Monday, 23 February 2015

Birds Butterflies & a Flood.

Just a couple of birds that came to our backyard in January.The first is an Olive-backed Oriole which we see every now and then, while the second is a Peaceful Dove. The first time we have seen this species in our yard, though we sometimes hear it calling in the distance.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus)

 Peaceful Dove (Geopelia placida (striata)
 
After having Cyclone Marcia hanging around for a couple of days, it was nice to see some sunshine. Butterflies and many other insects came to feed on nectar from our flowering Callistemon Injune. Including the two below, there were at least eight species of butterfly all looking for food.
 
Blue Tiger (Tirumala hamatus hamatus)
 
Blue Triangle (Graphium sarpedon choredon)
 
After nearly 8 inches, (198mm), of rain over two days we ended up with a moderate flood.
  
 
  Highway heading South out of Gympie

 River Road (well named)

 
 Mary Street

Mary Street is the main street of Gympie. Businesses were very lucky to not have the river come in this time. While we have seen water up to the awnings of the buildings in the foreground, the river only made it to 16.6m. The last flood was around 21m. with half the street underwater. 
For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday.

Monday, 12 January 2015

Birds and Bees

Wader Count time again. As this one was in the middle of the day with the weather very hot and humid, we were not looking forward to doing it this time round, and did not know what to expect bird wise. 

Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus)

 Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis)

Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
Some starting to show colour

1294 birds of 10 species were recorded - Pied Oystercatcher,
Lesser & Greater Sand Plover, Red-capped Plover, Eastern Curlew, Bar-tailed Godwit, Great Knot, Red-necked Stint, Curlew Sandpiper,Gull-billed Tern.



Part of the flock of small waders.

Samphire showing beautiful colour

Bees
Just as we were leaving the wader flats we found this swarm of bees.

For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday.



Tuesday, 30 December 2014

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Most of the time we see White-headed Pigeon they are high up in the trees or flying past. This family were in our mango tree, two adults and one young just after Christmas Day.
Click on photos to enlarge.
White-headed Pigeon (Columba leucomela)



For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday.