no pic just a description

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heva1
heva1's picture
no pic just a description

Hi all, wondering if you can point me in the right direction in my bird book.... I have no pic as I was experimenting with 'manual' shots and trying to focus with the zoom ring thinking "pah...dumb ol' camera doesn't work in manual mode!"

It was a black bird with white markings possibly on the tail...which was a downward slightly fan shape tail and had a crest like a crested pigeon.
It was about thrush size. Turning over leaf litter in dense undergrowth, very quick moving and quickly startled and disapeared from view (thank you my little kelpie friend)

It was on it's own. It had a very loud call, a single note ascending, bit like a man whsitling through his fingers.(something I'd love to be able to master!)...
Any ideas from this not very helpful description?

Susy
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Heva,
I'm certainly no expert but the sound you describe sounds like a whipbird ( I have seen many of these) but when I have heard these there is usually a female answering with another chirpy retort. The dense undergrowth and the crest also is similar to the WB. Just a thought,
Susy

heva1
heva1's picture

Hi Susy, having looked up whipbird in my book am sure that's what it was, and I think that's what I briefly saw in Bright last week, again a very fleeting glimpse, but I recall that one had an olive green back and crest. Thanks Susy for identifying:)

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best

birdie
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Hev,
The whipbird call is very noticeable as it starts before you even hear it and rises as you say, then is usually followed by the chew chew in response from the other female bird. I have tried to shoot them many times as they frequent the bush around my house. But they are so shy that they disappear into the foliage as soon as you get near. The male has two little white tufty cheeks that stand out.

Cheers
Birdie

Sunshine Coast Queensland

heva1
heva1's picture

Hi Birdie, I googled 'whipbird call' as soon as Susy suggested that is what it was and for sure it was a whipbird. I will listen out for the female bird's response next time I hear the male.

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best

heva1
heva1's picture

saw a pair of whipbirds today... camera at the ready (same spot as I saw one before) but too fast for me...fumbling with lens cap, zooming, tangling myself up in dog leads and camera bag.... nup ... only one thing for it, flask of tea, packet of choc digestives and create a stalemate at thier abode!

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best

birdie
birdie's picture

Don't feel bad, I have lost count of how many times I have tried to get the black cockatoos, the whipbirds, the king parrots, the damned friarbird at work!!!..... to name but a few :'D

Cheers
Birdie

Sunshine Coast Queensland

heva1
heva1's picture

yeah I saw your 'bikie friarbird'... hope you have an understanding boss..that doesn't mind you 'disapearing at the drop of a hat..or the spot of a friarbird :)

Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best

birdie
birdie's picture

Nah! It's no problem, I have to socialise with the residents as part of my day and they get used to me peering through their gardens!
Some of them are keen birdwatchers too. One went off armed with his camera today in search of a white faced herons nest in the tall gums across the road from us. I have plenty of pictures of the heron in question but none of the nest yet.
I couldn't stand to be in a job where I was confined to the office from 9 -5. I'd go stir crazy. I probably already look crazy anyway as I chat to all the birds as I walk around!!

Sunshine Coast Queensland

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