How fortunate I was, that my trip west coincided with the traditional January gathering of a group of the Western Banders. I have previously visited and enjoyed the Smithbrook Banding Project in November 08 and 09, but was excited at the prospect of joining some of these friendly, knowledgeable bird enthusiasts for some walking and birdwatching.
Over drinks on Friday evening, it was decided that Saturday's excursion would include an area along the backwaters of the Torbay Inlet. The birdlife was plentiful, with 41 species recorded in two hours of walking.
Two birders carried telescopes on tripods for all to closely view birds, and of course we all had binoculars. Since I purchased a decent pair of binoculars a few months ago, a whole new world of birds has opened up for me.
Ducks aplenty were spread across the waterway, and I was particularly pleased to check out the details of the Australian Shoveler through the telescope - a new species for me. It's always a treat to see a Darter drying its wings, and a male Red-winged Fairywren in full breeding plumage was a great sight, so close that there was no need for binoculars.
We walked along a sand track that often gave us great views of the waterway and varied birdlife.
Over drinks on Friday evening, it was decided that Saturday's excursion would include an area along the backwaters of the Torbay Inlet. The birdlife was plentiful, with 41 species recorded in two hours of walking.
Two birders carried telescopes on tripods for all to closely view birds, and of course we all had binoculars. Since I purchased a decent pair of binoculars a few months ago, a whole new world of birds has opened up for me.
Ducks aplenty were spread across the waterway, and I was particularly pleased to check out the details of the Australian Shoveler through the telescope - a new species for me. It's always a treat to see a Darter drying its wings, and a male Red-winged Fairywren in full breeding plumage was a great sight, so close that there was no need for binoculars.
We walked along a sand track that often gave us great views of the waterway and varied birdlife.
But the highlight of the morning was the sighting of an Owlet Nightjar. It was only my second sighting of this delightful nocturnal hunter, and for one in the group, it was a first.
It was perched in an Allocasuarina, and was obviously not alarmed by all the onlookers as it stayed put and allowed us excellent views from different vantage points. With its erect whiskers, bulging eyes, inquisitive look, and barred tail, the Owlet Nightjar is an impressive bird.
It was perched in an Allocasuarina, and was obviously not alarmed by all the onlookers as it stayed put and allowed us excellent views from different vantage points. With its erect whiskers, bulging eyes, inquisitive look, and barred tail, the Owlet Nightjar is an impressive bird.
Owlet Nightjar in an Allocasuarina
photograph by Alex Morrison
photograph by Alex Morrison
Then we headed out to the lookout at Muttonbird Beach to pick up Lola who was unable to accompany us on the walk. Lola had a comfortable seat with spectacular views of Muttonbird Island and Beach.Muttonbird Island
Muttonbird Beach
magnificent crystal clear surf and white sand
magnificent crystal clear surf and white sand
Saturday evening saw us gathered around June and Alex's dining table eating a selection of take-away Chinese meals and home made desserts. It was a wonderful experience for me to be welcomed so genuinely into this group of dedicated environmentally active bird supporters.
Sunday morning saw us walking the Luke Penn Trail along the Kalgan River east of Albany. This trail is flanked by a mass of wildflowers in the springtime, but even in summer, the vegetation is attractive with Jarrah and Marri, and shrubby undergrowth. Views of the Kalgan River are a feature of this walk.
As we all pointed our binoculars skyward to try to determine if the raptor that had just glided into sight was a juvenile White-breasted Sea Eagle or Wedge-tailed Eagle, an Osprey flew over, along with a Brown Goshawk. Amazing - three raptor species without moving from the spot.
Cheery chatter from Grey Fantails, White-browed Scrubwren, Golden Whistler, Inland Thornbill and New Holland Honeyeaters was a lovely sound.
Sunday morning saw us walking the Luke Penn Trail along the Kalgan River east of Albany. This trail is flanked by a mass of wildflowers in the springtime, but even in summer, the vegetation is attractive with Jarrah and Marri, and shrubby undergrowth. Views of the Kalgan River are a feature of this walk.
As we all pointed our binoculars skyward to try to determine if the raptor that had just glided into sight was a juvenile White-breasted Sea Eagle or Wedge-tailed Eagle, an Osprey flew over, along with a Brown Goshawk. Amazing - three raptor species without moving from the spot.
Cheery chatter from Grey Fantails, White-browed Scrubwren, Golden Whistler, Inland Thornbill and New Holland Honeyeaters was a lovely sound.
The beautiful Western Spinebill
photograph by Alex Morrison
photograph by Alex Morrison
Possibly, the highlight of Sunday morning's birdwatching was a close encounter with a male Splendid Wren in full breeding colour. 'Splendid' hardly seems adequate.
But the companionship, sharing the outing with such a friendly group of people, made for special memories.
More information on some of the bird species recorded over this outing on my bird blog.
Not a clear image of the Red-winged Fairywren, but a delightful picture that tells a story - photo by Alex Morrison.
But the companionship, sharing the outing with such a friendly group of people, made for special memories.
More information on some of the bird species recorded over this outing on my bird blog.
Not a clear image of the Red-winged Fairywren, but a delightful picture that tells a story - photo by Alex Morrison.
1 comments:
Hi Gaye
Good to see you having a lovely time, with local expert assistance.
Cheers
Denis
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