I saw my first rainbow bee-eaters today - beautiful birds, never seen them before. I think they were just passing through, I wish they would stay.
Also our resident dollarbirds returned this week. It is always good to see them back from their travels, I worry about them off in far climes.
Hi Greg, what a co-incidence. I wa Koel watching this morning when I noticed a dollarbird sitting at the very top of the tree and making his funny grating noise. I thought at the time...Koels and dollarbirds....cool.
Yes the rainbow BE is a beautiful bird that is for sure. Have only seen them twice myself both times this year.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Hi birdie, yes I quite like the dollarbird call, sounds like someone playing a washboard in a bush band. I always know when they are about.
Yes, I love them because they are so identifiable both by sound and sight. The one I saw was at the very top of the trees but they have such a distinct shape, and huge character .Do they winter elsewhere? I didn't know that.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
Yes, they winter in New Guinea and return each spring, but that seems like a long and dangerous journey to me.
today was Spangled Drongo day around my house too. I raised the bedroom blind to find one sitting n a palm looking in at me and making the usual raucous noise! An annoying Noisy miner chased it off just as I was about to click the shutter. then I went out for a walk and it seemed as if they were everywhere. Love to watch them fly ..they are very deft flyers and their tail makes it look even more attractive.
Then I saw a female Koel.... they are a very pretty bird indeed. Spring is such an interesting time, even the ravens are best building...which I also witnessed today.
Sunshine Coast Queensland
We have a family or 2 of bee eaters who nest regularly in the local cemetry. Kind of a nice place for them to be!??