tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-187837512024-03-14T20:35:27.109+11:00Birds in TasmaniaTasmania,island state of Australia. Alan Fletcher's occasional blog about the enjoyment of birding in Tasmania.If your interest is images, visit my pbase site (see "links"). All images are copyright owned by their authors. If you wish to use any, please ask E-mail: tassiebirds@iinet.net.auBirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.comBlogger469125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-21309525906504473872014-12-23T10:47:00.000+11:002014-12-23T10:53:35.443+11:00Season's Greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wishing all a great time over the Christmas New Year and above all, stay safe.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> I'll couple the wishes with a New Year's resolution to publish more articles!</span><br />
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The accompanying photograph of a pair of courting Crested Terns ( should now call them, Greater Crested Terns!), was taken a few weeks back on the shores of the River Derwent. No doubt they are now off breeding. BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-74296816106706725362014-06-28T11:58:00.000+10:002014-07-24T07:09:17.356+10:00Heavy Lifting......Grey Butcherbird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On my frequent birding outings to the South Arm peninsula, I often make a detour round the Lauderdale Canal. In the summer months there's little here except the large numbers of domestic ducks that have either escaped from their owners, or just dumped. But occasionally, there's a couple of Pelicans or the flock of Little Black Cormorants that "fly in-fly out" looking for a feed. During the autumn and winter, there's an increase in ducks with Chestnut Teal (and the odd Grey), Black Ducks ("real ones", not the "mongrel" Black x Mallards and heaven knows what else, that's have reached epidemic proportions) and even the odd Hardhead, and feeding on the margins Pied Oystercatchers. My interest on this morning was a Great Egret that I had seen feeding in the waterway a few days earlier.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBI-rNhAZ3c/U9AkSye_0ZI/AAAAAAAACy8/4eLumc3Us-0/s1600/_MG_7662-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBI-rNhAZ3c/U9AkSye_0ZI/AAAAAAAACy8/4eLumc3Us-0/s1600/_MG_7662-2.jpg" height="234" width="320" /></a></div>
As I neared the eastern end of the canal, I noticed a movement out of the corner of my eye, which before losing sight of it, I identified as a Grey Butcherbird apparently feeding on a 'corpse'. I reversed to have a closer look and thought this might have some photographic possibilities, although it was heavily overcast. The Butcherbird seemed quite comfortable with my presence, provided I stayed in the vehicle. The 'corpse' proved to be a female Blackbird, probably a recent road casualty, and I looked forward to getting a few shots of the Butcherbird feeding.<br />
That didn't happen. Over the next 20 minutes or so, the Butcherbird moved the body nearly 20 metres and into the thick scrub. The recently dead Blackbird would weigh around 80 grams or so, and the Butcherbird not much more, so it was quite some feat. As you can see in the lower photo, it didn't drag the corpse, but lifted it and walked forward, which was obviously an awkward way to go about it, but it eventually managed to secrete it in the scrub. Whether this is normal behaviour or not I don't know, but the Butcherbird gets its' name from the practice of some of its' relatives, hanging up their prey on thorns on suitable shrubs. <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <b><u>Meanwhile, a few hundred metres away.....Great Egret</u></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1RLtW-QVjg/U69YURKyGAI/AAAAAAAACyM/bc58TTo5GyE/s1600/_MG_7929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1RLtW-QVjg/U69YURKyGAI/AAAAAAAACyM/bc58TTo5GyE/s1600/_MG_7929.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a> As you may see by the accompanying images, I caught up with the Great Egret too. I had managed a few shots on an earlier visit, but the bird was clearly 'nervous' and I was reluctant to "push" too hard for fear of the egret departing. On my second visit this egret had perhaps become used to the passing locals and allowed a quite close approach. On my first visit, with the water level much higher, I had felt almost sorry for it. It had to wade out into the deeper water to catch prey, and almost completely submerged its' entire body to do so. Fishing only a metre in front of it were 2 Little Black Cormorants, catching small fish on almost every dive and a White-faced Heron, only half the size of the egret, content to pick prey off the water surface.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3vPJqkl4IE/U69YUCOrZrI/AAAAAAAACyI/G98dZ5kjc3A/s1600/_MG_7931-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3vPJqkl4IE/U69YUCOrZrI/AAAAAAAACyI/G98dZ5kjc3A/s1600/_MG_7931-2.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a> In the lower image you may just be able to see the small fish that it has in its' bill, which reminded me of watching Great Egrets in the United States fishing in the backwater of a river where the water was receding fast after a flood. They and a Belted Kingfisher were feasting on the fish floundering in the shallow water. Incredible how many fish they managed to consume in a short time.<br />
<br />BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-60720971269158730462014-04-24T11:22:00.000+10:002014-04-24T11:22:30.665+10:00"E-Day" at Gould's Lagoon....Great Egret<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eP0iYMlPu0/U1hKUFMDJ_I/AAAAAAAACwE/MczNTYQNskI/s1600/_MG_0400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5eP0iYMlPu0/U1hKUFMDJ_I/AAAAAAAACwE/MczNTYQNskI/s1600/_MG_0400.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a>A recent mention of several Great Egrets at Gould's Lagoon reminded me of a similar incident I had witnessed there in January. Great Egrets are normally considered winter visitors to Tasmania, usually in quite small numbers. I suspect that the same ideal breeding conditions on the Mainland, of a few years ago, that caused the sightings of so many 'rare' ducks in Tasmania and especially so at this lagoon, also proved beneficial to these egrets.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9zb5HPKh6w/U1hKZXCHJ2I/AAAAAAAACwQ/rzKlYCY__Ls/s1600/_MG_0437-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H9zb5HPKh6w/U1hKZXCHJ2I/AAAAAAAACwQ/rzKlYCY__Ls/s1600/_MG_0437-2.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a> I usually arrive at this lagoon with some expectation of an interesting sighting, but after the excitement of so many rarities last year, which included Pink-eared and Freckled Ducks and Baillon's Crake, I was not that optimistic on this occasion. A quick scan of the lagoon from the road showed there were few duck, save for several Australasian Shoveler and a single Freckled Duck. A solitary Australian Crake scuttled away into the reeds, Usually considered a good sighting, it's become almost commonplace here recently, and I rarely pay a visit without seeing one or more. Lastly I looked at the trees on the far side of the lagoon, that often houses roosting cormorants, sighting 40 or so Little Black Cormorants together with a few Great and Little Pied Cormorants, and at the very tops there were at least 10 Great Egrets. It warranted a closer inspection.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fz6WuIZgxkc/U1hKZa-VzZI/AAAAAAAACwM/Q75vZDfGksI/s1600/_MG_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fz6WuIZgxkc/U1hKZa-VzZI/AAAAAAAACwM/Q75vZDfGksI/s1600/_MG_0534.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a> From the hide walkway I counted 14 Great Egrets, a high number for this lagoon, scattered among the tops of the eucalypts. There's often one or two egrets here, particularly during the winter, as there are in the nearby bays and marshes of the Derwent River. I suspect that the very high tides at the time, had forced them to this roost site.<br />
I decided on a closer inspection, stopping briefly to photograph
the Australian Crake that usually hangs out around, and occasionally
under, the walkway. I took several shots of the egret roost (top left), but they were clearly very nervous of my presence so I retreated back to the hide.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX3LxhJPU90/U1hKfIGUChI/AAAAAAAACwc/7ZwA89e4MAE/s1600/_MG_0711-2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX3LxhJPU90/U1hKfIGUChI/AAAAAAAACwc/7ZwA89e4MAE/s1600/_MG_0711-2+%25282%2529.jpg" height="229" width="320" /></a> A few minutes later the entire roost took flight when two walkers passed underneath the roost. The cormorants flew off, but the egrets scattered around the lagoons on both sides of the main road. From the roadway I watched those on the main lagoon for the next 30 minutes or so. Roosting sites were obviously at a premium, as the image of the two in flight show, as they jockey for position on top of a defunct nest box. Another individual picked up a large stick, carrying it around and later flying off with it. I'm not sure why, although it's easy to make assumptions.<br />
Having had my fill of photographing and watching those egrets on the main lagoon, I wandered over to the other smaller lagoon, where 5 had alighted. They were clearly uneasy, but the presence of a White-faced Heron feeding along the water's edge, unfazed by me, seemed to calm them down. All was well until an empty log train passed by, causing all the egrets to take flight, flying around until it had long passed. The heron continued feeding oblivious to the train and the panicked egrets. They finally alighted in a group as shown in the lower shot. Not wishing to add further to their nervousness, I left. An enjoyable, and at least in Tasmania, an unusual event.<br />
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BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-28746086818023899782014-02-21T10:11:00.001+11:002014-02-21T10:11:11.683+11:00Feisty Flycatchers,,,,,, "Satins"<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QLXaoyJv2w/UwU7j5ZXaXI/AAAAAAAACuo/E-DRmhCoEPk/s1600/_MG_9872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QLXaoyJv2w/UwU7j5ZXaXI/AAAAAAAACuo/E-DRmhCoEPk/s1600/_MG_9872.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a> The rasping call of the Satin Flycatcher, resonating through woodland and forest is, for me, one of the most anticipated birding events of every spring. "Satins" are one of the last of the summer migrants to arrive in Tasmania and among the first to leave. Being almost exclusively insect eaters and given the unpredictability of our summers, especially so this year, that's probably a wise move. <br />
Although they can be very vocal and their calls may be heard a kilometre or more away on a still day, they can be surprisingly difficult to locate. Largely occupying the tree canopy and being only around 170mm in length doesn't help and males often call and move and call and move, making it a somewhat fraught business. They are of course proclaiming their territory, and several pairs may occupy adjacent areas, and occasionally disputes break out between males. Mostly this is just a verbal joust, with crest raising and the characteristic tail vibrating and occasionally followed by chasing. So I feel fortunate to occasionally manage a close encounter with these birds and the accompanying images are the result of one of these occasions.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1epONZezsKo/UwU7hsKz1hI/AAAAAAAACug/txRZc0bqvTE/s1600/_MG_9535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1epONZezsKo/UwU7hsKz1hI/AAAAAAAACug/txRZc0bqvTE/s1600/_MG_9535.jpg" height="218" width="320" /></a> I stood at the top of a small shallow valley, a favourite spot of mine, giving views into the canopy of the small peppermints. Almost immediately two male Satin Flycatchers shot past, one either side of me no more than a few centimetres away. One returned quickly (in triumph?) and perched just behind and above me. I didn't need to turn and confirm the ID, the vibrating tail apparent in the cast shadow said it all.<br />
For the next 40 minutes or so, I watched the antics of one, sometimes two, family groups of "satins" as they went about the business of catching insects to feed their offspring. The most surprising events were their fearless defence of the young. I watched as Grey Shrike-thrush and Yellow-throated Honeyeaters were seen off, both of these species themselves, quite pugnacious. Others seen off included Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes, a Fan-tailed Cuckoo, Black-headed Honeyeaters and Dusky Robins. The male "satin" (below) with an evil look in his eye, (if only looks could kill!) ambushed a shrike-thrush, physically attacking it and chasing it high into the top of a dead gum over 100 metres away.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1SLE_mVET4/Uv_3RcBaATI/AAAAAAAACt4/0QIshhhGFpQ/s1600/_MG_9507+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p1SLE_mVET4/Uv_3RcBaATI/AAAAAAAACt4/0QIshhhGFpQ/s1600/_MG_9507+(2).jpg" height="197" width="320" /></a> But this pales compared to the combined efforts by two males, who took on an juvenile Grey Currawong. Unseen by the "satins", an adult and juvenile currawong had landed in the Native Cherry alongside me and all was well until the juvenile flew down to pick up a "cherry". It was instantly spotted and a spirited attack by two males ensued, which included landing on the unfortunate bird and pecking it vigorously. The young currawong seemed nonplussed by the event and just allowed the attack to continue before beating a retreat pursued by the males. The adult currawong wisely stayed concealed in the dense foliage of the cherry and flew off when it appeared safe to do so!<br />
In between seeing off the interlopers, I watched both males and females catching insects, mostly in mid-air, but occasionally from the woodland floor. The male pictured above with an insect (love to know what insect) at one point dropped it, and the flycatcher showed great agility in recapturing it before it had fallen a metre. Only one bird managed to avoid being seen off, a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo. The flycatcher had passed within a metre or so of it several times without event. Although the cuckoo was only about 20 metres away and straight in front of me, I had failed to notice it until it briefly moved to pluck a hairy caterpillar from a nearby leaf. Perhaps its' cryptic colouring kept it 'safe', or perhaps the flycatcher didn't see it as a threat.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h9MvIPmOR4/Uv_3RPJ844I/AAAAAAAACtw/tki9cBrxGfI/s1600/_MG_9404-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2h9MvIPmOR4/Uv_3RPJ844I/AAAAAAAACtw/tki9cBrxGfI/s1600/_MG_9404-004.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a> Watching from close quarters these highly animated flycatchers going about their business was an experience up there with the best. What a privilege! <br />
On and off during the last few months I have followed the several pairs that occupy Pilcher's Hill Reserve at Gielston Bay on Hobart's Eastern Shore. My visits have made me painfully aware just how little I know about these flycatchers, and as always, every piece of information gathered leads to even more questions. I had, for example never seen a juvenile (image at right) and didn't realise how rapidly they moult through the various plumage states (I'm still not sure I fully understand this). Do some males arrive in immature plumage--basically the same as female plumage (top left)--and change during the summer to full male state? I photographed two males that were still showing remnants of immature plumage in early January.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnU2Q12_4yw/Uv_34zbhEaI/AAAAAAAACuQ/LrQM8yEMZ24/s1600/_MG_9701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SnU2Q12_4yw/Uv_34zbhEaI/AAAAAAAACuQ/LrQM8yEMZ24/s1600/_MG_9701.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a> Satin Flycatchers are found widely in the taller, often wetter, eucalypt forests and my
impression is that they have increased in numbers over the past several
years. My reason for thinking this is that, at least in the south-east,
they now occupy areas not previously used, such as more open and drier woodland
with only modestly tall trees. Such impressions can be misleading as
I've noted this year that I've seen many more Flame Robins and an apparent "crash" in Scarlet Robin numbers. Swings and roundabouts? Time
will tell. <br />
Around the Hobart area "Satins" may be found (or at least heard!) in
most of the reserves, such as the Waterworks Reserve, lower areas of
Mtn. Wellington Park, Risdon Brook Park and the Meehan Range and other
areas of similar habitat.BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-33704172811763554942013-12-24T07:18:00.000+11:002013-12-24T15:13:39.774+11:00SEASON'S GREETINGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the Christmas and New Year holiday, but please stay safe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The image is of a male Superb Fairy-wren, a common species of the east and south-east of Australia, including Tasmania.</span> It was recently voted Birdlife Australia's favourite bird, with the Australian Magpie coming in a close second.<br />
A big thank you to the regular and occasional visitors and especially to those who take the time to comment. A recurring health issue has rather curtailed my birding activities of late, so I must apologise for the paucity of articles.BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-54580748272844769102013-12-08T15:09:00.000+11:002013-12-08T15:09:14.887+11:00A Tale of Two "Swallows" (b) Dusky Woodswallow<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5W1LiFrEBU/UqO-S-_0lhI/AAAAAAAACso/Dq8sg04vcds/s1600/_MG_7434-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5W1LiFrEBU/UqO-S-_0lhI/AAAAAAAACso/Dq8sg04vcds/s320/_MG_7434-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> The second encounter took place a couple of weeks later and less than a kilometre from the Welcome Swallow photo opp. mentioned below. I have taken a little, some might say a large, liberty with suggesting they are both "swallows", because they are not related. They are both summer migrants to Tasmania. As might be suggested by the bill colour, woodswallows are more closely related to Butcherbirds amd Magpies. They are a little longer than Welcome Swallows, but weigh in at around 35 gram, over 3 times heavier, a solid, often pugnacious, bird. They are usually found in open woodland and often nest in small colonies of a few pairs. Their nests consist of twigs and grass, often placed in the fork of a gum and, in my experience, are among the easiest nests to find. <br />
Like swallows, they feed on flying insects, making forays from chosen vantage points. They will also forage for food on the ground among the leaf litter, particularly on cool mornings. On warm summer days they can be seen soaring often to great heights chasing flying insects, sometimes in flocks numbering over a hundred. They seem somewhat drab birds, but in the hand, the subtle smokey pink brown body and dark blue grey wings are particularly beautiful--my shots, taken on a dull, overcast day, do not do them justice.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWi4KiGTaIs/UqO-Wy9KK7I/AAAAAAAACsw/wd9wtQ_4PH4/s1600/_MG_7448-003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWi4KiGTaIs/UqO-Wy9KK7I/AAAAAAAACsw/wd9wtQ_4PH4/s320/_MG_7448-003.jpg" width="320" /></a> I was returning from a brief visit to Goat Bluff, on a showery, windy day that had few bright spots save for a fleeting, but exhilarating view of a Peregrine Falcon as it "rushed" by. As I turned off the highway, I noticed a bird in the middle of the road which I couldn't initially ID, and pulled off to the side to use my binoculars on it. It turned out to be a Dusky Woodswallow, but what was it doing in the middle of the road?<br />
In these situations I invariably take a photograph or two and identify the prey on my PC later, which I did here. My first thoughts were that it had a chrysalis that it was trying to 'unravel'. It was hammering away at whatever it was, raising itself to its' full height and 'crashing' down forcibly onto the prey. A passing car caused it to fly off briefly, returning to the road some distance away. Later, on the PC, I could see that the prey was a moderate size beetle, somewhere around the size of a Dung Beetle. Obviously the road made a suitable 'anvil' to hammer the beetle against.<br />
Woodswallows are in my experience surprisingly resourceful. On a warm late summer day, I stopped to watch a flock of Yellow-rumped Thornbills feeding on the edge of the road. I couldn't make out what they were feeding on, but assumed it was probably seeds. While standing there, I noted, sitting on the power lines some 100 metres or more away, several Dusky Woodswallows. My thoughts drifted back to the Yellowrumps as I tried to work out if I could get close enough to photograph them, but a passing car put paid to that and they flew off. However looking down the road I could see the woodswallows were now flying at speed back and forth along the road, obviously catching some unseen prey. I moved closer. Another passing car and a repeat of the previous excursion from the power line by the woodswallows. Then the penny dropped! The woodswallows were waiting for the passing cars to stir up clouds of very small 'midges' from the roadside and they were taking full toll of them as they were briefly disturbed. I sat and watched for some time, mesmerised by their actions. As I said, surprisingly resourceful.<br />
BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-87208048071008813452013-12-08T10:25:00.000+11:002013-12-08T10:25:08.802+11:00A Tale of Two "Swallows": (a) Welcome Swallow<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fv4lU3qlDEg/UqOqw7SFVlI/AAAAAAAACsY/R01DJ6fbQbs/s1600/_MG_6329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fv4lU3qlDEg/UqOqw7SFVlI/AAAAAAAACsY/R01DJ6fbQbs/s320/_MG_6329.jpg" width="320" /></a> Before spring becomes just a distant memory, I'll relate a couple of encounters with two of our migrant birds. The first is an event that I've often watched, usually from afar, and in recent times made attempts at photographing them, which requires a close approach. The species in the first attempt was the Welcome Swallow, a common enough species in Tasmania during the warmer months, with a few managing to eke out an existence during our winters. I say "eke" out, because these swallows feed almost exclusively on insects, usually caught in flight, and there are precious few insects about in the colder months.<br />
The venue was the car park of the popular scenic spot, at Goat Bluff, near South Arm. I had intended to wander through the nearby heath, but the car park was near full with the cars of surfers, the western side of the bluff being a popular surfing spot under certain conditions. I was about to drive back out when I spotted swallows coming to a muddy puddle close to the cars and stopped to investigate. I correctly guessed they were collecting material for nest building--they nest in crevices on the nearby cliffs, a far cry from their usual choice of buildings and road culverts.<br />
They were seemingly oblivious of the comings and goings of cars, the slamming of doors, the loud music and the banter of the surfers as they donned their wetsuits. It seemed a possible photo opp..<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rljiYy7CR1g/UqOqsDJ0pvI/AAAAAAAACsQ/7SErECS7jaY/s1600/_MG_6416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rljiYy7CR1g/UqOqsDJ0pvI/AAAAAAAACsQ/7SErECS7jaY/s320/_MG_6416.jpg" width="320" /></a> As I mentioned earlier, I had photographed them here before, but the results were far from satisfying. These are birds with very short legs not 'designed' for walking and from my previous attempts a low angle was the "go". I sat down beside one of the large boulders dividing the car park into sections, probably no more than 6 or 7 metres from the small puddle that they were using and waited. At first I thought I may be too close and was about to back off when the first swallows returned. They flew over me, twittering, and after a few flybys decided I was non threatening and alighted at the far end of the puddle and gathered material. I'm guessing that their drive to breed and the opportunity of gathering nesting material from a source rapidly drying up (the sole puddle in the car park) is a strong motivation.<br />
I sat there for perhaps 20 minutes, punctuated by their visits and the frequent arrival and departure of numerous vehicles passing only metres away from me. A 'kindly' surfer came over to tell me that he had recently been bitten by a jack jumper at the very spot I was sitting. That put me in a slight dilemma! The bite from a jack jumper (an ant c.2cm long) is extremely painful. However, I had unwittingly elected to sit in a slight depression that was wet from an overnight shower and this had permeated my clothing through to my skin--I had a very wet backside. I decided that no self respecting jack jumper would come close--I thanked him for his concern.<br />
Individual pairs arrived together, always doing a flyby first and both birds collected material at the puddle, both dry grass and mud, sometimes one or the other, other times both. For a bird only weighing around 10 grams, they seemed able to fly with a considerable load of mud and grass. <br />
BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-72334117860723608222013-10-13T10:02:00.000+11:002013-10-16T06:57:45.720+11:00Hard Spring?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3gg3D91ObM/Ulm4NgUraWI/AAAAAAAACrY/dYM6asvRqyA/s1600/_MG_4440-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3gg3D91ObM/Ulm4NgUraWI/AAAAAAAACrY/dYM6asvRqyA/s320/_MG_4440-001.jpg" width="320" /></a> Looking back over the last several weeks, my impression is of at best a mixed Spring for birds. In southern Tasmania we've had one of the wettest (and windiest) Springs for several years, but after the extreme dryness of last Summer, I vowed never to complain when it rains. So far I've stuck to my vow. It has made birding something of a challenge and I often wonder what the impact is on our wildlife, and on the birds in particular. No doubt there are winners and losers.<br />
My impression is, after birding several sites around Hobart, of a decline in bush bird numbers, possibly as result of the last season's dry Summer. Migrant species such as Grey Fantail, Silvereye and Striated Pardalote certainly seem well down in numbers, and overwintering flocks of Silvereye were few and far between. Most of the returning migrants have arrived, but at the time of writing, I've yet to see or hear a Satin Flycatcher. The Pallid, Fan-tailed and Shining Bronze Cuckoos arrived much earlier than usual, although the actual arrival date of the latter two is somewhat obscured by overwintering birds.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTsUwCtCpeo/Ul2eC7ZFZyI/AAAAAAAACsA/5cdkgOF5YOU/s1600/_MG_1506-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTsUwCtCpeo/Ul2eC7ZFZyI/AAAAAAAACsA/5cdkgOF5YOU/s200/_MG_1506-2.jpg" width="196" /></a> There are perils for early arriving migrants. I took this rather poor photograph of a rather dejected looking Tree Martin that had almost certainly just arrived (21st August). I was driving round the edge of Pipeclay Lagoon not long after sunrise on a frosty morning. The temperature was around zero Celsius, and with the stiff breeze the apparent temperature was several degrees lower. I caught sight of a group of birds sitting on a wire fence and as I drove closer, I identified them as mostly White-fronted Chats together with 5 Tree Martins, the first I had seen this season. I took a distant shot of one of the martins, giving what I thought was a fair impression of a penguin! All 'blown up" to retain body temperature, but as they feed almost exclusively on flying insects, they were in for a long wait. On the West Coast, where the colder and wetter days are more frequent, Tree Martins often forage for insects on the ground, something these 5 might have to resort to.<br />
In late September there was a noticeable movement of Eastern Spinebills through gardens and bushland on Hobart's eastern shore, made more noticeable by their frequent calls, and at least they gave the occasional "photo opp.".<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdySVv7kjiI/Ulm5hZPB95I/AAAAAAAACrg/qFXDbFTKvfs/s1600/_MG_5290-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rdySVv7kjiI/Ulm5hZPB95I/AAAAAAAACrg/qFXDbFTKvfs/s320/_MG_5290-001.jpg" width="320" /></a> October is the main month that many bush birds breed and I've observed many collecting nesting material. Depending on the season ,breeding may extend into December and beyond. But there are a few early starters, and the Tasmanian Scrubwren is one. The scrubwren pictured gave me an unexpected chance of photography (they are great skulkers) and seemed unusually agitated. The "penny dropped" when I noticed a movement in the leaf litter and realised that I was close to their newly fledged youngster. I made a hasty retreat.<br />
Out of necessity, I've upgraded my computers in the last few months and things have not gone smoothly. Like many things in my life, I procrastinated over an upgrade until it became absolutely imperative! I still can't get my monitor colour calibration as I would like it, probably not so surprisingly as I always buy cheap monitors. So bear with me if the images seem strangely coloured! <i>My</i> Spring at least seems to have been hardBirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-87441924224815752602013-08-05T16:13:00.000+10:002013-08-08T06:55:15.084+10:00Return of the Striated Pardalotes<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCJsxIVW30A/Uf8-XfiWvSI/AAAAAAAACqw/dleDz3JprFk/s1600/_MG_0802-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sCJsxIVW30A/Uf8-XfiWvSI/AAAAAAAACqw/dleDz3JprFk/s320/_MG_0802-001.jpg" width="320" /></a> There are definite signs of Spring about, the most obvious at the moment are the numerous Masked Lapwing pairs that have started nesting in various grassland sites. While for many, the arrival of the Welcome Swallows heralds Spring, I look forward to the return of one of our smallest birds, the Striated Pardalote.<br />
I visited Pipeclay Lagoon this morning, mainly looking at the migrant
waders, Red-necked Stint, Double-banded Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit, but also looking for signs of our resident Red-capped Plovers and Pied Oystercatchers taking up breeding territories.<br />
I find that I can make a close approach to these waders in my car as they feed along the tide line, giving excellent views and the occasional photo.opp. Approaching a group of Red-capped Plovers, I wound down the window, and across the marsh came the umistakable "pick-it-up pick-it-up" call of a Striated Pardalote. "They're back!". I always find such events uplifting and something to be savoured, and set off in pursuit..<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDXV6nlv61A/UgK0GieUTpI/AAAAAAAACrI/AeulSbi28bY/s1600/_MG_0880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDXV6nlv61A/UgK0GieUTpI/AAAAAAAACrI/AeulSbi28bY/s320/_MG_0880.jpg" width="286" /></a> I've never seen large flocks of pardalotes, although they often breed
in something approaching colonies, but their sudden appearance in
substantial numbers suggests they cross Bass Strait on their southern
migration from the Australian Mainland, in a cohesive way. None around a
few days ago, many today. <br />
The Striated Pardalotes nest in holes, mostly in trees and banks, but at 'Pipeclay' they nest predominantly in holes in the ground. On arrival, pairs immediately take up a chosen site, having paired off during the preceding months, and their "pick-it-up" calls are announcing to others that this is their territory. Disputes do take place, but it's rarely more than threat displays with open wings, and incessantly calling.<br />
Although I've taken many photographs of them before, of course I couldn't help taking a few more and quickly found an occupied territory. There were 2 pairs in close proximity that were having a vocal joust and allowed a very close approach. On 3 occasions all too close, as one bird used my hat as a convenient observation point, I being the tallest "structure" around! I could only look at my own shadow with bird atop-- gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. <br />
Of Tasmania's three pardalote species, the Striated is the only migrant. In some years a good part of the population stays in Tasmania during Winter, but this year they departed early, and I haven't recorded any since March.Welcome back.<br />
<br />
BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-29538383304908584382013-08-04T11:15:00.000+10:002013-08-05T06:38:31.143+10:00The Early Bird<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byTVZzxPOYc/Uf2VvL6WelI/AAAAAAAACqg/yTdVxWqYswo/s1600/_MG_0074-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-byTVZzxPOYc/Uf2VvL6WelI/AAAAAAAACqg/yTdVxWqYswo/s320/_MG_0074-002.jpg" width="320" /></a> Somewhat frustrated by recent weather conditions, I opted for an early morning visit to the Waterworks Reserve at Dynnyrne, a Hobart suburb, which I hoped would be sheltered from the strong south westerlies. In retrospect I think I might have been a tad too early, with frost still present on the downstream face of the dam and few birds in evidence, but I was optimistic.<br />
I've often been able to photograph birds from the car here, and that's one of the attractions, but I wasn't quite "tuned in" yet and failed to see a roadside Common Bronzewing presenting a photo.opp. or the Grey Currawongs or the Forest Ravens. It was going to be one of those days!<br />
I did notice the group of around a dozen Hardhead ducks roosting on the water's edge, and a few Coot and Hoary-headed Grebes nearby. Normally considered an uncommon species in Tasmania, Hardheads have been seen around Tasmania in unprecedented numbers this year, and have turned up on many bodies of water, including farm dams. I recently noted around 90 on Rostrevor Lagoon near Triabunna and a few dozen on Risdon Brook Dam.<br />
Spotting a pair of Dusky Robins perched on the top of star pickets around a construction area--I believe it's going to be a handicapped friendly BBQ area--I wandered closer, noting a pair of Scarlet Robins doing the same thing. I had thoughts of photography, but that was cut short by the arrival of the construction crews and the departure of the robins, and me.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1caB8v_S25s/Uf2VrbZUYvI/AAAAAAAACqY/c7U0KvyJn3c/s1600/_MG_0118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1caB8v_S25s/Uf2VrbZUYvI/AAAAAAAACqY/c7U0KvyJn3c/s320/_MG_0118.jpg" width="320" /></a> There's an area near the reserve's entrance where I can usually find Dusky Robins and I retreated to this spot. My first impression was one of ominous silence, which didn't bode well, but I persevered. I soon flushed two Forest Ravens, and assumed they were the reason for the lack of bird activity. A Yellow-throated Honeyeater called from high in the canopy, but little else. A few steps more and there was the culprit, a Laughing Kookaburra, the bane of many small birds. Kookaburras were introduced into the Tasmanian Midlands around 1906 and have steadily spread throughout the state and are now commonly seen, even in suburban gardens. Patient birds, they will sit on a suitable perch watching for minutes on end, before pouncing on some unsuspecting prey, including small birds. I took several shots of it perched and moved on, but I'd only taken a few steps before it dropped to the ground. Hidden from my view by a tree, I retraced my steps, interested in what prey it was after. As you can see from the image, it was a worm and a protracted tug of war ensued, and my proximity wasn't going to inhibit its efforts. Worm devoured, it resumed its perch, but seconds later, a second kookaburra passed over my head, and it set off in pursuit.<br />
Their departure seemed to breathe new life into the bush and Dusky and Scarlet Robins emerged, together with Superb Blue-wrens, while above in the canopy, Strong-billed and Black-headed Honeyeaters chattered away. The occasional Golden Whistler sidled quietly through the nearby scrub as did Brown Thornbills. I briefly investigated a peculiar rasping call I couldn't identify emanating from high in the eucalypts. That turned out to be two pairs of Wood Duck probably looking for nest holes. I still find it strange to see ducks in trees.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiQRiZyUZ-M/Uf2VmdddF5I/AAAAAAAACqQ/-dvaVcLnWyk/s1600/_MG_0218-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fiQRiZyUZ-M/Uf2VmdddF5I/AAAAAAAACqQ/-dvaVcLnWyk/s320/_MG_0218-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> There were at least 8 Dusky Robins feeding in and around the clearing. Most were feeding deep in the understorey scrub, but a few were making forays from low branches, patiently waiting for some movement in the leaf mulch before pouncing, while others were actively searching the ground and I was able to get a few shots. Most of the prey appeared to be very small insects. I stood quietly beside a large gum and was finally "rewarded" by a close approach of the Dusky Robin pictured. It stood on a fallen branch for a few seconds, before disappearing into the grass and reappearing with a worm. It always strikes me that worms are rather a large prey for robins, but I've seen all 4 of our robins feeding on worms. I suspect they are 'opportunistic' prey rather than sort after, but Dusky Robins also take skinks (small lizards), certainly more 'substantial' than worms.<br />
My photo.opps were not quite over as, while watching the robins, a pair of Green Rosellas (like the Dusky Robins only found in Tasmania) that had been feeding beneath the nearby acacias, repositioned close by. Actively feeding, probably on seeds, one coming to within a few inches of my foot, before realising its error! But it only flew a few metres and gave me my chance. My only regret was that it was in such deep shade (1/30th of a second exposure!) . Despite an inauspicious start, an excellent morning's birding.<br />
BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-74332546326550599062013-06-30T11:45:00.000+10:002013-06-30T11:48:20.621+10:00Another Vagrant.... Pink-eared Duck About 4 weeks ago, a report of yet more vagrant ducks at Gould's Lagoon at Granton in southern Tasmania, found me scurrying off to hopefully find them. The focus of my search was 5 Pink-eared Ducks. With only a handful of previous records, they are a decided rarity in Tasmania, and I fully expected to find a 'crowd' of birders, or whatever the colloquial term is for a group of birders--I can think of a few! Not a birder in sight. I had the lagoon to myself.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L28rhMAqgAw/Uc99uz8uzvI/AAAAAAAACp4/5RrQgEmFeiQ/s800/_MG_5966-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L28rhMAqgAw/Uc99uz8uzvI/AAAAAAAACp4/5RrQgEmFeiQ/s320/_MG_5966-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> A walk along the roadside between the two halves of the lagoon failed to locate any of the Pinkears among the numerous Australasian Shoveler, Grey and Chestnut Teal, a few Hardhead and the Freckled Duck mentioned in the previous blog. I didn't venture into the far northern end of the main lagoon, reasoning that they were unlikely to be among the many "ferals" that roost there. On to the hide for a quick.look at the ducks hanging out there, but still no sign. I decided to walk up the hill near the cormorant roost to overlook the lagoon, thinking that would be my final chance. So I was disappointed that there was still no sign of my "quarry" from this vantage point either. I was just about to give up and head back to my vehicle when, steaming from behind the hill, in line astern, the Pink-eared Duck came into view. Satisfaction and relief! They <i>had</i> been among the ferals at the northern end--a lesson for next time.<br />
They were mid lagoon with bills and heads in the water up to their eyes as they powered past, apparently a normal feeding method. This is a unique looking duck, with its' strangely shaped, oversize bill, large markings around the eye and striped body, quite unlike any other Australian duck. I've seen this duck in Tasmania and on the Mainland, but it had never occurred to me why it was called "pink-eared". It was only after looking at the images on my computer some hours later, that I could see the small "pink ear" just behind the eye. They are also called Zebra Duck for obvious reasons.<br />
A hundred metres from me they joined a score of Eurasian Coots feeding mid lagoon. The Pinkears feed on microscopic invertebrates and seed, and often 'spin' while feeding, creating a vortex and thus drawing up food particles from below the surface. They have a bill adapted to filtering out food as they skim the surface of the water. I've seen Australasian Shoveler using a similar method.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVbHyLsgKrI/Uc99yqGe2qI/AAAAAAAACqE/IyPlaxcomdo/s800/_MG_6831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVbHyLsgKrI/Uc99yqGe2qI/AAAAAAAACqE/IyPlaxcomdo/s320/_MG_6831.jpg" width="320" /></a> I returned to my earlier spot along the roadside, hoping I would be closer to the "action" and might get a photograph or two--I wasn't and didn't. I waited for 30 minutes or more, hoping for a photo.opp., but just to add to my 'misery', they stopped feeding and sat on the water with heads tucked into their bodies and slept. This small flotilla slowly passed down the lagoon wafted by a light breeze, but gave no chance of worthwhile photography. I did manage to get a distant shot on another visit, shown at top. Reading up about these ducks, they're described as "often quite tame". I don't think these birds have read the same information! The likely explanation is that they have been shot at or at venues where duck shooting has taken place. They are wholly protected in Tasmania.<br />
Having written frequently about various rare visitors that have graced Gould's Lagoon this year, I should mention that 'Gould's' is also home to many Australasian Shoveler (male lower image), particularly at this time of year. It's possibly the best and easiest place to see these duck anywhere in the state. I recently counted 40 pairs roosting here, some with the ever burgeoning numbers of Freckled Duck--19 at a recent count.<br />
BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-43464125135750424322013-05-29T07:45:00.000+10:002013-06-12T14:12:40.219+10:00Togetherness.....Banded Stilt<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--376h49D-0s/UaGbHFiuFqI/AAAAAAAACpY/vcZckYrHS6k/s1600/_MG_4033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--376h49D-0s/UaGbHFiuFqI/AAAAAAAACpY/vcZckYrHS6k/s320/_MG_4033.jpg" width="320" /></a> Driving back from South Arm a couple of weeks back, I noticed a group of predominentlyy white birds a hundred or more metres away which I couldn't readily recognise. I stopped and investigated and found six Banded Stilt feeding in the shallow water of Ralph's Bay. I was already late for an appointment, and reluctantly drove on, persuading myself that trying to photograph these birds on a wide and open beach would be difficult if not impossible anyway--that was to prove false. I made a note to return on a full tide and try when they were roosting. <br />
An email from Eric Woehler (Chair Birdlife Tasmania) a few days later, telling me that Mark Holdsworth and Sue Robinson had also reported them, "fired" me up, and high tide or not, I'd try my luck.<br />
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There have been several recent reports of sighting around the state, from Moulting Lagoon, Bruny Island, and not forgetting the "few thousand" seen at Logan's Lagoon on Flinders Island. Given the number of sightings/birds involved, you might be wondering why the excitement. Well Banded Stilts are usually described as "rare", "casual" or "vagrant" visitors to Tasmania, and the last time I saw them in Tasmania's south-east, was back in the '80s, and prior to that, my only record was a solitary bird at Lauderdale in 1976/8.<br />
On a bright, clear morning, with the thermometer hovering in the low single figures, I donned gum boots and wandered off with hope, but little expectation, of getting somewhere close enough to 'meaningfully' photograph this group of stilts feeding avidly in a few inches of water out in the centre of the bay. A few distant "record" shots and a slow approach worked well and I closed to within 15 metres or so. By sitting on my haunches and being very patient, <i>they</i> closed on me until they seemed to suddenly 'notice' me and scurried past to resume feeding a little farther on.<br />
As you can see in the accompanying photographs, they fed together, walking line abreast, picking up unseen prey from the shallow water. Subsequent viewing of images, showed the prey was almost entirely of small snails (<i>salinator fragilis</i> has been suggested, a very common snail here). They were very jumpy, and even an alarm call of a distant Noisy Miner obviously "worried" them, although they took my presence in their stride. At one point they all stood upright and milled about in all directions, so I turned and walked away from them fearing I was causing them some distress. On turning round they had gone! I soon found them a few hundred metres away, and the 'cause'--a passing Swamp Harrier high overhead. They had formed a flock with Pied Oystercatchers and White-faced Herons, but within a few minutes they were back feeding.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Luh-K1q7w/UaGbCRvA-8I/AAAAAAAACpI/da4fkXw25wk/s1600/_MG_4008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Luh-K1q7w/UaGbCRvA-8I/AAAAAAAACpI/da4fkXw25wk/s320/_MG_4008.jpg" width="320" /></a> Banded Stilt, an Australian endemic species, breed in the salt lakes of inland Australia, primarily in Western Australia, but also in northern South Australia. Their chief food there are the numerous brine shrimps and I'm assuming that the habit of feeding in line abreast is a very effective method of maximising their 'catch'. 'Old habits' obviously die hard, as the local snails are not known for their fast getaway! <br />
It's very hard to determine how many snails the stilts were consuming, but a quick estimate was that they caught (all 6) between 20 and 30 a minute, possibly more, which seems a lot! But I suppose the actual amount of meat, as opposed to shell, is quite small in this snail. After about 30 minutes of photography and just watching them, they stopped, preened and roosted no more than 20 metres away, quite remarkable.<br />
The first recorded sighting of Banded Stilt in Tasmania was also in Ralph's Bay, back in June 1854, when seven were shot! I assume they were considered "fair game' back then and eaten. Which reminds me, if you're considering photographing them, do it with consideration. If you are causing them to continually change the direction that they are feeding, you are too close. Stay your distance and be patient.BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-71850120164138514072013-05-09T10:19:00.000+10:002013-05-31T07:35:34.504+10:00Suburban Cattle Egret<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emAm-6h_yEU/UYrmBprIq8I/AAAAAAAACos/0AT9ghR1VKk/s1600/_MG_9797-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emAm-6h_yEU/UYrmBprIq8I/AAAAAAAACos/0AT9ghR1VKk/s320/_MG_9797-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> A recurring back "issue" has limited my birding opportunities, so the following event was gratefully received.<br />
I was returning from watching granddaughter Caitlyn play soccer, and driving up Gordon's Hill Rd., a suburban 'link' road between Bellerive and Lindisfarne, two of the Hobart's largest Eastern Shore suburbs, when something white and moving on the roadside caught my eye. As I passed I realised it was an egret and possibly a photo opportunity, but I was in a stream of traffic and stopping was just not on. "I'll take the next right and come back up the hill" and then proceeded to get lost in the labyrinth of back roads and I was beginning to get both frustrated and agitated as time ticked by. Finally, I got back onto to the main road, by now fully expecting that the 'bird had flown'. But I was in luck and stopped briefly to take a few shots from the car, only for the bird to be disturbed by a jogger, fortuitously flying up a side street, I followed and took the accompanying images.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MntutZd7bHw/UYrmBCV2oAI/AAAAAAAACok/g6zl2UrX4ik/s1600/_MG_9716-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MntutZd7bHw/UYrmBCV2oAI/AAAAAAAACok/g6zl2UrX4ik/s320/_MG_9716-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> The 'egret" is in fact a Cattle Egret and as its' name implies, is more at home in the paddocks catching insects disturbed by stock than feeding in suburban front gardens. It had obviously found an untapped food resource, catching insects, probably grasshoppers, as it made its' way from one garden to the next, and there seemed to be no lack of available food. At one point it crouched and stalked an unseen prey, much in the way cats do, and after a swift jab, came up with a hapless skink, dispatching it in a trice.<br />
Cattle Egrets are mainly winter visitors to Tasmania, and are occasionally seen in flocks numbering in the hundreds, especially so in the North West of the state and on King Island. Here in southern Tasmania the flocks are usually modest in size, often a dozen or less. Although their name implies an association with cattle, they are also found in association with both sheep and horses, or indeed just feeding in grasslands or around lagoons.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WiQtrHSYCN8/UYrl-96OfjI/AAAAAAAACoc/UR3wtHtLmnI/s1600/_MG_9707-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WiQtrHSYCN8/UYrl-96OfjI/AAAAAAAACoc/UR3wtHtLmnI/s320/_MG_9707-2.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
About 30 years ago, it was confidently assumed that they would soon start breeding here in Tasmania, particularly on King Island and along the Northeast coast, but this hasn't yet occurred. If you look at the way this species has colonised Australia in the past 70 years, beginning in the 1940s in the Northern Territory, I think I can confidently predict that it will eventually become a breeding resident of this state.<br />
BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-47117670332361855302013-03-27T13:03:00.000+11:002014-03-23T06:55:53.546+11:00Back to "Gould's"......Freckled Duck<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezzmoKmXTk8/UVWscFqRNdI/AAAAAAAACoI/W1L23grwyOI/s1600/_MG_5763+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezzmoKmXTk8/UVWscFqRNdI/AAAAAAAACoI/W1L23grwyOI/s320/_MG_5763+(2).jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
A report of 3 Freckled Duck at Gould's Lagoon last weekend by Lachie Clark, had me scurrying off to "Gould's" early on monday morning. The report only said 'possible', but by the description that followed I was in little doubt. They are correctly described as "rare" or "vagrant" in Tasmania, but a few have appeared over the years. It's many years since I have seen one here, so I arrived, fully expecting that there would be a throng of eager twitchers seeking them out, but I was on my lonesome.<br />
Lachie had mentioned them being on the eastern lagoon alongside the railway line, but a quick scan didn't produce any sighting. I walked to the northern end and eventually found a single "freckled" following a pair of Chestnut Teal as they fed in the shallow water, but all rather silhouetted against the rising sun. I could now see why the first observer had so much difficulty in identifying them--it had little or no distinguishing marks save for the odd shaped head. Further scanning produced two more "freckled", lurking among the reeds. I took a few shots, but the light was terrible and the birds were distant. I decided to bird the lagoon and return when the sun had risen further.<br />
On my return I couldn't even find these birds. Oh well, that's the way it goes sometimes. On the 'western' lagoon, I did photograph a few roosting duck with heads tucked into their bodies that appeared to be Hardhead, which have been common here for much of the summer, and headed for home.<br />
On reviewing my shots of the "Hardhead", I realised they were the Freckled Duck! Red face time! So I decided to return the following day.<br />
Day 2 and a quick scan of the eastern lagoon revealed no ducks at all, so I walked to the same spot I had seen them the previous day--they were there. I was soon joined by Els Wakefield, also seeking to photograph them. Fortuitously, after watching sleeping "freckled" for 20 minutes or more ('watching drying paint' comes to mind), one set off to fed, hurrah! It gave the opportunity of getting the sort of shot we hoped for, and we set to. When this bird disappeared behind a small reedbed, I glanced down the lagoon, wasn't that another "freckled"! It didn't seem likely, but I set off, trying to keep low behind the sparse vegetation along the roadside--indeed it was, making a total now of four. This bird too, gave a reasonable chance to observe (and photograph) for several minutes, before joining the other duck back at the roost site.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kUXwTHDORU/UVI35IeifzI/AAAAAAAACn8/7nuPn4Yug8U/s1600/_MG_5511-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kUXwTHDORU/UVI35IeifzI/AAAAAAAACn8/7nuPn4Yug8U/s320/_MG_5511-001.jpg" height="184" width="320" /></a> Reading up about this species of duck, I came across the word used for this ducks feeding method--"suzzling". What a great word! It refers to the action of filter feeding, where the duck sucks particles into the bill tip and expels water near the bill base, as it feeds on seeds and small crustaceans. "Our" birds noticeably 'dribbled' as they fed. During the breeding season, the males have a bright red area between nostrils and forehead on the upper mandible. Looking at some of the images, it appears that at least 2 of the Gould's birds had evidence of dark red on the upper bill, suggesting they are males.<br />
Freckled Duck are arguably Australia's rarest, endemic duck, with an estimated population of less than 20,000. They breed in the areas around the Lake Eyre Basin, western NSW and south west Queensland, often after flooding. After successful breeding years (Lake Eyre region has been in flood in recent years) they move out of their breeding areas as the interior dries, seeking better conditions. If drought persists they irrupt into coastal areas, and many have been recorded around coastal areas of Mainland states in recent months. Unfortunately, this irruption often coincides with the "shooting season" and many are shot. They are wholly protected throughout Australia.<br />
<br />BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-34975482494601989242013-02-24T10:40:00.000+11:002013-02-24T10:40:05.800+11:00Gould's Lagoon... The "Others"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRI_x_Gm7fU/USlP873kokI/AAAAAAAACnQ/cyiOTknlUfk/s1600/_MG_6071-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fRI_x_Gm7fU/USlP873kokI/AAAAAAAACnQ/cyiOTknlUfk/s320/_MG_6071-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Before the "excitement" at Gould's Lagoon over the sightings of two Baillon's Crakes (see previous blog) becomes a distant thought, albeit a memorable one, it's worth mentioning other sightings. I'm not a patient birder at the best of times, but to photograph or even sight the "Baillon's" required considerable sitting or standing in a chosen spot for hours, yes hours. I should recount here that one local, 'nameless' birder, recounted that he had spent a total of 17 hours looking for this crake, before finall<span style="font-size: small;">y </span>succeeding--I'm not sure what to say about that <span style="font-size: small;">feat!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> During my sojourns sitting in the hide, or wandering around the lagoon perimeter, there were plenty of distractions, not including the human ones (the lagoon is very adjacent to a major suburb).</span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bv86FDDszY/USlD9jVIbjI/AAAAAAAAClY/8CBPngbXcRk/s1600/_MG_2633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2Bv86FDDszY/USlD9jVIbjI/AAAAAAAAClY/8CBPngbXcRk/s320/_MG_2633.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> The early morning visitors usually started with Welcome Swallows, mostly family groups, hawking for insects, with the occasional individual 'propping' on a large post in front of the hide. This is usually followed by a visit from a Swamp Harrier (<span style="font-size: small;">image</span>) looking for breakfast, and its' presence is usually heralded by the strident calls of the numerous Masked Lapwing that temporarily leave their roost on the nearby railway embankment, to harass it. I do wonder whether they do this from habit or perhaps just enjoy the pursuit, since they n<span style="font-size: small;">o </span>longer have young to protect. There is little doubt that these harriers do take a substantial toll on the young of several species that breed in and around the lagoon, but the area would be the<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>'poorer' if they were absent.</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7reSoRzudg/USlD-xU6ytI/AAAAAAAAClg/veN5SoeLrQo/s1600/_MG_0868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n7reSoRzudg/USlD-xU6ytI/AAAAAAAAClg/veN5SoeLrQo/s200/_MG_0868.jpg" width="172" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPrTLFhpp1o/USlEChCd83I/AAAAAAAAClw/CkQms5nQYmA/s1600/_MG_3110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IPrTLFhpp1o/USlEChCd83I/AAAAAAAAClw/CkQms5nQYmA/s200/_MG_3110.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> While wandering around, I watched two Australian Crakes <span style="font-size: small;">(image</span>) swim across a gap between reed clumps, one stopping en route to grab a small fish, while a few metres away on the dry crust, 3 Black-fronted Plover (<span style="font-size: small;">image</span>) "ticked" away at my presence, before taking flight. Two Great Egrets (<span style="font-size: small;">image</span>) have been present much of the summer, but have lately been joined by three others, and together with Australian Pelicans, have feasted on the small fish in the ever diminishing eastern lagoon. </span><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvGkmCG88Vk/USlEIc9q8mI/AAAAAAAACmc/ncDZl9BFl54/s1600/_MG_7569-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FvGkmCG88Vk/USlEIc9q8mI/AAAAAAAACmc/ncDZl9BFl54/s200/_MG_7569-3.jpg" width="151" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41ORturWx2M/USlEf6r5CbI/AAAAAAAACms/4160dlsHaV0/s1600/_MG_4664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-41ORturWx2M/USlEf6r5CbI/AAAAAAAACms/4160dlsHaV0/s200/_MG_4664.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> Getting to the hide inevitably causes considerable disturbance especially to the ducks, the approach being open, but a slow approach may minimise this effect, <span style="font-size: small;">but</span> the hide offers <span style="font-size: small;">less than ideal</span> cover. <span style="font-size: small;">W</span>ith patience, and perhaps the presence of the more audacious Purple Swamphens and Eurasian Coots, a few duck return to the water's edge to roost. I managed to photograph Chestnut and Grey Teal, and Australian Shoveler, all from the hide, but they remained suspicious. Swamphen and Tasmanian Native Hen occasionally crept past, all with one eye on me, and an immature Dusky Moorhen (<span style="font-size: small;">image</span>), a relatively recent breeding resident<span style="font-size: small;"> here</span>, sidled past too. I watched family groups of Common Greenfinch (<span style="font-size: small;">image</span>) and European Goldfinch, fly down to the water's edge to drink at several parts of the lagoon, but only managed th<span style="font-size: small;">is</span> single shot of a greenfinch<span style="font-size: small;">,(</span> frankly they <span style="font-size: small;">really</span> seem more yellow than green!)</span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BS7d_lHgMGI/USlNyoXalTI/AAAAAAAACnE/1x3atztODGY/s1600/_MG_6476-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BS7d_lHgMGI/USlNyoXalTI/AAAAAAAACnE/1x3atztODGY/s320/_MG_6476-1.jpg" width="286" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Arguably</span> the highlight of <span style="font-size: small;">my</span> recent visits and one that nearly 'got away', was the arrival of a single young Swift Parrot (<span style="font-size: small;">image</span>). The Swift Parrot is listed as <i>endangered</i> under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Act, so any sighting away from their known areas is noteworthy. The truth is, at the time of its' arrival, I was deeply engrossed in photographing the Baillon's Crake, which was slowly making its' way towards me, and my concentration was such that everything else was virtually shut out. I did notice its' arrival on a nearby reed stem, but as Musk Lorikeets could be seen and most certainly heard, only a short distance away, I assumed that's what it was. Fortunately, because it was in an unusual habitat (not a flowering eucalypt!), I took a few shots anyway, then returned to the crake. The crake shortly moved out of sight and I was able to return to the "lorikeet". Then the penny dropped! The lack of <span style="font-size: small;">the long tail of the adult 'threw me'. </span>It was obviously aware of my presence, but flew down to the water's edge and first drank, then partially immersed itself in the dreadful looking lagoon water. It was actually in sight for nearly 5 minutes, but my mind was so focused on the crake that I didn't really make the most of this unusual event. I can take some comfort in the fact that only a few minutes later the 'Baillon's' made its' closest approach and <span style="font-size: small;">the best</span> photo.opp.--so what would have been your choice? </span>BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-81339383760789706302013-02-01T09:45:00.000+11:002013-02-01T09:45:51.245+11:00Baillon's Crake at Gould's Lagoon<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2h_kBLY8-6o/UQrszPJhivI/AAAAAAAAClE/8Ytwbh0_pFY/s1600/_MG_6656+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2h_kBLY8-6o/UQrszPJhivI/AAAAAAAAClE/8Ytwbh0_pFY/s320/_MG_6656+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a> Gould's Lagoon, near Granton, in southern Tasmania, has this summer become something of a Mecca for many local and visiting birders. The centre of their 'excitement' has been the sighting of several crakes including at least 2 Baillon's Crakes, something of a rarity in this state. Their job has been made decidedly easier by the low water levels and a relative paucity of reed cover. Crakes are 'lurkers' by nature, preferring the dense reedbeds to the exposed mud, but have been forced into the open as the food rich wet mud has 'receded' from the reedbeds.<br />
On hearing of first one, then 2, Baillon's Crakes, I just had to visit "Gould's". A single bird was first reported by Ed Pierce in early December and tentatively IDed as a Baillon's Crake. Rodger Willows subsequently sighted this bird and then a second, keeping birders updated as to where they might be seen. I made several brief visits, but 'only' sighted several Australian Crakes, but there were many other "goodies" sighted too, including Hardheads, Grey Teal, Australasian Shoveler, Black-fronted Plovers, Caspian Tern, and Little Grassbirds to name a few.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKZLxUDXSeE/UQrsw4tN9GI/AAAAAAAACk8/t8JiCUwcqKk/s1600/_MG_6639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MKZLxUDXSeE/UQrsw4tN9GI/AAAAAAAACk8/t8JiCUwcqKk/s320/_MG_6639.jpg" width="320" /></a> After meeting Rodger Willows by chance and getting some first hand information, I eventually managed to find a single bird on the edge of the eastern lagoon. My views highlighted the difficulties of crake watching. Although I had scanned this area before, I eventually noticed a movement beneath the fallen sedge stalks, on the far side of the lagoon, some 20 metres away, and there, shuffling along, was a small bird and by its' shape, obviously a crake. I watched for sometime and eventually it broke cover and I was better able to see the colouration and confirm that it was indeed a Baillon's, my first for several years. It seemed 'nervous' and several times ran for cover, once for a passing Swamp Harrier, and again after a brief 'confrontation' with an Australian Crake. It was this event that made me aware of just how small this bird is. The Australian Crake is perhaps the size of a slightly corpulent starling, and the Baillon's, a whole size smaller, being about sparrow size, no wonder I had so much difficulty finding it.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gGqsCRDnrg/UQrstY0cf2I/AAAAAAAACk0/O7JSLkdxqgo/s1600/_MG_6673+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gGqsCRDnrg/UQrstY0cf2I/AAAAAAAACk0/O7JSLkdxqgo/s320/_MG_6673+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a> Mid January, Jeremy O'Wheel photographed the Baillon's from the hide and it appeared this was worthy of follow up and attempt at photographing said bird. So a few days later I sat in the hide and waited, not with any great conviction, but my patience was to be rewarded. Watching several feeding coot some distance away, I became aware of a small bird feeding amongst them--"the" crake--I had at least seen this 'second' Baillon's. I was joined by Els Wakefield and Karen ? and we sat patiently hoping and reminiscing about past bird encounters, all 'armed' with cameras. We took oh so many shots as it eventually 'fronted' the hide, but in the overcast, I can't say that <i>my</i> results, at least, were much more than record shots. So a few days later, in better light, I tried again. <br />
The second try was not without its' frustrations. First a passing Swamp Harrier scattered "everything" and no sooner had they settled down than a visiting birder arrived, having a similar effect. This was followed by 2 locals, dressed for the beach, who had little or no interest in birds or the lagoon, who stood in the middle of the walkway to take the 'obligatory' camera phone shot of themselves, before, mercifully, moving on. I mention all this, because, as you might gather, I did become somewhat frustrated by this toing and froing, but this is a public hide in a public place and like it or not, visitors go with the territory. I still managed the accompanying images (not to mention many others), not quite what I had hoped for, but it's not often that I get to photograph such an elusive bird.BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-67873226346529050562012-12-21T08:18:00.002+11:002012-12-21T09:03:44.438+11:00Season's Greetings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Afi-PHACZyk/UNOLEszlQ2I/AAAAAAAACkc/X9C8zgnURRg/s1600/_MG_4683-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Afi-PHACZyk/UNOLEszlQ2I/AAAAAAAACkc/X9C8zgnURRg/s400/_MG_4683-002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>H</b></span><b>ave a happy, fulfilling, and safe, Christmas & <span style="font-size: large;">N</span>ew Year</b></span>.BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-79906995357944743052012-12-16T10:33:00.000+11:002012-12-19T07:19:07.231+11:00Worth a Visit........Pilcher's Hill Reserve<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VP_kCv0pz4w/UM0KG0ohrCI/AAAAAAAACjs/z9tHHxpErHo/s1600/sat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VP_kCv0pz4w/UM0KG0ohrCI/AAAAAAAACjs/z9tHHxpErHo/s320/sat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Satin Flycatcher (male)</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Over the last few months I've been surveying bird populations <span style="font-size: small;">in</span> some of the reserves in the Clarence City Counci<span style="font-size: small;">l area ('Clarence' lies on the eastern shore of the Derwent River <span style="font-size: small;">'</span>opposite' Hobart).</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'm quite well acquainted with most of these reserves, but one s<span style="font-size: small;">eems to have 'escaped' me--Pilcher's Hill at Gielston Bay. I had made <span style="font-size: small;">a fleeting visit <span style="font-size: small;">a year or so ago, in light drizzle, and my first impressions weren't good. It lies close to a fairly recent housing developme</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">nt</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">for one</span></span>,<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> and has been the dumping ground for building and garden 'refuse' and is criss-crossed by multiple <span style="font-size: small;">bulldozed </span>tracks and, if that wasn't enough, it is still recovering from a major bushfire of a few years ago.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Doesn't sound too good so far!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRPyUwBWme8/UMz6SwOr29I/AAAAAAAACjM/tqvXk5jtKzM/s1600/_MG_6243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GRPyUwBWme8/UMz6SwOr29I/AAAAAAAACjM/tqvXk5jtKzM/s320/_MG_6243.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Flame Robin (male</span>)</span> </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So without a great deal of 'conviction', I undertook two surveys one each in October and November. Both early morning and lasting a few hours on each visit. So the surprising result was that I recorded a total of 44 species<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>not counting <span style="font-size: small;">'</span>overflyers' such as Kelp Gulls<span style="font-size: small;">. </span>To this total, I consider other species that are probably present, especially closer to the hills of the Meehan Range, or casual visitors (e.g. Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo and raptor species), may total an additional 16. The only raptor seen, and on several occasions, was a male Brown Goshawk, which I'm sure is breeding here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the Tasmanian context that puts this reserve, in species terms, among the best. Finding only 6 of the Tasmanian endemics was a little disappointing, but a search in the wetter areas nearer the Meehan range will probable show the presence of both Tasmanian Thornbill and Scrubwren--awaiting further surveys.<span style="font-size: small;"> It's worth commenting here that most of the 4<span style="font-size: small;">4</span> species seen in this reserve, are breedin<span style="font-size: small;">g here too.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Dusky, Flame and Scarlet Robins were recorded, with the former present in considerable numbers, largely in the bushfire damaged regrowth areas. In fact I can't recall ever seeing the numbers of Dusky Robins that were present here, anywhere, quite remarkable. Both Bronzewing Pigeon species are present, and finding 5 Brush Bronzewings on a track in open, dry scrub, was an interesting sighting.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T82a8zXUTvo/UMz6L4jNMTI/AAAAAAAACjE/vhQPRkLAPB0/s1600/_MG_7967-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T82a8zXUTvo/UMz6L4jNMTI/AAAAAAAACjE/vhQPRkLAPB0/s320/_MG_7967-001.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scarlet Robin (male)</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Of the summer migrants, Satin Flycatchers were the stand out, with one or more pairs heard calling in most wooded valleys. Three of the four cuckoos were present, with only the Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo absent--I have only 2 spring records this year. A few Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike and Dusky Woodswallows were also seen, but numbers of the latter seem to be well down on 'usual' numbers in many areas. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Surprisingly (and with some feeling of relief!), I have yet to record Australian Magpie or Noisy Miners in the reserve, but that could easily change if large trees were removed, as they have in my suburb (Bellerive)-- many bush species that were once regular visitors to my garden are now only a distant memory.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">So if you're looking for fresh fields to explore, you might consider a visit to this reserve. I would be interested in your observations. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <b>NB</b>. The accompanying images were taken during the surveys.</span>BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-85585907559554317772012-11-18T09:33:00.000+11:002012-11-18T13:22:30.458+11:00Not Far from the Madding Crowd.....Australian Reed-Warbler<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KslxnGV9ZIg/UJwpBK5IzYI/AAAAAAAACiI/05nT96sAnSM/s1600/_MG_4767-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KslxnGV9ZIg/UJwpBK5IzYI/AAAAAAAACiI/05nT96sAnSM/s320/_MG_4767-4.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The grandchildren had opted for a visit to<span style="font-size: small;"> Zoodoo, not far from Richmond (southern Tasmania), a few weeks back. I have a somewhat ambivalent attitude towards zoos, but concede that <span style="font-size: small;">for the children, it's a great day out. Our ritual <span style="font-size: small;">when we're in the Richmond area, has to include a visit to the local bakery for lunch, followed by a visit to the sweet shop and then on to the "bridge" to see the ducks. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The day <span style="font-size: small;">had proved to be unusually mild and the village was choked with people and parked cars. The bakery was full of like-minded visitors all vying for the diminishing choice<span style="font-size: small;"> of pies and sandwiches. Not my scene at all, and <span style="font-size: small;">I couldn't wait to move on. I <span style="font-size: small;">hadn't felt the best from the outset and my patience was fast running out. I <span style="font-size: small;">avoided going into the crowded "old world" sweet shop, giving the grandchildren <span style="font-size: small;">some money instead, and warning them of the dire consequences of spending more than t<span style="font-size: small;">he very modest lim</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">it I had set<span style="font-size: small;">. On to the bridge<span style="font-size: small;"> and the ducks.</span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">For many visitors to the village, Richmond Bridge is the one "must see" <span style="font-size: small;">site. <span style="font-size: small;">Completed</span> in 182<span style="font-size: small;">5, it's the oldest bridge <span style="font-size: small;">in Australia that's still in use<span style="font-size: small;">. It's showing its' age<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUYX8wsZjNw/UKgKhig-MoI/AAAAAAAACik/68JO68y_PyM/s1600/_MG_4903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUYX8wsZjNw/UKgKhig-MoI/AAAAAAAACik/68JO68y_PyM/s320/_MG_4903.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The <span style="font-size: small;">grandchildren spilled out of the vehicles and <span style="font-size: small;">ran down the grassy ba<span style="font-size: small;">n</span>ks to the river<span style="font-size: small;">. A <span style="font-size: small;">photographer was ushering a wedding party into position, while <span style="font-size: small;">other visitors took the inevitable <span style="font-size: small;">images of the view through the bridge arches. <span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-size: small;">tried to relax</span> by the vehicles, <span style="font-size: small;">keeping</span> a watchful eye on the young ones<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">A chainsaw <span style="font-size: small;">roared intermittently nearby as did a number of lawn<span style="font-size: small;">mowers, a group of bikers crossed the bridge<span style="font-size: small;">, briefly raising the noise level to new heights</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">but <span style="font-size: small;">even amongst all this hubbub, <span style="font-size: small;">I <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">suddenly </span>became aware of</span> the <span style="font-size: small;">unmistakable sounds of a bird persistently calling<span style="font-size: small;">--</span> <span style="font-size: small;">a</span>n Australian Reed<span style="font-size: small;">-</span>Warbler<span style="font-size: small;">. The day took on a whole new perspective, my spirits raised<span style="font-size: small;">.</span> Amazing what one small, as yet unseen, bird ca<span style="font-size: small;">n do!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lH7F3EriV6A/UKgKeHfcEwI/AAAAAAAACic/UcocQQEyn5A/s1600/_MG_4733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lH7F3EriV6A/UKgKeHfcEwI/AAAAAAAACic/UcocQQEyn5A/s320/_MG_4733.jpg" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I strode down to the river bank abo<span style="font-size: small;">ut 50 metres away and listened, trying to locate the calling bird among a small area of <span style="font-size: small;"><i>phragmites</i> reed on the opposite bank. <span style="font-size: small;">A Tasmanian Native Hen swam towards me, <span style="font-size: small;">'escaping' an off lead dog. A Little Black Cormorant nervously passed, diving after unseen prey. A Black Duck ushered her youngsters away from me and a single Eurasian Coot s<span style="font-size: small;">o</span>ught refuge among the reeds. The reed-warbler sang on<span style="font-size: small;">, still hidden among the reeds. An eel rose<span style="font-size: small;">, taking bites out of passing sli<span style="font-size: small;">c</span>es of bread thrown by visitors, and Welcome Swallows collected mud for their nests from the river bank--and the bird sang on. Finally, it appeared <span style="font-size: small;">on a stem on the outer edges of the <i>phragmites<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: small;">clump,</span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">giving me my first view, still calling, with its' <span style="font-size: small;">rich</span>, <span style="font-size: small;">rasping notes now seemingly drowning out <span style="font-size: small;">all other noises around me. A great moment.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> A few days later I returned to Richmond and took the accompanying
images. It required rather more patience than I can usually <span style="font-size: small;">muster and had its' mo<span style="font-size: small;">ments o<span style="font-size: small;">f sh<span style="font-size: small;">eer</span></span> frustration<span style="font-size: small;">. From my observations, it appears that 2 pairs of Australian <span style="font-size: small;">R</span>eed-warblers were present<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">This species is not rare in Tasmania, but is fairly thin<span style="font-size: small;">ly distributed in the south.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Most are</span> summer migrants to this state, but <span style="font-size: small;">on bright <span style="font-size: small;">sunny days in mid winter, I've heard them calling in the Tamar Marshes<span style="font-size: small;">, <span style="font-size: small;">probably the <span style="font-size: small;">stronghold for this species in Tasmania. Gould's Lagoon at Granton was for many years the "surefire" place around Hobart to see them, b<span style="font-size: small;">ut <span style="font-size: small;">in <span style="font-size: small;">the last few years they have been almost absent<span style="font-size: small;">. A<span style="font-size: small;"> single bird, late last summer, <span style="font-size: small;">is</span> my only record<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">from there for the past 2 years</span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </b><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shJy5MFf4Z8/UJwnEjCWP1I/AAAAAAAACiA/D2si3CFKaQ8/s1600/_MG_4733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shJy5MFf4Z8/UJwnEjCWP1I/AAAAAAAACiA/D2si3CFKaQ8/s1600/_MG_4733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a>BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-10743413982089938192012-10-03T08:37:00.000+10:002012-10-03T08:37:04.787+10:00Golden Mornings........Whistlers<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9a7Q2eNK50/UFuzry89jQI/AAAAAAAAChM/79w66zK_Qag/s1600/_MG_8163-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E9a7Q2eNK50/UFuzry89jQI/AAAAAAAAChM/79w66zK_Qag/s320/_MG_8163-1.jpg" width="320" /></a> Towards the end of August, there was a noticeable increase in female Golden Whistlers in some of the coastal areas that I frequent. They were feeding quietly among the denser scrub, rarely seen in the open, and I had dubbed them "grey ghosts". I say 'grey', because despite the fact that they are indeed mostly light brown, as you can see from the image below, they appear grey. While watching honeyeaters and other bush birds, I would become aware of these females as they moved through the scrub, rarely getting an opportunity to photograph them. Reviewing some of the few shots I did get, I noticed the unmistakable remnants of spiders around their bill (legs), so I'm assuming they're high on the menu at this time of year. During summer these whistlers feed mainly on caterpillars. I only very occasionally saw a male, in fact throughout the winter, I only saw them on rare occasions.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ0Z9jrypPE/UFuzo8k3cEI/AAAAAAAAChE/8O_T-hyGRWs/s1600/_MG_8221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VJ0Z9jrypPE/UFuzo8k3cEI/AAAAAAAAChE/8O_T-hyGRWs/s320/_MG_8221.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
In early September, I heard the first male calling, and in the ensuing days the numbers of males I observed increased, but mostly they too were deep in the 'shrubbery'. By mid September, the numbers of calling males was significantly higher, and they 'emerged'. Males chased males as they patrolled their chosen site, stopping to call at times from a prominent perch. Not, I suspect, the site where they will breed, but an area where they could show of their singing skills, and attract a mate.The numbers of males in some spots far exceeded the number that will breed there, so perhaps it's not so surprising that the males were so boisterous. The upshot of this was that for a few days my morning walks were full of very strident and persistent calls as the males participated in a singing competition, marking another spring event. Within a week most of these birds had dispersed leaving only the few pairs that will breed there.<br />
Golden Whistler males are one of the 'showiest' of our native birds, and judging by the numbers of images on the various photo forums, one of the most photographed. I am, however, left with a puzzle. Where do all these male Golden Whistlers hang out during winter?BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-42929756969883445872012-09-21T08:41:00.001+10:002012-09-21T08:45:31.278+10:00More on the Early Migrants<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dG8mqQz8Ch4/UFuIaSkvbjI/AAAAAAAACgo/V4WvnzWOCkk/s1600/_MG_8960-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dG8mqQz8Ch4/UFuIaSkvbjI/AAAAAAAACgo/V4WvnzWOCkk/s320/_MG_8960-001.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;">Well it's all happening out there, and during the last few weeks, between the showers, I've had a few close encounters with some of the recently arrived migrant birds, and here they are.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> The most widespread species is the Striated Pardalote (at left). At almost every local venue I've visited, the first sound that has greeted me, has been the persistent "pick it up" call of this pardalote. Considering how many there are about and that they all seem to suddenly appear, I can't recall ever seeing a flock or any gathering of more than half a dozen or so birds. I do recall watching around 20, all gathered in the outer branches of a dead tree in late summer. It had just started to rain after a long dry spell, and they appeared to be 'enjoying' a shower, at least that was my interpretation. The bird pictured had flown, with difficulty, to the top of the post to administer the 'coup de grace' to this caterpillar by bashing the hell out of it. It's certainly a sizable mouthful.</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnLZPn_KCBM/UFuIXSxLZdI/AAAAAAAACgg/nOg-Wg_J59U/s1600/_MG_8480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KnLZPn_KCBM/UFuIXSxLZdI/AAAAAAAACgg/nOg-Wg_J59U/s320/_MG_8480.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> For many people around the World, the arrival of swallows of one species or another, is considered to be the first sign of spring. Although in Tasmania the vast majority of Welcome Swallows migrate to warmer climes during the colder months, a few pairs hang on and manage to survive, often roosting in buildings. The Welcome Swallow at left had obviously started nest building as the bill is covered in dry mud. They gather mud from pools or other water bodies, and use this to form their nests. </span><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fGMSjiaZYs/UFuIUqsdLTI/AAAAAAAACgY/78UwceZPzBQ/s1600/_MG_8439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fGMSjiaZYs/UFuIUqsdLTI/AAAAAAAACgY/78UwceZPzBQ/s320/_MG_8439.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> Often mistaken for swallows are the Tree Martins, particularly in flight. They both hawk for insects in a similar manner, and are often seen together. The white rump and the much shorter tail are the most obvious differences. The Tree Martin at left, was using an old fence line to rest between forays over the nearby heath. It was still cool and there wasn't much flying insect activity, giving a photo opp.. Frequently nesting in holes in large trees, and seldom needing to come down to ground level, they aren't the easiest to come to grips with. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5gj0YLPWWA/UFuIdAmUKaI/AAAAAAAACgw/j72AkAzAElk/s1600/_MG_9442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5gj0YLPWWA/UFuIdAmUKaI/AAAAAAAACgw/j72AkAzAElk/s320/_MG_9442.jpg" width="294" /></a>This year, the Shining Bronze-Cuckoos seem to have arrived particularly early, although a few had obviously overwintered, as I outlined in a previous story. I photographed this one (at right) a few days ago at Pipeclay Lagoon, but I've heard them calling from most local birding spots. Perhaps a little more surprising, was recording my first Pallid Cuckoo in the first few days of September, many more will arrive shortly.<br />
The bronze-cuckoos are small, swift flying birds that are more often heard than seen. From experience, they often call from among the outer foliage of shrubs and trees, and their excellent camouflage makes them difficult to locate. I had the good fortune to find this one while I was photographing pardalotes feeding in low heath. It flew around, occasionally propping in the top of low sun bleached shrubs,and calling. Eventually, and from my perspective, fortuitously, close enough to photograph.BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-75411954935093144212012-08-30T10:21:00.000+10:002012-08-31T16:16:25.324+10:00Signs of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVqWDJeeun8/UEBWogNjUqI/AAAAAAAACgE/2GxnPhfV5pw/s1600/Pard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EVqWDJeeun8/UEBWogNjUqI/AAAAAAAACgE/2GxnPhfV5pw/s320/Pard.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
Spring in Tasmania comes in fits and starts. Recent weather conditions have swung from mild, still days, to blustery windswept ones with rain squalls and snow down to the 300 metres mark. I've spent some of the milder days wandering the coastal heaths along the South Arm peninsula and the signs of spring are slowly emerging, but definitely gathering a pace.<br />
The earliest signs are usually the Masked Lapwing nesting. They often start in July, but locally at least, appear to have delayed until the last few weeks, possibly because of rain sodden paddocks. They in turn have brought to notice the recently arrived Swamp Harriers, which become the harried as they are vociferously pursued by pairs of lapwings.<br />
This last week has seen the return of Tree Martins, firstly wheeling high overhead, and later scything their way low across the heath in pursuit of flying insects, occasionally joined by the odd Welcome Swallow. On one visit a couple of days ago, I heard the first Striated Pardalotes calling, but a rather cursory look failed to find any, but that was about to change.<br />
I had stopped at a small piece of woodland and had noted a few pairs of Black-headed Honeyeaters, which I felt was worthy of a return visit as they are thin on the ground in this area, and was trudging back to my vehicle. My thoughts were on a soft armchair and a cuppa after a 3 hour birdwatch, when a vehicle stopped abruptly nearby and the occupant walked towards me asking (I thought rather accusingly) "are you a birdwatcher?". I wasn't quite sure whether I should admit that I was, despite carrying binoculars round my neck and wearing a "silly" hat! I sheepishly admitted I was, but quickly added that I take photographs too, as, for some reason, I thought this might give me an 'out' if it transpired that he had some dislike of birdwatchers.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjsY5sk-JoE/UD01y48blHI/AAAAAAAACe8/9n04fH3l60I/s1600/_MG_5976+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AjsY5sk-JoE/UD01y48blHI/AAAAAAAACe8/9n04fH3l60I/s320/_MG_5976+%282%29.jpg" width="320" /></a> This was all far from the reality. John, as he introduced himself as, believed he had some interesting pardalotes on his property, just up the hill, and he wanted some assistance. I agreed to follow him and take a look, and I hoped I looked more enthusiastic than I felt. I was tired. But the thought that perhaps, just perhaps, this might prove to be the threatened Forty-spotted variety urged me on. The site is after all, very similar to other 40 spot venues, and Tinderbox and Bruny Island can be seen from here, just across the River Derwent Estuary.<br />
John showed me around the area of his house and I could clearly hear both Striated and Spotted Pardalotes calling, as well as a small flock of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos nearby. John has made a vehicle turning circle above the house, cutting into a bank, and during the construction had noticed that pardalotes had dug nesting holes in the sand piles. Since inevitably he had to move these piles, when he built the stone retaining wall, he included short lengths of plastic pipe in the wall. There were several of these pipes and they all appeared occupied by the recently arrived Striated Pardalotes. John confided that he had grown an interest in birds as a result of these pardalotes, but I got the impression that this wasn't something that he was in a hurry to tell his friends.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjib40i3IeU/UD011-IiIfI/AAAAAAAACfE/bLdJSZuYW_Q/s1600/_MG_58701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tjib40i3IeU/UD011-IiIfI/AAAAAAAACfE/bLdJSZuYW_Q/s320/_MG_58701.jpg" width="320" /></a> I left John and did a brief and only cursory look around his property, and as he had invited me to return anytime I liked, I felt that I at least owed him that. I did stop and take a few shots of the 'striated', (at top right), but I hope to do them more justice on a subsequent visit.<br />
It's interesting to think that this small bird weighing in at around 9 grams (less than the weight of a 20cent coin), has flown from the Australian Mainland only a few days previous and has immediately got down to the arduous business of finding and preparing a nest site, and defending it from all comers. Puts my feeling tired to shame!<br />
It's all change on nearby beaches too, the soon to leave Double-banded Plovers consorting with recently arrived Red-necked Stints. The few Double-banded Plovers that remain, are resplendent in their breeding plumage (upper left), the majority of their ilk having already left for their New Zealand breeding grounds. The migrant Red-necked Stints, some in partial breeding plumage (lower left), have just returned from their sub Arctic breeding grounds and are appearing among the rather dour grey of the overwintering stint flock.<br />
Spring is probably the most exciting time for birders, a time of hope and renewal. It's time for you to get out there and enjoy it! BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-49639725037222257162012-07-12T09:46:00.000+10:002012-07-13T06:22:12.721+10:00Another Winter Cuckoo<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bK7lYi-N698/T_307Vvy5YI/AAAAAAAACeI/1C3NCQ1ox6A/s1600/_MG_0479-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bK7lYi-N698/T_307Vvy5YI/AAAAAAAACeI/1C3NCQ1ox6A/s320/_MG_0479-002.jpg" width="302" /></a> As any regular reader would have noticed, I'm a frequent visitor to the Mortimer Bay reserve at Sandford. I often just drop in on my trips round the local traps. This particular morning, as well as birding the area, I hoped to get some shots of a Grey Shrike-thrush that I have regularly seen in an area that seemed to present some "possibilities". The area is only a few yards into the reserve, and I could hear the shrike-thrush's unmistakable metallic contact call as I got out of my vehicle, so I set off with high expectations.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3BQHGi4rn0/T_30-s56_fI/AAAAAAAACeQ/fLN5BKLEPLw/s1600/_MG_0383-002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3BQHGi4rn0/T_30-s56_fI/AAAAAAAACeQ/fLN5BKLEPLw/s320/_MG_0383-002.jpg" width="320" /></a> Within minutes I had taken several images of this shrike-thrush as it tore at bark looking for prey (from the images, spiders), but the call of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo side-tracked me. It was obviously close, but try as I might, I couldn't locate it. I narrowed it down to one mid-sized eucalypt, and in the outer canopy. Eventually it flew a short distance to a nearby limb and I managed to get the shot shown at right, resplendent with a hairy caterpillar. In my experience, caterpillars are the main prey for cuckoos, and I'm always surprised that there are apparently so many around during the colder months. This bird may well be the same individual that I had seen and photographed as described in my previous story.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3dQcmTWo2I/T_31B-TXAyI/AAAAAAAACeY/bEqah96_WA8/s1600/_MG_0373-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x3dQcmTWo2I/T_31B-TXAyI/AAAAAAAACeY/bEqah96_WA8/s320/_MG_0373-001.jpg" width="320" /></a> I hung around, now completely absorbed by the cuckoo, the shrike-thrush forgotten. The cuckoo appeared to be finding most of the caterpillars from the outer foliage of a flowering peppermint, and was joined by the occasional New Holland Honeyeater attracted by the blossom. While watching these and a nearby, very vocal Yellow-throated Honeyeater through the binoculars, I noticed another small bird that I couldn't immediately identify. I watched for some minutes, the bird giving only brief glimpses and somewhat silhouetted against the sky. Eventually it dropped down into the lower parts of the gum almost immediately in front of me. It was a Shining Bronze-Cuckoo, a great Winter find. In the dappled light, not in the greatest position for photography, but with the bronze-cuckoos you have to take what you can get! This bird too, had a small, very small, also hairy, caterpillar, as seen in the lower image. It flew back into the canopy and for the first time, gave a single "fwee" call and almost immediately a second bronze-cuckoo appeared. I soon had another brief photo opp., when the second bird 'propped' on a low branch (top image) between short forays to scratch among the leaf mulch. I've never witnessed this species doing this before, and as it has very short legs unsuited to foraging, I'm guessing that they seldom do. That would perhaps suggest a paucity of suitable food sources. Another excellent morning and I even managed some passable Grey Shrike-thrush shots too.<br />
<br />
The bronze-cuckoos (Shining and Horsfield's)
are much smaller than the fan-tailed (17cms vs 26cms), and all cuckoos,
including the largest, the Pallid Cuckoo, are essentially Summer
migrants to Tasmania, although Fan-tailed Cuckoos are fairly regularly
seen here in Winter, mainly in coastal areas.<br />
BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-68143038373470341882012-06-10T09:36:00.001+10:002012-06-23T07:17:11.825+10:00The First Cuckoo of Winter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-xESCFCavU/T-TgwsRh29I/AAAAAAAACd8/wzZwnZHIwIE/s1600/_MG_8449-3+%28Large%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V-xESCFCavU/T-TgwsRh29I/AAAAAAAACd8/wzZwnZHIwIE/s320/_MG_8449-3+%28Large%29.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
A few days ago, during a break in the "indifferent" weather, I set forth to visit some of the local traps. The first few seemed ominously quiet, and I finally settled on the Mortimer Bay reseve at Sandford, a favourite of mine. I can't say it was jumping with birds, but the New Holland, Crescent, and Yellow-throated Honeyeaters, Brown Thornbills, Spotted Pardalotes and the Superb Fairywrens at least kept me interested. I stopped briefly to photograph a thornbill. It had caught my attention with an unfamiliar call, perhaps it was seeking a mate, it was strident, but not the usual territorial call. I could hear a nearby Dusky Robin calling, but failed to see it. Several Grey Butcherbirds called. They have taken up residence in the coastal strip of pines and from previous experience, they make the local birds 'jumpy'.<br />
A few pairs of Grey Fantails were evident, brushing the acacia bushes with their wings to dislodge insects and then swooping, with great agility, to catch them in mid-air. Pairs of Scarlet Robins were active along the tracks, making forays from a convenient perch to catch grounded insects, but even they were hard to approach on this occasion. Of woodland species, I must have photographed 'scarlets' more often than any other, especially the "showy" males.<br />
I was about to call it quits, when I heard the unmistakable 'descending trill' of a Fan-tailed Cuckoo, close by, high among the tall pines. As I neared the pines, it called from the acacia scrub alongside of the track and as I neared them, it called from the lightly wooded area a further hundred metres away. It was mobile!<br />
At this point, for some reason, I became determined, perhaps obsessed, to see it, photography was in any case unlikely. It had thrown down the gauntlet (in my mind at least). Fan-tailed Cuckoos are a common enough summer visitor to this state, and a few are assumed to overwinter., mostly in coastal areas. So is this an early arrival, or just failed to migrate? Most of their 'host' species, thornbills and fairywrens, are early breeders, so early arrival would appear to benefit this cuckoo.<br />
I then had a stroke of luck, it flew across the track only metres away and called from the nearby scrub. I had at least seen it. I closed on the scrub, it flew a short distance, and appeared to alight in a young eucalypt. I stood for several minutes peering through my binoculars, hoping for a better view and at last found it. It was facing away and surprisingly cryptic for a fairly large bird (26cm.), but appeared to well aware of me. It called and an answering call came from some distance away. Now I understood why I had thought it so mobile--presumably a pair. With careful approach I even managed to get close enough for a 'shot' or two, as you can see.<br />
I left soon afterwards, feeling, I must admit, a little smug!BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18783751.post-24178254314368955532012-06-01T11:18:00.000+10:002012-06-01T11:18:51.210+10:00Pardalotes........40 Spots or Not ?<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95PnCkBzKiA/T8WwyKkwLKI/AAAAAAAACcQ/5U4zmL9maD0/s1600/_MG_7505-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-95PnCkBzKiA/T8WwyKkwLKI/AAAAAAAACcQ/5U4zmL9maD0/s320/_MG_7505-001.jpg" width="320" /></a> I had taken my son and granddaughter, Jade, to Fossil Cove, near Blackman's Bay. Jade has a new found interest in fossils which needs to be encouraged, and this site was one that I thought worthy of visiting, which it proved to be. The downside was the 'climb' back up, made only slightly more bearable by the variety of birds seen--a spot for further exploration.<br />
A short drive and we stopped to explore some roadside vegetation that appeared to have possibilities. Almost immediately we noticed a pair of Spotted Pardalotes feeding in the low hanging branches of a peppermint that seemed a good photo opp., which it proved to be. I took a few shots of the female (at top), and reviewed the results on the camera's LCD screen, put the camera back up to my eye, refocused, and did a double take! In place of the 'spotted' I now had a 'Fortyspot'--a couple of shots and it was gone.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4vll3hgkwc/T8WxMgZwX1I/AAAAAAAACcg/R46mNOh2vPE/s1600/_MG_7513-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F4vll3hgkwc/T8WxMgZwX1I/AAAAAAAACcg/R46mNOh2vPE/s320/_MG_7513-001.jpg" width="320" /></a>We stood around looking for this bird and found that we actually had 2 pairs, and they seemed much more interested in chasing each other than in our presence, so I was able to take several more shots. If you're interested they can be found on my pbase site via the link at right.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XqdKJZrTPk/T8gE3Ek9NUI/AAAAAAAACcs/lVYHkaGWA2s/s1600/_MG_7574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_XqdKJZrTPk/T8gE3Ek9NUI/AAAAAAAACcs/lVYHkaGWA2s/s320/_MG_7574.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I have been out and about birding, on many occasions I have stopped to talk to passers-by about what I'm doing, ( I have in part, found the need to explain my potentially suspicious looking gear and dress). One of the more popular bird topics raised has been about 'fortyspots', they're one of the birds that people seem to have heard of, they are after all, an iconic Tasmanian endemic species and listed as "endangered". They frequently top the list of 'must see' birds for visiting birders. On a number of occasions, the 'passer-by' volunteers that they have seen the fortyspots in their garden, or in a nearby park. Being the sceptic that I am, I usually pass over the subject of the improbability of their sighting, not wishing to offend them, but some are not easily put off. Sometime I may press them for more information, especially if they live somewhere near a known breeding site. Forty-spotted Pardalotes do roam in the cooler months, but you're more likely to see the common, and much more 'flamboyantly' plumaged, Spotted Pardalote, or during the Summer, the widespread Striated Pardalote, which in any case lacks 'spots'. Undoubtedly the best place to see the fortyspots is Bruny Island, in the lightly timbered areas almost always among stands of White Gum <i>Eucalyptus viminalis</i>. The Peter Murrell Reserve at Kingston, which for many years was the best spot near Hobart, has become somewhat unreliable in recent times, but I understand that a few pairs still 'hang on' there.<br />
<br />BirdingTashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08341646998037894004noreply@blogger.com4