After a slow start this year, your kicking on nicely. Loving all your photos, so many I have yet to see. Too many to choose favourites, Imlike them all.
Another great set of birds, Karen... that Kingfisher is a stunner with the light on the wings. It must have been wonderful to see so many different birds and the trip seems to have gone really well.
Enjoyed all those birds from your NT trip. So many new ones in such a short time! That stork is something ridiculous, but not quite as threatening as the croc.
Those Yellow-tufted HEs are gorgeous. Lucky you to have such wonderful birds visiting.
yes, I do have a few birds to add when wifi is dependable. We were without phone coverage in some places as Optus must have beaten Telstra to the area. At least the public phone was free! Great trip so far. NT is glorious for birders. So very pleased you had a wonderful time.
It was a great trip, we are already planning to go back!
It's been a busy few months for me with work and uni and Leo... but while working outside during the week I heard a bird call that I wasn't familiar with, followed the sound and spotted a red head. Of course had camera handy so snapped a pic of him. A rare visitor to my place, nice to see.
I'm also hearing the White-throated Gerygones a lot lately. I thought I may have posted one from earlier in the year, but seems I haven't. There is usually at least one nesting pair at my place each season, sometimes two.
That scarlet head is a standout in the yellow grevillea. The white-throated gerygone would be a new one for me; looks like Spring has certainly sprung at your place!
Love your shot of the Scarlet Honeyeater Karen. The White-throated Gerygone would be a lifer for me, actually I haven't managed to find any Gerygones yet in Australia.
We have noticed some 'unidentified' scat around close to the house lately, my husband thought it looked like it was from a dog. I put the wildlife camera out to see if we could identify it. I thought maybe kangaroo. I also spotted what I'm 'almost' sure was koala poo. Got three pics so far, including a Swamp Wallaby and a Hare. We are used to wallaby scat, this looked bigger. Will leave the camera there for a while longer in case anyone else turns up. But for now it looks like I can at least add number 124. Tawny Frogmouth to my 2022 list.
Your backyard is still delivering, Karen. Well done.
As to the scat, I assume it is not a Wombat as that is fairly easy to identify being squarish. Might be interesting to sight the culprit.
Hope that the latest flooding and rain is not disrupting your family too much. At least the bridge won't wash away but has it gone under again? Stay safe.
Thanks Sue, no not wombat scat, and have not seen any new animal species there since putting the camera out, I think it possibly was a wallaby, maybe just a big one. And luckily no bridge closures during the last rain, and a week of sun coming up I think??
Today I got a new yard bird, was very excited after hearing a new call. I think I have heard them before but wasn't sure and didn't get a photo at the time, but I did today :-).
Thanks Dale, I love seeing the nocturnal animals on the camera :-).
Today I went for a short bike ride and bushwalk down the end of the street. Took my camera in my backpack and spotted this one that I realised I hadn't photographed this year. Bit of a blurry faraway pic, but EBC right?!
126. Brush Cuckoo
I originally posted this as a Fan-tailed Cuckoo, but I'm thinking this might actually be a Brush Cuckoo. I've uploaded a second pic of the same individual, the eye ring is not very yellow like it normally is on the Fan-tailed Cuckoo.
As I was going through my memory card to find some pics of birds I hadn't yet posted, I found this Fan-tailed Cuckoo which made me realise that my previous post was of a Brush Cuckoo. Spotted this one while house-sitting in Bilpin at the end of September. I had heard the call but couldn't see the bird so just took a photo in the general direction of the call. Only just realised now that I actually got the bird in the pic, was in the very bottom left so heavily cropped.
Three more I've found on my latest memory card from the last couple of months.
128. Australian Brushturkey, spotted on a recent trip to Manly, I did the walk along the coast toward North Head, past the WW2 gun pits, while the boys played on the beach.
These two were from a trip to the Central Coast to visit my mum in September. I'm not too sure of the egret, can anyone confirm the ID?
Great to see both Cuckoos, Karen and so easy to overlook easy birds.
I am unsure of the Egret ID because of those plumes although it probably is a Cattle Egret with those dark legs as Intermediate has lighter legs when in breeding plumage. So, I'm no help at all!
Thanks Dale and Sue, a couple more to add today, one extremely EBC but hopefully you can ID it. I see these birds fairly frequently on my walk down the end of the street, but they run fast and they are camouflaged by leaf litter. I will try to get a better pic before the end of the year.
131. Spotted Quail-Thrush (no fact sheet)
And a very common (but lovely) yard bird that somehow I haven't posted a pic of.
Yep an EBC on the Spotted Quail-thrush, but I believe is clearly able to be identified as such ( I have been researching where to find down here, but again time and luck are against me).
I have to agree on the common bronzewing; a stylish bird that subtly changes depending on time of year and angle of sun, sitting or in flight. They sit nearby our holiday house, and nod up and down at each other.
Sorry all I have not been able to login for some time now, finally got it working today! A few more to add after this... but nothing that will improve my result. This is my third year doing the challenge and I have increased my count each year so I'm happy with that :-)
Great effort Karen, it's been good having you along. For me it is not about how many, but having fun and sharing what we see - I have seen shots of birds I never knew existed. Also that your numbers have increased each year.
And is that young Leo in the shot with the ducks on the pond?
A personal thanks from me for your creation of the files to keep the tallies going, and of course both you and Sue for updating those files.
Thanks for sharing this year, and for keeping score for every one. The domestic goose - I just realised I had one somewhere and didn't stick it in. Maybe next time!
I think the white ones could be geese, Karen. Wonderful to hear that your numbers rise each year. Apologies for running out of time to see the nightjar. Have they left yet?
Thanks for all your efforts with the worksheet as it has made keeping tally so much easier. Clever lady to find time with all that you do. Thank you very much.
Thanks Dale, and yes that is Leo, on the other side of a lake, offloading some of his lunch to the ducks (without my permission I have to say!).
Thanks Michael, it's not too late to add your goose in!
Thanks Sue, I went away over Christmas and have not seen the nightjars since I returned, though I've heard them further down the street, they are still around. I haven't been out in the evenings to spot them, but will try to get a 2023 pic while they are here.
If you don't mind setting up a sheet for 2023 then I think it will be appreciated. I'm in Perth at the moment with my son playing tourist but happy to help record sightings this year. Thanks so much for your efforts, clever lady.
Well done on the continual improvement, and great shots over the year :-) And thanks so much for your efforts on the spreadsheeting front too - much appreciated.
Just one new one from my morning walk today.
118. Australian Hobby
After a slow start this year, your kicking on nicely. Loving all your photos, so many I have yet to see. Too many to choose favourites, Imlike them all.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Wow Karen, it looks like you are having an amazing time. Awesome birds and photos. I'm looking forward to our trip in Sept.
Another great set of birds, Karen... that Kingfisher is a stunner with the light on the wings. It must have been wonderful to see so many different birds and the trip seems to have gone really well.
Home now, but found one more from NT.
119. Torresian Crow
And another two from home today, one from my morning 'lap' and another while working outside when the sun came out.
120. Red-browed Finch
121. Yellow-tufted Honeyeater
Thanks Dale, I will probably slow right down again now, only seeing new birds at home. But I will try one or two bird trips if I can.
And thanks Abby, it was a fantastic trip. We are already thinking about going back!
Thanks Sue, I expect my current high unique bird count to drop significantly once you start posting from your trip :-).
Love seeing the Yellow-tufted Honeyeaters. Nice finds.
Yep that Yellow-tufted Honey eater is lovely, and a nice photo to show it off.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Enjoyed all those birds from your NT trip. So many new ones in such a short time! That stork is something ridiculous, but not quite as threatening as the croc.
Those Yellow-tufted HEs are gorgeous. Lucky you to have such wonderful birds visiting.
yes, I do have a few birds to add when wifi is dependable. We were without phone coverage in some places as Optus must have beaten Telstra to the area. At least the public phone was free! Great trip so far. NT is glorious for birders. So very pleased you had a wonderful time.
Wow Karen, looks like you had an incredible trip. So many wonderful birds, plenty I'd never heard of :)
It was a great trip, we are already planning to go back!
It's been a busy few months for me with work and uni and Leo... but while working outside during the week I heard a bird call that I wasn't familiar with, followed the sound and spotted a red head. Of course had camera handy so snapped a pic of him. A rare visitor to my place, nice to see.
122. Scarlet Honeyeater
Oh, what a lovely find! Nice shot!
Thanks Alex :-)
I'm also hearing the White-throated Gerygones a lot lately. I thought I may have posted one from earlier in the year, but seems I haven't. There is usually at least one nesting pair at my place each season, sometimes two.
123. White-throated Gerygone
A couple of beautiful birds, Karen and great shots. Your place produces some great birds. sure you will enjoy a return visit to the NT.
Love both the Scarlet Honeyeater and the White-throated Gerygone, great photos. Your backyard and surrounds is amazing.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
That scarlet head is a standout in the yellow grevillea. The white-throated gerygone would be a new one for me; looks like Spring has certainly sprung at your place!
Love your shot of the Scarlet Honeyeater Karen. The White-throated Gerygone would be a lifer for me, actually I haven't managed to find any Gerygones yet in Australia.
We have noticed some 'unidentified' scat around close to the house lately, my husband thought it looked like it was from a dog. I put the wildlife camera out to see if we could identify it. I thought maybe kangaroo. I also spotted what I'm 'almost' sure was koala poo. Got three pics so far, including a Swamp Wallaby and a Hare. We are used to wallaby scat, this looked bigger. Will leave the camera there for a while longer in case anyone else turns up. But for now it looks like I can at least add number 124. Tawny Frogmouth to my 2022 list.
Your backyard is still delivering, Karen. Well done.
As to the scat, I assume it is not a Wombat as that is fairly easy to identify being squarish. Might be interesting to sight the culprit.
Hope that the latest flooding and rain is not disrupting your family too much. At least the bridge won't wash away but has it gone under again? Stay safe.
Thanks Sue, no not wombat scat, and have not seen any new animal species there since putting the camera out, I think it possibly was a wallaby, maybe just a big one. And luckily no bridge closures during the last rain, and a week of sun coming up I think??
Today I got a new yard bird, was very excited after hearing a new call. I think I have heard them before but wasn't sure and didn't get a photo at the time, but I did today :-).
125. Eastern Koel
Another nice yard bird Karen, also love the Tawnie on the trail camera.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks Dale, I love seeing the nocturnal animals on the camera :-).
Today I went for a short bike ride and bushwalk down the end of the street. Took my camera in my backpack and spotted this one that I realised I hadn't photographed this year. Bit of a blurry faraway pic, but EBC right?!
126. Brush Cuckoo
I originally posted this as a Fan-tailed Cuckoo, but I'm thinking this might actually be a Brush Cuckoo. I've uploaded a second pic of the same individual, the eye ring is not very yellow like it normally is on the Fan-tailed Cuckoo.
As I was going through my memory card to find some pics of birds I hadn't yet posted, I found this Fan-tailed Cuckoo which made me realise that my previous post was of a Brush Cuckoo. Spotted this one while house-sitting in Bilpin at the end of September. I had heard the call but couldn't see the bird so just took a photo in the general direction of the call. Only just realised now that I actually got the bird in the pic, was in the very bottom left so heavily cropped.
127. Fan-tailed Cuckoo
Three more I've found on my latest memory card from the last couple of months.
128. Australian Brushturkey, spotted on a recent trip to Manly, I did the walk along the coast toward North Head, past the WW2 gun pits, while the boys played on the beach.
These two were from a trip to the Central Coast to visit my mum in September. I'm not too sure of the egret, can anyone confirm the ID?
129. Chestnut Teal
130. Cattle Egret
Wel done. Sometime we get caught up in the more exciting birds, and easily miss the easier ones, I know that happens to me all the time.
Some nice birds in that lot.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Great to see both Cuckoos, Karen and so easy to overlook easy birds.
I am unsure of the Egret ID because of those plumes although it probably is a Cattle Egret with those dark legs as Intermediate has lighter legs when in breeding plumage. So, I'm no help at all!
Thanks Dale and Sue, a couple more to add today, one extremely EBC but hopefully you can ID it. I see these birds fairly frequently on my walk down the end of the street, but they run fast and they are camouflaged by leaf litter. I will try to get a better pic before the end of the year.
131. Spotted Quail-Thrush (no fact sheet)
And a very common (but lovely) yard bird that somehow I haven't posted a pic of.
132. Common Bronzewing
Nice finds Karen.
Yep an EBC on the Spotted Quail-thrush, but I believe is clearly able to be identified as such ( I have been researching where to find down here, but again time and luck are against me).
Nice find just the same.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Well done on splitting the cuckoos!
I have to agree on the common bronzewing; a stylish bird that subtly changes depending on time of year and angle of sun, sitting or in flight. They sit nearby our holiday house, and nod up and down at each other.
Well done, Karen, I agree with Spotted Quail-thrush and love the Common Bronzewing. You live in such a great area.
Sorry all I have not been able to login for some time now, finally got it working today! A few more to add after this... but nothing that will improve my result. This is my third year doing the challenge and I have increased my count each year so I'm happy with that :-)
133. Pied Currawong
134. Domestic Duck
135. Domestic Goose
136. White-winged Chough
137. Galah
Actually I think they are all ducks, no domestic goose right? I thought I had a goose somewhere.... will double check.
Great effort Karen, it's been good having you along. For me it is not about how many, but having fun and sharing what we see - I have seen shots of birds I never knew existed. Also that your numbers have increased each year.
And is that young Leo in the shot with the ducks on the pond?
A personal thanks from me for your creation of the files to keep the tallies going, and of course both you and Sue for updating those files.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks for sharing this year, and for keeping score for every one. The domestic goose - I just realised I had one somewhere and didn't stick it in. Maybe next time!
All the best for 2023 :)
I think the white ones could be geese, Karen. Wonderful to hear that your numbers rise each year. Apologies for running out of time to see the nightjar. Have they left yet?
Thanks for all your efforts with the worksheet as it has made keeping tally so much easier. Clever lady to find time with all that you do. Thank you very much.
Thanks Dale, and yes that is Leo, on the other side of a lake, offloading some of his lunch to the ducks (without my permission I have to say!).
Thanks Michael, it's not too late to add your goose in!
Thanks Sue, I went away over Christmas and have not seen the nightjars since I returned, though I've heard them further down the street, they are still around. I haven't been out in the evenings to spot them, but will try to get a 2023 pic while they are here.
Should I set up a 2023 sheet?
If you don't mind setting up a sheet for 2023 then I think it will be appreciated. I'm in Perth at the moment with my son playing tourist but happy to help record sightings this year. Thanks so much for your efforts, clever lady.
Well done on the continual improvement, and great shots over the year :-) And thanks so much for your efforts on the spreadsheeting front too - much appreciated.
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