David Jenkins

Farewell to Waders: Altona

May 11, 2014May 11, 2014Posted in Altona, Black-shouldered Kite, World Migratory BIrd Day 20142 Comments

Birdlife Australia, in conjunction with bayside councils and environmental groups all across the country have been running an awareness programme titled “Farewell to Shorebirds”

They have a web site, and videos and information about this year’s migration of these determined little flyers. Farewell to Shorebirds.

The events culminate (I think that is the right word) with “World Migratory Bird Day 2014” This is a United Nations sanctioned event and lots of events on the day bring an awareness of the efforts of those who are working with the birds and the supreme efforts of the birds themselves as they make their 14,000km trip to their breeding grounds in Siberia. Here is the link to the international organisation.

At a local level, the Hobsons Bay City Council and Birdlife Australia set up a morning of activities and information to celebrate the day. As it turns out, The day the UN has set aside for World Migratory Bird Day, is the second Sunday in May. Which as it turns out, coincides with our normal, “Mothers Day”. The perfect opportunity for Spin Doctors and Word Smiths.

The event this year was held in a foreshore park in the Altona area, and as a ‘free’ bbq was promised, there seemed no reason not to abandon normal programmes and head on down.

The weather was sunny day, light breeze and relatively low tide. So the shoreline had lots of ducks, swans, pelicans, oystercatchers, terns, spoonbills, herons, egrets and more ducks. But no waders! Of course not, Silly. They’ve left for the north. So we stood around and pondered the flight of about 40gm to Siberia. That is about 12 jellybeans. And as the festivities, (and the bbq) got going we were able to view the variety of birds that call the mouth of the Laverton Creek home.

The local Mayor, Birdlife Aust dignitaries and the local ranger, gave some interesting stats on the birds, their habitats, their travels and the like. The Spin Doctors were ahead on points as the connection to Mothers Day and the little tiny mothers, heading for the Siberian river flats was drawn to our attention. Also not forgetting the ‘daddy’ birds who were also on the way, and without, if you’ll pardon the pun, their input, the process would be pretty much doomed to failure. But I digress.

We were also alerted to the difficulty of the little travellers on their way and on the return because of the impact that human development has had on feeding areas. (A point that I have to admit that cannot be too highly stressed. Problem with a blog is you get personal reflections!) I digress.

One of the issues addressed was the difficulty of dogs running free in Dogs off Leash areas. Just happened that is where we were standing. And then like a stage managed concert, (Janet Jackson would have a been impressed), two large dogs, decided that all this talk was annoying them, and started what is commonly termed a “Dog Fight”. These were big brutes, one a German Shepherd the size of a small horse, ((Insert thought, wonder how much it costs to feed the thing for a year.) (Probably a small third world country food budget)) I digress.

So the whole event had to wait until the ‘Responsible Dog Owners’ managed to seperate the protagonists and things quietened down. Me, whenever I see a dog salivating after a toe to toe, I know that its a dog under stress, and a dead set danger to others. Still, to the credit of the speaking group, they regathered their collective thoughts and continued on. However I think the point of danger to birds, dogs, humans and the like was already well made. Well done demonstration team. NOT.

More birds, more talk, more looking, and over to the bbq we strolled. Well done team.

Thanks for all those involved in the organisation, their participation, and their friendliness and help to all who wanted to know just a little more about these wonderful travellers who call the shores of Hobson’s Bay home for part of their year. We await with interest for their return, and the return of their new offspring.

A pretty good way to spend Mothers Day, or any day.

Hobson's Bay Mayor opening proceedings. — Hobson’s Bay Mayor opening proceedings.

Part of the official party. Thanks team.

A collection of local inhabitants on the sands of the Laverton Creek outflow

That is why we used to call them "Spur-winged Plovers" before they were called Masked Lapwings — That is why we used to call them “Spur-winged Plovers” before they were called Masked Lapwings

An Australasian Gannet way out in the bay fishing

What its all about. Birds relaxing in the sunshine by the outflow.

I know, its not a Shorebird, but this juvenile Black-shouldered Kite was just sitting around.

Early morning looking for Brogla

May 9, 2014Posted in Uncategorized6 Comments

Given the really super weather of yesterday, we decided to make an early morning run to the Western Treatment Plant and look for some Brolga that had been sighted. So we went. Early enough for the cold to be, well, bitter. All rugged up we arrived down at the T Section area, and immediately found a number of waders that had not made the trip to Siberia. Top among them was a Curlew Sandpiper in breeding plumage. Even some of the Red-necked Stints that couldn’t get their passports stamped in time were showing the ‘red neck’ for which they are named.

At that early hour of the morning with the sun running almost horizontal across the waters, the mists can be a problem if you are facing toward the sun. But, there in the distance and the end of the road, surely, yes, its two Brolga. Not much photographic to be achieved from an overexposed, blurry shot, so we took the round trip on the roads on the bund and ended up with the ‘sun over your left shoulder dear’, as my Mother used to say.

They were both pretty co-operative, and eventually with a consenting nod, they took to the air to look else where in the Plant.

By this time, the weather man’s dire predictions were beginning to come to fruition and the light was, well, falling past average fast.

We moved up the road and found on Lake Borrie, first one flock, and then a second, of Great Crested Grebe. I’ve only ever seen them in ones and twos, but here were flocks of 15-20 all with their heads tucked back, chests out and bobbing up and down in the water. Very impressive. Also among them was an Australasian Grebe. So in a small area we had all three Grebes. Hoary-headed, Australasian and Great Crested. I’ve been told the Australasian Grebe are not found in the WTP, so this one either didn’t know the rules or had come by to visit with the relies.

We paused for the obligatory ‘cuppa’ and a Swamp Harrier rewarded us by working along the bund on the far side. I was able to watch the patient, and very precise way it works along the reed beds, quickly backing up to check on anything that is out of the ordinary, and could be used for lunch.

A little further on and we came across a drama that was about to unfold. A Swamp Harrier was being harassed by a Little Raven. Now usually this is pretty easy to score, Raven makes a few passes, Harrier ducks and weaves, and in the end both return to normal services as soon as possible.
What made this much more dangerous was the Harrier was obviously in a bad mood and in no frame of mind to be harassed. As soon as the Raven had made its first sweep by, the Harrier dodged and then turned claws out and wings working to cut off the escape of the Raven. Now the purser became the pursued, and the Harrier was more than a match for the twisting turning Raven. Its not the first time I’ve seen this, as I watched a Harrier grasp the wing of a hapless raven some time back and bring it down. Eventually damaging its wing and then despatching it on the ground. There also on the blog is the story of the Harrier taking on a Brown Falcon encounter.

See here. The amazing story of the Harrier and the Falcon.

The Raven took to running to the reed beds – Bad Move. This the Harrier’s best working area, so it made a direct and sustained attack on the raven at pretty much ground level. But the Raven did have the ability to turn tighter and faster, and with what can only be called bird luck it made it to the roadway, and the Harrier figured the event was a thing of the past. The Raven also decided that once was enough for the day, and took off across the paddock on the other side of the road. Phew!

All dressed up and, well, no where to go. A Curlew Sandpiper in breeding plumage.

Aerial feats of excellence. Swamp Harrier with Avalon Airport in the background

Great Crested Grebe. Two large flocks were on Lake Borrie

An Australasian Grebe among its Hoary-headed relatives

With a twist of the body, the head is able to examine in great detail the reeds below.

A couple of Whistling Kites enjoying the breezes.

Legs up, and the Raven suddenly senses that the tables have been turned.

Hmmm what's wrong with this picture. Harrier in hot pursuit of Raven — Hmmm what’s wrong with this picture. Harrier in hot pursuit of Raven

Well able to predict and react to the twists and turns of the hapless Raven

Time is almost running out for the Raven.

Whistling Kite resting from a hectic game.

Our Flame Robin drought is finally over

May 8, 2014May 8, 2014Posted in Bandicoot Big Brother House, Eynesbury, Flame Robin, Jacky Winter, Red-rumped Parrot2 Comments

The Flame Robins travel down from the Victorian High Country where they have replenished the species over summer and spend the winter in the lower country. Bit hard for a little beak to find food under several metres of snow!

Our former main area of Woodlands Historic Park has been a major stop over for them as they migrate down along the bayside areas. Some families don’t continue travelling but remain around the Grey Box forest areas at Woodlands and set up feeding territories and have been a great source of picture making pleasure for us over the years. But, we don’t have close access this year, and the couple of trips we’ve made have been blocked by a large sign on a gate explaining the need for the Parks people to manage a fox that has managed to breach the secure area for the Eastern Barred Bandicoots. So rather than having nearly a month of good work with the Flame Robins, we’ve been in a bit of a drought. Spotting the odd one or two at a distance is not quite the same somehow.

As we move into winter, the weather has also played its part in keeping us at home. After all what is the point of standing in a cold forest on a grey day with the light completely obscured by the incessant rain. Not that I’m against getting wet, just not much point photographically.

Our friends, Richard and Gwen A (he of Woodlands Birds List fame) wanted to have lunch at Eynesbury Golf Club and a bit of a walk in the forest. Again this should be a good area for Flame Robins, so we accepted the offer, and waited for a ‘reasonable day’. It arrived. Beaut cold morning. 2 degrees, plenty of sunshine and little breeze. Great. So we, EE, Mr An Onymous, and I set off early to get a good start and work up an appetite for lunch. We had previously found several robins in an area within pretty easy walking distance of the carpark and so we decided to start there. Brown Treecreepers, a few Dusky Woodswallows, a White-winged Triller and an assortment of Thornbills were enjoying the change in the weather too.

We eventually found a small family of Flame Robins, and set down to work. There is something very satisfying about sitting quietly while a dozen or more birds feed back and forth around you. These birds have the name “Petroica” which roughly translated means “Rock dwellers” and where they were working was indeed the rocky side of a slope. So we sat in the sunshine and enjoyed the activity. None seemed to really be too sure of us, but at least they allowed some good, if not great shots. But like all good days out, it was both enjoyable and a learning experience. Armed with our new knowledge of the feeding area of these birds will give us a head start next time we are out that way. And of course, with such great little subjects its going to be sooner than later.

We caught up for lunch, and then had an hour or so to wander in another part of the forest. Looked hard for Diamond Firetails, but had to settle for two Whistling Kites, and two Black Kites. On the way back the fluting call of a Little Eagle led us to some great views of a circling bird. No Freckle or Blue-billed Ducks on the club Lake, but we did see a golf ball badly sliced off the tee drop into the lake with a satisfying “perlop”.

Always a delight to see in the sunshine a male Red-rumped Parrot

Called "Rock dwellers' they remained true to name in this part of the forest — Called “Rock dwellers’ they remained true to name in this part of the forest

Tiny little birds always manage to get behind a stalk of grass or two.

A female that landed on the fence line next to where I was sitting

A Jacky Winter came by to see what all the fuss was about. Perhaps it was ticking of humans for its online human list.

Fire, smoke, an open paddock, simply add birds for action

April 29, 2014May 8, 2014Posted in "Western Treatment Plant", Australian Hobby, Australian Kestrel, Black Kite, Black-shouldered Kite, Brown Falcon, Flame Robin, Werribee, Western Treatment Plant, Whistling Kite2 Comments

One part of the family was off to Sydney for a holiday. So how about we leave our car with you and go to Avalon airport? Now the cool thing about saying yes to the request of course is that Avalon is but a mere 5 minutes from the WTP. And well, we’d have to come back that way after all the farewells, and book ins and security checks, and stuff.

So we found ourselves on the Beach Road in the middle of the afternoon on a not too brilliant for photography day. The folk at the farm had taken the opportunity of the change in the weather to conduct some control burns in some of the bigger fields. And off course the raptors simply couldn’t resist the chance of fried or roasted or bbq locusts, mice, grasshoppers, lizards and the like.

As we travelled down the Beach Road, the sky was awash with larger birds. Perhaps as many as 20 Whistling Kites, twice that number of Black Kites, at least two Australian Kestrels, and an assortment of Ravens, several squadrons of Australian Magpie and innumerable Magpie Larks.

From a photography point of view, the light was wrong and the birds too far away, but the old D2xS on the 300mm f/2.8, stepped up to the challenge. So the big birds swept over the still smouldering ground, or made a landing and picked up a morsel or two. Their friends sat on the fence line and the Whistling Kites kept up a constant call. In the end, we just watched, and enjoyed them enjoying themselves.
A Black Kite became a target for a rather aggressive Whistling Kite and a sky wide battle ensued. At first the Whistling Kite was much faster, could turn quicker, gain height faster and generally outfly the Black Kite. Quite a number of direct hits from above, below and the side ensued. In the end, I decided that perhaps the Black was just taking it all and wasn’t really concerned by the output of energy by the Whistling Kite. It ended by the Black gaining height and just sailing away. The Whistler settled down for a rest on the fence.

On the other side of the road a Black-shouldered Kite busied itself in finding mice for its evening snack.

We also found a large family of Flame Robins. The males looking a treat in the sunshine. But far too far away to do them justice.
As we drove around Lake Borrie on the return home a pair of Cape Barren Geese were feeding in an open area. Really perturbed by our audacity to encroach on their feeding spot, the male gave me a lecture and wing-waving display. I apologised and we parted in good company. Just have to be more careful about sneaking up on him.

With the light finally drifting into greyness, it was considered time for home.

A burst of late evening sunlight highlights the maize against the brilliant dark sky.

Red burst from a Flame Robin male, one of 4 males and about 6-8 female/juveniles in the area.

Two Black Kites. They are at completely different heights.

Australian Kestrel turning for another sweep over the still smouldering paddock.

Whistling Kite, vs Black Kite. Probably not as one sided as it at first appeared.

Completely uninterested in the bbq, this Black-shouldered Kite stuck to its larder. A mouse.

Cape Barren Goose. He is giving me a lecture on my tardiness in being in his territory.

Counting Birds at Mt Rothwell

April 28, 2014April 28, 2014Posted in Uncategorized2 Comments

One of the newer pursuits we’ve been involved with is the Werribee Wagtails group’s Bird Surveys at a number of sites. One of those is Mt Rothwell Bio-Diversity Centre.
This area is set aside, privately funded, as a nature reserve. Details can be found in the website here.

Mt Rothwell Site

Astute readers will recall a blog back in December 2013, when said blogger became separated from the counting group and was “lost” for over an hour or more. Now depending on who tells, the story, I was not “lost”, nor “Misplaced.”, simply a long long long way behind the leader. Nuf said.

This time, under pain of something dreadful, and probably unpleasant, I was allowed to join, but had to ensure that:

A. I did not have a camera. And
B. Would stay on the Tracks, no wandering off.

So, as the Banjo says, We went.
Pleasing day, great company and plenty of birds to see.
We stopped for lunch at the worksite kitchen area and one of the local inhabitants, an Eastern Quoll came out to see what has going on in “his patch”. These delightful little creatures once roamed the grasslands of Victoria and were so plentiful that the government placed a bounty on them at one time. Sadly there is only a handful of them left, and by 1970 or so they were considered ‘extinct’ in Victoria.

This one and its mate amused us over the lunch break by their antics and their almost complete lack of fear. Wandering around under the tables and through the forest of feet. One even accepted some offered food, but in the end just spat it out. No accounting for taste.

We then took an afternoon walk to the top of the hill and watched enthralled as Little Eagles, Whistling Kites, Spotted Harriers and Brown Falcons entertained us as they swept over the plains below.

It was also possible to see down into an old movie set of “Glenrowan” used for the Mick Jagger movie, “Ned Kelly”. The old set is in pretty bad repair, infact no repair at all. It probably speaks more to the skills of the set builders than most else. So it was interesting to wander among the buildings and see what they had recreated of the past.

Then it was time to travel home. And as we proceeded along, it was obvious that the boys had their really big toys out, and were resurfacing the road. “Expect Delays”. Ok, that can’t be too bad, but after all we were the only car on this road, and they were really big toys taking up lots of space, it was going to be a longer than Expected Delay. A kind bloke with a “STOP” sign in his hand wandered over and said, “Its going to be at least 15 minutes, mate. Do you know the way on the backroad over there.” Pointing his sign at the small road off to the right.

“Yes”, said I. Not because I knew the road, nor its destination, but rather because it was a new place to explore, and figured that any road not marked, “No Through Road” must go somewhere. So, as the Banjo says, We went.

First we turned right, then left, then right and right again then left, a bit of a bend to the left, and then right, and right again. After travelling for about 3 kms, we were about 500 meters straight line from where we started!. Great road. Then we came over a rise, and there was a great big dip in the road, and a sign post marked for the depth of the water. 9 Metres it topped at. Wow. Note to self. Remind me not to come this way in the wet.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better two Brown Falcons exploded from the side of the road and sat in a nearby tree. Super.

All in all a great road, and well worth re-exploring methinks.

Eastern Quoll, coming to check out what all the noise is about.

A quick look around the corner from safety

They look harmless enough, I'll get closer — They look harmless enough, I’ll get closer

Ready to jump up on the veranda and see what the humans were doing

A must more cautious mate. — A much more cautious mate.

Seems to have been in the wars a bit with some part of the ear missing.

Nope, human food just doesn't do it. — Nope, human food just doesn’t do it.

What are those Quolls doing in my territory. A very agitated Superb Blue Wren in action

A wonderful demonstration of precision flying from a pair of Little Eagles

"Old Glenrowan" the remains of the movie set from 1970 movie "Ned Kelly" — “Old Glenrowan” the remains of the movie set from 1970 movie “Ned Kelly”

Scarlet Robin, attack of the mirror birds

April 1, 2014April 1, 2014Posted in Panasonic FZ200, Scarlet Robin, You Yangs5 Comments

I’ve been looking for some places that are easy access and where we could spend a few hours, as we did at Woodlands, without having to commit a day to the travelling.

We took a trip down the the eastern side of the You Yangs and found foot access from a fire track, and it opens up into quite an interesting open woodlands. At the end of the road leading to the gate is a small car turnaround and carpark. So with Mr An Onymous, and EE for company I took a trip down the road and parked. It was one of those glorious mornings that photographers really dream about. A little mist rising from the ground, brilliant sunshine and lots of lovely old gum trees in open paddocks, to make the most wonderful landscape scenes. And of course, I’d left the shorter landscape style lenses at home. So I struggled with the 300mm trying to get some decent framing.

We parked in the carpark area, and as I was getting out of the car I heard the distinct call of a Scarlet Robin, and looked about. Then as I opened the back of the car to get the cameras out, a streak of red flashed by, straight to the mirror of the car, and began flaying away at the bird in the reflection. Stunned and cameraless we watched as he made several passes, first on one side of the car, then the other. Satisfied that honour had been done he sped off. Only to return a few minutes later and repeat the process. But we were ready this time.

Then out came his extended family, another 3 males and 2 females. They hunted over the carpark, sat in the sunshine on the wire, and watched too, fascinated by his ability to see off the mirror bird intruder.

The two females were a bit more circumspect and required a bit of careful approach, but they also allowed us some good shots. Which was great, as although the males are such super colours, its the fine, muted, understated colours of the female that seem to me to be the more elegant of the pair.

After yet another bout of mirror butting, he decided it was time for a rest and retired to a fence line, and he allowed me to get a close approach. So close that in the end, I was on the limit of the focus of the camera. With the lovely early light still cascading over him, and enriching the background, it wasn’t hard to make suitable portraits. EE also got a shot of me, from over my shoulder, working with him.

What a great start to a good morning. We have no idea if they are permanent residents. But they certainly were not bothered by our presence at all. A guy walking his three grey hounds past by, and I was ready to put the camera away as the dogs would no doubt scare the birds. But, all 6 held their stations. So I figured that perhaps they had done all this before. Certainly the speed at which he attacked the mirror bird and the constancy of the attacks could only lead to the conclusion he’d done it all before. He also seemed to immediately attach himself to the underside of the mirror, as though it was pretty much normal business.

Must try and get back for another look.

Beautiful morning light on old trees, add mist and stir for a great landscape

Bent over to gain momentum he is about to launch another attack on the mirror bird

Mr Mighty Scarlet, defender of territory.

What, Its back again, this time in a bigger mirror.

The concept of Snoopy verses the Red Baron began to emerge.

Its tough being a super model but someone has to do it. Thanks to EE for the use of the image. Panasonic FZ200

Darters: You’ve gotta pity poor old Dad

March 27, 2014March 27, 2014Posted in Uncategorized2 Comments

We took a quick trip to see what was happening, and with the promise of a Routley’s Pie on the way home we didn’t mess around getting going.

The Traffic on the Bridge was about the same as last time. Think the same bus went by about 5 times. Still, the birds are not in the least bothered, and apart from one “Oh, what are they?” question, the majority of the commuters simply commuted.

The two have grown to about full size now, and they are just as hyper-active as ever. Dad had come in to relieve Mum who went off for preening and hunting. By the time we got settled, he’d fed them and was all out of food. Not that they believed that for a minute, and continued to pester him from one side of the nest to the other and back again. Its pretty amazing to see how those big rubber flippers can hold on to the sides of the nest and move them the chicks about with relative ease, not graceful, one has to admit, but purposeful.

His tactic to avoid the snapping little beaks is to push his head under his wings and mantle. Once they can no longer see his beak, they settle somewhat. But, they know he’s there somewhere and with little else to occupy them, they soon begin to search him out. All the tickling and poking under his feathers eventually wins out, and he has to endure another round of little snaky waving heads pushing him for a meal. Then he’d tuck under once again. It was really interesting to see that he put his head under his mantle, and then the two wings closed like automatic doors over his head and neck. No sign of him now, and not doubt they wouldn’t have been able to part his drawn in wings.

But little heads, and beaks can get under the outside feathers and after a little shaking and pushing, “Oh, there he is!!!” and much more jostling and waving. No doubt he was counting the seconds until Mum came back, and no doubt she was counting the seconds to see how long she could stay away.
We waited about an hour, but she didn’t make an appearance, so we travelled back up the highway to Routley’s Pie Shop on Melbourne Road, in North Geelong. What a great selection, so perhaps we’ll take a couple home as well. Ohhh, Lamb Tandoori sounds nice, and I challenged myself with the Beef, Tomato and Chilli. Yep, that’s got chilli in it. Topped off with a fine Cappuccino, (it was, still, after all, morning) and we were ready for the trip home.

Wings spread out to confuse them, he tries to find a quite moment

Settling in behind his chest, he hopes to get a few moments rest.

He's in there somewhere. — He’s in there somewhere.

Where'd he go? Confused because they can't see him, they turn on one another. — Where’d he go?
Confused because they can’t see him, they turn on one another.

Persistence is their middle name, and little beaks can penetrate the feathers

"ENOUGH". He looses his cool. — “ENOUGH”. He loses his cool.

The lady in the upstairs apartment looks on.

Recently fledged young bird is waiting forlornly for its parents to come back with a feed.

Checking up on the Darters

March 23, 2014Posted in Australasian Darter, Werribee5 Comments

Been about a week since we’d seen the Darters on the Barwon River, and decided on an early morning run.

The Shannon Avenue bridge is busy at any time it seems, and again we met with much pedestrian and bike traffic and the usual, “Oh, I’ve passed here for years and never seen them before, did they just come in?” and other questions.

The nest we’d been watching previously now had two quite large young in it. Well formed and with some pins of real feathers just starting to emerge. The male was on the nest, and the young were relentless in their waving at him for food. They continued full speed for over twenty minutes and he moved about the nest trying to avoid the tiny waving heads. He seemed so patience at their insistence and finally tucked his head under his wing to avoid them. Not being able to see his head stopped the begging, and in the end it was obvious he didn’t have any more food to give, and they settled down for a sleep. He stood over them and tucked his head. one more time, and lifted out his wings to give them some protection.

The two other eggs that had been there the previous week were obviously infertile, and they had been removed from the nest. Perhaps its too late in the season to try and feed four hungry mouths.

We waited an hour or so hoping that the female would return from her hunting expedition, but no such luck. The female in the apartment above had settled down on her eggs and only an occasional head lift to check things out was her response.

We figured that our luck was out on the female returning so we did the right thing and headed off with ‘coffee’ as the next challenge.

Gimme gimme gimme Two little waving heads as they beg for food. — Gimme gimme gimme
Two little waving heads as they beg for food.

Gimme Gimme, they were so active and persistent

Hide as he might, they were quick to take up every opportunity.

When he tucked his head away, they started on each other.

The wonderful wing feathers are just starting to come through.

He stretches out his wings over the sleeping pair

In the apartment above, the female has settled in to hatch her clutch.

A fledged but not very agile young darter is preparing for a quick flight to the next tree.

On Eagle’s Wings

March 15, 2014Posted in Uncategorized2 Comments

When I coined “Birds as Poetry” I had some pretty specific ideas of the images, and the stories I’d be working to share. As it turns out the birds took over and the excursions, “little day trips”, became the norm.

On Friday, I had cause to reflect on the original intention. We were standing in the open on the side of the main road up to the peak at the You Yangs, (Flinders Peak), and a large black form took up all the sky overhead. After much pointing from EE, I managed to get the world back in perspective and there just over the trees above us was a Wedge-tailed Eagle, completely engrossed in its work. It was searching for an air current in the early morning light, and no doubt it knew where the current would be rising, it simply circled to find the updraft.

Which from our vantage point gave us plenty of time to take some pictures and then to simply put the cameras down and become engrossed in its mastery of the air. It dawned on me then that the grace, skill, shape, texture, and activity of the bird was why we go out. It’s that magic of the feathers against the air, the lift of the wings, the turn of the tail, the flexing of the wing angles, that are so magnificent and awe-inspiring that despite how many times we see it, and how many times we can do the math to explain it, the sheer raw ability of the bird to control all those elements with such seemingly ease, just brings us to a jaw-dropping halt as we enjoy vicariously the wonder of flight.

and that in a nutshell of a load of inadequate words is the delight I wanted to share with “Bird as Poetry”.

For perhaps 5 minutes the bird worked its way from air current to air current along the ridges. First turning wide out, and then running close along the cliff sides. Then up, and around and another run. A Brown Goshawk, came out to challenge, but the speed, control and lift of the eagle made it a non starter, it went off to pursue its own activities and the black flying barn-door simply drew its wings and moved on. Neither of us recalls seeing it wing flap once to control the position. It simply wafted through the ups and downs of the air-currents.

In the end, it lifted vertically to a great height and headed of across the You Yangs plains. It huge head twisting right and left as it searched below.

We both breathed again, laughed at our good fortune and contemplated both, the elegance, and the command of the air, and how much better our day would have been had we decided instead to visit a shopping centre and listen to dreadful music, loud mobile phone conversations, be pushed and jostled by fellow shoppers, be assailed by the wails of small children who couldn’t get their way, and breath stale air-conditioned air. Nope, Eagles just don’t cut it 🙂

Enjoy our time.

What about a trip to the Darters?

March 9, 2014March 9, 2014Posted in Australasian Darter2 Comments

Trying to avoid a heavy duty day out in the bush in 30+ temps, we decided that a sleep-in, a late breakfast and a drive down to the Balyang Sanctuary followed by a coffee and focaccia at the Barwon Boathouse would be the tourist thing to do.

After all we’d not discovered the Boathouse when we were there last week, so on the basis of new explorations, we packed up and were on the road by mid-morning. No point in getting there too early as the light is probably about as good as it gets by mid morning, too early, (like Goldie), and the birds are in shadow from the trees hiding the early morning sun. Too late, (like Goldie), and the sun is behind the bridge and the birds are in shade.
What of course this clever plan had failed to point out, is that while we might well have nice light on the birds, it would be blazing hot standing on the shadeless bridge. But, of course we were to figure that out much later.

There are perhaps 4 or 5 nests on the go, but only two that make for reasonable photography. The first is quite close to bridge and on Tuesday, she had two chicks only hatched in the past 24 hours as the Ever-vigilant Helmut had checked it out on Monday and there was only eggs in the nest.

Mum was still sitting proudly, and at first she only showed hints of the eggs. EE began to ponder that perhaps the chicks had met with a terrible fate. But, then Mum got up turned and there were two little snake heads bobbing about in the sunshine. Still at this stage featherless, but it was possible to see the little feather pins pushing through.
She spent a bit of time feeding them and trying to keep them shaded from the sun.

In the apartment above, the female had settled into the nest her mate was preparing on Tuesday, and she too had at least four eggs to show.
Just as the sun was making its presence felt, a loud Sqwaark, and the male arrived. After the usual greetings and things, he fed her on a nice big, fish? and they exchanged places. Which is pretty much an art form in its own right, as large wings, big feet and awkward bodies dance around on thin branches. But, to their credit it does work, and he ended up sitting on the eggs and she preened and went for a long breakfast.

We stayed long enough to see the male come into flat 1, and then decided the heat on the bridge was beyond a joke, I’d answered, “what kind of birds are they?” and “what are you doing?” questions for the week, and we meandered down the track toward the coffee shop. Maybe Routley’s Pie Shop next time.

"Honey, I'm home". Male comes in with a snack, and is ready to do his time looking after the eggs. — “Honey, I’m home”. Male comes in with a snack, and is ready to do his time looking after the eggs.

Just changed over. She has time for a preen before flying out. His tail can be seen behind her on the nest.

Even at this young age they are feed from within her throat. — Even at this young age they are fed from within her throat.

Airborne, just have to avoid all the tree branches.

Mum and young. Not yet feathered, and still unable to stand properly, they do know where the food comes from.

Male sitting on the nest. He must get remarkably hot in the sunshine in that black suit.

As delicate as the female, he re-arranges his charge of four eggs.

Werribee Wagtails Bus Tour

March 5, 2014March 5, 2014Posted in Werribee, Werribee WagtailsTagged Australasian Darter, Darters, Flickr, Werribee Wagtails2 Comments

Werribee Wagtails meet once a month on the first Tuesday of said months. They are a really dedicated group of birdwatchers and we find ourselves well pleased to have become part of the mob.

For March the trip was by Community Bus down to Geelong and beyond. So we arrived at the meeting spot ready to go. Now the bus had been booked out and we had chosen instead to convey down in the traditional spirit of motoring. However some bookees had not taken up the opportunity and so we found ourselves loading food, chairs, cameras and bodies onto the bus.

The first stop was to be Queen’s Park, and a walk along the River to the Balyang Sanctuary. Last seasons, thanks to me mate Helmut of Flickr fame, we had a couple of trips down there to find the Darters nesting next to the bridge. Our original plan, sans bus, was to go directly there and wait for the walkers to turn up. So we sat on the bus as everyone unloaded and despite clever arguments about Tawny Frogmouth, and Gang-Gangs, we stuck to the plan. With a “swish” the door closed and our driver took us to the next carpark.

The weather was offering some good sunshine so it was likely that we’d get some great shots; and we did. Top must be for the mother Darter, whose first two young had just hatched. These scrawny looking featherless creatures had her full attention, and while the nest is quite large, one can only imagine the complexity of moving those big webbed feet of hers around without damaging her newly hatched and yet to be hatched off -spring.

Not knowing much about the habits of Darters, I was pretty amazed to find that both male and female incubate and feed the young. But the male is the hard worker on building the nest. At least to providing all the necessary sticks and things to make the nest. As it turned out on this trip, one male was busy on the apartment above, moving sticks in to position.

Where all this happens is within a stone’s throw, (probably OHS insensitive), so 26.498 metres from the edge of the main traffic bridge over the Barwon River. This bridge carries a flow of heavy duty vehicles and the bridge moves as they thunder over it, it also has a constant stream of joggers, cyclists, walkers, babystollers and group exercisers. Which all means that the poor old stationary photographer is being jostled and ‘ding’ed at on the narrow walkway. But, the birds don’t seem to care.

Pointing the lens at the darters on their nests brings comments such as “Oh, what are they?” “How long have they been there?” “I’ve lived in the area for x years and I’ve never seen them before”. “What are you going to use the pictures for?” “That’s a big lens, do you need a permit for it?” and of course the inevitable, “What do you think you’re doing?” But the best of the day was from the groupathon bike riders. “We’re strange birds, take our picture!”

Just as the bus driver was warming up the bus, a mother Darter came in with a snack for one of the kids. Lots of wing waving and head bobbing as she positioned herself and the lucky young chick to receive the treat. And then it was back on the bus, and Hi Ho Silver, away. We went on toward Barwon Heads to look for waders and water birds.

After a lunch under a spreading tree with the breeze pleasingly blowing through the shade it was a bit hard to get going for an afternoon foray for birds. And then. A bird count of 63 for the day, and we were back in the bus on the way home.

Coffee at the local and a pleasant day drew to a close.

Female Darter preening among the autumn colours

Such a big bird and such delicate looking young

The two little ones must have hatched that morning.

Not only Darters, but a range of Cormorants as well.

Male Australasian Darter hard at work on the next nest.

Two juveniles waiting patiently in the sunshine for breakfast.

"Look there's Mum! She's got something for me. Patience has deserted them. — “Look there’s Mum! She’s got something for me. Patience has deserted them.

You want me to put my head in your mouth!

It looks dangerous, but the species has managed to survive.

There's got to be a fish down here somewhere. — There’s got to be a fish down here somewhere.

Meeting at the “Blokes Shed”

March 3, 2014March 3, 2014Posted in Uncategorized4 Comments

Was pondering the weather map, and thinking about the following days, when ‘ding’ went the email, and a request for a run down to the Western Treatment Plant. Ok I responded. Just thinking about it, when ‘ding’ went the email, and an another request for info about our next trip down to the WTP.

See I don’t believe in co-incidences, alignment of the spheres or tea leaf readings but it seemed like we were going down with a full car.

So I phoned to book. When I suggested I’d have 3 passengers, the “What, in your little car!!” made me think a bit. But I responded it would be ok, they could breath alternatively.

Richard, of the Woodlands lists was going to meet us down there, and Mr An Onymous (not so much any more it seems), would travel with us.

Come the morning, and the ‘Clear Blue” skies promised were more your murky grey. But we went. (Apologies once again to the Banjo)

We had hardly picked up Richard and entered the T Section than we bumped into Ian, and company. So much talk about various varieties of birds in the area. Then another car turned up. Ray, had come down for the morning as well. Ray’s “So, you’re Mr An Onymous” filled the air with laughter as we realised the secret was out. So we all stood around and do what you do in a “Blokes Shed”. Talk.

Meanwhile EE was sitting in the car. “What is this a Blokes Shed?” she asked. “I could have stayed at home!”. So we decided it was time to move on.

Over on the Spit Road, we were ambling along, plenty to look at when I noted a dark shape on a post on the side of the road. That big, it must be a Sea-eagle. But I kept quite, and surprisingly 6 eyes looking out were so busy they hadn’t seen it. Finally EE had to say, “What is that big shape on the other side of the road”. We edged closer. Then we edged even closer. Now we really had some good shots. But of course the urge to get out of the car for a better photo won over and the car doors opened. Well at least I got some nice shots of it flying away.

We also were amused for awhile by a juvenile Black-shouldered Kite in its beautiful young ginger colours. And then just as we were leaving, I heard a familiar call and moved the car back down the road. Everyone of course was unsure, but there. On the tree by the side of the road, an Australian Hobby. Moving the car to get a better shot we waited while a van came down the road. “It will fly,” was the consensus, but no. It sat still, and I put the car in a better place for a good series of pictures. Super.

By the end of the morning we’d scored 8 different raptors and seen, thanks to Richard, some Blue-billed Ducks, and a large number of Stints, various Sandpipers, a number of Greenshanks and a few waders that we just couldn’t figure out.
Ian and company added Pectoral, and Broadbilled to their list, and we all got a good view of at least two Double-banded Plovers.(a first time for me!).

By the time we were ready to go the clouds were gathering up and some sunlight began to shine through. But we’d had a good day, and the Blokes Shed again proved to be a great conversation place.

Curlew Sandpiper beginning to put on its mating colours

Double-banded Plover in its lovely ginger/orange tones.

Young White-bellied Sea-eagle. I'd like to think we didn't put it up, but have to admit it was leaving because we arrived. — Young White-bellied Sea-eagle. I’d like to think we didn’t put it up, but have to admit it was leaving because we arrived.

Whistling Kite wondering why the Sea Eagle took off.

Young Black-shouldered Kite, entertained us as it learned wind hovering techniques.

A lovely Australian Hobby. I think these are the most beautifully marked Aussie Raptors

Probably the find of the day. Black Falcon

Evening around Werribee Treatment Plant

February 27, 2014Posted in "Western Treatment Plant", Australian Hobby, Brown Falcon, Red-capped Plover, Werribee, Western Treatment Plant, Whistling Kite2 Comments

It only took a glance at the weather map in the paper, while I was at the coffee shop to conclude, “Golden Light Night Tonight”.

So a quick chat with EE and we were ready to go by mid afternoon. I think the gear being loaded in the car was about as much persuasion as it took.

True to form the sky was a beautiful blue, the light was golden and the birds in the late evening light were active.

I could go on about it, but the pictures probably are better at telling the story.

Enjoy. We did.

A very well fed Brown Falcon was enjoying the quiet while its meal went down.

Swamp Harrier has just seen me and swung around to fly away.

On Beach Road, an Australian Hobby has taken up residence for the moment.

On a beach full of waders I found some Red-capped Plovers hard at work.

See, this is why we used to call them 'Spur-winged Plovers' — See, this is why we used to call them ‘Spur-winged Plovers’

A Whistling Kite in brilliant yellow light.

From the Bird Hide. Extreme low tide meant a huge feeding ground for the hungry waders.

Morning at Point Cook park

February 26, 2014Posted in UncategorizedLeave a comment

“What about going to Point Cook Park in the morning” said the ebullient email.

Quick check of diary, (euphemism in there somewhere). And it was set.

The weather was a bit average, and we didn’t get around to see the American Plover that has been reported, but we did have a nice sit on the beach, and watch the gulls at play. Few bush birds to be seen, and to enliven the moment a curious Crested Pigeon powered in to sit on a branch only metres from where I was standing.

While we were sitting on the beach, enjoying the view, the conversation and the Orange Pekeo, I scanned the horizon in the binoculars hoping to see a sea bird or two.

Ohh ahhh me hearties, says I, “A sail on the horizon, Mr Hornblower”, I cried. And lo, we looked and indeed it was a sail, several infact, and all seemingly attached to the shimmering hull of the ship on the horizon. “Pirates?” The heat haze gave the moment a most otherworldly dream feel.

Seems the be sails attached to hull were likely to be the “Enterprise”, a local boat given to cruises, training and school excursions and the like. Certainly made for an interesting sight from the usual birds.