Barn Owl
Last night we were invited to dinner at our friends’ home. They had a lovely outdoor fire going and we sat around eating and talking until quite late. On our way home we saw a Barn Owl fly off from the side of the road.
Now this in itself is not all that notable, because this species is widespread throughout many parts of rural Australia. What is notable, however, is the fact that I have not recorded this species near or at home for several years, despite being widespread and relatively common.
It was a lovely finish to a special evening.
A Battlefield in the Garden
While out in the garden today I was suddenly aware of a noisy scuffle nearby. They were at it again. The interloper New Holland Honeyeater trying to snatch insects from the resident Willie Wagtail’s favourite patch. This time they actually came to blows!
After a few seconds of screaming at each other, many ruffled feathers and a clash of claws they both retreated to nearby trees. After that there was an uneasy peace. The battle may be over but I feel that the war has just begun.
For details of the previous battle click here.
Willie Wagtail
Frosty Morning Walk
No Comments »19th June, 2006; Category: General
We went for a very cold walk this morning. The car needed a service so we had to be up early. I rarely accept the offer of a ride home from the place where we take the car, prefering to walk home instead. It takes about twenty-five minutes. I need the exercise.
We had another heavy frost again this morning. Over the last two weeks it has been between zero and minus 4 almost every day. We usually get a few – perhaps four or five – frosts in a winter, and rarely this early. This prolonged cold snap has been rather unusual, but not unique. It’s just a little hard to get used to after months of very pleasant weather.
So – rugged up with woollen hat (beanie) and gloves and a thick coat we braved the chilly walk home. The sun was making a valiant, but futile, attempt to warm everything up. Then the fog rolled in and spoiled that idea. We made it home and immediately headed for the fire to thaw out a little.
There were a few birds out and about, despite the cold conditions. The Little Ravens were bravely announcing their nasally welcome to the morn. Red Wattlebirds and New Holland Honeyeaters zipped here and there looking for something to eat. There are quite a few native plants flowering at present, so the search for sustenance was on.
The Australian Magpies were valiantly carolling in the new day while a family of White Winged Choughs strutted around on the cold ground oblivious to the freezing conditions. A flock of squawking Galahs flapped slowly overhead, their bright pink breast feathers trying to brighten up the gloomy start to the day. A lone Willie Wagtail greeted us as we arrived at our driveway.
Later in the day the fog went away, the sun shone brightly but oh so briefly. The return walk back to collect the car in the afternoon was far more pleasant.
Looking down on the birds
Today we were invited to have lunch at the home of friends of ours. We are always delighted to visit them as their house is built on a cliff top overlooking the River Murray. From the balcony outside their lounge room one has a 180 degree panoramic view over the river and associated dairy farm flats on the other side of the river. The passing river traffic, including several large touring boats, is fascinating to watch.
Birding at Cliff Top Level
An added bonus is watching the abundant bird life on, along and near the river. Several Australian Pelicans lazily glided upstream before landing to paddle sedately on the river. Welcome Swallows skimmed low over the water, occasionally swooping high up over the cliffs and past where we sat. Two Whistling Kites soared past just a few metres blow us ; it was interesting to see their lovely plumage from above, rather than the usual view from below. Silver Gulls were seen flying upstream, this time only in singles rather than a flock. I have seen Caspian Terns and Crested Terns in this locality but none were seen today. I also failed to see any of the Cormorant species usually seen around here, nor did I see any Darters.
Garden Birds
In the garden below the balcony we saw many House Sparrows, New Holland Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds and several Singing Honeyeaters. Two Black-Faced Cuckoo-Shrikes came to pay a brief visit as the passed through the garden. Below us a small family of Superb Blue Wrens was hopping around on the ground and in a nearby bush. Unfortunately they didn’t approach close to us. I didn’t get a glimpse of any males in full colourful plumage.
Relaxing Afternoon
It was a relaxing afternoon with a wonderful view. The morning had been very frosty but we were able to enjoy some warming winter sun on the balcony in the afternoon.
Next time I must remember my camera!
Opportunistic Birds
No Comments »15th June, 2006; Category: General
Yesterday I commented on the Rock Doves, Crested Pigeons and House Sparrows taking advantage of the spilled grain on the road and the car park of the local flour mill. Today as I was passing by I noticed two species I would not have thought would be seen doing the same thing. There were several Pacific Black Ducks and five or six Purple Swamphens busily joining the pigeons and sparrows. How out of place the swamphens seemed, strutting long-legged around on the road eating up the grain.
Mind you, when I think about the situation, it is to be expected because the River Murray is about 200 metres from the flour mill. Then there is a small swampy wetlands area right next to the mill, so it is merely a few small steps for a swamphen, but one giant leap for birdkind – or, at the very least, a large leap of understanding for this little duck’s brain.