydney from November - so I'm planning to give you and Sue a run for your money yet :-) 

michaelrt71_1
michaelrt71_1's picture

Awesome set again. I enjoyed the spiny-cheeked HE advertising the place. The spotted bowerbird collecting bones, seeds and glass sounds a little disturbing.

sue818
sue818's picture

Michael, Bowerbirds collect so many things... I have seen a few bowers and they were all different. A Spotted Bowerbird bower as Dev has photographed; a Great Bowerbird bower had a white golfball, white & grey pebbles, green glass and green roofing nails to name a few items; a Satin Bowerbird bower was decorated with bright blue straws, lids etc and then strewn with yellow flowers; a Golden Bowerbird bower was plainer but very tall and bedecked with lichen; the Tooth-billed Bowerbird seems to just clear away leaf litter and spread some pale green leaves for a court rather than building a bower. Really great to find the bower and watch them displaying.

Love the stories with the pictures, Dev.

Devster
Devster's picture

Thanks guys. Very well explained Sue. I have yet to photograph a Great,  Golden or Toothbilled Bowerbird.

A couple of upgrades.

Replacement for 101. Olive-backed Oriole - I was very surprised to see oneof these guys here. Must be right on the Western edge of their range.

Replacement for 13. Rainbow Bee-eater inflight

Replacement for 133. Red-rumped Parrot - Plenty of these guys there, just hard to get a decent shot if them. Here is a nice male and female taking refuge of the sun in the shady tree.

And just for some fun a couple of differnt type of shots including some non birdy ones

Hay Bales on the way to Charlotte Plains (Taken on my Samsung Phone)

Morning Sunrise at the Shearers Shed (Taken on My Samsung Phone)

The Artesian Bore Baths (Taken on my Samsung Phone)

Sunrise the morning we left (Taken on my Samsung Phone)

sue818
sue818's picture

Another wonderful set of birds, Dev... well done getting a stunning flight shot of a Rainbow Bee-eater. The landscapes are also wonderful, I want to visit and try the baths. Beautiful, so thanks for sharing.

You need to travel a bit further north or west for other Bowerbirds. It it is worth it if you get a chance. That being said, in QLD, Great is probably the easiest to find before getting to Mt Lewis/ Atherton area for Tooth-billed and Golden Bowerbirds. I dipped on seeing a Fawn-breasted Bowerbird when visiting Cape York and although I have seen a number Regent Bowerbirds in NSW, they continue to elude my camera. WA produced an obliging Western Bowerbird but no bower. So bird-watching keeps me looking and learning and visiting some wonderful places.

Devster
Devster's picture

I hope I get there one day Sue.

A few photos from a day trip out to Crows Nest to look for Peregrin Falcons that had been repoorted there. After that we stopped at a little weir to see if the Azures were there.

203. Peregrine Falcon - Managed a very long distance shot of the male. Could hear the female but never spotted

204. Buff-rumped Thornbill - A little surprise on the way back. Was actually a lifer which I didn't realise at the time, so very happy.

205. Azure Kingfisher - Took a lot of patience but I managed to get a half decent shot. There were 2 at one stage. i included another photo of him all fluffed up. So cute

As a bonus I just had to add a couple of photos of this little Spotted Pardalote as he was so curious and friendly. Sat next to me on a rock several times checking me out.

Alex Rogers
Alex Rogers's picture

Oh wow, what fabulous photos. The bee eater is stunning! As is the fluffy kingfisher ❤ and the spotted pardalote. Congrats on the lifer too :-) What a successful trip!

sue818
sue818's picture

Another fantastic set, Dev. Enjoying your trips so much. Thanks. Forgot to say... pleased to see you overtake my lead... now Alex can give you a challenge.

Devster
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sue818 wrote:

Another fantastic set, Dev. Enjoying your trips so much. Thanks. Forgot to say... pleased to see you overtake my lead... now Alex can give you a challenge.

Thanks Sue, I don't suspect it will last very long, but I'll take it while I can. Lol

TommyGee
TommyGee's picture

Happy (belated) birthday Dev! I'm just catching up on your Charlotte Plains trip now, what a wonderful collection of birds and photos :)

That Red-Capped Robin! The Variegated Fairywren! Your floofy Azure Kingfisher! Words fail me. Looks like you had a fabulous trip!

sue818
sue818's picture

Oops, I missed that too! Happy belated birthday, Dev... what a wonderful way to enjoy it.

AbbyGrace
AbbyGrace's picture

Amazing photos Dev! Looks like you had an amazing trip to Charlottes Plains. Love your shots of the Azure Kingfisher, what a stunning looking bird. (can relate to the Splendid Fairy-wrens love them, so does my hubby, has spent a few hours trying to get better shots)

dwatsonbb
dwatsonbb's picture

Wow again Dev. SOS e really crisp shots there, and so many birds I have not seen. Love the Azure, and glad you put the "fluffed up" shot in. Thanks again.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

michaelrt71_1
michaelrt71_1's picture

Super shots.

The pardalote is spot on. 

Devster
Devster's picture

Thanks for the lovely comments guys.

Here are a few photos from a recent trip to Moreton which is just a beautiful place to visit. We were on a mens trip so not a lot of opportunity for photography and I was in someone elses car so I couldn't just go birding

Fun fact - Moreton Island is the 3rd largest sand Island in the world. 

 206. Mangrove Honeyeater (No fact sheet) - This one wasn't on Moreton but I had forgot to put it in, so here it is. Late one afternoon near my local patch while searching for a reported Bittern sighting. There were quite a few of these but unfortunately no Bittern.

207. Bush Stone-curlew - On a recent trip to Moreton these guys were everywhere, scavanging food where they could but also out in the grass. In one spot I counted 8 in the area

208. White-cheeked Honeyeater - I haven't seen one of these in a few years so I was happy to see them there. Unfortunately they would not come out and play nice, so a very EBC photo

209. Pied Cormorants - The last day was quite windy so these guys were taking shelter on this old wreck. There are quite a few wrecks around the island which make for great snorkeling.

Here are a couple of other photos I took as well, just for funsies.

A few extra birds that I already have but liked the shots.

White-bellied Sea-eagle

Whistling Kite - A fisherman had discarded some excess bait so this Kite was trying to get some before the Silver gulls did. Unfortunately it was too slow

Pied Oystercatcher - Plenty of these on the Island as well. Here are an adult and Immature one just chilling.

Some Non Birdy Photos of Moreton Island - These were taken with my Samsung Phone

dwatsonbb
dwatsonbb's picture

Wow Dev, what an outstanding set of photos. The clarity and composure is superb. Thanks for posting some exquisite work.

Dale Huonville, Tasmania

sue818
sue818's picture

Another great set, Dev and I love the landscape shots. I think the Bush Stone-curlew portrait is my favpurite but the mangrove HE is a stunner.

AbbyGrace
AbbyGrace's picture

Wow Dev! Another great set of photos. Would love to visit Moreton Island one day. Its on the list of places to visit. 

sue818
sue818's picture

Just checking the stats, Dev...surprised that you have not seen an Australian Wood Duck or Australian Magpie this year.

Devster
Devster's picture

Thanks guys. 

sue818 wrote:

Just checking the stats, Dev...surprised that you have not seen an Australian Wood Duck or Australian Magpie this year.

Sue I have seen lots, obviously just not photographed any. Thanks fo the reminder

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