Recently came home from a cruise, took the camera just in case. Was lucky enough to find a few birds in the wild (well around the city) and some from a "Zooilogical Gardens". Don't like seeing birds in captivity, but with only a few hours, not a lot of hope for much. Anyway here are a few. Will identify which were captive birds, and am only posting those in large walk through aviaries. Did see alot of beautiful birds, but they have wire between me and them, a bit sad really.
Kagu - a flightless (some say limited flight), endemic to New Caledonia, and their national emblem - large walk through avery. Was able to get very close.
Kagu by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Kagu by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Kagu by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Pacific Emerald Dove - this was at a park near the city centre, but not the main park - Coconut Palm Square.
Emerald Dove by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Dark Brown Honeyeater (I think - it's the closest I could find), Coconut Palm Square, Noumea.
Dark Brown Honeyeater by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Unknown Dove/Pigeon type bird, thought it might be a New Caledonia Friabird, but the bill and the eye are not right, also though Rock Dove, but again it doesn't look right for that. Taken in the Coconut Palm Square in downtown Noumea.
2Q5A6463 by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Got excited when I saw thisone at Coconut Palm Square, thought it might be a local parrot of some sort, fairly certain it's just an escaped budgie )please feel free to correct any ID errors).
Kagu by Dale Watson, on Flickr
Common or Indian Mynah - these were everywhere in Noumea as well, but I couldn't find one in AUS before coming home for the Big Year Challenge.
Common or Indian Mynah by Dale Watson, on Flickr
The yellow parrot is a domestic budgie. Dobble factor pied clear wing, golden faced/pale green.
Wimmera mally region, Vic.
Thanks Lightuningbird, you have confirmed my suspicions, with extra info, you seem to know your budgies?
Still provided me with some practice in photographing small, fast birds. Hopefully will see a native wild budgie one day.
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Yes. My dad breeds birds.
Also wild budgies are nomadic and follow rain patters, they don't go nearer the coast.
Wimmera mally region, Vic.
That's interesting, Lightuningbird. We're about 50 km from Goolwa, SA, & we see them occasionally but not for some years. I had wondered if we might see some at this time of very dry weather although I guess there's not a lot of seed for them.
Nice ones, Dale. That Kagu is a lovely looking bird ... does it raise a crest at times? The Dark Brown HE looks so much like our Brown Honeyeater! You might get the pigeon/dove ID'd on Bird ID Group of the World (Facebook group). Thanks for posting them and glad you got the trip in when you did.
Thanks Sue, the Kagu does raise its crest and also displays some beautiful wing marking when courting. If you google Kanu images, there is some lovely photos and videos. I'll try the Facebook group you have suggested (have limited FB as I am not a big fan, but it is good for somethings).
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Yes, I use limited Facebook but two use 2 bird ID groups: 1 Australian and the international one. It does look a bit like a Spotted Dove without the spots!
There is also one at the moment which is asking birders around the world to list what birds they can see from their yard while isolated. Over 500 species and not sure how many countries but only been going a couple of days. It opens the world for birders.
Thanks again Sue, too big for a Spotted Dove. I'm just looking at the world bird ID group and stumbled on the backyard one you mention, but I am only seeing Common Blackbirds at the moment, everything else is staying isolated haha, just wish Homo sapiens would do the same.
Looks like you doing some catching up, after your procedure and guessing your sticking close to home as well? I am only going out for necessities and work, which there is plenty of atm (work that is).
Dale Huonville, Tasmania
Yes, catching up. Procedure went well but still using my old glasses with one lens at present... seems to work OK with my new large monitor (my son has the old one as he is now working from home). Being retired, we do not need to venture out much at all. The birds around home here in Sydney have also gone into isolation with only 6 species seen in last two days. Your work would be hectic at present so keep safe.