Week ending 22nd January 2010
I'm still in Albany, WA, so my bird observations have been extremely interesting, with many species not seen in the East. I've also had outings with experienced bird observers, so I have learned a lot.
I'm still in Albany, WA, so my bird observations have been extremely interesting, with many species not seen in the East. I've also had outings with experienced bird observers, so I have learned a lot.
- White-breasted Robin (Eopsaltria georgiana) - Albany, WA - residential garden at Little Grove; Luke Penn Walk, Kalgan River; North Road by Torbay Inlet. Vegetation varied from lawn and shrubs of a backyard garden (using bird bath for drinking late afternoon); Jarrah/Marri woodland with heath vegetation by Kalgan River; to grassy Allocasuarina/Eucalypt woodland by backwaters of the Torbay Inlet.
- Red-eared Firetail (Stagonopleura oculatum) - Albany, WA - residential garden at Little Grove (visiting bird bath for drinking); North Road by Torbay Inlet; and Lake Seppings.
- Western Gerygone (Gerygone fusca) - Albany, WA - Grasmere Waterway on Muttonbird Road; North Road by Torbay Inlet; Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. Although I didn't actually see this bird, I learnt to recognise its call.
- Elegant Parrot (Neophema elegans) - Albany, WA - North Road by Torbay Inlet - vegetation included grassy Allocasuarina/Eucalypt woodland on sand. I have only seen this parrot a on a couple of previous occasions, so it was an excellent sighting.
- Australasian Shoveler (Anas rhychotis) - Albany, WA - backwaters of Torbay Inlet. This is a new sighting for me - the male shoveler is an impressive bird with its colourful plumage, long bill and yellow eye.
- Red-winged Fairy-wren (Malurus elegans) - Albany, WA - North Road by Torbay Inlet; Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. With its limited range, and lovely plumage, I am always pleased to observe this bird, and I had an up-close view.
- Splendid Fairy-wren (Malurus splendens) - Albany, WA - Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. The brilliant blue of this delicate bird always produces an unexpected thrill.
- Australian Owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles cristatus) - Albany, WA - North Road by Torbay Inlet. This is only the second time I have seen this fascinating bird, and I got a good close-up look as it perched in an Allocasuarina during the day. A highlight of my Albany birdwatching this trip. Picture here.
- Western Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus superciliosus) - Albany, WA - car-park for the lower end of the Luke Penn Walk by Kalgan River. Male and female alighted just a couple of metres from us as we sat relaxing by the river - a special moment - no binoculars needed.
- Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) - Albany, WA - Rushy Point Reserve at Little Grove (1 only bird); Oyster Harbour (1 only bird). I identified the Oyster Harbour sighting without assistance or hesitation, so I am learning a lot.
- Red-necked Stint (Calidris ruficollis) - Albany, WA - Rushy Point Reserve at Little Grove. I have learned to recognise their distinctive manner of dashing to and fro in short bursts that resembles a greedy little creature trying to pick up every morsel an area before another snaps up some - delightful birds to observe.
- Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (Calidris acuminata) - Albany, WA - Rushy Point Reserve at Little Grove. Many birds feeding at waters edge by sandflats.
- Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) - Denmark, WA - Morely Beach, Wilson Inlet. Albany, WA - Oyster Harbour. This is a new species for me.
