A new year

We considered going out to join in on New Year’s Eve celebrations, but neither of us is a party person, and we both tire early. Instead, we got to bed at a reasonable hour with the intention of getting up to see the first sunrise of the new year.

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A cloudless sky produces a rather featureless sunrise, but the early morning atmosphere always provides that something special. We set up our chairs to have coffee as soon as we arrived at Trap Yard Dam in the Pilliga Forest, and were both thrilled by the prolific birdlife. The bush was alive with movement and song of birds starting their day.

I wandered up to the ephemeral waterhole just east of the dam that I call Arches Pond, and sat in the shade enjoying a truly special experience. I was literally surrounded by birds. Yellow-faced and Brown-headed Honeyeaters congregated in the damp shadows, quenching their early morning thirst, while a male Leaden Flycatcher darted and weaved overhead snapping up tiny insects.

Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters waited their turn hidden in the leafy overhanging Pittosporum, their distinctive one-syllable ’cluck’ sounding their presence even though I couldn‘t see them. When the little honeyeaters flew off to attend to other business, the bigger honeyeaters moved in for their turn at the waters edge. Noisy Friarbirds were uncharacteristically quiet as they bathed with their cousins, the Little Friarbirds. Striped Honeyeaters splashed around seemingly intent on pure fun, but of course that’s just my emotional interpretation. In reality attention to plumage health and hygiene is essential.

Two Silver-eyes turned up momentarily for a drink. Double-barred Finches, a beautiful Striated Pardalote usually heard but not seen, and several Rufous Whistlers all put in an appearance at the pond. Tufts of lime-green water plants, some with tassels atop their stiff grass-like blades, others with fluffy pompoms, shone in the golden light. Birds continued to come and go in pairs and small flocks for an hour, with their sweet chatter and showy antics entertaining me.

Never before have I experienced such busy and constant bird activity. It was simply magical. And for me, the sighting of the morning was a female Red-capped Robin perched quietly overhead. I felt privileged to be amidst such a splendid forest scene where life abounds and Nature shines. What a glorious start to a new year.

Early morning light on Trap Yard Dam

Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy 2012 - may you have peace, beauty and joy in your life.