Out and about in Cooloola

Bath Time at Ride on Mary Bush Retreat

2012-01-23T16:53:00.016+10:00

On our last visit to Bush Retreat it was Spring, and we recorded 46 species during our stay. This time it was Summer, with the end total down to 34 species. This is a small property of 10 acres with 2 small dams for water, and a gully that flows for only a short time after rain. The weather was very hot and humid, and the birds were not calling very much. The bird bath was very popular though in the early morning.

White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis)

White-throated Honeyeater & Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops)

Lewin's Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii) & Yellow-faced Honeyeater

Lewin's Honeyeater

Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta) &

White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaeus)

White-throated Treecreeper

Brown Honeyeater

Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus)

Bath with a view

If it got much hotter, I was going to try out the bath without fire under it to heat the water.

Open air shower

Bush Retreat

Brooloo Park Birds

2012-01-16T17:34:00.009+10:00

A very good couple of days spent birdwatching and recording at Brooloo Park.

Last time we were there in July we had 65 species for the 2 days, and this time we managed to get 75 species over 2 days. Total for the property 92 with one more count to come in spring. Let's hope we can get over the 100 mark then!

Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)

Dusky Honeyeater (Myzomela obscura)

Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia amboinensis)

Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis)

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet

2012-01-01T08:48:00.004+10:00

Happy New Year

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus)

Wishing you all a Safe and Happy 2012

Grey-crowned Babbler

2011-11-26T15:37:00.003+10:00

This is a video of the Grey-crowned Babbler, with Crested Pigeon and Rainbow Lorikeet that can be found in our yard as well. The Babbler is an interesting and entertaining bird to watch with its'antics.

Grey-crowned Babbler

2011-11-06T15:10:00.006+10:00

Now that the weather is warming up, and the Noisy Miner seem to have moved on, the Grey-crowned Babbler have come back to our yard and have been very active in the garden. It looks like all the trouble we went to mulching the garden is paying off, as the Babblers look for food and gather material for their play nest which they are building in a tree across the road. We have counted at least 8 birds in this group so far at one time.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

It is possible that this is a young one, as I saw it being fed by another bird.

Wader Count

2011-10-09T09:54:00.007+10:00

During our last Wader Count in September we counted 13 species with a total of 248 birds.

We were hoping the numbers would be a lot bigger than what they were as the waders tend to come back in early September, but not this year.We have had reports that the waders are now back, so the count this month should be interesting.

Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)

It was interesting to see this Jellyfish at the wader roost site, as they don't often enter the estuary, staying more out in the bay.

Blue Blubber Jellyfish (Castostylus mosaicus)

The photos below show the other side of the Wader Roost Site that we can only access on a very low high tide or by kayak on a very high tide. This particular day the high tide was low enough for us to walk across and check out the birds that were hiding on that side of the roost. Not long ago a fire in the area burnt down to the edge of the site. Better to have it burnt before the Waders returned than when they first come back I guess.

Patchwork of Birds of Patchwork Cottage

2011-08-22T14:49:00.013+10:00

One of the little towns in the Mary Valley is called Imbil, and here we stayed at a B&B called Patchwork Cottage to undertake the next survey of birds in the area. We managed to get 61 species over 2 days.

Patchwork Cottage backs on to Forestry, and the birds seen provided a Patchwork of Colours against the green of the surrounding forest.

Just how many shades of green are in the bird world I would not like to even guess at, with the Green of the Catbird, King Parrot and Emerald Dove as well as the Satin Bowerbird female.

There was the Black and Gold of the Regent Bowerbird male, Pink and Grey of the Galah, Black and White of the White-headed Pigeon.

Brown of the Brown Cuckoo-Dove and Tawny Grassbird.

Black crown, Chestnut throat, White breast and Cinnamon buff underparts of the Eastern Spinebill, and all the colours of the Rainbow Bee-eater.

Green Catbird (Ailuroedus crassirostris)

Australian King Parrot (Female) (Alisterus scapularis)

Satin Bowerbird (Female) (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus)

This is not a very good picture, but I have included it to see if any one has noticed any barring on a female Satin Bowerbird before.

Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis)

Yabba Creek

Just a short walk down the road from Patchwork Cottage you come to Yabba Creek.

Black-striped Wallaby (Macropus dorsalas) Scrub Wallaby

Some of the locals.

Mary Valley

2011-08-08T16:13:00.005+10:00

Australasian Grebe can be found throughout the Mary Valley on farm dams. Not all dams have easy access to them, this one was right beside the road with enough room to pull over and have a good look at what was on there. Mainly Australasian Grebe and not much else.

Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novaehollandiae)

Duwirri (Brooloo Bluff)

Every time we go to the Mary Valley I would say I must stop and take a photo of Brooloo Bluff but we always had to be somewhere at a set time. This time though I just had to take some photos. The last time we were up this way it was raining.

Birds of Brooloo Park

2011-08-01T16:23:00.011+10:00

We are conducting a series of regular bird surveys through the Mary Valley with the aim of establishing a bird trail. The first place we visited was Brooloo Park Eco Retreat & Equine Resort. On this first visit we recorded 65 species over the 2 days we were there. A pretty good count considering it's Winter. (click on photos to enlarge)

Jacky Winter (Microeca fascinans)

We don't get to see too many Jacky Winter around our area anymore, so we were very happy to see at least 2 pair on the property.

Forgot to get the name of the horse, but the 2 spoonbills caught my eye as it was unusual to have one of each species together. They flew in together, were feeding together, and flew off together.

Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) (Front)

Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes) (Rear)

Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea)

The Azure Kingfisher is one of the hardest to get a photo of, because most of the time all you see is a bird flying really fast along a creek. At one of the camping spots on the property where we were having lunch, we noticed this one just sitting on a branch in the deep shade by Coonoongibber Creek. You would think with the colours in this bird it would be easy to see, but as I walked down to the creek to take photos, I was surprised to find it sitting just on the other side.

Brooloo Park

Coonoongibber Creek

Pale-headed Rosella

2011-07-25T15:26:00.007+10:00

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

2011-07-22T14:45:00.020+10:00

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

2011-07-08T09:03:00.003+10:00

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.

Early Morning Wader Count

2011-05-02T11:07:00.007+10:00

A beautiful morning for our latest wader count, unlike last month when the count was cut short by heavy rain.

All eyes on the flock of waders that were disturbed by a Whistling Kite.

A surprise for us was a pair of Black-fronted Dotterel (Charadrius melanops), first time recorded at Mullen's

Rufous Whistler (male) (Pachycephala rufiventris)

Samphire throwing early morning shadow on the flats.

Mangroves at Mullen's.

Though most of the waders have migrated at this time of year we still managed to get 15 species with a total of 369 birds. Very noticeable were 14 Intermediate Egret looking all white against the green background of the mangroves. Also of note was a Swamp Harrier and the local Whistling Kite which frequently disturbed the waders while we were there.

Olive-backed Oriole & Noisy Miner

2011-04-02T15:53:00.007+10:00

Over the last couple of days we have been seeing Olive-backed Oriole around the yard as well as Noisy Miner. The Oriole came to our bird bath, and as we watched it did not go into the bath but perched on a lower branch, then stretched up under the bath to drink drops of water collected underneath.

Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)

This Noisy Miner came in to one of our Grevilleas to have a feed of nectar. As this is very close to our front door they are very wary of movement. It was lucky that I had earlier put a chair near the door, so I sat and waited for it to come back. The flower it is on was in the open so I was able to get these photos.

Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala)

Over the past week there has also been a pair of Tawny Frogmouth sitting on the street sign over the road and flying to the power pole to catch insects that have been attracted by the light, but trying to get photos when they fly into the light is not an easy job.

Waders at Inskip Part 2

2011-03-22T21:08:00.007+10:00

As you can see by these photos, there were a lot of Waders showing breeding colour. What surprises me is the number of Curlew Sandpiper with varying stages of colour on them. At the time we thought maybe only a couple had colour, but after going through all the photos taken on the day there were a lot more than we thought. The smallest waders are the Curlew Sandpiper in amongst the Great Knot, with Bar-tailed Godwit at the back. The second photo is a cropped version of the first.

Curlew Sandpiper

Great Knot

Bar-tailed Godwit

The Red-necked Stint and other small waders like to use the tracks left by 4WD vehicles going over to Fraser Island as a wind break.

Red-necked Stint

As it was very early in the morning we were the only one's around, and the vehicle traffic had not started yet, so we were able to get quite close to the birds without disturbing them.

4WD Track

Knee Shuffle Track

How to get nearer to the birds without disturbing them is to get closer to the ground, the lower you are the better. One way is to hop onto your knees and shuffle along very slowly.

Sit and Shuffle Track

Or if in my case if you are a bit taller and may frighten the birds, to sit and shuffle along. After a while we were able to stand up and the birds did not seem to mind our presence as they did not fly away.

Waders at Inskip

2011-03-19T21:16:00.004+10:00

After receiving a phone call from Mick to tell us about all the waders at Inskip Point on Wednesday afternoon, it was decided that Thursday's high tide at 6 in the morning would be a good time to meet up and check what was out there. Most were in various stages of breeding plumage.

Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis)

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris)

Bar-tailed Godwit

Great Knot

Bar-tailed Godwit

Great Knot

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)

The deciding factor for our early morning start, leaving in the dark, was Mick's report of a Curlew Sandpiper in breeding plumage. But trying to find such a small bird in a flock of over 4000 mixed waders was easier said than done. After much waiting and patience it finally paid off, and we managed to get quite a few Curlew Sandpiper in different stages of breeding plumage. We even managed to see the red starting to show on the front of the Red-necked Stint.

Bar-tailed Godwit

Great Knot

Curlew Sandpiper (Front)

Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

Thanks Mick for the great morning out, without you we would not have been able to have a chance of seeing a Curlew Sandpiper with breeding plumage.

Birding on a hot day.

2011-02-22T19:20:00.009+10:00

Sunday turned out to be fine and very hot, even the birds were feeling the heat of the day. Inskip Point is always a good place for Waders, Gulls and Terns.

Crested Tern (Sterna bergii)

Crested Tern (Sterna bergii) Right front

Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) Left front

Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) Rear

Crested Tern 1st and 4th

Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae) 3rd and 5th

Little Tern 2nd

Masked Lapwing (Vanellus miles) Rear

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus) Front

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) Rear

As you walk along the track to the Point, there are a great variety of bush birds to be seen and heard. Some of them on this day were Variegated Fairy-wren, Varied Triller, Black-breasted Button-quail, Brush Turkey, Eastern Yellow Robin, and Little Wattlebird, as well as this White-cheeked Honeyeater.

White-cheeked Honeyeater (Phylidonyris nigra)

Very early on Sunday morning at Mullens' as we were waiting for the tide to come in so we could launch the kayak and check out some of the wader sites, there were lots of birds flying about the area. Some of these were Galah, Azure Kingfisher, Brown Honeyeater, Leaden Flycatcher, Rufous Whistler and Grey Shrike-thrush.

Rufous Whistler (Immature Male) (Pachycephala rufiventris)

Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica)

Mullens' early morning with tide coming in.

Summer Wader Count

2011-02-07T08:30:00.008+10:00

As we were unable to count last month due to being flooded in, it was good to be able to do the Summer Count this month, even though the weather was not quite perfect with a couple of light showers. Not enough to get wet in, but enough to be annoying. What was interesting was that there were no Terns or Raptors sighted during the day.

1,693 birds of 13 Species were recorded for the count.

Species recorded - Silver Gull, Bar-tailed Godwit, Australian Pelican, Striated Heron, Masked Lapwing, White-faced Heron, Lesser Sand Plover, Greater Sand Plover, Eastern Curlew, Great Knot, Red-capped Plover, Red-necked Stint, Pied Oystercatcher.

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)

Striated Heron (Butorides striatus)

What may have been silt from the recent flooding was seen in a few patches on the wader flats.

Scarlet Honeyeater

2011-01-26T12:05:00.007+10:00

After having so much rain it was hard to get any photos of birds in the bush as we were flooded in. It was time to see what came into our yard. Just as well our Syzigium (Lily Pilly) was in full flower, as the Scarlet Honeyeaters soon found it. There were at least a dozen of them, mainly male with only a few females. As you will see and hear in the video it was raining as I was filming from our verandah. The high pitched tinkling call is that of the Scarlet Honeyeater (Myzomela sanguinolenta)

White-headed Pigeon

2011-01-12T18:20:00.004+10:00

White-headed Pigeon have been calling around our place for the last couple of days. After I came home yesterday three flew onto the wires and stayed long enough for me to take some photos. It was not the best light for photos as we have been having a lot of rain around.

White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela)

Gympie Flood 2011 cont

2011-01-11T17:58:00.008+10:00

Great News it has stopped raining and we have Sunshine at last.

Local shopping Centre this morning.

Looking down the main street.

Have seen the water as high as the awning on this building.

Back entrance to Mary Street shops.

No point trying to go to the Telstra Shop unless by boat.

Bruce Highway goes under this bridge.

We got off lightly unlike some parts of Queensland.

Gympie Flood 2011

2011-01-10T15:48:00.010+10:00

How much water is too much

These geese don't look too keen on going in.

Mary River on 8-1-2011

Nelson Reserve 8-1-2011

What a difference a day makes.

Nelson Reserve 10-1-2011

Back entrance of the shops in the main street. 10-1-2011

Local Shopping Centre lower car park ready to go under. 10-1-2011

About 18 meters and still rising.

And the river is expected to get to 20 meters.

Somerset Dam.

2011-01-09T09:59:00.013+10:00

Water at last in Somerset Dam.

Have not been out this way in 29 years. Big difference since then.

It has been a long time since these houses have had water this close to them.

Part of the spillway of Somerset Dam.

One of the flood gates.

Came across this bale of hay just before arriving at Esk, looks like it has been a very good season going by what is growing out of the top. I guess somethings will grow anywhere.

Frog Chorus & Wet Kookaburra

2010-12-27T10:18:00.005+10:00

Good weather for frogs with continuous heavy rain and showers. Thought I might share some of these amphibians with you as they were calling very well last night. Too wet for bird photography although there are some very wet looking Kookaburras about.

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)

Double-barred Finch

2010-12-04T14:07:00.004+10:00

Have been unable to post much of late due to computer problems, luckily for me our daughter left her old laptop here for me to use. She told me the other day that her new laptop was not working and has to be sent away to get fixed as it is still under warranty.

Have not been able to get many photos of late due to the weather and other commitments.

Click on photos to enlarge

Double-barred Finch (Taeniopygia bichenovii)

This Double-barred Finch is one that comes to our feeder every morning.

Bladder Cicada (Cystosoma saundersii)

This Bladder Cicada we found in our backyard.

One of the commitments was a camp at Rainbow Waters Caravan Park with the Noosa Bird Observers over four days, it was too wet for any photos did manage to get the camp set up before the rain set in for the rest of our stay. It was fine when we started to pack up to go home on the last day. Just as we put the last items in the Ute it started to rain again. 110 bird species were recorded for the camp, not bad considering the weather.

This photo shows the bush behind where our tent was set up. At night there was a Large-tailed Nightjar calling most of the time. Some of the group who were staying in the onsite cabins did not here the Nightjar as they were not close to the bush.

Kingfisher at Work

2010-11-12T16:02:00.004+10:00

Here is the video of the Sacred Kingfisher at work have not seen them back at the hole so maybe they have moved on.

Sacred Kingfisher

2010-11-08T15:51:00.010+10:00

Have been lucky enough to have this pair of Sacred Kingfisher decide to make the tree in our next door neighbors yard a possible home to raise a family. Here's hoping! I have been watching them on and off for most of the day making the nest hole bigger, and they are very hard workers.

I was hoping to post a video of them, but have been unable to get it to load in blogger. If anyone can help me out that would be good. I have done all the things that blogger has said and it still will not load.

Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus)

Home in progress.

Birds in the Neighborhood

2010-10-31T12:12:00.008+10:00

It does not seem all that long ago that all the Dollarbirds left, and they are now back again to join with the local birds.

Dollarbird (Eurystomus orientalis)

Pale-headed Rosella (Platycercus adscitus)

Here's hoping that the Pale-headed Rosella would try nesting in our yard as they have been hanging around and checking out one of the nest boxes for some time now.

Scaly-breasted Lorikeet (Trichoglossus chlorolepidotus)

The Scaly-breasted Lorikeet on the other hand just want food and have been feeding in our trees along with the Rainbow Lorikeet.

This Staghorn on our next door neighbors house is a good place for the Spotted Turtle-Dove to raise their young. Unlike when they tried to nest in one of our trees and the Crows raided it so here is hoping they have better luck this time.
When I was talking to my neighbors they told me that they can still water the plant and are able to walk past without the adult flying away.

Spotted Turtle-Dove chicks. (Streptopelia chinensis)

Grey Shrike-thrush & Leaden Flycatcher

2010-10-17T16:01:00.006+10:00

The last couple of times we have been to Cooloola Cove this Grey Shrike-thrush has been there to welcome us. We have them down the back of our place but not sure how much longer they will be there as the area is being developed into a retirement village, and they have started knocking down all the trees to make way for the building to start.

Grey Shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica)

Leaden Flycatcher (Myiagra rubecula)

This Leaden Flycatcher kept us on the lookout trying to find it among all the trees and then came and sat on the outside branch for all to see.

Spring has come to the sand flats.

We had the chance to go out to the sandflats on the low tide, as we are normally there on the high tide for our wader counts. Looks a lot different and much bigger with no water on the flats. Mick led us to this patch of plants in full flower. It is amazing to think they would most likely be underwater when the next tide came in.

Azure Kingfisher & Tree Martin

2010-10-10T13:47:00.006+10:00

Was lucky enough to come across this Azure Kingfisher yesterday. They always seem to be very hard to get a good photo of as they are normally flying very fast along a tree lined creek. This one was out in the open just sitting above a dam overflow which was flowing rather well considering all the rain we have been having of late. The only thing that it would not do is turn around to show off the colour of its front. Just when I put the camera down to have a look at the bird it flew off along the watercourse.

Click on photos to enlarge

Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea)

Tree Martin (Hirundo nigricans)

After our wader count in September we took some visitors out to Carlo caravan park so they could check out the park for their camp in November. While we were looking around to see what birds were about we were watching some Welcome Swallows and Tree Martins flying over the sand flats. One Tree Martin kept flying to a metal pipe on one of the jetty gates. After closer inspection we found its mate inside on a nest. At least this nest site is well protected from the weather and from being chopped down. Not sure how many people would be aware of this activity being so close to a busy boat ramp.

Australian Pelican

2010-10-03T17:49:00.006+10:00

Has been a good year for waterbirds through Inland Australia with all the rain.
Pelicans are having a great breeding season and this is one that made it to our part of coastal Queensland.

Click on photos to enlarge

Immature Australian Pelican

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)

Underwater World Visit

2010-09-29T19:52:00.011+10:00

Just something a little bit different this time.

Click on photos to enlarge

Just glad we don't see any this size when we are in the kayak.

There are some of these around in our area.

Definitely none of these.

We know some of these frequent our neck of the woods.

Only found in very cold water, luckily ours in not that cold.

Good enough to eat if only Underwater World will let you though.

Some of the very beautiful fish at Underwater World Mooloolaba Qld.

Birds & Bats

2010-09-19T14:59:00.003+10:00

Had to laugh at this group of Cattle Egrets during our recent Flying Fox count going for a ride on the arm of this sewage treatment plant as it was spinning around. Not sure what the one with the wings up would have done if the timing was out even just a little bit.

Click on photos to enlarge

Cattle Egret (Ardea ibis)

Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus)

Just a very small part of the estimated 100.000 in the colony at this time with a large proportion being pregnant. I hope the Little Red Flying Fox do not show up soon as there is not much room left at this site.

Raptors & Rabbits.

2010-09-05T08:17:00.008+10:00

We found this Harrier just sitting among the branches, not easy to find as it was late in the afternoon and the light was not very good.

Click on photos to enlarge

Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans)

This Square-tailed Kite was being attacked by a Torresian Crow as it was flying over our house.

Square-tailed Kite (Lophoictinia isura)

Could do with more Raptors in town now that the Rabbit's have moved in. First we saw just the White one, and after a while Brown ones, then next we have a family. We have counted up to 10 at one time or another.

And no, it is not a Rabbit proof fence. They come and go as they please.

Tin Can Bay - Cooloola Cove.

2010-08-29T08:14:00.007+10:00

Just a selection of birds we came across during a recent wader count at Tin Can Bay and Cooloola Cove, not all that many in number as we are waiting for the waders to return from their Northern breeding grounds. Not too much longer to wait.

Click on photos to enlarge

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)

Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva)

Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae)

As we were walking back from the count site we came across a fever of stingrays feeding close inshore. We do not normally see this many, there must have been a lot of food for them in this particular area.

Stingrays

Little Egret & White-breasted Woodswallow

2010-08-22T11:19:00.008+10:00

After finishing our latest Wader Count we headed out to Inskip Point to check out what bird life was there.

Click on photos to enlarge

As usual most of the birds were resting on the little sand island out from the point.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

We found this Little Egret feeding in the shallows by the shoreline, while this White-breasted Woodswallow flew in and posed nicely for us on a dead branch.

White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus)

Whistling-Duck & Jacana

2010-08-08T16:32:00.004+10:00

Went for a quick drive to check out one of the local waterholes today and found this flock of Plumed Whistling-Duck.

Click on photos to enlarge

Plumed Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna eytoni)

Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea)

You can almost always find Comb-crested Jacana at this spot, even though they might be on the other side of the water like this one was.

Willie Wagtail

2010-06-20T16:20:00.005+10:00

The Willie Wagtail seems to be always moving. Very hard to get them to stay still long enough for a photo. We have a pair in the neighborhood at present and hopefully they will decide to nest.

Click on photos to enlarge

Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)

Silver Gull & Black-winged Stilt.

2010-05-31T12:35:00.011+10:00

Stradbroke Island again. This time the weather was less than perfect, this Silver Gull must not have much feeling in it's legs as the water was quite cold.

Click on photos to enlarge

Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae)

But more like our "Sunny Queensland" the last day was perfect. Near the end of the final beach survey for this trip as we approached the Jumpinpin Bar, we came across this trio of Juvenile Black-winged Stilt. They did not seem to take much notice of the 4wds going past, for as I was taking the photos a couple of vehicles went between us and the birds, but they stayed for more photos.

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

Not sure if they were blown off course during the bad weather the day before as we had not seen them over the previous three days.

Koala (Phaskolarctos cinereus)

The couple of time I have been over to Straddie I have seen the signs saying about Koala's in the area but have not had the time to go and look for them, not that this time was any different. As we walked down a track to the beach one of the locals who came down to walk his dog asked us if we saw the Koala in the tree and he pointed it out to us.

Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)

I always find it interesting to watch kangaroo's when they are on the beach as I am not used to seeing them there, being more likely to see them in a paddock somewhere. These ones were picking at the seagrass that had been washed up during the high tide.

During one of our trips down the beach we watched this rainbow.

White-faced Heron and Little Egret

2010-05-23T12:27:00.004+10:00

I was following the White-faced Heron trying to get a bit closer for a photo. When I went around a mangrove I saw that a Little Egret was also there. They lined up well for a group shot.

Click on photo to enlarge

White-faced Heron (Ardea novaehollandiae)
Little Egret (Ardea (Egretta) garzetta)

Mullens Wader Roost on a bleak day and a very low tide

Leaden Flycatcher

2010-05-16T15:49:00.005+10:00

The day was cold, bleak and overcast for our latest Wader count. Not many Waders about, only 20 Bar-tailed Godwit and 4 Pied Oystercatcher along with 30 Silver Gull, 3 Gull-billed Tern and 2 Caspian Tern at Norman Point. The bush birds seemed to be more active than the Waders.

Click on photos to enlarge

Leaden Flycatcher (Female) (Myiagra rubecula)

Not the best day to take photos of birds with the heavy overcast sky, but I thought I would have a go at this Leaden Flycatcher, turned out better than I thought it would.

Rainbow Beach

2010-05-06T12:04:00.004+10:00

Rainbow Beach should only be attempted at dead low tide due to the Mudlo Rocks that have claimed many 4WD vehicles over the years.

Click on photos to enlarge

Looking towards the coloured sand cliffs.

Fresh water seeping out of the sand mass.

Fresh water running out of the sand mass to form the stream flow pictured below.

Rufous Whistler

2010-04-25T16:31:00.006+10:00

A change of season (Autumn) brings the Rufous Whistler into our garden.

Click on photos to enlarge

Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) (Male)

These photos of the Female Rufous Whistler were taken on an earlier trip to Mullens Wader Roost.

Tawny Frogmouth

2010-04-19T13:57:00.005+10:00

It pays to come home late on some nights. Found this Tawny Frogmouth sitting on the post that holds up a shade sail beside our house. I was able to get very close to this bird as it just sat there and looked at me.

Click on photos to enlarge

Tawny Frogmouth (Podargus strigoides)

Waders In The Fog

2010-04-11T15:06:00.007+10:00

Our latest Wader Count began with an early start (up at 4.30am in the morning). Still very dark!

Click on photos to enlarge

Arriving at Tin Can Bay and later at Mullens', we found visibility limited by a very heavy fog.

It cleared however to a hot and very humid day for April, leaving the water calm and clear.

Waders were still to be seen in reasonable numbers.

A slight miscalculation in time taken at the Wader roost meant having to walk and drag our kayak part of the way back to the car. But it was well worth the effort just to be out there on your own with only the bird calls and the little fish jumping as you paddle along.

Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)

A group of juvenile Pacific Black Ducks that we came across later at the Tin Can Bay Sewage Works.

Great Walk Cooloola Part Two

2010-04-10T16:49:00.006+10:00

After following the track through the bush we arrived at the Carlo Sandblow. This sandblow is continuing to grow as seen by the dead tree trunks. The sandblow is a favourite launching spot for hang gliders.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Looking towards Double Island Point

Looking towards a part of Rainbow Beach township.
Not sure I would like to be in one of those houses

The track continues across the sandblow.

Entrance of the track to Double Island Point and beyond.

Great Walk Cooloola Part One

2010-03-30T11:27:00.020+10:00

Cooloola Great Walk, (102km), opened on Saturday the 27th of March and has been designed for 5 days walking, with 4 camps, tables, rainwater tanks and toilets provided along the way.
The track takes you through Rainforest, tall Eucalypt Forest, Dry Coastal Woodland and Heath Plains, over sandblows, past perched lakes and along sandy beaches.
The following photos take you from the start of the track leading up to the Carlo Sandblow.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Whimbrel, Red-necked Stint , Double-banded Plover

2010-03-28T11:05:00.004+10:00

Went down to Rainbow Beach for the opening of the Great Walk (Cooloola Section) which I will post soon. After the opening we went to Inskip Point to see what Shorebirds were still around. Walking through the track to the point we saw Scarlet Honeyeater, Rainbow Lorikeet, Little Wattlebird, Brown Honeyeater and others, but they were either uncooperative for decent photographs or it was too shady. On the beach were a couple of Whimbrel, Red-necked Stint and some very fat Double-banded Plover, and not much else.

Click on photos to enlarge

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)

Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)
Double-banded Plover (Charadrius bicinctus)

Straddie Birds and Boat

2010-03-22T13:22:00.007+10:00

With less than ideal weather of late for Birdwatching or Photographing them it is time to go back over what photos I have that are on standby for times like this.

All these photos were taken while on Stradbroke Island in February this year. The Crested Tern were taken on Main Beach and the Double-banded Plover, Ruddy Turnstone and Red-necked Stint were taken on Flinders Beach which is sheltered from the strong wind.

Click on photos to enlarge

Crested Tern (Sterna bergii)

Double-banded Plover (Charadrius bicinctus)

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

The photo of the Sailing Boat is to show you how rough it was. We measured 40km winds on Main Beach, not the best conditions for counting birds and very hard to take photos as well.

Glad I was on the beach and not out at sea.

Lesser Sand Plover

2010-03-15T09:51:00.008+10:00

The Lesser Sand Plover are getting ready to leave our shores for their northern migration and are showing lots of beautiful colour. So when we next count this site the numbers of birds and species should be well down. Overall count for this day was 15 species 1650 birds.

Click on photos to enlarge

Lesser Sand Plover (Charadrius mongolus) Little tern (Sterna albifrons)

Lesser Sand Plover & Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)

Lesser Sand Plover, Little Tern & Grey-tailed Tattler (Heteroscelus brevipes)

Decided not to kayak this time due to strong winds. With plenty of runoff from the creeks because of the heavy rain we have had the water was coloured tannin instead of clear as it normally is. Usually there is at least a metre of sand on the walk up to the wader site, but with the weather the way it was strong winds were pushing the waves up to the edge.

The Samphire looks a lot healthier now that we have had lots of rain.

White-bellied Sea-Eagle & Flying Foxes

2010-03-06T13:25:00.009+10:00

This juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle was soaring over our local Flying Fox colony while we were undertaking a count recently. Three other raptor species have been observed at this roost site over the years - Whistling Kite, Grey Goshawk & Pacific Baza.

Have included a little about our Flying Fox colony for general information.

Click on photos to enlarge

White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Black Flying Fox (Pteropus alecto)

The Black Flying Fox undertakes seasonal movements from one camp site to another in search of food (native and exotic fruit). No long distance movements have been recorded in this Flying Fox.

Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus scapulatus)

Grey-headed Flying Fox can travel further than the Black up to 40km a night in search of food (fruit). They range from Victoria to Bundaberg in Queensland.

Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus scapulatus)

Little Red Flying Fox are nectar feeders, their movements determined by food supply.

Little Red Flying Fox (typical roosting behaviour)

Part of the Flying Fox colony. With the Little Reds in residence the numbers can be up to and above 300,000. Some colonies to the north of us can reach up to 2 million.

Mary in Flood

2010-03-05T09:54:00.009+10:00

With all the rain we have been having it was only a matter of time before the Mary River started to rise and spread out. At 9am today it was at 13.10m and 3.20m above Kidd Bridge.

Click on photos to enlarge

The Australian White Ibis were happy to just walk and feed in front of the rising water.

The local BMX track goes under, luckily they held a very large meeting the week before with people camped at the grounds.

Water heading towards the park behind the swimming pool. Shops start to move out when the river reaches 15m.

Looking across the Mary River to the Southside

Bruce Highway Inglewood Bridge Deep Creek main road out of Gympie heading south.

Looking towards Normanby Bridge overpass from the Southside I have seen the river almost to the top of the overpass.

Channel-billed Cuckoo

2010-02-28T15:52:00.003+10:00

I was lucky enough to at last get a photo of a Channel-billed Cuckoo. This was taken while on Stradbroke Island the other day. The juvenile bird was calling to its host parents, in this case Torresian Crow.

Click on photo to enlarge

Channel-billed Cuckoo (Scythrops novaehollandiae)

The Channel-billed Cuckoo is the largest of all parasitic birds, well over half a metre long, with the wingspan approaching a metre. When in flight from below it looks like a flying cross.

Torresian Crow

2010-02-20T18:11:00.005+10:00

This young Torresian Crow was trying to get through our chain wire fence the other day. As we have a small dog we thought it was better to give it a helping hand up into one of our trees so the parents could come and help it out, which they did after a lot of calling from the young one.
The next morning the crows were back calling and I found another young one in the mango tree.
This is the first time I have seen a young crow after them breeding in the area for many years. Maybe the Koel did not make it to their nest this year.

Click on photos to enlarge

Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)

Fungi

2010-02-09T17:40:00.006+10:00

For something different this time I would like to share some photos of Fungi we came across while doing the Tin Can Bay Foreshore Birdwalk. If anyone could help with ID of these that would be great thank you.
With all the wet weather we are having up this way it might be a good time for us to try and check out an area we know of where we have found a good variety of fungi in the past. That is if the creek crossings are passable.

Click on photos to enlarge

TCB Bird Walk Continued

2010-02-07T12:42:00.012+10:00

Continuing along the Tin Can Bay Foreshore Bird Walk, we came across this Magpie-lark in the process of building its nest. It was gathering feathers, grass and spiderwebs, before mixing these with mud from a pool of water on one of the tracks not far from its nest site.

Click on photos to enlarge

Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca)

A bit further along the walk we saw some White-throated Honeyeaters and Brown Honeyeaters anting among leaves. They seemed to take no notice of us at all allowing us plenty of time to observe their antics while doing this.

White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis)

This one seemed to have a look that says "What are you looking at"

New take on shower with a friend. Better to ant with a friend.

Time to rearrange the feathers.

Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta)

Not to be out done by the White-throated Honeyeaters, this pair of Brown Honeyeaters joined in as well.

A view along the Bird Walk.

Peaceful Dove & Red-browed Finch

2010-02-01T17:49:00.009+10:00

What to do when you have a King Tide, and an overcast sky ready to drench you at any minute. Why not go and see what birds are around the Inskip Point area? Thanks Mick for the day out. Beats sitting at home wondering what to do, seeing that we were not going to risk kayaking with the weather the way it was.

Click on photos to enlarge

Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida) (striata)

In one of the camping areas this Peaceful Dove was searching amongst the leaf litter for food, while the Red-browed Finch had no trouble finding his.

Red-browed Finch (Neochmia temporalis)

Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris)

We knew it was going to be a King Tide, but I would like to know who told these Little Black Cormorants to roost this high on the ramp of one of the Vehicular Ferrys that take 4WD vehicles over to Fraser Island?

It seems like everything was going for higher ground including this Goanna. Just as well, as the water had by now reached the camping ground. Normally a peaceful spot to camp.

Even the road to Bullock Point was not safe from the King Tide.

TCB Bird Walk

2010-01-24T12:39:00.007+10:00

Continuing our walk along the Tin Can Bay Foreshore we came across Rainbow Bee-eaters, Pied Oystercatchers, Silver Gulls, Bar-tailed Godwits and Blue-faced Honeyeaters just to name a few.

Did not know it at the time but there was an Immature Pied Oystercatcher among those we photographed. It is the one in the middle, with pale legs, dark tip to the bill, and no red around the eye, so it was good to see some young made it this far.

Click on photos to enlarge

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) (Near Adult form)

Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris)

Blue-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis) (Immature)

When the tide is in along the bird walk.

Galahs in a Gum Tree

2010-01-10T17:04:00.005+10:00

On a stroll down the Tin Can Bay Foreshore Birdwalk today, we came across this pair of Galahs checking out a nesting hollow. The Rainbow Lorikeet above them seemed a bit annoyed.

Click on photos to enlarge

Galah (Cacatua roseicapilla) - Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)

Rainbow - "Hey you pair, I was there first!"

"It seems about the right height off the ground"

"What do you think?" "Yes, it looks promising"

Laughing Kookaburra

2010-01-03T11:44:00.005+10:00

The Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae) is our largest Kingfisher (40 - 47cm). Its' call is a feature of the Australian landscape. The video and calls were recorded in our backyard when this family decided to stop for a little while. Altogether there were six birds in the group, luckily not all calling at once.

Rainbow Lorikeet

2009-12-29T09:25:00.007+10:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Well Christmas has come and gone for another year hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

Click on photo to enlarge

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)

It would not be Christmas without the Rainbow Lorikeets gathering under the Mango Trees to feed on the fallen fruit dropped by the Flying Foxes. It is interesting to watch the antics of these birds as they stagger about, getting drunk on the fermenting fruit. Once we watched a Crow dragging a Rainbow by the tail so it could have a feed of a Mango too.

Have been trying to get photos of them at the Mango's but it is a bit wet at the moment. We are having very good rain and the place is green again. Have to dig out the mower after many months of not needing it.

Whistling Kite & Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.

2009-12-20T16:20:00.004+10:00

Last Wader Count for the year. Just a few birds we saw at the local sewage ponds. Numbers here are still down owing to the continuing upgrade of the ponds.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)

Saw a shadow, and looked up to find this Whistling Kite overhead.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)

Raptors such as the Whistling Kite sometime cause waders to fly off but not this time.

Count numbers for the sewage ponds
Whistling Kite 1, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 36, White Ibis 49, Pacific Black Duck 4, Black-winged Stilt 17, Black-fronted Dotterel 3, Royal Spoonbill 31, Intermediate Egret 1, Purple Swamphen 2, Chestnut Teal 3, Latham's Snipe 2.

New Roost Site Carlo Island Complex

2009-12-18T17:49:00.010+10:00

What a way to spend the morning, checking out a new roost site. As with any new area you don't know what to expect. Take these Black-winged Stilt for example, we have only ever found them before at the local sewage ponds.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

Thank you Mick for allowing me to use your photo of these Black-winged Stilt in flight, hope you enjoyed the morning as much as we did.

The smaller birds here allowed us to get very close to them, unlike the Eastern Curlew and Godwits.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata)

Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

Black-winged Stilt 7, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 6, Red-necked Stint 300, Red-capped Plover 80, Bar-tailed Godwit 206, Eastern Curlew 350, Little Egret 1, Intermediate Egret 25, Whistling Kite 1, Brahminy Kite 2.

Crab & Whelk
Just to show it is not all about birds.
For views and story about our morning out at this roost site go to Mick's blog

White-throated Honeyeater

2009-12-13T16:37:00.003+10:00

This White-throated Honeyeater was one of a flock of ten foraging for insects among low branches, on tree trunks and even on the ground nearly at our feet as we prepared for a recent wader count. They were either too close for photography or too shaded, but we managed this one decent shot. It was one of those "memorable moments" in bird-watching, as most often this species is found higher in the trees.

Click on photo to enlarge

White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis)

Kayak

2009-12-08T12:49:00.011+10:00

Have been asked how do you keep camera and equipment dry and safe while out in the kayak.

This is how I do it.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Take one Pelican Case with camera in it.
The Pelican Case warranty actually states "Not guaranteed against shark bite & children under five years", but it is waterproof!

Attach one homemade harness.

Attach to straps on hatch

Our kayak has two hatches front and back to hold Telescope tripod and what ever else you want to take with you (in waterproof bags as an added precaution).

Also has drain holes to let water out if it gets too rough as well as storage holes for keys etc. have taken lid off to show it better.

Thank you to Mick over at Sandy Straits and Beyond for taking this photo when were coming back from checking out the new wader site on Sunday. It shows the camera case attached behind me.

Our kayak is guaranteed unsinkable. This was tested out by five family members who boarded it soon after we purchased it. They didn't get anywhere, but at least it did not sink or capsise!

Mixed Shorebirds

2009-12-05T16:35:00.012+10:00

It was a beautiful day on Friday for a wader count, calm water a higher tide and light winds made for a great day. With the higher tide most of the birds were roosting on the far side of the flats, though they were very flighty. Just as well we were in a kayak, not too much dry land today.

10 species were recorded with a total count of 2833 birds.

Click on photos to enlarge

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)

Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis) & Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

I just like the way the Red-capped Plover is looking at me as much to say
"what do you think you are doing?"

All Red-capped to the right please.

Red-necked Stint, Red-capped Plover & Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius leschenaultii)

Just to show how high the water was, these Bar-tailed Godwit were trying to land.

Looking towards where we would normally walk in to the site.

The water was too nice to stay in the kayak all the time.

Kel counting the birds out there.

Little Corella

2009-11-30T16:44:00.004+10:00

When the Little Corella comes to your area you soon realise just how much noise they make and how much they can eat. We have a wattle tree not far from us and within a week all the seed was gone from the tree and the mess left behind of all the leaves and empty seed pods on the ground. They found our bird feeder one day and lucky for us they have not come back to it. One flock numbered 30 birds.

Click on photo to enlarge

Little Corella (Cacatua gymnopis)

Bird on a wire (in this case 3)

Cockatiel

2009-11-22T18:51:00.004+10:00

Although I am not a fan of birds in cages these belong to our son who when younger bred them.
This is not a naturally occurring colour as the body is normally grey.
As it has been too hot to go out of late and no sign of rain we will have to make do with what comes to our yard instead.
We are participating in a programme to monitor the Grey-crowned Babbler, lucky for us they are regular visitors to our garden. We have 8 here at present, because of the heat they enjoy our bird bath. Between the Rainbow Lorikeets, Grey-crowned Babbler, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Noisy Miner and Little Friarbird all taking turns no wonder we had to fill it 4 times today.

Click on photo to enlarge

Cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus)

Figbird

2009-11-16T08:03:00.003+10:00

This pair of adult and immature male Figbirds were checking out the Silky Oak flowers. Female and immature Figbirds are sometimes mistaken for an Olive-backed Oriole as both have streaked underparts.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Figbird (Sphecotheres viridis)

Olive-backed Oriole

2009-11-08T17:23:00.007+10:00

Our Silky Oak has been a hive of activity this season with many birds coming to feed on its flowers. Among these were a pair of Olive-backed Orioles. I have also added a video of the call of the Oriole. It sounds just like its name, "oriole". Other birds you may hear are Magpie Lark, Torresian Crow, Rainbow Lorikeet, Common Koel and Figbird.

Click on photos to enlarge

Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)

Down by the River.

2009-11-05T13:38:00.009+10:00

Decided to do something different this time and go down to the Mary River which is only a stones throw away to see what species of fish we could find there. We have not done this for a long while, only someone forgot to take the bait for the traps with him, not me by the way. Just as well I took the camera for I was able to get photos of some of the wildlife that hangs out around the banks of the river.

Click on photos to enlarge

Blue Skimmer (Male) (Orthetrum caledonicum)

Black-headed Skimmer (Male) (Crocothemis nigrifrons)

Twinspot Hunter (Austroepigomphus melaleucae)

Scarlet Percher (Diplacodes haematodes)

Water Spider (Dolomedes sp)

Kreffts River Turtle (Emydura krefftii)

Black-fronted Dotterel (Charadrius melanops)

Birds in Black

2009-11-02T07:37:00.006+10:00

Just a few of our "Black" Birds. Torresian Crow, Spangled Drongo and Common Koel. Have also added a short video of the Koel calling in our Silky Oak tree. I apologise for any car noise in the video as we are close to a road. Calls of the Rainbow Lorikeet, Magpie-lark and Spotted Turtle-dove may also be heard as well.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Torresian Crow (Corvus orru)

Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus)

Common Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea)

Yellow-striped Flutterer

2009-10-28T18:12:00.003+10:00

On a recent trip to Hervey Bay Botanical Gardens we were lucky enough to have this beautiful dragonfly land close enough for me to take its photo. It is a Yellow-striped Flutterer. This particular group of dragonflies are not as fast flying as others, and this one stayed in the same spot for quite a while so I could get very close without disturbing it.

Click on photo to enlarge.

Yellow-striped Flutterer (Rhyothemis phyllis chloe)

Australian King Parrot

2009-10-25T12:27:00.007+10:00

This male King Parrot decided to pay us a visit the other day and by the looks of it the Rainbow Lorikeets would have preferred he did not come at all.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)
Rainbow Lorikeet ( Trichoglossus haematodus)

Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis)

Flying Fox

2009-10-22T09:06:00.007+10:00

The Flying Fox have returned to the local area after a short absence, time to start counting again.
We are monitoring the camp once a month. This is when the camera comes in very handy to show if there are any pregnant or young present. We try to get a percentage of the species while they are roosting, then count them as they fly-out, not easy when they fly in three different directions. At present we have only two species, Black and Grey-headed, and are waiting for the third species, Little Red Flying Fox (Pteropus scapulatus) to arrive.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Grey-headed (Pteropus poliocephalus) and Black Flying Fox (Pteropus alecto)

Pregnant Black Flying Fox.

Grey-headed with young.

In Flight.

Size difference between adult and juvenile

Red-capped Plover & Pacific Golden Plover

2009-10-18T15:30:00.005+10:00

Would like to share with you some of the waders we found during our count today. Altogether we counted 1342 birds from 14 species. Among these were Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-capped Plover, Pacific Golden Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Red-necked Stint and Great Knot. Eastern Curlew numbers seem to be well down this time with only 17 compared to the 185 we counted on the 4/10/09.

Click on photos to enlarge

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica)

Birds at our local Ponds.

2009-10-12T11:26:00.010+10:00

More birds from the local ponds.

Click on photos to enlarge

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)

Hardhead (Aythya australis)

Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa)

Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca)

Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea)

Spring is well and truly here with the Jacaranda and Silky Oak in full flower.

Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia)

It is said that if you are walking underneath the Jacaranda tree and one of the trumpet blossoms falls on your head you will be favored by fortune.

Looks like I better start walking have plenty of trees to check out.

Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta)

Black-winged Stilt and Royal Spoonbill

2009-10-05T14:52:00.007+10:00

A visit to the local sewage ponds is one of the few places where Black-winged Stilt and Royal Spoonbill can be found on a regular basis. During our last bird count at this site we had 11 species of birds - Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Little Black Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Purple Swamphen, Black-winged Stilt, Black-fronted Dotterel and Masked Lapwing.

Click on photos to enlarge

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)

Black-winged Stilt and Royal Spoonbill

Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia)

Black-winged Stilt, Royal Spoonbill and Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca)

Tangalooma Wrecks

2009-09-27T10:26:00.009+10:00

Tangalooma Wrecks can be found on the landward side of Moreton Island SE Qld. Aust.

Click on photos to enlarge

15 Vessels have been deliberately sunk to form a breakwall for small boats and a Dive and Snorkel site from 2 - 10m. These vessels consist of old Harbours and Marine Department Steam-driven Dredges and Barges.

The Wrecks attract an amazing variety of Marine Life such as Trevally, Kingfish, Yellowtail, Rockcod and resident Wobbegongs. Tropical fish including Parrot and Clown Fish can also be found here.

And the odd Tourist sometimes like to drop in.

As well as the birds.

Intermediate Egret

2009-09-27T09:45:00.004+10:00

This Intermediate Egret was hunting for a meal at our local pond. Hard going for the size and density of the Water Lily pads, but not impossible as the last photo shows.

Click on photos to enlarge

Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia)

Black and White.

2009-09-23T17:42:00.011+10:00

This family of Pied Butcherbirds did a good job of pest control on this wasp nest hanging off our next door neighbours' house.

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Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis)

This one came to see if we had anything for him.

Aerial attacks

Yes the bird did survive, the wasp did not.

Making sure there is none left behind.

This bird ended up pulling down the nest and dropping pieces to the ground.

This Magpie tried to join in on the feast.

Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)

Jabiru

2009-09-14T17:51:00.010+10:00

Was lucky enough to come across this Jabiru on Moreton Island while waiting for the barge to take us back over to Stradbroke Island.

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Black-necked Stork (Jabiru) (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus)

Caspian Tern

2009-09-07T08:16:00.005+10:00

Came across this flock of Caspian Terns while waiting for the ferry on Stradbroke Island. There was also a large flock of Pied Oystercatchers with them. As we got closer to the flock, Eastern Curlew and Bar-tailed Godwit flew off. We thought that maybe they have not long arrived back as they were not at this site two days before when we checked it out.

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Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)

Moreton Island 2

2009-09-01T17:10:00.010+10:00

I would like to share with you some of the landscape that is Moreton Island SE Qld. Aust.

Click on photos to enlarge

First view you come across after you enter the Eastern Beach

The next couple of photos show a part of the South Eastern section of Moreton Island.

White Rock Moreton Island.

Juvenile White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

Raptors of Stradbroke Island.

2009-08-29T17:14:00.007+10:00

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

2009-08-16T17:41:00.008+10:00

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.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Grey-crowned Babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis)

Bees & Butterfly

2009-08-13T08:02:00.006+10:00

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.

Click on photos to enlarge

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

2009-08-10T15:02:00.005+10:00

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.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Restless Flycatcher (Myiagra inquieta)

Pied Oystercatcher

2009-08-02T14:05:00.009+10:00

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

Click on photos to enlarge.

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

Bush Stone-curlew

2009-07-27T14:55:00.005+10:00

During our stay on Stradbroke Island we had the company of these Bush Stone-curlew or Bush Thick-knees around the caravan park we stayed in. There were at least six of them. While there the lady that runs the park told us about a pair of Beach Stone-curlew but we were not lucky enough to see them this time.

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Bush Stone-curlew (Burhinus grallarius)

Moreton Island 1

2009-07-23T11:37:00.012+10:00

Moreton Island SE Queensland. After being badly affected from an oil spill which covered almost all the eastern side of the island it is now showing signs of recovery. Some of the tidal creeks are still closed due to the clean up still in progress.

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Cape Moreton
Still with oil on the rocks.

Cape Moreton
Where the oil did not reach.

War relic on the Eastern Beach of Moreton Island

Looking straight out to sea from the war relic

View to the North

View to the South

Another view along the Eastern Beach of Moreton Island

Sacred Kingfisher

2009-07-21T08:26:00.007+10:00

On our first ever visit to Stradbroke Island off South East Queensland, we came across this Sacred Kingfisher on the beach as we were helping our daughter with her PHD project.

Click on photos to enlarge
Note BPW post should read Sacred Kingfisher, not Collared Kingfisher as posted.

Sacred Kingfisher (Todiramphus sanctus)

Stradbroke Island

More on our trip to Stradbroke and Moreton Islands to come.

White-cheeked Honeyeater.

2009-07-12T15:02:00.004+10:00

This White-cheeked Honeyeater was feeding on a Banksia flower in the car park at Seary's Creek the other week when we were down that way. They are one of the common Honeyeaters found in our Heathland areas.

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White-cheeked Honeyeater (Phylidonyris nigra)

Brown Thornbill

2009-07-06T12:22:00.010+10:00

Some days you just don't feel like doing much, but on this one we had to be down at Rainbow Beach in the morning. After finishing there we met up with Mick to do some bird watching and photography in the afternoon. We ended up at Seary's Creek just outside of Rainbow where there are always birds.

Click on photos to enlarge.

Seary's Creek

We sat at Seary's checking out all the bird activity going on in what was left of the Melaleuca flowers. There were Scarlet Honeyeaters by the dozen. Also present were White-cheeked Honeyeaters, Silvereyes, Grey Shrike-thrush and a Grey Fantail. To top it off an Azure Kingfisher went flying down the creek, (sorry, no photos of that one)

Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla)

While Mick was taking photos of the Grey Fantail hawking for insects off logs in the creek, this Brown Thornbill landed in bushes right beside us. After letting Mick know it was there, we both tried for photos. I was higher and closer and able to get a clear shot, whereas Mick would have had to stand up for a better photo, but stayed low as to not make the bird fly away before I could at least get some photos first. Looks like I owe you one Mick.

Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla)

Some of the Heathland vegation at Seary's Creek