The past few weeks has seen the temperature drop back into bearable range, and allowed for easier birding. And the birds seem to be enjoying the cooler conditions too. Late last month I had the privilege of leading a group of 24 bird-watchers from Port Macquarie around Manilla. It was a great day out with the highlights being a pair of
Black Falcons at the Manilla STW, a few
Red-kneed Dotterels at Borah Crossing TSR, the regulars at Dowe NP such as
Chestnut-rumped and
Inland Thornbills, Blue-Bonnets,
Grey-crowned Babblers,
Southern Whiteface and
Western Gerygones. There were no Painted Honeyeaters found at Rangari, but the weather turned sour there hindering our efforts. Not before a group of eight
Ground Cuckoo-shrikes were located, and a couple of
Singing Honeyeaters too.
Sorry, no pictures that day as I was too busy leading the group around. But the pictures have flowed off the camera this weekend just gone. For the parrot lovers out there I finally got a half-decent shot of the beautiful
Turquoise Parrot. This parrot is endangered in New South Wales. The male is more brightly coloured, but even the female is lovely!
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| Turquoise Parrot |
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| Male Turquoise Parrot feeding behind log. |
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| Turquoise Parrot up tree. |
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| Female Turquoise Parrot |
In the same small reserve were other endangered and uncommon species. The finch lovers may enjoy the stunning Diamond Firetails. Three of them were buzzing around, and finally landed near me briefly.
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| Diamond Firetail |
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| Diamond Firetail |
Also coming and going were a group of Plum-headed Finches, which are not generally regarded as common in New South Wales. This one was feeding on grasses along the bank of a small dam.
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| Plum-headed Finch |
The last bird of interest in this reserve 25kms from Manilla was the Hooded Robin. They are declining in numbers and now also listed as endangered. They were actively feeding from low branches and even rocks, and the male was seen to be enjoying a worm for breakfast. Afterall, the early bird catches the worm!
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| Female on the left, male on the right; Hooded Robins |
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| Male Hooded Robin enjoying a worm. |
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| Hooded Robin, male. |
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| Hooded Robin, male. |
Today I came across a group of about six White-backed Swallows. Most people in Australia are familiar with the Welcome Swallow but probably only bird-watchers even know about White-backed Swallows. They are the least common Martin or Swallow in Australia by a long way being generally uncommon. Theyprefer sandy creek banks to nest in, and are quite stunning! Unfortunately my photos do not do them justice. You will have to try and find one for yourself!
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| White-backed Swallow. |
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| White-backed Swallows. |
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| White-backed Swallow |
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