Recent rains have just about replenished the empty lakebeds at the wetlands. It was so dry there two weeks ago the local newspaper had a Page1 story calling it the Eagleby wastelands! With the water has come abundant birdlife, although the waders and waterbirds are still to come in any numbers or species variety. This morning I managed to get a few of the residents until the rain again came, as we are on the edge of the low depression left by Cyclone Debbie.
Lovely photos, alacatraz.
It's a reflection of the continuing Eurocentricity of the Australian media, at least, that the dry Eagleby wetlands should be referred to as "wastelands". Your local newspaper has a lot to learn about the Australian environment.
As a retired journalist I despair at what has/is happening in the Australian media Woko. The dry lakes meant the wetlands had lost its waders and water birds - a temporary issue. Australia is and has always been a country of drought and flood. Anyway, the wetlands are again living up to their name and the remnants of Debbie look like ensuring that will stay that way for some time to come. Cheers Muzz.
Lovely photos, what is the name of the one with the yellow and white eyebrow?
elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth,
That's a Striated Pardalote. Not so lovely name for a beautiful little bird. Cheers, Muzz
Beautiful shots Murray, all but one would be new for me. Your new settings are certainly showing through.
Thanks Brian. I am really happy with the set-up now. Only use manual settings and vary ISO and shutter speed depending on light.
You always get great birds on your expeditions ! I love the little pardalotte.
Nice one of the flighty rufous fantail .... but damn that pesky twig across the eye! I have had many of those with different species.
Thanks WD. I am very lucky to live about 1.3 km from the Eagleby Wetlands, so they are my second home. You are right about the Rufous Fantail. They really are a difficult bird to get because of where they flit around. Saw one last week in a fleeting moment and it was low down on a branch with its wings and tail both extended and a flash of bright orange from its back. I thought then that's the image I want! It may take some tho. Cheers Muzz
I didn't realised you reposeted this with the Whistler which is sooo cute btw. The one you thought was a Tree-Creeper is a Little Shike-thrush. Yes those Fantails and their flitty like nature are soo frustrating.
Thanks Devo, will change the title. Cheers Muzz
Nice set of birds there, Muzz. Seems like you had a good morning
Ryu
Canberra
Aiming for DSLR-quality shots with a bridge camera
Thanks Ryu. It was alive with birds which was fantastic. The remnants of Cyclone Debbie have left the wetlands flooded (it is on the Albert River) so I will not be able to get back in for some time I suspect. The good news is the lakes, some of which have been dry for 8 months, are now at over-capacity, so I can expect the waders and water birds to be back in force. Eagleby Wetlands has had 230 or so species identified so it is an incredible resource for local birders.
I cannot see your settings in your post. Any suggestions?
Doug.
Hi Doug,
From memory the shots taken in good light were at 1/800 sec at 400 iso and the aperture F 7.1. The shots in the darker areas were 1/320 sec at 800 iso and the same aperture. All are hand held with Nikon D3200 and Sigma 150 - 500mm lens set at 450mm. Also have light compensation of - 0.3. My camera takes better (sharper/more detail) shots on medium size rather than large. There is an explanation of this in the help forum section. I think this only relates to Nikon D3200/D3300 etc cameras. Hope this helps. Cheers Murray