Worldwide Waders web site
No Comments »5th September, 2010; Category: Blogs, Field guides, Non-Australian birds, Plovers Dotterels and Lapwings, Shorebirds
I find identifying waders and shorebirds can be a very confusing pursuit. So many of our Australian wading birds look very similar in the field. I try to take note of the major characteristics of the plumage, consider carefully the size and shape, watch the habits of the bird in question and think I know what it is. Going to the field guides just confuses the issue all over again. [sigh]
If you see plenty of this kind of bird, or you want to learn more about waders and shorebirds, go to WorldWaders Posterous. This blog features wading birds from all over the world. Plenty of good photos are posted there too.
Red-kneed Dotterel
I and the bird #133
It has been a long time since I last promoted this blogging carnival about birds. It has been even longer since I last contributed to the best bird blogging carnival in the world – I and the bird.
The 133rd issue of this event has just been posted. Click on the link below to go to some of the best bird blogs and sites on the net.
Link: I and the bird #133
Don’t forget to return here sometime too.
Many good posts and photos of birds will be appearing here in the coming weeks.
Superb Fairy-wren, Eden, NSW
Australian Birdfair, Leeton, NSW
The fifth Australian Birdfair at Leeton, central NSW is on again this year. It will be held on 17th to the 19th September.
Leeton is between Narrandera and Griffith and an easy drive north west of the regional city of Wagga Wagga. It is also an easy day’s drive from both Melbourne and Sydney, a long day’s drive from Adelaide and a very long day’s drive from Brisbane.
But why rush like that? There are hundreds of fine birding spots along the way, so make it a birding holiday.The link below takes you to the web page where you can find out about accommodation, all the events that are planned, tours of the district and who will be putting on exhibits at the fair. There will also be seminars and lectures about birds. Sound good.
Wish I could be there. [sigh]
Further reading:
- Cocoparra National Park – a report of my visit to a nearby national park several years ago.
The Cocoparra National Park is only a short distance from Leeton. These photos will give you a taste of the area:
Cocoparra National Park, central New South Wales
Cocoparra National Park, central New South Wales
Happy Fifth Birthday to Trevor’s Birding site
Crested Pigeon
Trevor’s Birding is five years old today.
It has been an interesting journey. This site now boasts over 1100 articles about Australian birds with nearly 4000 comments from readers. It is read in over 100 countries by about 1000 readers every day.
This site ranks regularly in the top 50 birding websites in the world and continues to grow in popularity.
Thanks to all of my regular and loyal readers. Thanks also to those who bother to leave comments and questions; you are very much appreciated.
Now for the next 5 years!
Happy birding.
Male Flame Robin, Mt. Macedon, Victoria
A sparrow has little accident
A female House Sparrow seconds after an accident
This morning my attention was caught by a large bang on our kitchen window. I immediately went outside with my camera to see what had caused the noise.
On a table on the veranda was a female House Sparrow looking very sad indeed, but still breathing. I only took the one photo and backed off so I wasn’t adding to the bird’s stress. After about ten minutes she flew off, probably with a very sore head.
Window strikes are very common and can cause birds severe damage and often death. In our case, in certain light conditions, birds flying along in our garden think they can see the way clear to keep flying further into the garden. The reflection fools them into thinking the way is clear – until their flight comes to a sudden thudding stop when they hit the glass. Sadly, there is little we can do to prevent this. I am pleased the bird recovered and was able to fly. Some are not so fortunate.
A little later I discovered a dead male House Sparrow lying in the driveway. I’m not sure if his demise occurred at the same time as the female. Perhaps he was chasing her to mate. I guess it’s possible.