tyto tony

Closing in on Red-backed Fairy-wren

2012-01-30T15:22:00.000+10:00

More images in the quest for one that does full justice to the male Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus). Getting better, but . . .

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Catch and catch again

2012-01-28T17:38:00.000+10:00

Rainbow Bee-eater (Merops ornatus) plays catch and catch again. Too far off and lousy angle, but typical handling of tricky prey by many bird species.

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Bittern in the light: owl in the night

2012-01-24T16:00:00.000+10:00

Four Black Bitterns (Ixobrychus flavicollis) in Tyto today but no image to match the above, taken from the highway at a temporary pool near Ingham the other morning.

Another image standing around for a bit, Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia), atop a Leichhardt tree.

And a little night visitor to the caravan park a while back, young Barking Owl (Ninox connivens) waits for parent to bring in some dinner.

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Keeping track of some little things

2012-01-21T16:36:00.000+10:00

A few images from Tyto tracks, starting with young Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) yesterday calling for the cleanup squad.

Rock Dove (Columba livia) looks a little lost near entrance today. Leg band dated 2010 carries ID ending in 579013.

Dragonfly (Orthetrum villosovittatum) perches over temporary pool beside entry track.

Small Carpet Snake (Morelia spilota) on mown track gives an ant a lift, and the lens a threatening stare.

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On the wing, and under it

2012-01-17T08:08:00.000+10:00

One of fluctuating hundreds of Wandering Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna arcuata) on the main lagoon these days takes a turn near the Tyto lookout. Plenty of Plumed Whistlers too, but usually clustered on grassy banks of new lagoons near the info centre.

Young White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) about to make brief touchdown near the lookout. Interesting that one- to two-year? bird caused no alarm among the many birds on the water, very different from reaction mature eagles usually provoke. But perhaps there’s something about eagles’ in-flight behaviour that signals either malign or benign intent.

Nothing much malign about Spotted (Turtle-) Dove (Streptopelia chinensis), showing delicate colouring on rail in the morning sun. Not universally loved because regarded as pushy import (1860-1920), at least the mostly suburban species no longer is tagged an STD.

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Female Little Bittern takes turn

2012-01-15T17:33:00.000+10:00

Series of calls between two Australian Little Bitterns (Ixobrychus dubius) today before this female appeared near hide.

She ignored all my calls to get out from behind cover.

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Little Bittern makes contact

2012-01-12T17:37:00.000+10:00

Lots of contact calls between two or three Australian Little Bitterns (Ixobrychus dubius) today before this male appeared near hide.

Ignored all my calls to get out from behind cover.

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Rare beauty drops in: rarity drops out

2012-01-11T15:19:00.000+10:00

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) dropped in to grace main Tyto lagoon yesterday, first such visit since 2009. Gone today.

Not so with White-browed Crake (Amaurornis cinerea), though many more active yesterday – including some little black chicks – than today.

Amid such clear beauty two mystery birds - one terrible image above. Sheeny navy blue and brown coloration. Strongly marked but strangely different in each of the briefly glimpsed birds. Stare at image. Penny drops: subadult male Eastern Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus). Swan proves only rare beauty of the day.

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Goose and fish done to a turn

2012-01-09T14:27:00.000+10:00

Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata) – one of trio probably nesting deep in scleria in main lagoon – takes a turn below the Tyto lookout over the weekend.

Down the road, Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) takes turn with fish whose goose is cooked. Immature bird feeding daily in shallowing pool beside highway.

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Heron in shabby yabby grabby

2012-01-07T16:40:00.000+10:00

Shabby image in Tyto yesterday as immature Nankeen Night-Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus) nabs a yabby: first live - for 10 seconds – cray prey I’ve come across.

Young bird active lately and relatively approachable. Unlike the Black Bitterns, which have been haunting same hunting grounds, but much more warily.

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Closer look at little beauty

2012-01-05T19:55:00.000+10:00

Usually shy, Green Pygmy-goose (Nettapus pulchellus) allowed closer look on main lagoon this week.

Also sitting quietly, Wandering Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna arcuata).

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Stalking, talking, walking, gawking

2012-01-02T20:22:00.000+10:00

Yellow-breasted Boatbill (Machaerirhynchus flaviventer) one of the species these days making Jourama Falls (30km south of Ingham) and its compact section of riverine forest an attractive stalking ground.

Having a resident population of Noisy Pittas (Pitta versicolor) is a talking point.

Though they seldom make the swim landing a walking point.

And it's not every day one finds a Little Shrike-Thrush (Colluricincla megarhyncha) up close and gawking.
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Hail to two standout stayers of the year

2011-12-30T06:29:00.001+10:00

Time to farewell 2011 and welcome 2012 - by hailing two of the Tyto stayers, species not even Cyclone Yasi could blow away: Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) and White-browed Robin (Poecilodryas superciliosa).

Happy New Year!
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Honeyeater conned by Koel

2011-12-26T13:52:00.001+10:00

Blue-faced Honeyeater (Entomyzon cyanotis) about to feed caterpillar to the cuckoo planted on it, an Eastern Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus), near Tyto wetlands.

Young Koels demand food for weeks until even the most dutiful parents turn their backs on the greedy offspring.
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Santa presents Little Bittern presence

2011-12-24T14:22:00.000+10:00

Look what Santa brought me today in Tyto! Live Australian Little Bittern (Ixobrychus dubius) to play with.

Just the present for a birding boy, though asking for its presence is a tall order.

And it didn't really want to play very much at all. But that'll do me. Thanks, Santa! And Merry Xmas faithful followers.
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Black Bitterns ever watchful

2011-12-22T20:26:00.000+10:00

The rains begin and Black Bitterns (Ixobrychus flavicollis) get busy in many shadowed Tyto pools. Haven't had luck catching them standing about in water.

But they have stopped flying far off when first spooked, being content to gain a tree and watch me try to get close - then flying far off! (Female above, male top.)
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Pale-faced wallaby stands out

2011-12-21T14:02:00.000+10:00

Unusually pale-faced Agile Wallaby stands out amid the Tyto lushness. Female animal may be aged, though no less agile than hundreds of others to be seen some mornings. And even big, burly old males don't go white.
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Bush-hen nothing to crow about

2011-12-18T07:53:00.000+10:00

Cackling aplenty in Tyto lately, but only image of Pale-vented Bush-hen (Amaurornis moluccana) nothing to crow about. Early onset of Wet hasn't helped, with cover everywhere thicker than usual.

Rains also mean less action overhead. Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia) showed up this week, turned up its nose at fish floating belly-up (too large, probably) and left with tongue hanging out.
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How can you tell he's from the Shaky Isles?

2011-12-16T14:38:00.000+10:00

Evidence coming up in three shakes . . .

Macleay's Honeyeater (Xanthotis macleayanus)

Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis)

Brown Cuckoo-Dove (Macropygia amboinensis)
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Kite flies for easy pickings

2011-12-14T14:39:00.000+10:00

With Tyto fish deaths comes the Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus). First downpours of this season's Wet last week brought usual rush of fish large and small into newly flooded areas.

Not all made it safely back (perhaps, like salmon, they're not destined to). Dead fish dropped on footbridge - possibly one too many for lone Brahminy - previously thrived by 'hoovering' lagoons, often in large surface schools. ID to come.
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Mistletoebirds out and about

2011-12-11T14:20:00.000+10:00

Caught male Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) more or less in the open yesterday near Tyto lookout. Angle does justice to breast colour but misses the glorious dark blues on the back.

Female, from an earlier day, possibly seeking webs for one of the species' soft 'baby bootee' nests.
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Crimson Finch takes a break

2011-12-07T15:47:00.000+10:00

With the species busy nesting all over Tyto as the Wet starts to pour upon us, male Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) takes time out near the hide yesterday.
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Spot of Woodswallow swallowing

2011-12-05T16:16:00.000+10:00

Takes more than a spot - or a lot - of rain to stop White-breasted Woodswallow (Artamus leucorynchus) if insects are flying. Dragonfly (maybe Neurothemis stigmatizans) today's victim near Tyto hide.

Can't be hunting all the time.
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Frogs sitting pretty

2011-12-01T20:12:00.000+10:00

The Wet's arrived early and frogs are sitting pretty. Tiny (20mm) Eastern Dwarf Treefrog (Litoria fallax) - all-Aussie green and gold scene.

Solid (100mm) White-lipped Treefrog (Litoria infrafrenata) settles for very green theme, with white edges.
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Triller comes down to earth

2011-11-29T15:28:00.000+10:00

More male White-winged Trillers (Lalage sueurii) than usual in Tyto this season. Not such happy news for these excitable would-be breeders: fewer females than usual.

And because the males twitter hyperactively about the treetops - trying to attract females - it's been a trying time seeking a decent picture.

Today, at last, a bird foraging on the ground - with remarkable success.

One of many morsels grabbed in march across the grass.

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Who's the prettiest boy ... then?

2011-11-27T14:27:00.001+10:00

Few prettier sights in Tyto than male Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) in prime plumage.

Splendid up close.

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus) offers colourful challenge.

Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia) looks lovely in early morning light.

Male Cotton Pygmy-goose (Nettapus coromandelianus) floats in subtle beauty.
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Awake-up Snipe allows walk-up

2011-11-24T17:12:00.000+10:00

Posted super Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) images earlier in year, but today's presented greater challenge, being totally open walk-up rather than drive-by.

It's satisfying having a wary bird accept - even if nervily - intrusion into its space.

In this case, bird chose to walk off and get on with feeding, in Tyto yesterday.
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Clean as a Whistler

2011-11-21T17:25:00.000+10:00

Big branch got between us, but male Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris) didn't get clean away and makes for tidy study of feather details.

Also provides chance to run image of female, also taken in Tyto.
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Cheeky faux de grass bottler

2011-11-18T14:44:00.000+10:00

Cheeky little Tyto bottler savours of springtime, abounding with verdant, faux de grass overtones and striking bokeh.

Agile Wallaby (Macropus agilis)
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Catchlights catch them watching

2011-11-14T15:54:00.000+10:00

Three images from Jourama Falls reflect wildlife awareness of the intruder among them: Rainbow skink (Carlia rostralis) keeps a cautious eye out.

Northern Fantail (Rhipidura rufiventris) casts a backward look.

Male Shining Flycatcher (Myiagra alecto) glances sideways.

Meanwhile, revised, noise-reduced Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi, with mantid) looks sharper.
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Pied Monarch spied mantid

2011-11-09T15:47:00.001+10:00

Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi) with unlucky (and unidentified mantid) at Jourama Falls (25km south of Ingham).

Chased after foraging bird the other day using tripod as wobbly monopod. But bird mostly too quick!

Also at Jourama, Large-billed Gerygone (Gerygone magnirostris) out of the shadows - for once - along Waterview Creek.

And a Spectacled Monarch (Symposiarchus trivirgatus) showing off rich colours.
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Arty brush-up for Brush-turkey

2011-11-07T17:09:00.000+10:00

Something about the sensual fleshiness of this Australian Brush-turkey (Alectura lathami) image from Jourama Falls led to rare excursion into special filters.

Thus, an oil painting.

And a mystery artist.
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Cotton-pickin' Darter darts into Cotton pic!

2011-11-04T15:27:00.000+10:00

Sneaking up for distant shot of Cotton Pygmy-goose pair (Nettapus coromandelianus) in Tyto yesterday unaware Australasian Darter (Anhinga novehollandiae) has intruded itself into the picture. May even have spooked the birds.

Not too many Cottons ever on Tyto waters. Even less often in the air on clear days, showing off their colour.
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Tucking into honeyeater points

2011-11-01T14:35:00.000+10:00

Yellow-spotted Honeyeater (Meliphaga notata) at Jourama Falls (25km south of Ingham) last week. Strong yellow gape streak pointing to mid-earmark is diagnostic in distinguishing from slightly smaller Graceful HE (weaker, paler streak points to bottom of earmark). Both species can give similar 'tuck' calls.
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Pied Monarch flits about

2011-10-30T06:26:00.000+10:00

Pied Monarch (Arses kaupi) flits here and there around me at Jourama Falls (25km south of Ingham). Partial compensation for Shining Flycatchers refusing to come in range several days after building nest above Waterview Creek.

On the water front ...

2011-10-26T16:42:00.000+10:00

Week's showers reflooded Tyto reedbeds and brought Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) in yesterday: first small wader for many months.

Same reeds, less peaceful some days ago: Intermediate Egrets (Ardea intermedia) squabble over territory.

Intermediates have enviable strike rate, but no luck this time.

Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea) looks for slower-moving prey.

And Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica) stands above the fray.
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Emerging thick and fast

2011-10-24T16:13:00.000+10:00

Yesterday afternoon, helpless and getting a bit wet in Tyto drizzle.

This morning, warmer, 50 metres from 'nest'.

Bush Thick-knees (Burhinus grallarius) disappearing down south, but thriving in parts of North Queensland. No foxes here!
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Young Willie Wagtail tells tale

2011-10-20T08:30:00.002+10:00

Juvenile Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) tells heart-warming tale. Picture nest alongside Tyto lookout. Two fledglings. Three boys walk up. Branch and nest wrenched from tree. Severe lecture. Boys slink off. Nest stuck back into tree fork. Wagtail parents accept change. Fledglings thrive. Mature. Parents immediately build new nest by old site. Three eggs. Wagtails rule!
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Flycatcher not the only one shining

2011-10-18T16:10:00.000+10:00

Male Shining Flycatcher (Myiagra alecto) takes a break from building nest over water at Jourama Falls south of Ingham.

Noisy Pitta (Pitta versicolor) on tumbled stones near a Jourama ford.

In Tyto, immature Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis) gleams in late morning sunshine.

Purple Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio) close up.

Varied Triller (Lalage leucomela) glistens on coastal growth, Lucinda sandspit.
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Starlings show their mettle

2011-10-15T17:03:00.000+10:00

Tyto's lookout fig tree full of action lately. Male Eastern Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) continues trying to deny other birds a feed. (The motive may not be greed but an effort - as a great provider - to attract females.)

But Metallic Starlings (Aplornis metallica) - in town for seasonal noisy social nesting - have proven unafraid of their larger fellow migrant.

And Australasian Figbirds (Sphecotheres vielloti) won't be denied a share of the fruit.
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Eastern Grass-Owl found at last, alas

2011-10-12T16:31:00.000+10:00

After years of searching without luck in Tyto Wetlands and elsewhere for the Eastern Grass-Owl (Tyto longimembris) an unhappy find today: dead bird by the road to Wallaman Falls.
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Closeup with three snakes

2011-10-11T15:42:00.000+10:00

Happened upon a couple of pythons in past three days. Some followers eagerly await close encounters with snakes, so here goes!

Evening walk found Carpet Snake (Morelia spilota) doing some late sunning. But not keen on poking tongue out even when camera poked in face.

Unlike Amethystine Python (Morelia amethistina) taking it easy near Tyto lookout after consuming something bulky.

Finally, friendly Common Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata) in the Tyto hide. Caught halfway up hide, snake put up with 30 minutes one-way conversation and much stroking by hand. They are - of course - harmless.
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Orioles offer rousing sounds

2011-10-09T14:52:00.000+10:00

Tyto's close to southern edge of range for Yellow Oriole (Oriolus flavocinctus) and its rousing, ringing 'cholonk, cholonk' and raspy sneer.

Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus) extends over huge eastern and northern range and offers gentler 'olly, olly o', musical muttering and softer sneer.

Both species busy in the wetlands these days, though often heard rather than seen clearly.
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Koel fights to fend off Figbirds

2011-10-07T16:16:00.000+10:00

First close sighting for season of Eastern Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus) in Tyto yesterday. A few calls heard earlier in the month.

Bird busy defending flourishing fig tree at the lookout.

But the Australasian Figbird (Sphecotheres vielloti) does really, really love figs. Koel couldn't fight them all off.
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Red-backed Wrens fairy flitters

2011-10-05T08:18:00.000+10:00

Red-backed Fairy-wrens (Malurus melanocephalus) sometimes show up in excited groups, teasing the observer/photographer with the prospect of five or six glowing males caught in focus showing off to similar numbers of females.

No such picture emerges. The small birds flash through scruffy, scrubby tangles of weeds, fallen trees, bladey grass, sedge and scleria. Seldom does one - let alone five or six - pause in clear view.

Even when one male does come to a brief halt on a sunny day there's the maddening problem of the gorgeous black sheen reflecting so much light that much feather detail is lost.

But on an overcast day the matt black can make a bird look drab.

Then there's the eyes, so dark they are often indistinguishable within the black mass of the head. But one must keep trying ...
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Plover poses - Pipit pauses

2011-10-02T15:30:00.000+10:00

Hot-footed it across Lucinda sands yesterday in pursuit of Red-capped Plovers (Charadrius ruficapillus).

Mostly, birds faster than me. But one hopped onto driftwood and stopped briefly.

Also darting about the dunes, Australasian Pipit (Anthus novaeseelandiae).
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More Crakes out and about

2011-09-29T14:18:00.000+10:00

More White-browed Crakes (Amaurornis cinerea) foraging at edge of scleria on floating weed as evaporation sucks water from main lagoon.

Shadowy reflection today at Tyto.

Closer look at same bird.

Even closer in late morning recently.
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Dusky beauty heads honeyeater handful

2011-09-25T19:49:00.000+10:00

Dusky Honeyeater (Myzomela obscura) in Tyto Wetlands yesterday (losing out to Brown and Yellow HEs in fight for nearby flowering bottlebrush.

Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta) on the bottlebrush.

Yellow Honeyeater ready for action (Lichenostomus flavus)

Earlier, White-throated Honeyeater (Melithreptus albogularis) also on bottlebrush.

And White-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus unicolor) not so sweet-loving as it collects Cheese Tree seeds.
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Brolgas kick up their heels

2011-09-23T15:13:00.000+10:00

Brolgas (Grus rubicunda) love to kick up their heels.

Caught this pair making bit of a splash near Ingham the other day.

Pity, best action came in solo show.

Back together at the end.
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This here's a Cisticola

2011-09-21T06:43:00.000+10:00

This here's a Cisticola - (Cisticola exilis)
Golden-headed in particular.
(In General rhymes to Agricola)
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Catching up in black and white

2011-09-19T15:07:00.000+10:00

Cyclone Yasi didn't blow White-browed Robins (Poecilodryas superciliosa) away from Tyto but did change their behaviour. They now spend more time higher in trees because of stripped and sunnier undergrowth. Today's distant sighting sets black-and-white theme.

Black Butcherbird (Cracticus quoyi) caught out away from shadows at Macknade (near one of my crocodile sites).

Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus) sparkles on pandanus stump in Tyto.

Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarba melanoleucos) in morning sunshine by roadside pool near Toobanna.
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All aboard the threesome express

2011-09-17T15:29:00.000+10:00

Quick-change threesome for these Peaceful Doves (Geopelia striata) in Tyto today. Two taking turns on top. Bonus: lovely cocoa underwing colouring.

Three birds but no threesome as female Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) shakes her booty in front of two neighbouring Magpie Geese.

And three looks at Cuckoos: two Brush, one Little Bronze.
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Ratty's wind(-up) in the wallows

2011-09-13T14:34:00.000+10:00

Came upon Water Rat snuffling and wallowing in some shady shallows yesterday.

Seems usually high-alert sensors were turned off.

Mr Rat left water and came sniffing to me before sensing danger and scarpering back into overgrowth. No messing about in boats in this neck of the woods!
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Blurred bird pans honeyeater hopes

2011-09-11T16:24:00.000+10:00

Bit of blurry nest-building action from Brown-backed Honeyeater (Ramsayornis modestus) near main lagoon in Tyto. Tried to pan with bird but ageing reflexes not up to task.

Here's a less action-packed view from today.

Thinking of nesting and calling (without success) for females, are two recently-arrived White-winged Triller (Lalage sueurii) males.

More interested in food than breeding, two Little Shrike-Thrushes (Colluricincla megarhyncha).
Click pix to enlarge

More reflecting on Latham's Snipe

2011-09-06T16:01:00.000+10:00

Overcast mornings no help in trying for 'the' shot of Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii).

But got a reflection.

And a reflective look.
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Keeping an eye out for cuckoos

2011-09-03T14:49:00.001+10:00

Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis variolosus), one of several active and noisy in Tyto today.

Caught this bird with snack just before it was driven off by honeyeaters (cuckoos have few friends!).

But Brown-backed Honeyeater (Ramsayornis modestus) has lately been more concerned with breeding than fending off parasitic cuckoos.

And Macleay's Honeyeater (Xanthotis macleayanus) intent the other day only on gathering nectar.

However, Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus) today carrying nest material should be wary. Cuckoos rather keen on popping their eggs into wren nests.
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Kookaburra takes long lunch

2011-08-30T14:09:00.000+10:00

Extra-long lunch for this Blue-winged Kookaburra (Dacelo leachii) in Tyto yesterday.

Common Tree Snake tries to delay the end.

But it's about to go down, down, down ... though the bird flew before the end came.

Shorter snack for Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) the other day.

Not so much playing with it's food as getting a more secure bite.
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It's no snip snapping Snipe

2011-08-28T14:43:00.000+10:00

Weary and wary, Latham's Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) make their way south away from the Asian winter.

In past few years the birds have reached Ingham early in August.

Bit later this year, but no easier to close in on.

They will, however, on occasion allow the old Camry to sneak up on them.

Just a familiar Japanese background, no doubt! :-)

But haven't had much luck in capturing picture of prey, which sometimes takes considerable effort to slurp up.
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Day out for Night-Heron

2011-08-25T14:14:00.001+10:00

There's a Nankeen Night-Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus) breeding hotspot just 10kms away at Cattle Creek, but few show out in Tyto.

Bird above revealed itself today as I watched Royal Spoonbills, Intermediate and Great Egrets and a White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) feasting on life in a fast-drying creek pool.

Also active in Tyto lately, Pacific Heron (Ardea pacifica).
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Brushing up on two cuckoos

2011-08-21T16:22:00.001+10:00

On a post, but not railing at sunny shot of Fan-tailed Cuckoo (Cacomantis flabelliformis) in Tyto today.

And for those interested in the differences between species, views of Fan-tailed
and Brush Cuckoo (Cacomantis variolosus).
Click pix to enlarge

Sidling up on Brolgas - and a salty

2011-08-18T15:02:00.000+10:00

Used the Camry hide to (s)idle up on Brolgas (Grus rubicunda) at roadside pool near Ingham today.

Immature bird even less alarmed than parent (top picture). Useless snippet: one of Australia's largest birds comes with one of shortest names.

Also looming large just down the highway, at Cattle Creek, two-metre-plus saltwater crocodile. Yesterday's picture. Today, very quick into water, possibly on to pattern in my appearances.

Definitely non-threatening, pair of Olive-backed Sunbirds (Nectarinia jugularis) show typical cheek on tourists' campervan at Jourama Falls yesterday.

Also at Jourama, Wompoo Fruit-Dove (Ptilinopus magnificus).

Bird busy defending food tree from - among others - Topknot Pigeon (Lopholaimus antarcticus). Both species more often found in higher forest - before Cyclone Yasi.
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Martins amid mud at Macknade

2011-08-14T13:45:00.000+10:00

Found small flock of Fairy Martins (Petrochelidon ariel) busy mixing building and foraging today at Macknade Wetland Project near Halifax.

Pink blob is out-of-focus water lily.

Not so many Red-browed Finches (Neochmia temporalis) in Tyto lately.

But small group turned up the other day and messed about amidst Yasi debris.
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Figbird gives no fig for rivals

2011-08-08T16:04:00.000+10:00

See a slightly aggressive air about this Australasian Figbird (Sphecotheres vielloti)? The solitary male has been defending a fig tree against all comers for more than 10 days. The Benjamin fig fruit is dry and tasteless. And most birds chased away have no interest in it. But the figbird cares not a fig for that. It's 'his' tree!

Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus) not too worried about competition for insects on pink lotus. Today, an Australian Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus australis) made a sudden and rare appearance on same flowers, but dashed off too quickly for me :-(
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Bigger fish catch on

2011-08-02T15:38:00.000+10:00

Commented a bit back that Intermediate Egrets (Ardea intermedia) usually take very small fish. Naturally, along comes an exception.

Poised motionless for some time before jumping into action.

Quick return to Yasi debris tossed to lagoon margin by shire cleanup team.

Near head-first positioning of fish, ready for fast swallow.

More distant, and a Little Pied Cormorant (Microcarba melanoleucos) matches the egret's catch size.

Footnote: Fishing world full of ones that got away, but only rarely would such stories be told in the bird world!
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Tyto sights for the luckless

2011-07-30T15:36:00.000+10:00

Open days this weekend and Italian Festival next weekend mean big increases in Tyto visitor numbers. For those not able to make it - and for most who did, but didn't get lucky - a few birds from the past week or so.

Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton)

Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus)

Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)

Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus)

Helmeted Friarbird (Philemon buceroides)
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Toeing, flowing and no-going on the water

2011-07-24T14:25:00.000+10:00

Walking, winging on water: Comb-crested Jacana (Irediparra gallinacea) makes tracks in Tyto yesterday.

Walking, winging in water: Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia) shakes feathers loose while feeding in drying creek pool today.

No walking here! Saltwater Crocodile bakes motionless (most days) at Macknade revegetation area east of Ingham.
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Crimson worth the wait

2011-07-21T16:34:00.000+10:00

Some days birds seem set to tantalise by refusing to come out into the open. As with this male Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) in Tyto yesterday.

But the mass of grasses and sedge also gave me a chance to edge closer without spooking him.

After 10 minutes - and very briefly - a clear shot. Not great, but worth the wait.
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Pale-yellow Robin stands out

2011-07-19T16:49:00.000+10:00

Trip up Wallaman Falls road today failed to locate rarities but added to Pale-yellow Robin (Tregellasia capito) collection.

Also got close to Macleay's Honeyeater (Xanthotis macleayanus), without any luck in the pose.
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Crabbing the opportunity

2011-07-11T15:50:00.001+10:00

Sea change today failed to find any rarities on the coast at Lucinda (famed for 5km sugar jetty: Yasi-damaged) but did yield a Beach Thick-knee (Esacus neglectus) out hunting soldier crabs (noted for marching forward and not sideways).

The crabs stopped marching and spiralled into the sand and safety and the bird (formerly Beach Stone-curlew) strode off.

Then took off just as we were striding along nicely together.

Left me a bit peeved, but too sunny a day to get crabby.
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Flight angle on Spangled Drongo

2011-07-06T17:44:00.000+10:00

Angled for flight shots in Tyto this week.

Almost got one Spangled Drongo (Dicrurus bracteatus) right.

Black Kite (Milvus migrans) easier to track, though few to be seen up close because sugar cane harvest now drawing them away.
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Many a catch to prey pictures

2011-07-01T14:26:00.000+10:00

Hard work catching up with the few Black-faced Cuckoo-shrikes (Coracina novaehollandiae) in Tyto this past month.

So bit of luck getting shot of one about to swallow insect.

Not so lucky, Eastern Great Egret (Ardea modesta). Lightning jab into the water comes up empty.

Intermediate Egrets (Ardea intermedia) catch more fish than Greats, but mostly so tiny they are usually swallowed in a flash.
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Tern splashes into action

2011-06-26T15:44:00.000+10:00

Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) in Tyto today didn't catch many fish.

Though it made quite a splash.

The only near-sharp pictures came with smallest catch of the day.

But bigger prey keeps us all going back another day.

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Squishy start to shining moment

2011-06-22T16:59:00.000+10:00

Cuckoos love squishing caterpillars. Little Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcites minutillus) gets some of the insides outside before tucking it away inside in Tyto yesterday.

Didn't manage to catch less common visitor, Shining Bronze-Cuckoo (Chalcites lucidus), with prey.

And couldn't capture worthwhile image of Fan-tailed Cuckoo busy in the same patch of cheesewood trees, so above is second shot of Shining, thus turning failure into a shining moment.
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Storking about the skyline

2011-06-19T16:14:00.000+10:00

Haven't seen much of local Black-necked Storks (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) lately.

But male flew close overhead this week and provided couple of offbalance snap shots from old bicycle.

Also in the air above Tyto, Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) makes a pass over the main lagoon today.

Not quite in flight but part of recent skyline, pair of Magpie Goose (Anseranas semipalmata)..
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Raptor capture rapture

2011-06-15T16:57:00.000+10:00

Don't get many Wedge-tailed Eagles (Aquila audax) touching down in Tyto. Bird today mostly ignored three birders, who tallied seven raptors (Black, Whistling, Brahminy Kites; Brown Goshawk, Swamp Harrier, Australian Hobby) between them in less than an hour - best tally of the year by far.

Sights included Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) - perhaps even this one, overhead earlier in week - trying to bully a Brahminy out meaty morsel: a sight to (s)kite about.
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Looking into the background

2011-06-13T14:43:00.000+10:00

Easy enough when chasing birds to see little else, even when it's occupying almost all the frame. So, Intermediate Egret (Ardea intermedia) in Tyto the other day took my attention, but background of ruffled, leaden water makes the picture.

And Grey Teal (Anas gracilis) - an uncommon visitor - looks almost twice as attractive accompanied by reflection and wake.

On the other hand, messy background doesn't do much for an Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca), though it hints at problems photographers face in obtaining uncluttered images.
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Yellows brighten grey days

2011-06-10T11:20:00.000+10:00

Cloudy week calls for touch of colour to lift the spirits. So, even Olive-backed Oriole (Oriolus sagittatus) in Tyto yesterday comes with bright yellow background (crocodile warning sign).

Keeping with the theme, Australasian Figbird (Sphecotheres vielloti).

And even brighter, Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus). Warms the cockles, yes?
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Drongos far from stupid

2011-06-05T14:44:00.000+10:00

They may at times sound a wee bit demented (specially in duets), but there's nothing stupid about Spangled Drongos (Dicrurus bracteatus).

Not only are they darkly. sparkly pretty (as above in Tyto today), they're also pretty aerobatic. That tail helps.

They also enjoy bullying other birds. Hey, they're smart, not perfect!
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Brown Goshawk found guilty

2011-05-30T16:02:00.001+10:00

Suspected for some time Brown Goshawk (Accipiter fasciatus) might be behind gradual reduction in Wandering Whistling duckling numbers.

Evidence scant - apart from bird's sneaky flights across main lagoon - till today.

The bird popped up from within a fallen tree in a drying creek near the lookout.

See the blood? Though not quite a guilty look? Clincher: finding dead duckling under the tree. Case closed!
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Dragonfly beats bee-eaters

2011-05-28T16:41:00.000+10:00

Dragonfly with a sweet tooth? Maybe not so sweet.

It made short work of honeybee - sting and all - in Tyto today.

But Rainbow Bee-eaters unlikely to resent the catch.

Seldom see them buzzing after honeybees.
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Kingfisher quick to zoom off

2011-05-18T16:19:00.000+10:00

Blustery easterlies (stirring up avian memories of Yasi?) depressing bird numbers in Tyto, though Forest Kingfishers (Todiramphus macleayii) an exception.

Almost impossible to sneak up on them, the least trusting of kingfishers. Above bird alighted briefly on cyclone-damaged pandanus before spotting me on track and zooming off.
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Wandering companionably around Tyto

2011-05-14T08:11:00.000+10:00

Wandering Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna arcuata) breeding attractively in Tyto.

Just one of the species Barbara of Wildwings and Swampythings admired when we met by chance for an interesting and chatty circuit around the main lagoon this week.

Highlight was her sighting of a Little Bittern, tucked away in distant tall grass on the edge of a scleria island. Too obscured and far off for worthwhile picture.

Also chanced upon a bounding Bandicoot, but came up short on White-browed Crakes, though did hear one or two. Recent sighting above.

AND: Coming up this way? Ignore the closed signs at info centre and gate. Shire worried about liability if visitors tumble over four or five trees still across two side tracks, or get pounced upon by snakes in ankle-high grass!
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Crocodile sticks to shallows

2011-05-10T16:59:00.000+10:00

'More and better another day.' I hoped! So here's another look at my Macknade wetland 'friend'.

It's a little better. But Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) still too far away - and today wouldn't get out of the shallows. We'll keep trying ...

Meantime, two Intermediate Egrets (Ardea intermedia) scratched up from a recent Tyto walk.

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Sunning croc not up to smiling

2011-05-06T16:58:00.000+10:00

No super smile at Macknade wetland near Ingham today but at least this Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) stayed sunning long enough for a few pictures.

First sighted and spooked the 2.5-3m croc after being distracted by a Brown Goshawk harassed by Willie Wagtails and Spangled Drongos.

Went back two hours later and found croc content to sit still so long as I stayed in the car, on a sugar cane track 25 metres across the water. More and better another day, I hope!
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Wanderering ducks stay as croc whistles away

2011-05-02T16:16:00.000+10:00

Wandering Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna arcuata) amid blue and pink waterlilies at Macknade wetland near Ingham today.

Love to show the 2.5m crocodile sunning with yellow-toothed open grin at edge of same billabong, but it proved faster than the ducks.

So here's a slower reptile, a large monitor on point duty, from a recent outing.

In Tyto, Intermediate Egrets (Ardea intermedia) have returned in modest numbers.
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Helpful handful of honeyeaters

2011-04-28T18:03:00.001+10:00

Bird counts in Tyto showing a slow rise, with a handful of honeyeater species helping boost numbers. Hard to miss noisy groups of Yellow Honeyeaters (Lichenostomus flavus).

Also found in small bands at times and good guides to pythons, White-gaped Honeyeater (Lichenostomus unicolor).

Building up after almost vanishing from the wetlands after Yasi, Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta).
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Wallaby's wetlands wander wonder

2011-04-26T17:07:00.000+10:00

Big male Agile Wallaby sploshed up below the hide in Tyto today and started tucking into tasty para grass. Nothing odd in that. But ...

It then purposefully walked into deep water, swam a narrow channel, and clambered noisily and vanished into an island of inedible, water-bound scleria. Wallabies take to water if threatened, but this unalarmed animal chose to be on an island offering no food or dry land. A mystery after seven years of watching wallabies in the wetlands.
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Flushed Nightjar triggers reddy theme

2011-04-21T17:57:00.000+10:00

Serious case of red-eye from Large-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus macrurus) flushed - and fill-flashed - in dark patch of rainforest the other day. The eyes glow red even in weak torchlight.

Not so Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus). Male moving toward full colour in Tyto today.

Red-browed Finch (Neochmia temporalis) in Tyto, showing why birds were previously called firetails.

Finally, more subdued shades of male Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris).

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Sunbird feeds into scheme of things

2011-04-17T17:03:00.001+10:00

Few Olive-backed Sunbirds (Nectarinia jugularis) seen about the wetlands lately so lucky getting close to this female today.

But, then, her mind was more on pollen and nectar than nosy photographers.

So, too, this young Dusky Honeyeater (Myzomela obscura), looking at first impression rather like a Scarlet or Red-headed Honeyeater juvenile.

And this Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) also didn't mind me getting close, very close, knowing I'd no designs on a dragonfly dinner.
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Fairy-wren trio flies apart

2011-04-14T16:51:00.000+10:00

Seldom capture tidy grouping of Red-backed Fairy-wrens (Malurus melanocephalus) so above in Tyto today worth more than one picture.

Even though slightly distant trio rapidly became duo.

Also rather distant, Australian Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus australis). Scleria is lately 'alive' with them. (Also suddenly noisily prominent, Tawny Grassbirds, in shrubby bladey grass.)
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Count on Crimson Finches

2011-04-11T16:42:00.000+10:00

Can always count on a few Crimson Finches (Neochmia phaeton) in Tyto - and so it was today.

Not always easy to get close.

But young birds can be a little less wary.

Bit tricky trying to line two up in the same depth of field.
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Wren jinks, joins weather jinx

2011-04-04T15:08:00.001+10:00

Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus) takes off in Tyto yesterday.

Split-second earlier, sharper, but looking wrong way. Timing is all ...

But all ain't what it used to be. Total count of species for February and March: 77; roughly 20-30 below pre-Yasi expectations, though La Nina must also be counted contributor to the shortfall.
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Rainbow Bee-eater prrps into place

2011-04-01T16:59:00.000+10:00

Plenty of Rainbow Bee-eaters (Merops ornatus) 'prrpping' about the place these days.

Not too many posing on low points.

Pity the pallid light in Tyto today played down bird's colours.
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More meat for Yellow Honeyeater

2011-03-28T09:54:00.000+10:00

No surprise to find Yellow Honeyeater (Lichenostomus flavus) with juicy green caterpillar in Tyto yesterday. Cyclone Yasi and much rain since then have reduced honeyeaters' feed options. So, Yellows and Rufous-throateds have stayed around, but most Browns - keener on pollen and nectar - have left the wetlands.
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AF misses the flycatcher action

2011-03-22T15:19:00.001+10:00

Wee trip north today to Five-mile Swimming Hole just south of Yasi-ravaged Cardwell offered plenty of action with Lemon-bellied Flycatchers (Microeca flavigaster) and Leaden Flycatchers (Myiagra rubecula).

Missing in action through much of a frustrating hour, auto focus and/or external flash. Birds came and went, so did camera functions.

But even on best behaviour camera would have struggled for sharp capture of sudden spat between two birds.

And in-flight grabs at prey seldom come out much better than the above. Of course, back at home camera works perfectly. Damn it!
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Finch sticks around for picture

2011-03-20T17:15:00.002+10:00

More super Wet and flooding in Tyto early this week, giving way to weak sunshine from Friday.

Today, found slight increase - to 31 bird species - over previous Sunday. Notable rise in numbers of Chestnut-breasted Manikins. Very few ducks and cormorants. No egrets or ibises.

This Red-browed Finch (Neochmia temporalis) one of few birds that stayed close enough for a picture.
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Squelching the numbers . . .

2011-03-13T15:03:00.000+10:00

Squelched into Tyto today after 740mm of rain and widespread flooding through the week finally gave way to mostly dry roads and sullen grey cloud. Tracks overgrown and some knee-deep in water.

Found 26 bird species. Few in usual numbers, apart from White-browed Crakes and Forest Kingfishers. Even Crimson Finches and Willie Wagtails notably reduced.

But did surprise a Black Bittern in spot flushed from soon after Cyclone Yasi crashed through last month. A creature of habit, possibly partner of bird above, pictured in January.

And while looking back, two views of a Sooty Oystercatcher from my flying visit to NZ.

Painful crawl over volcanic rock on Manukau Harbour foreshore brought little reward!
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Old images antidote to cabin fever

2011-03-10T14:30:00.001+10:00

Rain, rain, go away! Five days of it. Ingham cut off. Cabin fever setting in. Antidote: take a few unused images.

Sunnier shot, but didn't think it sharp enough: Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys) with dragonfly, in Tyto early this year.

Black-fronted Dotterel (Elseyornis melanops) stands amid some morning sparkle. Put picture aside because didn't like the angle.

And two rather wooden Brown Falcons (Falco berigora).
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Riding on a (Grey)hound from hell

2011-03-06T11:33:00.002+10:00

I'm back!

After the bus trip from hell.

Saw plenty of family and friends in NZ. But not ready to live in manicured green paradise yet. (No, not going to relive the quake tragedy.) So, score cheapish, perfect flight Auckland-Cairns.

Need bus to Ingham. Enter Greyhound office. Omen: snotty child spilling juice all over floor. Two females with attitude booking rides without pausing cellphone calls (another omen).

Three hours to bus time. Steamy morning drags on.
Bus arrives 12.15 for 1pm departure. Driver steaming after hosing outside of bus in futile cooling effort. 12.30: Passengers mill around. Stressed driver flaps about getting fares and baggage in confused disorder. Passengers told to climb aboard, without being given seat numbers. Bad move. Anger later as shifts ordered.

Time drags on. So, too, late arrivals. Driver near meltdown. Some fares too. Incluing disturbed barefooted woman getting home after troubled night in police cell 'care'.

Bus hot. Fares hot. Driver sweating torrents. Counts heads. Loses figure. Recounts heads. Wrong total. Tries again. (Another omen).

Off, finally, and only about eight minutes late. Bus gains tiny draft to assist hopeless cool vents. Bigmouth teen starts first of five-hour series of drama-filled 'OMG - you're freaking me out' mobile shrieks.

Driver mops brow. Again, and again, and again. Hellish bids to amuse and inform begin. Radio blares. Changes. Driver frets. Tries DVD. No go. Then go. No go. Then sound only. Nobody tells him for 15 mins. More fiddling. Distorted picture. But we're free from his fiddling for a blessed hour.

Teen drama queen raves on. Drunken yobbo up back frets for nicotine. Tries to leap from bus to gulp a few drags during every one of many freight pickups made. And at all the dropoffs and pickups.

Bus trundles on, stop after stop. Finding first gear is a struggle but we're settled into the ride. More radio blaring and inane info from driver just roll off us. Inured to it all. Just get it over.

More detours, dropoffs and pickups.

Tully, nearing blessed end. Disturbed woman, another very heavy smoker, quits bus and folds arms around small boy who runs to her.

Woman's mother and another youngster approach. Family reunion. Which turns to nightmare.
Disturbed woman starts screaming at her mother. 'Get away from me! Get away from me.'Then attacks her. Both wrestling on ground under depot roof. Male with mother stands useless nearby.

Young woman on bus leaps out and stops the fight. Fragile peace sets in. But disturbed woman rejects mother's presence.

All on bus glued to events. Ugly cheering. Sick fascination and sicker comment. Little sympathy for the adults and not even much for the children so obviously at risk.

Just let this trip end! (I'm no better than any other on this ride).

Driver loses passenger count. Again! Recounts. Scribbles again. And again. Off at last.

Cardwell. Food stop. Change drivers. 20 mins late. Drivers lose count. Hunt for phantom passenger.

Idiot new passenger holding ticket to Townsville but lacking any money ponders choice of overnighting with friend and being flown ex-Cairns or being stranded penniless down south. Takes 10 minutes to quit bus.

Drunk smoker leaps back on. Fallen in love with it all, he slurs a request to buy further ticket and go all way to Brisbane! Proof that travel soddens the mind.

Ingham at last. Luck changes. New driver drops me right outside caravan park.

Friends. Caravan cleaned and aired. Home sweet home!

PS: Had great time in NZ. Spent almost all of 16 days with family and friends. Little nature watching and even less birding. So, just one 'oodle ardler' from inner city Auckland.

Chilled Kiwi sees few birds ... for now

2011-02-25T10:59:00.000+10:00

Gidday all, from the land of the chilly long white cloud, Birds? Not so many. Many kilometres on road and great views NZ falcon and harriers. Have caught up with family and friends. Maybe post a pic or two on Mangere Library system next few days. Cheers for now.