The weekend provided some wonderful sights in the garden. Despite the dire forecast of hail and snow there were some nice sunny breaks which encouraged the birds to show off their colours.
Crimson Rosella, Wyndham Street Newstead, 19th August 2017
New Holland Honeyeater
Red-rumped Parrot (male)
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White-naped Honeyeater
Posted in Bird observations, Honeyeaters, The Home Garden
The first wildflowers of ‘spring’ are opening up, quite a few Early Nancy and Scented Sundews, along with a great display of Golden Wattle.
The birds are tuning up for what promises to be a very good breeding season, boosted by some excellent late winter rain.
Early Nancy, Fence Track Muckleford State Forest, 18th August 2017
Scented Sundew
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Spotted Pardalote, South German Track
Daimond Firetail, South German Track
Part of a flock of half a dozen
Posted in Bird observations, Flora, Spring Hill and the Mia Mia, Sundews
Australian Pelicans don’t quite match White-bellied Sea-eagle for ‘wow’ factor but they are still well worth capturing in flight. This bird was spotted in the company of sea-eagles earlier in the week at Welshman’s Reef.
Australian Pelican, Welshman’s Reef, 14th August 2017
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Posted in Bird observations, Cairn Curran
Our first Pallid Cuckoos arrived earlier in the week – two birds chasing each other down Wyndham Street.
I was alerted to their presence by the typically mournful calls. You’ll note the difference in plumage between the bird in the first image and the second bird in the subsequent photographs. This mottled individual is a female while the first bird is a male.
Pallid Cuckoo (male), Wyndham Street Newstead, 14th August 2017
Pallid Cuckoo (female)
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The wing shape and barred tail are distinctive features
Posted in Bird observations, Migrants, The Home Garden
Better light and a closer approach this time.
These images were collected just moments after I witnessed a thrilling encounter between two White-bellied Sea-eagles and a lone Wedge-tailed Eagle that had apparently transgressed into their territory. More on that later.
White-bellied Sea-eagle (immature), Welshman’s Reef, 14th August 2017
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Wedge-tailed Eagle and White-bellied Sea-eagle duelling
Posted in Bird observations, Cairn Curran, Raptors
Another episode from my fraternising with sea-eagles at the weekend. This ‘pair’ consists of an immature/subadult, seen here arriving at the perch to disturb its partner, a fully fledged adult bird. White-bellied Sea-eagles are a joy to behold in flight – I feel so fortunate to be able to see them on a regular basis.
White-bellied Sea-eagles, Welshman’s Reef, 13th August 2017
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Posted in Bird observations, Cairn Curran, Raptors
This is one of two immature White-bellied Sea-eagles seen late yesterday near Welshman’s Reef – what a majestic sight!
White-bellied Sea-eagle, Welshman’s Reef, 13th August 2017
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Posted in Bird observations, Cairn Curran, Raptors
Next workshops - Spring 2017 ... Click the Painted Snipe for details!
Natural Newstead acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung as Traditional Owners of this Country
Delias aganippe
