Tag Archives: South Australian birds

Photo Reflections 2

16 Nov

Dear Reader:

South Australia is an extraordinary place to live and work especially if you are a wildlife writer and photographer. Our fauna is both diverse and fascinating and en route to any destination there are always interesting country towns, world class wineries or vast rural properties to explore. This blog is a reflection of those attributes and is a collation of images and notes that remind me of the reasons I live and work here.

A Camping near Arkaroola

Camping near Arkaroola

 

Arkaroola is a world heritage wilderness area approximately 700 kilometres north of Adelaide. Its geology, Aboriginal heritage and wildlife make it a premier destination for off roaders, photographers and those who simply like a taste of real outback life.

B Nankeen night heron

Nankeen night heron

The wetlands around the Adelaide region have a core of commonly sighted species that include a variety of waterfowl, pelicans, ibises, swamp hens and swallows; to mention but a few. The nankeen night heron is one of the less frequently encountered birds which made photographing this one, as it hid in a willow overhanging a lake near my home, a special moment.

C Vines near McClaren Vale

Vines near McLaren Vale

 

The coast road that runs south from Adelaide along the Fleurieu Peninsula is a drive I have made countless times on the way to a dive site. On this occasion I was drawn to the dormant vines that stood in stark contrast to the overcast sky and yellow oxalis flowers.

D Biscuit star

Biscuit star

 

Sometimes the simplest creatures, the ones encountered countless times, catch your attention. Perhaps it is the light or just the way the animal is positioned. This common biscuit star caught my eye as it crept along the edge of a rock face covered in algae and a melange of encrusting organisms.

E Hoverfly on blossoms

Hoverfly on blossoms

 

Hoverflies are one of the most common invertebrates in our gardens. These agile little insects hover, flit and settle on a variety of flowering plants. They seem to be in constant motion. On an afternoon stroll through the Botanic Gardens an accommodating hoverfly settled on a nearby blossom giving me just a split second to get down low and capture this image which emphasises its startling compound eyes.

F Echidna foraging

Echidna foraging

 

Echidnas roam the length and breadth of Australia but they are not commonly seen. This one was trundling through the bush in the Adelaide Hills close to a termite mound that it had been ripping apart. It was the sound of the little spiky battle tank that gave away its location. Stealth does not appear to be part of their defensive repertoire. You don’t need to be furtive when you are armed with a plethora of sharp spines.

 

I hope you enjoyed this little reflection

Baz

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Golf Course Birdies

9 Mar

Dear Reader

Adelaide has a diverse collection of golf courses. They wind along the coast, straddle the hills face and even overlook the heart of the city. Their well-watered fairways, native bushes and towering trees provide an attractive habitat for a wide variety of wildlife ranging from kangaroos and possums to waterfowl and colourful parrots.

Well watered fairways and a diverse collection of shrubs and trees provide an enticing array of niches for different bird species

Well watered fairways and a diverse collection of shrubs and trees provide an enticing array of environments for wildlife

This week’s story comes from one of the two inner city courses that stretch between the Torrens Lake and the fine old villas and tree-lined streets of North Adelaide. They are back to back public courses that are used by walkers, golfers and, of course, the occasional wildlife photographer.

An Adelaide rosella nonchalently feeds on seeds as a golfer strolls past

An Adelaide rosella nonchalantly feeds on seeds as a golfer strolls past

My morning walk started around eight and my quarry was the various groups of cockatoos that I had noticed feeding on the fairways earlier in the week. Although the birds are up and about just after dawn the light is not really conducive to capturing quality images in the early hours. As I strolled past the clubhouse towards one of the greens near the end of the course I heard the unmistakeable chatter of galahs (rose-breasted cockatoos). A quick glance around the area and I discovered half a dozen birds in a nearby patch of rough using their powerful, curved beaks to dig out tubers and crack open fallen seeds.

Galah searching for seeds amongst leaf litter below pine trees 2

Galah searching for seeds amongst leaf litter below pine trees

After a few minutes I left the cockies to their morning meal and moved across the course to a stand of tall, pale Eucalypts. As I scanned the canopy for movement several of the feeding birds flew onto a branch and started to groom each other. This was an unusual behaviour that I had not previously observed in galahs though I am sure these gregarious parrots interact socially in many ways. Perhaps they were a nesting pair and an older offspring. The grooming continued for a few minutes then escalated into a good natured session of sparring with beaks and wings that looked remarkably like a wrestling match.

Galahs socialising after flying into a Eucalyptus tree

Galahs socialising after flying into a Eucalyptus tree

My final cockatoo encounter was with a small group of little corellas near the car parking area. They were using their powerful beaks and claws to break up pine cones and extract the seeds. The birds seemed oblivious to me as they worked away at their hard won meal and I was able to sit and watch them for some time.

Little Corella demolishing a pine cone

Little corella demolishing a pine cone

Cheers

Baz

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Tags: , , ,

Newer Entries →