At the waterhole

The best places to see birds at this time of year usually involve water. Even a tiny bush dam will reward a patient observer – species that are often very difficult to observe in other situations can be seen at close quarters. Early morning or approaching dusk on hot days are the best times … but the longer you wait the better the result. A small waterhole along Mia Mia Track is a favourite of mine and yesterday afternoon it was proving a real drawcard for birds … with one absolute highlight. Honeyeaters were by far the most numerous with Yellow-tufted, Fuscous and Brown-headed all in good numbers. Eastern Rosellas can be notoriously difficult to photograph but the promise of a drink enabled the bird below to overcome its shyness, likewise for a male Common Bronzewing.

Yellow-tufted and Fuscous Honeyeaters enjoying a bath and a drink.

Eastern Rosella, Mia Mia Track, 6th January 2011.

The male Common Bronzewing.

The true reward for my patience was a male Chestnut-rumped Heathwren Hylacola pyrrhopygia that ventured to the waters-edge for a drink. The habitat along Mia Mia Track is a stronghold for this beautiful but cryptic bird; along with the Crested Bellbird, Spotted Quail-thrush and a number of other uncommon woodland species.

Chestnut-rumped Heathwren (male), Mia Mia Track, 6th January 2012.

The Hylacola taking a drink.

For more on the Chestnut-rumped Heathwren see Heathwren’s Song.

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