Galahs, Lake Hattah, Victoria
Quite frequently I come across birds doing something interesting or unusual or even bizarre. While having lunch at Lake Hattah in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park earlier this year I noticed and photographed these two Galahs in a very private moment.
I almost feel like I was intruding, so I’ll say no more.
Crested Bellbird, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Victoria
Sydney Trip June 2011
One of the delights of the last day of our trip home from Sydney earlier this year was a very clear sighting of a Crested Bellbird. It was perched in clear view and bright sunshine within easy camera range. What more could I ask? It proceeded to give its penetrating call at this close quarter. In between calls it took out time to preen its feathers.
All this gave me ample opportunity to get these photos, the first time I’ve been able to get good shots of this species despite many sightings over the years. In reality, when I think about it, I’ve probably heard this species more often than seen it. Its far reaching call ensures that it is recorded in my notebook more frequently than actual sightings.
These photos were taken in the mallee and spinifex habitat in the north western section of Hattah-Kulkyne National Park between Mildura and Ouyen in north western Victoria. The species is widespread throughout mainland Australia except in the eastern ranges, southern Victoria and the tropical north. It is more of a dryland species, preferring dry eucalypt woodlands, mulga, mallee, spinifex and saltbush areas.
The bird shown in these photos appears to be an immature male; the black throat patch is more grey than in the mature male.
Crested Bellbird, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Victoria
Crested Bellbird, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Victoria
Chestnut Quail-thrush, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
Sydney Trip June 2011
On the last day of our holiday earlier this year we left Mildura and headed south towards Ouyen. We had planned to visit one of our favourite places for lunch: Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. This park has two distinct habitat types: mallee and spinifex in large parts of the reserve, and the extensive array of small to medium lakes lined with River Red Gums. These lakes fill regularly when the nearby River Murray is in flood. Our family has had a number of enjoyable holidays in the camping ground at Lake Hattah.
On this occasion we stopped at a suitable point along the old Calder Highway, a dirt road leading through the northern section of the mallee and spinifex habitat. While the birding was a little on the slow side I was delighted to catch several glimpses of two Chestnut Quail-thrushes crossing the road nearby. The male obligingly posed long enough for a reasonable photo (see above). This can be a secretive species and not easy to capture on a photo.
Chestnut Quail-thrushes are widespread in suitable habitat in central and western New South Wales, northern South Australia and Western Australia. The photo below is indicative of its preferred habitat.
Mallee and spinifex, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
Crested Pigeon, Mildura
Just before we left the caravan park in Mildura earlier this year, I saw this Crested Pigeon sitting on a power line attending to its early morning grooming. It totally ignored me snapping away below it. After a frosty night it was probably enjoying the first rays of sunshine. So was I.
Finally it consented to pose properly for me (see photos below).
Crested Pigeon, Mildura
Crested Pigeon, Mildura
River Murray, Mildura
Sydney Trip June 2011
On the last morning of our holiday earlier this year we were up early despite the cold conditions. It was nice to have good air conditioning in our cabin. After packing the car I had a few minutes to wander down the caravan park driveway to have a quick look at what birds there were along the River Murray. I tried to find a path down to the river’s edge but there was limited access to the river opposite the caravan park. I had to be content with views from the cliff top (see photos above and below).
There wasn’t much to get excited about and I only made a modest list of birds seen:
Red Wattlebird
Crested Pigeon
Magpie Lark
Noisy Miner
Australian Raven
Red Rumped Parrot
Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike
Common Starling
Australian Magpie
Galah
Welcome Swallow
Rock Dove
Silver Gull
Singing Honeyeater
Striated Pardalote
Rainbow Lorikeet
River Murray, Mildura
Caravan park we stayed in, Mildura