Raptors of Stradbroke Island.

You don't have to go very far along the beach on Stradbroke Island before you encounter one or more Raptors. Brahminy Kites could be found sitting on the beach on tree branches or logs washed ashore.

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Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus)

Ospreys were found sitting in tree tops and on the dunes, also flying overhead.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

White-bellied Sea-Eagles were found perched in the trees and on the signs that mark the camp grounds, we also had very good views of them soaring over the ocean looking for food.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)



Flinders Beach
Stradbroke Island

Grey-crowned Babbler

One of my favourite birds to visit our garden on a regular basis is the Grey-crowned Babbler. Guaranteed to keep you entertained with their constant games and antics as they call to one another. We are lucky to have them in our area as their numbers have declined in other parts of the country. Last year we had five birds coming to our bird bath, the other day we had eight trying to get in the bird bath at the same time.

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Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

Bees & Butterfly

Not sure how long this Native Bee nest has been around, but because of its location it will be safe for quite a long time as it is in a cement block wall.
There are quite a few species, and most of them are stingless. Not sure which species this one is.

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Native Bees

While down the back yard the other day I came across this newly emerged butterfly sunning itself in the early morning sunshine to dry it wings.

Tailed Emperor (Polyura pyrrhus sempronius)

Restless Flycatcher

A pleasant surprise today. A rare visitor to our garden, this Restless Flycatcher was first heard and then tracked down to the overhead power lines outside our house. The Restless Flycatcher is sometimes known as a Scissors Grinder due to its' call being like the sharpening of scissors on a glass bottle.

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Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta)

Pied Oystercatcher

Pied Oystercatchers were busy feeding on Main Beach Stradbroke Island during our recent visit.

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Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)

Pied Oystercatcher looking for pipis

Found one

Let's just get out of the water first

Found another one, now to get it out.

Still trying

Just a bit more

Got it.

Here is a link to more information on the Pipi
http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/research/areas/systems-research/wild-fisheries/outputs/2008/972/status_short/Pipi.pdf