02 October - 08 October 2018
02 October 2018
Sydney - Hobart - Bruny Island
We landed at Hobart airport at 09h:35 and found it very pleasant to be in a small, friendly airport, in stark contrast to cavernous halls in places like Sydney which can at times seem forbidding, intimidating and lacking in civility.
Our bags came quickly and we called the car rental people to have them pick us up. Their compound is mere minutes from the terminal and in no time at all we were standing in front of the desk completing the formalities.
We needed to get provisions for the week so we inquired whether a good supermarket was nearby and were directed to Eastgate Shopping Mall. Great choice! Everything we needed was there, including some appealing little bakeries with excellent bread, and we were also able to pick up a chicken cesar wrap which Miriam and I shared for lunch, eaten in the car driving towards the ferry to Bruny Island.
Upon arrival we could see a boat chugging away in the distance; we had missed it by minutes! So, with nothing more to do, we took our position at the very front of the line to wait for the next passage across to the island an hour later. We watched the few birds that were around, mainly Silver Gulls (Chroicocephalus noveahollandiae) and Great Cormorants (Phalocrocorax carbo) - nothing to cause our excitement genes to fire up! A Black-faced Cormorant (Phalacrocorax fuscescens) found an agreeable perch.
Excellent coffee was available at a counter in the administrative building and I was content to sip my cappuccino in the car while contemplating adventures to come.
When we trundled off the ferry on Bruny we set a course for Inala and enjoyed a pleasant drive through country quite different from what we had been seeing in New South Wales. Rich farmland was everywhere and in some ways the bucolic and pastoral nature of the landscape resembled the British Isles. I have never in my life seen so many sheep. We did not even drive for a couple of minutes without sheep in view, big sheep, little sheep, rams, ewes, gambolling lambs. I think that everyone on Tasmania must surely wear woolen sweaters and eat lamb chops!
We reached Inala without difficulty and as we drove onto the property my aforementioned excitement genes did indeed start to kick in. I have been reading about this fabled location for many, many years, and the work of Dr. Tonia Cochran and her staff, primarily in the area of the protection and recovery of the precariously small population of Forty-spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus), a Tasmanian endemic. Her work is legendary and one cannot but be filled with admiration for the dedication displayed, and the dream realized in this remote corner of the world so far from everywhere. It was a great privilege to meet Tonia; I was very glad that she was not away on one of her many absences from the island.
Formalities at Inala are minimal to say the least. Our name was on a board denoting that we were checking in today and with a cheery wave and directions to our cottage we were told that the key was in the door.
As we drove toward it, past the administration centre I noticed a large white bird perched on a fallen branch in a pasture bordered by trees. I mentally dismissed it as a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (how quickly we become blasé) but in a flash I realized it was a raptor; in fact it was the stunningly beautiful white morph of Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae). Unfortunately we spooked the bird in coming to a sudden stop and we learned to walk to the raptor hide via the garden so as not to disturb the birds of prey. Road kill is collected and deposited in the field and raptors are thereby attracted to the carcass du jour. I also saw a Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) gliding in, but it veered off and changed course. I don't know whether it was because it had seen me, but I suspect that might have been the reason.
We went for a walk after taking our bags and groceries into the cottage and saw Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang) almost immediately.
Soon we came upon a wooden observation tower built right alongside a Eucalyptus viminalis tree and upon ascending to the top we were nose to beak with three or four Forty-spotted Pardalotes. Amazing! One of the rarest birds in the world and there it was right before our eyes!
A Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanoptera) posed nicely for a picture.
Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles) were abundant throughout our visits to three Australian states; Franc caught this remarkable shot of a bird in flight clearly showing the spurs on its wing.
One of the staff biologists, Kat, was "breaking in" a new intern and joined us on the tower. She explained that the tower is of recent construction, only erected when Tonia concluded that human presence did not unduly perturb the feeding pardalotes (they feed on lerps) and it would afford visitors an excellent opportunity to view what is probably the target bird for visitors to Tasmania. Kat also furnished a good deal of other useful information about Inala and the surrounding area.
Red-necked Wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) were visible from the tower and were seen at other points along our walk.
Permit me to outline here Inala's role in conservation and rescue: d rescue
a. A good deal of their profits go directly towards conservation by acquiring land on Bruny Island that they place under conservation covenant.
b. They work with academic researchers and scientists, and are actively involved in conservation programmes for threatened species including Swift Parrot, Forty-spotted Pardalote and several species of Tasmanian raptors.
c. They host schools and university groups on their private reserve, educating younger generations on the important conservation challenges of our time.
d. They are seldom without animals in their care. Whether it be an injured Green Rosella, or an orphaned Tasmanian Pademelon, they will care for it. They feel it's their duty to care for the animals with whom they share their island.
So, fellow naturalists, when you visit Tasmania consider spending at least part of your stay at Inala. You can do no better. Your money (consider it an investment) will go where it counts.
Lest anyone leap to a false conclusion, I have no financial or other vested interest in Inala, just a profound admiration and respect for Tonia and her staff and for the work that they do.
All species 02 October: Black Swan, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Grey Goshawk, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Silver Gull, Kelp Gull, Rock Dove, Galah, Green Rosella, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Forty-spotted Pardalote, Brown Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Dusky Woodswallow, Australian Magpie, Willie Wagtail, Forest Raven, Dusky Robin, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Welcome Swallow, Common Myna, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow.
03 October 2018
Inala - Cloudy Bay - Bruny Island Lighthouse - Inala
I woke up refreshed after a very good night's sleep.
Shortly afterwards Carol came out of her room in a state of consternation over the discovery of a Huntsman spider on the bedroom door. This is a big spider folks! Huntsman Spiders in the family Sparassidae are found throughout the tropical regions of the world and there are over a thousand species worldwide. Like most creatures they present no problem unless harassed, when they may bite, especially females defending eggs, and they are poisonous, with the intensity of toxins varying from species to species. In any event, Franc managed to get it outside without incident.
By 06h:30 it was raining quite heavily and we went up to the raptor hide for a while, where Forest Ravens (Corvus tasmanicus) were feeding on what appeared to be a road-killed wallaby. A Wedge-tailed Eagle cruised overhead.
In the garden we saw Green Rosellas (Platycercus caledonicus), another Tasmanian endemic. The overall impression one gets is of a rich yellow bird with a red forehead. Like all rosellas it is nothing short of enchanting.
We all went for a long walk throughout the property enjoying a variety of birds and several wallabies. The highlight was great views of two more Tasmanian endemics, Strong-billed Honeyeater (Melithreptus validirostris) and Black-headed Honeyeater (Melithreptus affinis).
Lunch was taken back at the cabin, following which Franc, Carol and I drove to Cloudy Bay and to the Bruny Island Lighthouse; Miriam opted to stay behind.
The wind at the coastal locations was absolutely fierce, and quite cold too coming off the southern ocean, but a subadult Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) flew over our heads allowing us to really appreciate its massive bill.
A Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) cruised over the waves and I could not help but think how common this species was in southern Chile in similar waters.
Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) was far and away the most commonly seen species along the shore.
In terms of persistence in looking for birds Carol sparkled several times on this trip. With her eyes glued to the beach, especially in the area where the seaweed scribbles its signature on the sand, she spotted movement and drew our attention to a couple of Hooded Dotterels (Thinornis cucullatus). Not content with this achievement, in short order she also located a Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus). And bear in mind she was fighting a very strong wind, so keeping her binoculars steady was already a challenge to say nothing of maintaining her single-minded focus on the sand. Bravo, Carol!
Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus longirostris) occupied the sandy beaches while Sooty Oystercatchers (Haematopus fuliginosus) favoured rocky outcrops with waves crashing over them.
A visit to the lighthouse was interesting and we learned a little of its history. Several Dusky Robins (Melanodryas vittata) were foraging in grassy areas, outnumbered twenty to one by rabbits. The hillside seemed to be one huge warren.
We returned to Inala and found Miriam well rested and relaxed. We all had a glass of wine and a fine dinner of pasta, sauce, chicken balls and a Greek salad. Not bad for a bunch of itinerant birders if you ask me!
All species 03 October: White-faced Heron, Great Cormorant, Grey Goshawk, Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Red-capped Plover, Hooded Dotterel, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, Kelp Gull, Nankeen Kestrel, Green Rosella, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Strong-billed Honeyeater, Black-headed Honeyeater, Forty-spotted Pardalote, Grey Fantail, Forest Raven, Dusky Robin, Scarlet Robin, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, European Goldfinch.
04 October 2018
Inala - Adventure Bay - Prospect Vale - Tamar Wetland
Time to leave Inala after too brief a stay.
We went to the store to leave a little of our money behind and bade farewell to Tonia.
A New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) perhaps wished to say goodbye.
Kat had told us that Swift Parrots (Lathamus discolor), a breeding endemic, had returned to Adventure Bay and that is where we headed. The history of this species is a clarion call of alarm, not only to conservationists but to every citizen of the world, and mirrors what is happening to other birds around the globe. Based on the references I have on my shelves this species was declared Vulnerable in 1994, Vulnerable again in 1998, Vulnerable, upgrading to Endangered status likely in 2002, and by October 2015 the species was upgraded to Critically Endangered by the IUCN. An Australian National University computer model predicts extinction by 2031. The projected demise of this species is primarily due to habitat loss, and indeed we saw a good deal of clear cutting during our brief time in Tasmania.
This dire state of affairs makes the work that Tonia is doing even more critical. To let this bird fade from the earth forever would be an unthinkable act of folly and willful disregard for our fellow creatures, truly a crime against humanity with all the loaded meaning that phrase implies.
To see the bird then, was a mission with a good degree of pathos attached to it. We were successful, finding several in a tree feeding on nectar. Yellow Wattlebirds (Anthochaera paradoxa) were in the same vicinity - two Tasmanian endemics side by side; but for how long?
As we left Adventure Bay Miriam spotted a magnificent White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) perched on a snag overlooking the water, a fitting farewell it seemed.
On the way to the ferry we spotted a Tasmanian Nativehen (Tribonyx mortierii) and slammed on the brakes, pulled over to the side and ran back to see it and get a picture or two. Little did we know how absolutely commonplace this species would be during the rest of our stay on Tasmania.
We parked at the ferry dock with lots of time to spare and I went into a little café and bought a hot sausage roll. The woman behind the counter, not a shrinking violet to be sure, assured me that it was freshly made and the finest in Australia! It was in fact very good, but not having great experience with Australian sausage rolls, I will have to withhold my verdict on her claim!
Soon we were loaded onto the boat and off again minutes later. It was a pleasant drive up to our new accommodation in Prospect Vale, a suburb of Launceston. A spacious, well appointed house awaited us and we would be very comfortable there for the rest of our stay in Tassie.
As soon as we had organized ourselves we left to visit the Tamar Wetland not far from town. A very pleasant walk ensued, and although the birds were not prolific it was agreeable to see several pairs of Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) with cygnets. A Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans) was our first view of this species.
Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) was extremely common and I suspect that we paid little attention to it. It is a singularly handsome duck, however,
We were advised at the Visitor Centre that Little Grassbird (Poodytes gramineus) had recently returned to the wetland and we did see several of them. It was a bit of a Will'o'the'wisp, however, appearing ever so briefly atop a stem in the reeds, and dropping down to obscurity in an instant.
As we returned to our car we saw seven Royal Spoonbills (Platalea regia) in a small lagoon quite close - a splendid way to end our visit to the wetland.
We shopped on the way home and bought a barbecued chicken and a bean salad for dinner.
When we turned in our bed was comfortable and we looked forward to peaceful slumber.
All species 04 October: Black Swan, Maned Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Royal Spoonbill, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Brown Goshawk, Swamp Harrier, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Australasian Swamphen, Tasmanian Nativehen, Eurasian Coot, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Far Eastern Curlew, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, Kelp Gull, Rock Dove, White-throated Needletail, Galah, Swift Parrot, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Yellow Wattlebird, Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Little Grassbird, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, European Goldfinch.
05 October 2018
Prospect Vale - Narawntapu National Park - Beaconsfield - Prospect Vale
I awoke early, but stayed in bed for a while, getting up at 05h:45. A bowl of cereal and a coffee sufficed for breakfast. We made sandwiches for lunch for our planned visit to Narawntapu National Park.
We went into the Visitor Centre to pay our admission and received very good attention from a pleasant young lady there, who filled our heads with all kinds of information, and made sure that she did everything possible to make our stay productive.
All of the trails started at the same point and as we made our way over there numerous Australian Pipits (Anthus australis) and White-fronted Chats (Epthianura albifrons) were feeding in the field. With a little stealth, and frequent stops, one could get quite close to them, narrowing the photographic distance nicely.
One could scarcely cast a sidelong glance without seeing several Tasmanian Nativehens.
Many small birds were flitting around in the vegetation and we were delighted to find Tasmanian Scrubwren (Sericornis humilis).
Many Welcome Swallows (Hirundo neoxena) hawked for insects overhead.
A Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) had a joey in its pouch.
Our trail led to a pond with a great number of water birds, the star of the show being a pair of Musk Ducks (Biziura lobata), that bizarre Australian duck with a flap of skin dangling under the chin of the male. They put on a display which involved a good deal of tail fanning.
There were scores of Hoary-headed Grebes (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) on the water, constantly diving for small fish.
After lunch at a picnic table in the shade, where endemic Black Currawongs (Strepera fuliginosa) presented themselves we drove along the road for a while and parked at a beach access point.
Birds were scarce, however, although we did get a couple of clues that Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) might be nesting there. We saw Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) in addition to the ubiquitous Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae). The highlight was our first tern of the trip, a lone Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) plunge diving into the ocean.
Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus), male and female, thrilled us at every stage of our journey.
When we left the park we drove to the town of Beaconsfield, for a much anticipated event.
Miriam had been contacted earlier in the week by a fellow ETSY member, Stephanie, a participant like her in a sub group of quilters called "The Quiltsy Team." Stephanie had inquired whether we had time to go to her house for a good Australian barbie with some fine Australian wine. We appreciated this wonderful offer very much, and I know that Miriam was especially delighted at the prospect of visiting someone with like interests, especially in another country.
We took a bottle of wine and picked up dessert in town, but Stephanie put on a feast to be reckoned with.
As soon as we arrived we were all taken with this generous, cheerful woman, the very epitome of warm hospitality. As soon as we sat down she made tea for us and we started into some of the sweet goods we had picked up earlier.
Before long we switched to the serious stuff and Stephanie served up a delicious Tasmanian brie with crackers, accompanied by a marvelous Tasmanian crisp white wine.
We chatted and laughed, and Miriam and Stephanie examined her sewing room, and exchanged ideas as only quilters can, especially when surrounded by fabric.
Dinner comprised steak, sausage, a kind of rissole (very tasty), fried onions, scalloped potatoes and mushrooms - and a salad! Franc and I were pressed into service on the barbecue and I think we responded to the challenge. The fact that Stephanie insisted that I take a plate of brie and crackers with me, and a glass of wine "because you can't barbecue without a glass of wine," she said - did nothing to stem my enthusiasm.
The meal was nothing short of fantastic and the warmth of Stephanie's hospitality second to none. The visit to her house was one of the highlights of our time in Tasmania.
If ever she finds herself in Ontario we will be hard pressed to reciprocate in such splendid fashion - but we will sure give it a try!
We went to bed with a full stomach as you might imagine, well contented having spent a wonderful time with our new friend.
All species 05 October: Black Swan, Chestnut Teal, Musk Duck, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Australasian Swamphen, Tasmanian Nativehen, Eurasian Coot, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, Greater Crested Tern, Rock Dove, Common Bronzewing, Laughing Kookaburra, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Brown Thornbill, Australian Magpie, Black Currawong, Grey Fantail, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, Australian Pipit.
06 October 2018
Prospect Vale - Queechy Lake Reserve - Punchbowl Reserve - Cataract Gorge - Trevallyn Reserve - Prospect Vale
We decided to bird locally and checked the area for parks in and around Launceston. Interestingly, the parks are called reserves. In North America we think of a reserve as a large area, often national or provincial in scope, but we found that in Launceston some reserves were mere postage stamp sized urban parks with a small playground and a couple of paths.
Our day began at Queechy Lake Reserve where there was a small colony of Royal Spoonbills, breeding I believe in company with Little Pied Cormorants (Microcarbo melanoleucos), for both were stationed at the nests, although I did not see any actual breeding activity on the part of either species.
Eastern Rosellas (Platycercus eximius) were feeding on the grass and a Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) pursued insect prey in the trees and shrubs.
Tasmanian Nativehens were oblivious to humans ( and seemed also to ignore dogs for that matter) and promenaded around everywhere.
Our next stop was at the Punchbowl Reserve where the most interesting part of our visit was the interaction between a family (three birds) of Laughing Kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae) and a pair of Grey Butcherbirds (Cracticus torquatus). The kookaburras were visiting a nest hole and at different times all three birds went in, coming back out to perch on nearby branches. Did they take food in that I was unable to detect? I don't know. But the butcherbirds were distinctly unhappy that the kookaburras were in their territory and did their best to drive them away, relentlessly swooping at them and uttering warning cries.
Clearly, the butcherbirds regarded the kookaburras as a threat. Here is what it says in Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers (1999), Fry, Fry and Harris - "Food - Laughing Kookaburras are predators of a large variety of animals; at bird tables they are very fond of cheese and raw meat. Near Melbourne, the diet of breeding birds is 35% lizards and snakes, 32% insects, 15% earthworms, 8% crayfish, 1% rodents, and 7% bird table scraps. Elsewhere frogs, fish and nestling birds (emphasis mine) are eaten."
Unfortunately for the butcherbirds they seemed to have no success at all in seeing off the determined kookaburras.
A male Australian Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis) is a stunningly beautiful bird, its song loud, melodious clear whistles.
We had a pleasant lunch in the park, watching the many people who had come out to enjoy a fine day's weather with family and friends.
Our next stop was at Cataract Gorge, a well known area of scenic beauty, visited by many. We went to a café for a coffee and met a family of four from northern British Columbia who were on a fourteen month sabbatical on a round-the-world journey. Quite an experience for all of them but especially for their two children.
Noisy Miners (Manorina melanocephala) were easy to locate in the flowering trees around the café.
Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) regularly associates with humans, sometimes weaving in and out of the tables looking for scraps. A crumb falling on the ground was quickly gobbled up.
The final stop was at Trevallyn Reserve which from a birding perspective barely merited getting out of the car!
We stopped for a few groceries on the way home, but what we had for dinner I neglected to record. I am sure it was good!
All species 06 October: Black Swan, Maned Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Royal Spoonbill, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Australasian Swamphen, Tasmanian Nativehen, Eurasian Coot, Masked Lapwing, Black-fronted Dotterel, Silver Gull, Rock Dove, Spotted Dove, Laughing Kookaburra, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairywren, Yellow Wattlebird, Striated Pardalote, Brown Thornbill, Australian Magpie, Grey Butcherbird, Australian Golden Whistler, Willie Wagtail, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, European Goldfinch.
07 October 2018
Prospect Vale - Dodge's Ferry - Mount Wellington - Dodge's Ferry
Today was moving day - and just for one night in order to be close to the airport in Hobart for tomorrow's departure for Melbourne.
We arrived at the tiny house we had rented in Dodge's Ferry just before lunch, so we ate the sandwiches we had prepared before leaving Prospect Vale.
The afternoon was free to go birding and we discussed at length the options available in the Hobart area. Based on various reports it seemed that Mount Wellington offered the best possibilities and we set off to try our luck.
It is obviously a very popular spot with the local citizenry and being a Sunday was quite crowded. We finally parked, picked a trail and started to walk. It was very rugged, however, and on a steep incline, with a paucity of birds, so after a while we gave up and returned to the parking area. We found a picnic table, got a couple of great cappuccinos, and were royally entertained by two Black Currawongs. These birds were obviously veterans of the parking area and landed on the table to checks for crumbs or other bits of food left behind by two-legged visitors.
A Crescent Honeyeater (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus) was difficult to follow as it stayed deep in the foliage.
We returned to our house around 16h:15. Carol and Franc went for a walk, Miriam relaxed on the bed and I sat outside on the front porch. I had tossed a little bread out earlier and a Forest Raven and a Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) came to feed. A single Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) showed up too, decidedly unusual in Tasmania.
Since we were leaving the next day our groceries were depleted and we made a reservation for dinner at Dodge's Ferry Café and Bar, perhaps the best spot in town, but having little charm and indifferent (one might even say odd) staff. We had to go up to the front and join a line to order our meal and pay for it before eating. Miriam and I both had roast lamb shoulder and thoroughly enjoyed it, Franc not so much. Carol had boar fish with French fries and salad, new to all of us, but quite tasty.
We had a glass of wine back at the house and turned in for the night.
All species 07 October: Little Pied Cormorant, Tasmanian Nativehen, Silver Gull, Kelp Gull, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird, Australian Magpie, Black Currawong, Magpie-lark, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye, Common Myna, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow.
08 October 2018
Dodge's Ferry - Orielton Lagoon - Hobart Airport - Melbourne
We had a couple of hours to do some birding in the morning before going to the airport so we headed for Orielton Lagoon, a sizable area on the ocean broken up into smaller units, with a treed shoreline and an expansive area of beach. Some sections were closed off to protect the breeding habitat of Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) and terns.
The highlight of this walk was a pair of Musk Lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna) allopreening in a tree. Little Wattlebirds and Eastern Rosellas were also detected in the trees.
Welcome Swallows were well into breeding season and birds were taking advantage of any source of mud for nest construction.
Just before leaving the main area of the beach and its adjacent shoreline vegetation we were very fortunate to have a stellar view of a Grey Shrikethrush (Colluricincia harmonica).
Quite a few shorebirds were present but too far out to facilitate identification, most of them in fact in the protected area. Black Swan was common as it was on most waterways in Tasmania. At one location, near an old cemetery, there were hundreds of Red-necked Stints (Calidris ruficollis) fresh from their breeding grounds in Siberia.
By late morning we headed towards the airport, returned our rental vehicle and ate the lunch we had brought with us in the terminal.
Our flight departed a little late and we winged off to Melbourne to start the final leg of our grand adventure.
All species 08 October: Black Swan, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Little Egret, Little Pied Cormorant, Tasmanian Nativehen, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Stint, Silver Gull, Kelp Gull, Eastern Rosella, Musk Lorikeet, Little Wattlebird, Australian Magpie, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Common Myna, Common Starling, House Sparrow.
When we trundled off the ferry on Bruny we set a course for Inala and enjoyed a pleasant drive through country quite different from what we had been seeing in New South Wales. Rich farmland was everywhere and in some ways the bucolic and pastoral nature of the landscape resembled the British Isles. I have never in my life seen so many sheep. We did not even drive for a couple of minutes without sheep in view, big sheep, little sheep, rams, ewes, gambolling lambs. I think that everyone on Tasmania must surely wear woolen sweaters and eat lamb chops!
We reached Inala without difficulty and as we drove onto the property my aforementioned excitement genes did indeed start to kick in. I have been reading about this fabled location for many, many years, and the work of Dr. Tonia Cochran and her staff, primarily in the area of the protection and recovery of the precariously small population of Forty-spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus quadragintus), a Tasmanian endemic. Her work is legendary and one cannot but be filled with admiration for the dedication displayed, and the dream realized in this remote corner of the world so far from everywhere. It was a great privilege to meet Tonia; I was very glad that she was not away on one of her many absences from the island.
Formalities at Inala are minimal to say the least. Our name was on a board denoting that we were checking in today and with a cheery wave and directions to our cottage we were told that the key was in the door.
As we drove toward it, past the administration centre I noticed a large white bird perched on a fallen branch in a pasture bordered by trees. I mentally dismissed it as a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (how quickly we become blasé) but in a flash I realized it was a raptor; in fact it was the stunningly beautiful white morph of Grey Goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae). Unfortunately we spooked the bird in coming to a sudden stop and we learned to walk to the raptor hide via the garden so as not to disturb the birds of prey. Road kill is collected and deposited in the field and raptors are thereby attracted to the carcass du jour. I also saw a Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) gliding in, but it veered off and changed course. I don't know whether it was because it had seen me, but I suspect that might have been the reason.
We went for a walk after taking our bags and groceries into the cottage and saw Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang) almost immediately.
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| Scarlet Robin (juvenile)
Flame Robins (Petroica phoenicea) were also easy to observe.
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A Dusky Woodswallow (Artamus cyanoptera) posed nicely for a picture.
Masked Lapwings (Vanellus miles) were abundant throughout our visits to three Australian states; Franc caught this remarkable shot of a bird in flight clearly showing the spurs on its wing.
One of the staff biologists, Kat, was "breaking in" a new intern and joined us on the tower. She explained that the tower is of recent construction, only erected when Tonia concluded that human presence did not unduly perturb the feeding pardalotes (they feed on lerps) and it would afford visitors an excellent opportunity to view what is probably the target bird for visitors to Tasmania. Kat also furnished a good deal of other useful information about Inala and the surrounding area.
Red-necked Wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus) were visible from the tower and were seen at other points along our walk.
Permit me to outline here Inala's role in conservation and rescue: d rescue
a. A good deal of their profits go directly towards conservation by acquiring land on Bruny Island that they place under conservation covenant.
b. They work with academic researchers and scientists, and are actively involved in conservation programmes for threatened species including Swift Parrot, Forty-spotted Pardalote and several species of Tasmanian raptors.
c. They host schools and university groups on their private reserve, educating younger generations on the important conservation challenges of our time.
d. They are seldom without animals in their care. Whether it be an injured Green Rosella, or an orphaned Tasmanian Pademelon, they will care for it. They feel it's their duty to care for the animals with whom they share their island.
So, fellow naturalists, when you visit Tasmania consider spending at least part of your stay at Inala. You can do no better. Your money (consider it an investment) will go where it counts.
Lest anyone leap to a false conclusion, I have no financial or other vested interest in Inala, just a profound admiration and respect for Tonia and her staff and for the work that they do.
All species 02 October: Black Swan, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Wedge-tailed Eagle, Grey Goshawk, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Silver Gull, Kelp Gull, Rock Dove, Galah, Green Rosella, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Forty-spotted Pardalote, Brown Thornbill, Yellow-rumped Thornbill, Dusky Woodswallow, Australian Magpie, Willie Wagtail, Forest Raven, Dusky Robin, Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin, Welcome Swallow, Common Myna, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow.
03 October 2018
Inala - Cloudy Bay - Bruny Island Lighthouse - Inala
I woke up refreshed after a very good night's sleep.
Shortly afterwards Carol came out of her room in a state of consternation over the discovery of a Huntsman spider on the bedroom door. This is a big spider folks! Huntsman Spiders in the family Sparassidae are found throughout the tropical regions of the world and there are over a thousand species worldwide. Like most creatures they present no problem unless harassed, when they may bite, especially females defending eggs, and they are poisonous, with the intensity of toxins varying from species to species. In any event, Franc managed to get it outside without incident.
By 06h:30 it was raining quite heavily and we went up to the raptor hide for a while, where Forest Ravens (Corvus tasmanicus) were feeding on what appeared to be a road-killed wallaby. A Wedge-tailed Eagle cruised overhead.
In the garden we saw Green Rosellas (Platycercus caledonicus), another Tasmanian endemic. The overall impression one gets is of a rich yellow bird with a red forehead. Like all rosellas it is nothing short of enchanting.
We all went for a long walk throughout the property enjoying a variety of birds and several wallabies. The highlight was great views of two more Tasmanian endemics, Strong-billed Honeyeater (Melithreptus validirostris) and Black-headed Honeyeater (Melithreptus affinis).
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| Strong-billed Honeyeater
A Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa) posed nicely.
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The wind at the coastal locations was absolutely fierce, and quite cold too coming off the southern ocean, but a subadult Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) flew over our heads allowing us to really appreciate its massive bill.
A Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) cruised over the waves and I could not help but think how common this species was in southern Chile in similar waters.
Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) was far and away the most commonly seen species along the shore.
In terms of persistence in looking for birds Carol sparkled several times on this trip. With her eyes glued to the beach, especially in the area where the seaweed scribbles its signature on the sand, she spotted movement and drew our attention to a couple of Hooded Dotterels (Thinornis cucullatus). Not content with this achievement, in short order she also located a Red-capped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus). And bear in mind she was fighting a very strong wind, so keeping her binoculars steady was already a challenge to say nothing of maintaining her single-minded focus on the sand. Bravo, Carol!
Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus longirostris) occupied the sandy beaches while Sooty Oystercatchers (Haematopus fuliginosus) favoured rocky outcrops with waves crashing over them.
A visit to the lighthouse was interesting and we learned a little of its history. Several Dusky Robins (Melanodryas vittata) were foraging in grassy areas, outnumbered twenty to one by rabbits. The hillside seemed to be one huge warren.
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| Dusky Robin |
All species 03 October: White-faced Heron, Great Cormorant, Grey Goshawk, Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Red-capped Plover, Hooded Dotterel, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, Kelp Gull, Nankeen Kestrel, Green Rosella, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Strong-billed Honeyeater, Black-headed Honeyeater, Forty-spotted Pardalote, Grey Fantail, Forest Raven, Dusky Robin, Scarlet Robin, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, European Goldfinch.
04 October 2018
Inala - Adventure Bay - Prospect Vale - Tamar Wetland
Time to leave Inala after too brief a stay.
We went to the store to leave a little of our money behind and bade farewell to Tonia.
A New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) perhaps wished to say goodbye.
Kat had told us that Swift Parrots (Lathamus discolor), a breeding endemic, had returned to Adventure Bay and that is where we headed. The history of this species is a clarion call of alarm, not only to conservationists but to every citizen of the world, and mirrors what is happening to other birds around the globe. Based on the references I have on my shelves this species was declared Vulnerable in 1994, Vulnerable again in 1998, Vulnerable, upgrading to Endangered status likely in 2002, and by October 2015 the species was upgraded to Critically Endangered by the IUCN. An Australian National University computer model predicts extinction by 2031. The projected demise of this species is primarily due to habitat loss, and indeed we saw a good deal of clear cutting during our brief time in Tasmania.
This dire state of affairs makes the work that Tonia is doing even more critical. To let this bird fade from the earth forever would be an unthinkable act of folly and willful disregard for our fellow creatures, truly a crime against humanity with all the loaded meaning that phrase implies.
To see the bird then, was a mission with a good degree of pathos attached to it. We were successful, finding several in a tree feeding on nectar. Yellow Wattlebirds (Anthochaera paradoxa) were in the same vicinity - two Tasmanian endemics side by side; but for how long?
As we left Adventure Bay Miriam spotted a magnificent White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) perched on a snag overlooking the water, a fitting farewell it seemed.
On the way to the ferry we spotted a Tasmanian Nativehen (Tribonyx mortierii) and slammed on the brakes, pulled over to the side and ran back to see it and get a picture or two. Little did we know how absolutely commonplace this species would be during the rest of our stay on Tasmania.
We parked at the ferry dock with lots of time to spare and I went into a little café and bought a hot sausage roll. The woman behind the counter, not a shrinking violet to be sure, assured me that it was freshly made and the finest in Australia! It was in fact very good, but not having great experience with Australian sausage rolls, I will have to withhold my verdict on her claim!
Soon we were loaded onto the boat and off again minutes later. It was a pleasant drive up to our new accommodation in Prospect Vale, a suburb of Launceston. A spacious, well appointed house awaited us and we would be very comfortable there for the rest of our stay in Tassie.
As soon as we had organized ourselves we left to visit the Tamar Wetland not far from town. A very pleasant walk ensued, and although the birds were not prolific it was agreeable to see several pairs of Black Swans (Cygnus atratus) with cygnets. A Swamp Harrier (Circus approximans) was our first view of this species.
Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa) was extremely common and I suspect that we paid little attention to it. It is a singularly handsome duck, however,
We were advised at the Visitor Centre that Little Grassbird (Poodytes gramineus) had recently returned to the wetland and we did see several of them. It was a bit of a Will'o'the'wisp, however, appearing ever so briefly atop a stem in the reeds, and dropping down to obscurity in an instant.
As we returned to our car we saw seven Royal Spoonbills (Platalea regia) in a small lagoon quite close - a splendid way to end our visit to the wetland.
We shopped on the way home and bought a barbecued chicken and a bean salad for dinner.
When we turned in our bed was comfortable and we looked forward to peaceful slumber.
All species 04 October: Black Swan, Maned Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Royal Spoonbill, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Brown Goshawk, Swamp Harrier, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Australasian Swamphen, Tasmanian Nativehen, Eurasian Coot, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Far Eastern Curlew, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, Kelp Gull, Rock Dove, White-throated Needletail, Galah, Swift Parrot, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Yellow Wattlebird, Australian Magpie, Grey Fantail, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Little Grassbird, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, European Goldfinch.
05 October 2018
Prospect Vale - Narawntapu National Park - Beaconsfield - Prospect Vale
I awoke early, but stayed in bed for a while, getting up at 05h:45. A bowl of cereal and a coffee sufficed for breakfast. We made sandwiches for lunch for our planned visit to Narawntapu National Park.
We went into the Visitor Centre to pay our admission and received very good attention from a pleasant young lady there, who filled our heads with all kinds of information, and made sure that she did everything possible to make our stay productive.
All of the trails started at the same point and as we made our way over there numerous Australian Pipits (Anthus australis) and White-fronted Chats (Epthianura albifrons) were feeding in the field. With a little stealth, and frequent stops, one could get quite close to them, narrowing the photographic distance nicely.
One could scarcely cast a sidelong glance without seeing several Tasmanian Nativehens.
Many small birds were flitting around in the vegetation and we were delighted to find Tasmanian Scrubwren (Sericornis humilis).
Many Welcome Swallows (Hirundo neoxena) hawked for insects overhead.
A Red-necked Wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) had a joey in its pouch.
Our trail led to a pond with a great number of water birds, the star of the show being a pair of Musk Ducks (Biziura lobata), that bizarre Australian duck with a flap of skin dangling under the chin of the male. They put on a display which involved a good deal of tail fanning.
There were scores of Hoary-headed Grebes (Poliocephalus poliocephalus) on the water, constantly diving for small fish.
After lunch at a picnic table in the shade, where endemic Black Currawongs (Strepera fuliginosa) presented themselves we drove along the road for a while and parked at a beach access point.
Birds were scarce, however, although we did get a couple of clues that Pied Oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) might be nesting there. We saw Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) in addition to the ubiquitous Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae). The highlight was our first tern of the trip, a lone Greater Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) plunge diving into the ocean.
Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa) was a daily entertaining companion.
When we left the park we drove to the town of Beaconsfield, for a much anticipated event.
Miriam had been contacted earlier in the week by a fellow ETSY member, Stephanie, a participant like her in a sub group of quilters called "The Quiltsy Team." Stephanie had inquired whether we had time to go to her house for a good Australian barbie with some fine Australian wine. We appreciated this wonderful offer very much, and I know that Miriam was especially delighted at the prospect of visiting someone with like interests, especially in another country.
We took a bottle of wine and picked up dessert in town, but Stephanie put on a feast to be reckoned with.
As soon as we arrived we were all taken with this generous, cheerful woman, the very epitome of warm hospitality. As soon as we sat down she made tea for us and we started into some of the sweet goods we had picked up earlier.
Before long we switched to the serious stuff and Stephanie served up a delicious Tasmanian brie with crackers, accompanied by a marvelous Tasmanian crisp white wine.
We chatted and laughed, and Miriam and Stephanie examined her sewing room, and exchanged ideas as only quilters can, especially when surrounded by fabric.
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| Stephanie, Miriam |
The meal was nothing short of fantastic and the warmth of Stephanie's hospitality second to none. The visit to her house was one of the highlights of our time in Tasmania.
If ever she finds herself in Ontario we will be hard pressed to reciprocate in such splendid fashion - but we will sure give it a try!
We went to bed with a full stomach as you might imagine, well contented having spent a wonderful time with our new friend.
All species 05 October: Black Swan, Chestnut Teal, Musk Duck, Australasian Grebe, Hoary-headed Grebe, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Australasian Swamphen, Tasmanian Nativehen, Eurasian Coot, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, Greater Crested Tern, Rock Dove, Common Bronzewing, Laughing Kookaburra, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, White-fronted Chat, Brown Thornbill, Australian Magpie, Black Currawong, Grey Fantail, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, Australian Pipit.
06 October 2018
Prospect Vale - Queechy Lake Reserve - Punchbowl Reserve - Cataract Gorge - Trevallyn Reserve - Prospect Vale
We decided to bird locally and checked the area for parks in and around Launceston. Interestingly, the parks are called reserves. In North America we think of a reserve as a large area, often national or provincial in scope, but we found that in Launceston some reserves were mere postage stamp sized urban parks with a small playground and a couple of paths.
Our day began at Queechy Lake Reserve where there was a small colony of Royal Spoonbills, breeding I believe in company with Little Pied Cormorants (Microcarbo melanoleucos), for both were stationed at the nests, although I did not see any actual breeding activity on the part of either species.
Eastern Rosellas (Platycercus eximius) were feeding on the grass and a Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) pursued insect prey in the trees and shrubs.
Tasmanian Nativehens were oblivious to humans ( and seemed also to ignore dogs for that matter) and promenaded around everywhere.
Our next stop was at the Punchbowl Reserve where the most interesting part of our visit was the interaction between a family (three birds) of Laughing Kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae) and a pair of Grey Butcherbirds (Cracticus torquatus). The kookaburras were visiting a nest hole and at different times all three birds went in, coming back out to perch on nearby branches. Did they take food in that I was unable to detect? I don't know. But the butcherbirds were distinctly unhappy that the kookaburras were in their territory and did their best to drive them away, relentlessly swooping at them and uttering warning cries.
Clearly, the butcherbirds regarded the kookaburras as a threat. Here is what it says in Kingfishers, Bee-eaters and Rollers (1999), Fry, Fry and Harris - "Food - Laughing Kookaburras are predators of a large variety of animals; at bird tables they are very fond of cheese and raw meat. Near Melbourne, the diet of breeding birds is 35% lizards and snakes, 32% insects, 15% earthworms, 8% crayfish, 1% rodents, and 7% bird table scraps. Elsewhere frogs, fish and nestling birds (emphasis mine) are eaten."
Unfortunately for the butcherbirds they seemed to have no success at all in seeing off the determined kookaburras.
A male Australian Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis) is a stunningly beautiful bird, its song loud, melodious clear whistles.
We had a pleasant lunch in the park, watching the many people who had come out to enjoy a fine day's weather with family and friends.
Our next stop was at Cataract Gorge, a well known area of scenic beauty, visited by many. We went to a café for a coffee and met a family of four from northern British Columbia who were on a fourteen month sabbatical on a round-the-world journey. Quite an experience for all of them but especially for their two children.
Noisy Miners (Manorina melanocephala) were easy to locate in the flowering trees around the café.
Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis) regularly associates with humans, sometimes weaving in and out of the tables looking for scraps. A crumb falling on the ground was quickly gobbled up.
The final stop was at Trevallyn Reserve which from a birding perspective barely merited getting out of the car!
We stopped for a few groceries on the way home, but what we had for dinner I neglected to record. I am sure it was good!
All species 06 October: Black Swan, Maned Duck, Pacific Black Duck, Australasian Grebe, Royal Spoonbill, White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Great Cormorant, Australasian Swamphen, Tasmanian Nativehen, Eurasian Coot, Masked Lapwing, Black-fronted Dotterel, Silver Gull, Rock Dove, Spotted Dove, Laughing Kookaburra, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairywren, Yellow Wattlebird, Striated Pardalote, Brown Thornbill, Australian Magpie, Grey Butcherbird, Australian Golden Whistler, Willie Wagtail, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow, European Goldfinch.
07 October 2018
Prospect Vale - Dodge's Ferry - Mount Wellington - Dodge's Ferry
Today was moving day - and just for one night in order to be close to the airport in Hobart for tomorrow's departure for Melbourne.
We arrived at the tiny house we had rented in Dodge's Ferry just before lunch, so we ate the sandwiches we had prepared before leaving Prospect Vale.
The afternoon was free to go birding and we discussed at length the options available in the Hobart area. Based on various reports it seemed that Mount Wellington offered the best possibilities and we set off to try our luck.
It is obviously a very popular spot with the local citizenry and being a Sunday was quite crowded. We finally parked, picked a trail and started to walk. It was very rugged, however, and on a steep incline, with a paucity of birds, so after a while we gave up and returned to the parking area. We found a picnic table, got a couple of great cappuccinos, and were royally entertained by two Black Currawongs. These birds were obviously veterans of the parking area and landed on the table to checks for crumbs or other bits of food left behind by two-legged visitors.
A Crescent Honeyeater (Phylidonyris pyrrhopterus) was difficult to follow as it stayed deep in the foliage.
We returned to our house around 16h:15. Carol and Franc went for a walk, Miriam relaxed on the bed and I sat outside on the front porch. I had tossed a little bread out earlier and a Forest Raven and a Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) came to feed. A single Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) showed up too, decidedly unusual in Tasmania.
Since we were leaving the next day our groceries were depleted and we made a reservation for dinner at Dodge's Ferry Café and Bar, perhaps the best spot in town, but having little charm and indifferent (one might even say odd) staff. We had to go up to the front and join a line to order our meal and pay for it before eating. Miriam and I both had roast lamb shoulder and thoroughly enjoyed it, Franc not so much. Carol had boar fish with French fries and salad, new to all of us, but quite tasty.
We had a glass of wine back at the house and turned in for the night.
All species 07 October: Little Pied Cormorant, Tasmanian Nativehen, Silver Gull, Kelp Gull, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson Rosella, Eastern Rosella, Superb Fairywren, New Holland Honeyeater, Little Wattlebird, Australian Magpie, Black Currawong, Magpie-lark, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Silvereye, Common Myna, Common Starling, Common Blackbird, House Sparrow.
08 October 2018
Dodge's Ferry - Orielton Lagoon - Hobart Airport - Melbourne
We had a couple of hours to do some birding in the morning before going to the airport so we headed for Orielton Lagoon, a sizable area on the ocean broken up into smaller units, with a treed shoreline and an expansive area of beach. Some sections were closed off to protect the breeding habitat of Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor) and terns.
The highlight of this walk was a pair of Musk Lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna) allopreening in a tree. Little Wattlebirds and Eastern Rosellas were also detected in the trees.
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| Musk Lorikeets |
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| Little Wattlebird |
Welcome Swallows were well into breeding season and birds were taking advantage of any source of mud for nest construction.
Just before leaving the main area of the beach and its adjacent shoreline vegetation we were very fortunate to have a stellar view of a Grey Shrikethrush (Colluricincia harmonica).
Quite a few shorebirds were present but too far out to facilitate identification, most of them in fact in the protected area. Black Swan was common as it was on most waterways in Tasmania. At one location, near an old cemetery, there were hundreds of Red-necked Stints (Calidris ruficollis) fresh from their breeding grounds in Siberia.
By late morning we headed towards the airport, returned our rental vehicle and ate the lunch we had brought with us in the terminal.
Our flight departed a little late and we winged off to Melbourne to start the final leg of our grand adventure.
All species 08 October: Black Swan, Pacific Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Great Egret, White-faced Heron, Little Egret, Little Pied Cormorant, Tasmanian Nativehen, Pied Oystercatcher, Masked Lapwing, Bar-tailed Godwit, Red-necked Stint, Silver Gull, Kelp Gull, Eastern Rosella, Musk Lorikeet, Little Wattlebird, Australian Magpie, Forest Raven, Welcome Swallow, Common Myna, Common Starling, House Sparrow.
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Hello David,
ReplyDeleteI love to see the beautiful photos and birds in Australia. Here in Norway we don't have birds with colors like that. It's amazing how colorful they are down south.
Wow David, wonderful photos from the team but Franc as always is superb. I especially like the birds of prey, the Grey goshawk is stunning, and the White-bellied Sea Eagle reminds me strongly of the African Fish Eagle, but the latter is the one with the magical call. Who cannot fall in love with the fairy wren, so pretty. Australasia has so many beautiful birds though and I regret haveing left my bird book in the taxi when we were there!!
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend, we are nearly there -Diane
Hari Om
ReplyDeletephew - you sure packed it in, not wasting a precious minute! What delights... YAM xx
Wow, just amazing birds and photos. Such an awesome variety I could never pick a favorite. I love them all. I enjoyed reading your trip report. Thanks for sharing. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDelete¡¡Que precioso y gran reportaje!! Amigo David, nos dejas con la boca abierta, cuanta belleza junta y que buena narrativa. Nos coges de la mano y nos adentras en ese fabuloso viaje como si de un espectador más se tratara.
ReplyDeleteEs increíble la gran labor realizada por la doctora Tonia y Kat así como las gentes de esa remota parte del mundo como es Tasmania. Si existieran muchas personas así con ese amor a la naturaleza, el mundo sería muy distinto de cómo es.
Enhorabuena David por ese gran y bello reportaje así como a las extraordinarias fotos de Franc.
Un fuerte abrazo para todos amigo.
The world would indeed be a much better place, Juan.
DeleteLovely see those birds!
ReplyDeleteHello David!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely variety of those beautiful and colorful birds!
I’m speechless from the beauty of Tasmanian birds!
Excellent pictures and great captures!
You all really had a great time ! Thank you for sharing!
Have a happy November!
Dimi...
What an adventure! Love all the stunning images of the birds and your narrative. Wonderful post!!
ReplyDeleteYou must have been exhausted at the end of each day.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much (all of you) for sharing the marvels.
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post for me ! Thank you for all informations. I didn't plan Inala. We'll spend a few hours there.
What a misfortune all these birds near extinction..... The man doesn't care about any of this ;(
I have planned that we will stay in Tasmania for 10 days.
Congratulations for all the pictures, they are superb!
Bon voyage, Nathalie.
DeleteReading and looking at the wonderful photographs, I'm running out of superlatives.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely FANTASTIC what an amazing trip.
All the best Jan
Wow. You saw some fabulous birds. I know nothing about birds down under and it is great to learn something and see something beautiful and new.
ReplyDeleteWow, quite a trip! Interesting to see birds from Australia. They are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to read about my home Island and it's birds.
ReplyDeleteSeems more time was needed on Bruny Island, and it's pleasing you came across some of our birds not seen elsewhere..
Beautiful photography and well written words.
Ett fantastiskt reportage David! Bilderna är som alltid exklusiva och kombinerat med ditt vackra språk och din berättarförmåga så blir det en underbar upplevelse att läsa om ert äventyr. Jag gissar att endemiska fågelarter är något av det bästa man som fågelskådare kan få uppleva.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your lovely words, Gunilla. And yes, endemic birds are indeed the greatest thrill. The fact that they can be seen nowhere else adds a special dimension to the sighting.
DeleteHi David.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed all those beautiful birds and your report.
How wonderful that you have been able to see all this in real life.
Beautiful David.
Beautiful pictures..
Groettie from Patricia.
So many exotic birds! What an adventure, and great photos to remember it all by.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post and photos - what a superb holiday you had. It is so interesting to see the wildlife of Australia - I will return and read the post again - there is so much of interest there.
ReplyDeleteIt was certainly a very interesting place to visit with some amazing birds.
DeleteHi David. Sadly my days of long-haul are over. But when I return next time I must try to get to Australasia. Even though some of the birds seem a little exotic to Northern Hemisphere birds a number of the families are easily recognisable and some of the species nameable with the help of lots of homework and a good field guide. I have seen that Superb Fairywren on other blogs where I was also suitably impressed. At first glance I thought you had included Berthelot’s Pipit but of course it’s the Australian, remarkably alike in stance and stature if not colouration. Blow me, I even like that Kelp Gull but perhaps not in the hand?
ReplyDeleteThank you for putting these two posts together. Some very good results by way of your write-up and of course Franc’s superb photowork.
What a fascinating trip to the Tasmania island, how many colorful and different birds that I know while others are so similar to those we have in this part of the world, surely their ancestors were widely distributed in the southern hemisphere. Among the birds that fascinated me, which are many, I highlight the colorful Psittacidae, Sea Eagle and the absolutely amazing Superb Fairywren, which I know for the first time with your post as that of most species.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed this great trip and I appreciate that you show all those Australian winged beauties. For those dates I was traveling part of my country, I have already shared something and I still have much more to show for a long trip I did.
A big hug my friend
Hi David - wonderful to read the commentary of where you visited and the differences in the various parks etc ... so pleased to read about Bruny Island, Inala and Dr Tonia's work ... as well as meet Stephanie, the Quilter to keep Miriam happy. Franc does you real justice and us more importantly as the visuals bring your words to life ... his photos are beautiful ... thanks I've loved these posts - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI have been looking forward to reading about your adventures down under. I'm glad the flight/landing/grocery store/car and all were easy and at hand (bummer about missing the boat, but hey -- you were down where it's warm and beautiful and not cold and rainy! What's not to love -- and another boat comes!)
ReplyDeleteInala sounds like a little bit of heaven on earth and with a terrific mission. It looks like you found the right place and you certainly found the birds. Some magnificent shots from Team Travels. Love the flight shots especially.
And glad you could enjoy dinner with real Australians! Stephanie sounds like a great host and wonderful cook. I love things like that when the opportunity arrives.
Thanks for coming over to the Gypsy and following along. You're right about art museums. We were smart this time and did small ones. We tried one wing of the Louvre the last time we went and long before we had maxed the wing we had maxed our abilities to do much more than walk around like glazed zombies. This time, different. ANd yes, it sure isn't San Diego!
Such amazing, wonderful creatures! Thank you for the beautiful and interesting post.
ReplyDeleteWe are indeed hoping for a kind winter. The recent devastation in Italy looks apocalyptic.
Sorry for the late visit, David. We've been a bit preoccupied with ongoing family issues. Hopefully these will be resolved to a large degree by early 2019.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying your account of this epic trip. Thr photos are wonderful and I feel quite disappointed when a species is mentioned, but not shown! I also find myself wondering how often, if ever, you find yourself in a situation when in an unfamiliar country and not able to identify a bird - I have enough problems with some of the UK birds! I'm sure you do a tremendous amount of research before your visit, but in a short space of time you can't beat a lifetime of exposure.
I'm looking forward to the next installment. My love to you both - - - Richard
Hello Richard: Sorry to hear about your family issues. Nothing too dire I hope. You are right, I do a tremendous amount of research before leaving and it helps a good deal, but there are always birds I am unable to identify, especially LBJs, as is true everywhere.
DeleteAnother thrilling ride-along. I am in awe of your detailed notes. Do you ever sleep when you are on these trips? The coloring on the fairywren is radiant - my favorite in this grouping, although it is almost impossible to choose!
ReplyDeleteThis is all so wonderful David. you and Miriam make friends everywhere as well as finding remarkable birds and I am so in awe of how you can iD them all. What an amazing trip.
ReplyDeleteMiriam was especially delighted to meet Stephanie and they have stayed in touch as you might imagine. But we all found her a charming, intelligent lady, with a good sense of humour and a pleasure to spend time with.
DeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteAnd what a post, sorry for the late visit but unfortunately things happen.
Some absolutely stunning birds and so many that will become extinct, what are we doing to our world and creatures.
Both yours and Francs images are stunning and the detailed notes so informative.
Wish you had spread the posts to three.
All the best to you all, John
It will be three, John. The final instalment covering our visit to the State of Victoria is still to come.
DeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteIt took some time you look at all the pictures at ease. Once again I am amazed by the number of different birds you show us here. When there is so much to see I can imagine that you were exhausted every night, being busy all day with observing and photographing wildlife. But, because you don't visit Tasmania regularly, you want to absorb everything of course. Clearly a trip you won't forget easily.
Greetings, Kees
Inala looks like a wonderful place with much needed good work done there. How fantastic to get such good views of the Pardalotes!
ReplyDeleteHello dear David,
ReplyDeletealso in this post are many beautiful birds.
It is really incredible what you have seen allemala and what you have photographed :-)
You posted this post on November 1 but I was away from the internet. October 31 was the dying day of my dear grandson Jahnay and I could not go on the blog for a moment because the grief and pain were so intense.
I am now enjoying your beautiful photos.
Sweet growths, Helma xx
ooooh, die Fairywren, een écht sprookje. Wat ontzettend mooi!
ReplyDelete