I went out to see if the tawny frogmouth was on its nest but alas it was not. I couldn't find the mate either. I've also been trying to get photos of the figbirds in the Moreton Bay figs but it's really hard to get them among the dense foliage. The leaves also reflect the sunlight. I could hear all this harsh calling and saw large grey birds continually chased by magpie larks. I managed to snap a couple from a distance; they kept moving from tree top to tree top, screaming and with the magpie larks in hot pursuit. I suppose they are there because there are a lot of figs in the park.
On the way out there I saw a nankeen kestrel - I had to take the photo from a bad angle but I enjoyed seeing it. I haven't seen as many BOP lately. I noticed some large nests in a tree across the paddock and took a photo - it looks as if there could be some light grey birds in the lower one and maybe even in the upper one as well, but I don't know what they would be
Your photos are wonderful. Could they be herons?
I don't know - I'm happy to hear any suggestions because I can't get any closer to find out what they are. It's a big mature tree - 15 m+ - so the nests are very big
My friend down the road has had the White-faced Heron breed in his tree and they nest high up in the trees.
Or maybe an Egret? Not sure if they breed in trees? It will be interesting to hear what the forum comes up with. :-)
That is a very good suggestion. I hadn't thought of that, but a while ago I found some baby white-faced herons in a tree that two huge nests like these ones higher up; and it was a gum tree too
Egrets breed in trees all right. Look at these cattle egrets! I've seen all the white ones in trees at the same site. I think the feathers in my nest look pale grey, so I'd go with your suggestion of white-faced herons
Here is the nest cropped
I have been flicking backwards and forwards in my Field Guide.
It looks very white to me in your last photo and it seems to one of those fancy hair do's does that help you any better? This may sound silly but could it be a spoonbill, the little bit I can see of its beak looks very black and they seem to have that long feather look at the back of their heads.
I know you regulars are very good at identifying all sorts of birds. So hope the last post was not silly?
Great shots Birdgirl.... lucky you catching the channel bills... i heard them screech early this morning but was still in bed so didn't get out to see them.
Looks like an egret or maybe a Spoonbill in the nest doesn't it? Not for me to confirm though. Just guessing.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Wanda is 1000% spot-on! It is indeed a Royal Spoonbill. They have the crest, the eyebrow is yellow/red during breeding time and this one has the head tucked in backwards into its wing, facing left. I made a couple of notes on the photo, hope it is OK Birdgirl. :)
I should post an image of a full adult so you can relate the eyebrow and crest.
Gidday Birdgirl,nice series of shots there. The only time I see Channell Bills is when they are being chased by crows through the scrub at 100mph.
Birdgirl do you know where Beresfield is and if so is it far from you? I did a quick run down to Gosford on the weekend and 25klms excactly from Beresfield heading to Sydney there was a Black Swan on a nest in a small lake on the side of the F3.
It would have been a top shot as she is nice and close, but by the time I saw it and realized what it was I would have been 1km down the road by the time I stopped.
I get puffed putting the bloody wheelie bins out let alone running all that way back to take a pic....lol
Anyway I thought of you and thought I would pass that on to you. :)
Wow - I didn't think the mystery would be solved when the photo was taken from such a distance. Thanks for taking the time. I don't mind the labels at all, Windhover, they made sure I looked in the right place. I went past today and there is a barbed wire fence along the road so I don't think I'll try to get closer, even though I would like to.
Tassie - I live right near Beresfield - that is where I found the whistling kites. If I'm heading up the freeway I'll look for your nest. Thanks for the tip and good to see you back. Hope you are faring ok with all the rain.
Thanks Birdgirl I have just woken up,the rain has completly gone and we have thick fog but once it has lifted it wi be a beautifu day