Some of you may be aware, was lucky enough to fly to Melaleuca in the Southwest National Park - Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area - the last known breeding area for the critically endangered Orange Bellied Parrot. The day started out overcast, but cleared early. After an hour on board a Par Avion Islander 10 seat aircraft, we landed on a surprisingly smooth quartzite gravel runway. 5 minute walk to the Deny King Museum (Deny was a local legend, who mined Tin at Bathurst Harbour among other exploits) and publice viewing hide, where a volunteer was still cleaning the feeders and table. Once finished the OBPs started to arrive. My first glimpse was a male who flew directly toward us, before veering off giving a magnificent view of the trademark orange belly (sadly no photo). Before long several more arrived, eventually 11 on the table at one time, plus a bonus solitary Blue winged Parrot (another new bird for me).
The day was truly magnificent, seeing the OBPs and a few other species (Blue Winged Parrot, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Tree Martins were plentiful, Tasmanian Thornbill, Great Cormorant, Silver gull), as well as a guided boat tour of Bathurst Harbour and Port Davey (we were lucky it was exceptionally calm).
Anyone who is interested can find out more aboout OBPs and the breeding program can do so on this website;
https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/conservation/threatened-species-and-communities/lists-of-threatened-species/threatened-species-vertebrates/orange-bellied-parrot/about-orange-bellied-parrots
Anyhow, no apology for the photo heavy post. I have tried to include a range of photos, showing male, female and juvenile (not 100% sure I have them all right).
Enjoy.
Feeding table with 11 OBP and a Blue Wing, given only 23 wild birds returned from their migration (winter in South East SA and Southern Vic.), I think I was very lucky to get so many in 1 shot - I can't guarentee all these are wild birds, some may be released from the OBP breeding program - link provided above.
Orange Bellied Parrot group by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Male showing his orange belly patch. Males apparently also have 2 tones of blue on the forehead, where females tend to have only on shade, and not as bright belly patch.
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Female, perhaps juvenile - very faint blue forehead no obvious belly coluring.
Orange Bellied Parrot (female) by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Like the attitude of this one, coming in for landing
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Male strutting his stuff Orange Belly just visible, with yellow underparts), ? female feeding behind him
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Female on the left, and the Blue Winged Parrot to the right, seem happy to share!
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Males (I think) 2 tone blue forehead.
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Juvenile front 2 (blue forehead not developed yet) not sure about the back 1
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Not sure about this one - can see a faint orange belly, but the blue forehead makes me think female?
Orange Bellied Parrot by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Absolutely, spectacularly amazing, Dale. To observe these birds which are on the brink of extinction is....words don't explain it for me. Tears in my eyes.
Dale, thanks for the information and great photos of some very precious birds.
Thanks woko and RJJT, it was an experience i hope never to forget. Like you woko, some tears shed - joy that i could finally see them and sadness there are so few left. Think positively numbers will increase, it just takes time and hopefully no disaster!
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Thanks for posting Dale, how cool to see these special birds! Sounds like you had a great day :-)
Thanks Alex, a day I would recommend, and will likely do again, need to sweet talk the missus, and save some more dollars! To see such a critically endangered species is a memory I hope to have forever, or at least until the dementia sets in!
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
What a wonderful experience, Dale along with some great shots. Always nice to see something new but an endangered species is that extra bit special.