EE and I had a week away around the Bellarine Peninsula.
We had several bird species in mind, and to get the ball rolling, Australian Gannets, were the first order of the series.
Queenscliff is the closest town to “Popes Eye”, a man-made structure, that was designed to be a gun emplacement to protect the Queenscliff fort area. As it turned out we ran out of enemies before the emplacement was complete, and it languished as a small bluestone reef.
However the Gannets that inhabit Port Philip Bay used it as a rookery, or is that a Gannetry, and the birds patrol up and down the coast from their home.
You can actually watch them on-line at Reef Cam, on this link
For us, working the shoreline, things such as the weather, wind, tides and fish all work for, or against, and in the few hours we had in the rain, it was, well, against.
Score, John Wayne 0 Gannets 1.
Queenscliff was a very important tourist destination in the late 19th century, and to help set the olde worlde them the parks and foreshores were planted with exta-ordinary stands of pine and cypress.
In the early part of the year these all produce loads of pine-cones, all rich, green and fresh. A regular takeaway for Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos.
With their highly distinctive call, and family disposition, they can be followed around town as they help themselves to the best of the ‘cones.
Again we managed an overcast day, and had difficulty really getting the rich colours, but we were able to keep the contrast a little under control, so wins all round.
John Wayne 20, Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo, 50+
Our third target was the Latham’s Snipe at Lake Lorne, so next week, I’ll explore that area.
Enjoy
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
Great to see them! They are a bit special. Sometimes the weather just doesn’t work in our favour.
Hopefully there will be some good weather over the next few months – looks like I will have quite a bit of ‘spare’ time. Every live event/conference booking has been cancelled!
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G,day, Yep, was talking to a couple of other event management folk, and they are in the same boat. Tough for the freelance “Tech” and Roadie crews, as its no work, no pay.
My daughter does event management for a country racecourse, her crews are not going to turn up from Monday.
Watched 5 mins of the footy game tonight, more like an old country club saturday event, lots of action, no cheering. Reminds of an old Lalbert v Tyntynder game, more players than spectators. 🙂
Hope you can keep your hand in.
Good luck
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Beautiful captures, the last one is spectacular!
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A lovely series of shots of them David. They always look as if they are smiling, which automatically makes me smile back at them. Definitely a “feel good” bird to encounter. Thanks for sharing the pleasure among your friends.
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first time I’ve viewed your blog on my Mac the colours and photos are spectacular,especially where the parrots are in amongst the greenery. Made my evening, thanks David
Ginny
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Beautiful captures David. We never saw much of them last year the Sulphur-cresteds and Corellas cleaned out the pine forest on Botany Ba. There is a resident population in the Nasho which I hear and see pass over occasionally. They are special and a great delight to see. I love the way they drive out the noisy Sulphur-cresteds and take control of the forest. I love how you have captured the under body detail of the plumage.
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Lovely photos Dave. I think the muted grey background shows the birds to advantage. Great flight shots. Well done Dave.
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