Great Egret at Adelaide Zoo
Great Egret at Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
I find that the identification of the Australian family of egrets can be confusing and difficult, even when you get a close up view like this one. I was photographing the birds in the Adelaide Zoo collection when this Great Egret posed nicely for me.
At least – I think it’s a Great Egret. Any readers who disagree with me can do so by leaving a comment. I can easily amend the captions on the photos. This individual was in the Australian Pelican enclosure but I’m not sure if it was part of the official zoo collection – meaning its wings had been clipped by the keepers – or it was just visiting in order to get a free feed. I suspect it was a visitor because I saw what I think was the same bird a short distance away a little later in the afternoon. That one was definitely free flying and probably came from the River Torrens which forms the northern boundary of the zoo.
Great Egret at Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
Princess Parrot
Princess Parrot, Adelaide Zoo
The Princess Parrot of inland Australia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful of our large array of beautiful parrots. Sadly I have not seen this species in its natural environment, but I have seen it many times in captivity. It is a very popular aviary bird and breeding pairs can be quite expensive, such is the demand.
I took this photo recently through the wire mesh of an aviary at the Adelaide Zoo. Although it is not a brilliant photo I was shooting through black wire mesh so it is reasonable I guess.
The Princess Parrot – also known as Alexandra’s Parrot – is very much a bird of inland Australia where it is quite rare. Any sighting is exciting and notable. Its natural range covers much of NW South Australia, SW Northern Territory and eastern Western Australia. In this range it is highly nomadic, often being absent from any one area for many years until reappearing suddenly in response to good conditions.
Australian Bustard
Australian Bustard, Adelaide Zoo
On my visit to Adelaide Zoo last week I took the time to visit the various aviaries and attempted to take photos of the many birds they have in their collection. This zoo has a particularly strong representation of Australian birds and it is quite a challenge to photograph them, particularly through the wire mesh.
On several previous visits I had been disappointed not to get a good shot of the Australian Bustard, one of our larger birds. This is one species I have yet to see in the wild. A few years ago a friend phoned me saying he had one in the paddock near their house, but by the time I drove there – some ten minutes away – it had flown. It is certainly not common in our district.
Australian Bustards – also called the Plains Turkey or Wild Turkey – is a large bird of inland areas of Australia. It is widespread by not common in the eastern and southern parts of its range. In general it is found singly or in small groups, but when conditions are right – such as during a locust plague – they can form loose flocks of many dozens. Its favoured habitat includes grasslands, spinifex, open scrublands, sandhills and open pastoral lands.
I must head north one day soon so I can add this magnificent bird to my list of birds seen in the wild.
Australian Bustard, Adelaide Zoo
What is that bird in that tree?
Red Panda, Adelaide Zoo
Last week on my visit to the Adelaide Zoo I was especially keen to see the Great Panda exhibit. I was not disappointed and I had excellent views of the animals, and also managed some great photos.
Next to their much publicized cousins, the Red Pandas also had a wonderful new enclosure. Now I know a lot of fuss has been made of the Great Pandas in the zoo, but I think that the Red Pandas are far nicer. Much smaller grant you, but very attractive.
I was amused that the keepers had placed some bamboo high in a tree planted in their enclosure and one of the Red Pandas had climbed up to have a snack, only to fall asleep while doing so. They are just as cute asleep too.
Sorry if you came here today expecting something about birds – more about birds in coming days. I promise.
Red Panda, Adelaide Zoo
Southern Boobook owl
Barking owl, Adelaide Zoo, South Australia
I was working late at my computer tonight when I heard a sound outside. I raced out, torch in hand. Sure enough – I heard a Southern Boobook owl calling. I tried to follow the sound but after walking across our five acre block of land it was still no closer.
I expect it was at least a kilometre away because the night was very still and sounds travels a long way on evenings like this. Still, it is a significant recording. On checking my bird database on my computer it is over 22 years since I last recorded this species here at home. That’s exciting.
The Southern Boobook is found over a large part of Australia and is our smallest owl. It is also called a Mopoke because of its call. It feeds on small mammals such as mice, insects, bats and moths. It is almost entirely nocturnal but is sometimes seen out hunting on dull, cloudy days.
As yet I do not have a photo of this species taken in the wild. Instead I have a photo of a Powerful Owl taken through the wire of an aviary at the Adelaide Zoo.
You can read more about this owl on the Birds in Backyards site here.
You can read more about my encounters with owls, frogmouths and nightjars here.