Pale-headed Rosella

It was a very foggy start to the morning when I was told "quick there is a Pale-headed Rosella on the wires leading to our next door neighbors house". Lucky for me it flew into our Mango tree near the backdoor where the fog was not so thick, and not looking into the sun as it came up.

Pale-headed Rosella (Platycercus adscitus)

If I duck my head down they might not see me

Looks like it did not work, I'll just have to leave.

Wader Count Time Again

July Winter Wader Count time again. Count numbers were well down even for this time of the year. Where are the usual overwintering birds hiding? 8 species for the total of 36 birds. In May we had 15 species with a total of 369 birds. July 2010 10 species 137 birds. May 2010 10 species 133 birds.

Mullen's Wader Roost July 2011

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)

As we entered the wader flats, this Mistletoebird sat still long enough for a couple of photos.

Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) (Male)

Midden

The remains of an aboriginal midden made up of discarded mollusc shells.

The water has now cleared after all the rain, though a bit cold while standing in it counting the birds.

Looking for Birds

At long last we have managed to go birdwatching. The weather was perfect for a change with a clear blue sky and not a drop of rain to be seen.

Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)

These Purple Swamphen were among a flock of 40 we saw on a wetland area during a trip down the Mary Valley. Cannot remember seeing such a big flock of Swamphen's before.

Variegated Fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti)

(Spot the Bird)

At our lunch spot we went for a walk along a forest track. We came across a large group of Fairy-wren's which kept us company as we walked along. There were Variegated and Red-backed, mostly female with the odd male.

Thanks Mick for the great day out and we look forward to your next post on the day.