Monday, October 17, 2016

270) Mallee Country and Back



Rufous Fieldwren

Spring is upon us --- meaning inquisitive and calling birds. We decided to take the new 4 X 4 out to desert-ish mallee country. Its only 1250 km to get there. Bit of a loop down south along the Great Ocean Road and back up through Chiltern... a walk in the park in the week I have for Spring Break.




What we had not counted on was the VERY wet year Victoria has been having. This is the Murray River at Deniliquin - though only some aras were severely flooded there was standing water everywhere. Including the paddocks we went to to find the Plains Wanderer. Though we had expert guidance and spent a long afternoon and evening, none were to be found - conditions were just too wet.








Other places were less inundated and we succeeded with the Rufous Fieldwren (above) at Lake Tyrrell (now slightly famous for the tourist 'walking on water' photos). 

Bluebonnet



Bluebonnets in the lakeside grasses...






















White-fronted Chat


..........and many chats with juveniles in tow flitting through the heath.





















Lots of birds are actively nest-building. Here a Striated Thornbill strips bark








Spotted Pardalote (F)


One of my favorites - a pair were busily collecting grass for a nest - they made multiple trips between a nest site and this particular patch of grass.
Red-capped Robin




















We saw many juveniles out and about - here a robin brings a tasty grub to one of a pair of just fledged babies. The male was not far away.















Singing Honeyeater


It has  been a cold winter/spring so far so few trees were blooming. We did find a few honeyeater like this splendid Singing Honeyeater. But once it warms up Victoria may be the go to place.
















Galahs



Galahs being photogenic.




We made a stop at Hattah-Kulkyne park specifically to find the elusive Striated Grasswren! Unfortunately no one told them it was spring so they were not calling. After much too-and-fro-ing along a specific track we finally spied this guy under some low trees.
We also sighted the Mallee Emuwren but they were utterly indifferent to the options of photographic fame and eluded (again) my best efforts.

Next we continue to SA - an unusual sighting demands yet more western travel......

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Nancy, Chuck and I had dinner with your parents Tuesday night. It was good to see them and catch up on them and all the family. I love checking in periodically and seeing your beautiful pictures. I just realized I never comment so you don't know how much I enjoy your birding. I still think you guys should make a coffee table book! I'd definitely buy some. Hope all is well with you both!