My brother from Australia sent me through a lot more photos of the birdlife in his area of New South Wales; some are same species you have already seen from his previous photos (but different shots) and there are some new bird species we haven't seen as well. As there are a lot of pics I will download them in batches a few at a time; fortunately he has named the species for us which makes my life a lot easier lol Having seen these photos, I think a trip to Australia is now moving up the list ha ha !!
You will have seen the recent news of serious and extensive bush fires currently around Australia (particularly NSW and Victoria) which has had a serious impact not only on humans, property, habitat but also the wildlife. We were living there (but holidaying in UK) when the last devastating/fatal bush fires occurred in Victoria (Black Sunday - February 2009) which destroyed my brother's previous residence in Victoria; so I will start with a photo of his old house from 2009 (he had moved from there just over a year before this fire took place and after he moved to NSW) but knowing his old house so well it was sickening to see there was nothing left of it - except the remnants of the washing machine and the bathtub. I remember when Mike and I re-varnished the decking area for my brother which gave such superb views of the Yarra Valley beneath and there was nothing left as the fire has swept up from the valley below with such ferocity. These fires spread so quickly you have to ensure you evacuate well in time as even a car often can't outrun the speed of these fires as they are so often accompanied by strong winds :(
You can probably make out the view we used to have down to the Yarra Valley beneath...… it was even more spectacular when you stood on the decking towards the back of the property.
Now for more pleasant memories and the New South Wales birdlife:
I have to start with this enchanting little Wren that just made me smile when I saw it !! A Red-backed Fairy-wren
the always popular Kookaburra which is a member of the Kingfisher family of birds.
Dollarbird - it looks oddly out of proportion !
Blue-faced Honeyeater
Cuckoo-shrike
Eastern Rosella
Eastern Spinebill
more to come after a cuppa !! there will be eagles, ospreys, godwits and other amazing birds ……..
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Regards, Hazel
Kind regards, Ann
More lovely photos hazel, such a shame this dreaded COVID has put a stop to so much. Can't wait for the Osprey photo!
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
As promised, here ya go Ann and Catlady !
The Eastern Osprey close up ............. (Northern Rivers area of New South Wales)
LOL Ann, knew you would like his photo; I am itching to get out there to visit and go bird photographing with him, they have such amazing species out there and most are local to him. I don't know much about Eastern Ospreys and feet colour ! They breed close to where he lives around 12 miles down the road ! they used to be nearer on a huge bridge area but much work has been done to widen the Pacific Highway and they relocated the nesting platforms I believe.
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
I can add Graham's photos via an Instagram link; neither Graham or I are fans of social media websites but he thought it may be an easier way for me to see his photos and be able to share them with you. You will already have seen many of these photos but if I missed any, they will be on HERE