Sunday, May 31, 2009

Nutmegs spice things up


Nutmeg Mannikins (Lonchura punctulata) seldom stick around when approached by anyone or anything in Tyto. Usually any warning note is followed by a swiftly ascending flock of disappearing twitterers.
 But yesterday a couple of birds behaved more boldly than normal and offered the chance of a few pictures. Of course, in the end I strayed a step too close and even these two birds quickly called an end to the session.


Final species tally for May came to 113 with the very uncommon showing of a solitary Pied Currawong yesterday. A pair spent time in Ingham two years ago, but those birds stayed away from Tyto.

Other uncommon sightings for the week - and the year - came with a pair of Brown Gerygones (usually only in rainforest) and three squabbling White-necked Herons (mostly solitary).      

1 comment:

mick said...

Great photos - especially the Mannikins. I saw and photographed a Pied Currawong today also - haven't seen one around here for ages!

Some birds close to my heart of things

Home's where the heart is, close to home's where many of my birds are. Benefit of buying into retirement village surrounded by conse...