High ISO slows high-speed Sunbirds down

Olive-backed Sunbirds light up the understorey with their nest-building comings and goings near the Freshwater hide in the Town Common Conservation Park, Townsville.

Of possible interest photographically pictures taken at very high ISO (25600) and shutter speed (1/8000thsec). Remarkably little 'noise' on sensor for such high settings thanks to Canon 1DX performance. No postprocessing noise reduction used. Need even faster shutter to stop rapid wingbeats.

Tawny Grassbird in Tyto Wetlands (brief return to my old stamping ground - no Grass Owls seen) on Monday easier to freeze in action while hopping along a branch.

Back in the Common today,  Swamp Harrier stirred plenty of fast wingbeats at Melaleuca viewing area as birds feeding below -  already spooked by two White-bellied Sea-Eagles - took off with the wetland predator's arrival.

No feed for the harrier, and nothing for male Dingo crossing the water in front of Jacana hide early this morning. In fact, egrets and ibises nearby barely turned their heads to look. Lacks that lean and hungry look, so perhaps not fullblooded specimen.

Finish on a Peaceful (Dove) note. One of four birds in front of Freshwater hide this morning taking turns to take fast drink and (usually) take off rapidly away from the dangerous area and activity. But this bird chose to puff up a little and show off its subtle colouring.

Shining moments around foot of tower

Shining moments below Payets Tower in the Common yesterday included surprise visit by female Shining Monarch. Quick flit through trees close to pool's edge and the bird darted off northeast. No sign of male partner but no surprise there. The glittering blue-black males seldom leave heavily shadowed creek fringes, habitat hard to find even at the conservation park's wettest.

Osprey appeared overhead almost at same time. Made three circuits of the pool without ever seeming likely to take the plunge for fish, though a few hefty splashes tell of sizeable targets.

White-bellied Cuckoo-shrike struck better luck chasing sizeable insect targets in trees around the tower. Chose always to eat them away from the camera.

And Tawny Grassbird popped up out of para grass dying after recent killer dose of spray by Parks and Wildlife, which wants visitors to see more than high grass at the four main viewing areas. Prediction: Grass back bigger than ever within a year. Watch this space!

Golden head stands out in growing grass

Can almost see the grass growing by the minute around Ingham these warm and wet days, so plenty to hear but sometimes little to see along Orient Station fences today. Best of the morning, Golden-headed Cisticola (Cisticola exilis).

Lots of noise from many Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis), but only one bird lingered for the camera.

Several groups of Red-backed Fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus). Not many sitting still however. They don't let the grass grow under their feet. 

Little Grassbird pops out

Commonly shy and uncommon up this way, Little Grassbird (Megalurus gramineus) pops out in the morning light at Mungalla Station. Rare sight worth two looks.

Much less shy and much more common, Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis) stands out amid the hymenachne. 

But making the absolute most of the soft light, immature Crimson Finch (Neochmia phaeton) on scleria. 

Triller down from tree tops

White-winged Triller (Lalage sueurii) comes down from the tree tops to chase breakfast in Tyto. More males of the species than usual this season but females have not been as prominent.

Certainly not so common as Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis). Bladey grass has invaded many former shaded areas since Cyclone Yasi and grassbirds are everywhere in noisy numbers.

As always, so too Rufous Whistler (Pachycephala rufiventris). This juvenile one of several throughout the wetlands lately.

Tawny Grassbird stands out

Plenty of noise and sightings from Tawny Grassbird (Megalurus timoriensis) these days though as usual the birds seldom stand out from their habitat of blady grass and twiggy small trees. Bird above posed briefly in Tyto yesterday.

As did Little Kingfisher (Ceyx pusilla), with small catch. Stared resolutely away in spite of encouragement to turn for the camera.

Elsewhere, Mangrove Robin (Peneonanthe pulverulenta) seen wrestling with a monster wriggler of unknown identity. Passing honeyeater spooked the robin, which polished off prey within deep cover.

Finally got a reasonable image of Rufous Fantail (Rhipidura rufifrons). Quicksilver species rarely sits still, so above image from Seymour River, just north of Ingham came with more than a little luck.

Also found a Northern Fantail (Rhipidura rufiventris) near the river.
Click pix to enlarge