Just back from Tasmania and checking my pictures from Hogarth Falls in Strahan. I had not realised that this Bassian Thrush had an issue with its feet and legs. They look like tumours around the toes and the knee not bits of bush as I had thought.
Sue
Hi Sue, see these articles, re diseases in birds - avian pox looks like the culprit, and although probably not in the case of this Bassian Thrush, can be spread by artificial feeding - now just waiting for Woko to again add his comments on artificial feeding haha (although it isn't really a laughing matter). The first is a US article, the second is UKbut I think the same applies here. Glad you got some new species in Tasmania. I must confess you would now have more than me, but I don't get out much these days.
https://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/pamphlets/coping_with_birdfeeder_diseases_pamplet.pdf
https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/read-and-learn/helping-birds/disease/disease-garden-birds.aspx
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Hi Dale, thanks for the links and I agree that it looks like Avian Pox. Doubt anyone feeds them in Straham so maybe biting insects? I did not see anything else with it so hope it does not spread in such a lovely place.
We are making the effort in our retirement to see as much as we can and having a wonderful time doing so. It is getting harder to find a bird that I have not seen before but aside from a chance of improving the pictures, I just love being out in nature and studying the birds and their behaviour. It relaxes me and leaves me feeling content.
Sue
Although the weather wasn't too kind, still sounds like you had a good trip.
Got a few years til retirement, hopefully then can spend more time travelling and taking in our great country. Maybe then I can justify getting some better camera gear.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania