2016 - rich pickings on north wall Ballina

Just a reminder, if you click on any one of the photos it should open a bigger window (Lightbox) allowing you to see larger images for better detail.

While I had wandered along here (see picture below, the north wall is on the right of the picture, though in 2019 the Council has completed a significant makeover to the left hand shore) many times and have even already shared a few photos from early practice, this was the first time I explored this rich habitat with my heightened awareness of birds. The result was some very pleasant surprises and the start of many such explorations. Shared here are my first photos of some species which have become common sightings for me. You will no doubt some different examples (habitat contexts and lighting settings) as the blog evolves. And, of course, some species will be familiar (though the pictures different) from the posts sharing my exhibition back near the beginning of the blog.

Ballina north wall (RHS) looking east (2016)

This first specimen below surprised me at the beginning of the walk. My initial view from a distance caused a flutter because I thought it was a bittern ... and I did not even know what that was until our UK trip and then only glimpsed one from some distance (which was an achievement apparently!). So moving towards the bird to try to make sure I got a picture it quickly became apparent it was not a bittern ... and it did look really sad, forlorn and "lost" among the rocks ... but an ever so interesting subject that I was to realise had many guises (see two further examples in the exhibition). Quite magnificent in its own way up close, for which it was very obliging.

Striated heron blending in

Striated heron - a closer peek, more alert

The next few are common waders (in Shaw"s Bay) and a swimmer (in the river mouth) either side of the north wall. Excellent hunters, it is a treat when you manage to capture them with a success too (the first picture).

A great heron with a catch

A white-faced heron stalking

Pied cormorant ready to dive

The next four again have turned out to be common finds in this habitat. Each can be found in various locations right along the edge of the wall - the particular side often dependent on tide and wind conditions. Often it is the poo on the rocks that is a give away, or at lest a place to stop and wait and pay attention to for a while 👍. First, who knew the swallow had such a rich array or colour?

Swallow keeping an eye on me

 Next, often the female fairy wrens all "seem" to be the same mousy brown colour ... however, get them in the right light and the tail can be a give away which type of male they pair with.

Female superb fairy wren (the blue tail feathers)

 Though an introduced species, these are very beautiful and often found in pairs - their rock perches often make for excellent photographic context (which, of course, applies equally to any of the birds).

Spotted (turtle) dove

 This was my first spotting of one of my favourites for this habitat. They have since offered many satisfying moments and are generally very photogenic if you remain patient and happy to be still.

Sacred kingfisher perched ready to swoop

So, as you can see, this habitat has much to offer, large and small and several sizes in between. This variety has ensured many an enjoyable and productive walk with my camera ... this was just the beginning.

2016 - out my office window

Walking into work, to my office, after my 3 months off and I am acutely aware of many bird calls. As I open my windows to allow the stale air to exhale and inhale the fresh, several of those calls sound very close ... suddenly I am conscious to the avian activity that has, no doubt, been happening outside my windows for the decades I have have been there! Just now by watching with my ears and listening more acutely with my eyes ... and actually taking time to do so ... I NOTICE what has always been there. So much we miss by not lifting out heads, if not our eyes and turning our ears ... each a little bird but each with a distinctive voice ...

Male red-backed fairy wren

Female red-backed fairy wren

Golden whistler

Grey fantail

Red-browed finch

Striated pardalote

And not always small but certainly with a distinctive and loud call and relaxed flight ... the yellow-tailed black cockatoo is a regular visitor!

What an interruption to any day, and in this instance what a welcome back 😊.

2016 - UK & my bird awakening

The first half (effectively) of 2016 was about my expectation of learning more about using my new camera while visiting the UK for the birth of another grand daughter (Maggie ... I only know that with the value of hindsight!) - the first daughter for Belinda & George who live in Norwich, Norfolk.

Little did I anticipate the role of being introduced to bird-watching by George's dad, Sean, would have on my learning. Birds became the focus (no pun intended!) of my photography. A full blog of that extended stay will offer many glimpses and examples of UK birds so feel free to explore that journey if you are so inclined: Our UK trip to Norfolk (and other places).

The following photo is just one example of many highlights from that extended stay ... it is memorable to me as I was not aware of the way some waterbirds carry their young on their back - apparently for their initial protection from the dangers of pike lurking from below - ah, nature!

And I cannot resist one more showing the "power of mum" ... greylags on the move!

OK, subsequent posts will return to the Australian bird theme post UK visit with my increased awareness of what had, no doubt, always been happening around me 😕.

2015 - a final few

Each of the examples on this page are explained below.

Magpie lark

 We were visiting daughters and grand-daughters in Adelaide and this pee-wee (magpie lark) was foraging near a potted plant in a North Adelaide street we were meandering along. Love their call, and they highlight how colourful black and white can be!

Australian wood duck parents closely watching their ducklings.

 These new parents were very closely keeping an eye on their ducklings. One parent focusing on the cure little ones and the other more intent on the surroundings should other dangers appear! The zoom used for the photo above actually disguises the reasons for the parental concern ... they had actually shepherded their loved ones to a rather precarious rest stop ... the "less zoomed" shot below offers a better sense of environment 😊.

A precarious perch!

And finally a trio from our backyard. I took these because I was very surprised to see the lorikeets devouring a fallen avocado from one of our trees ... surprised because I had not seen it before and never (still) seen them touch them on the tree. The first one shows remnants on the beak and the bare avocado stone; the second one a piece in the beak as the avocado is being shielded; and finally the half-eaten avocado clearly showing the beak marks from the feast.

More of nature's delights to follow ... 2016 when the interest was ignited (despite the evidence of it being latent already!). I hope you are enjoying the journey.

2015 - practicing in a bird sanctuary

This series of photos arose, not because of any particular commune with nature, rather a visit with one of our daughters and her family to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary near the end of the year. The two grandkids loved the day, even if it tired them (and the parents) right out 😊. It is a reminder of the value of such refuges to show off a little of the variety of wildlife we have in our habitat ... needless to say perhaps, there were many non-bird species photographed on the day, but I include only one of those (I was still fascinated the zoom allows me to get so close from afar!) ... so let's start with that one ...

Crocodile sunbaking - deceptively still!

Of course, many of the birds shown here are seldom seen locally. However, as you will see again in later posts, others are. So, the variety is good for appreciation. Enjoy!

First up there are a series of that were is a very large netted habitat and these are birds much more difficult to spot and capture clearly in nature. The first one with the nest is curious because the bird in the nest looks like a young one, but not like to other one in the picture.

Pied imperial pigeon

From a broader angle

This fellow is busily tending his bower so it was a treat to be passing by just when that was happening. Something to look forward one day in a more natural habitat ... wouldn't that add a spring to the step for the rest of a walk!

Bower bird housekeeping.

These next two I have since come to appreciate are quite elusive in nature for very different reasons. Being able to offer such comments in a catch up blog is rather weird, but also part of the fun of writing one ... being able to convey a sense of the value of hindsight 😉.The emerald dove I have spotted in our yard a few times BUT it is very flighty & thus a challenge to get a good glimpse of, let alone a clear photo. The topknot pigeon inhabits very high forest branches and I have come to "feel" rather than spot ... you may read an extended version of this later from a sighting in Victoria Park. I heard (and felt) debris falling despite the morning walk being windless and this prompts a look to the canopy ... there ... way up there ... so this close-up view is a treat to be savoured.

Emerald dove

Topknot pigeon

I really felt good after capturing this next shot; little could I know that these delicate birds would provide one of my most satisfying days with my camera based on a following a whim after a slow drive several days earlier - patience and perseverance ...

Chestnut-breasted mannikins.

This next group were in the area showing off birds of prey in flight and other exotic species. I think I have the names right but would not guarantee that ... seeing any of these in their natural habitat is always a treat for the power and grace they exude.

Eastern barn owl

Barking owl

Wedge-tailed eagle

And a colourful exotic pair of macaws ...

The next group were found wandering around the grounds and tended to be more "free-range" though not entirely. Once again it is the variety that stands out not withstanding this is a sanctuary ... and also worth noting here even the variety there is in plain old "black and white" 😊.

Black-winged stilt

Magpie goose

Magpie geese pair

Wandering whistling ducks (sedentary!)

Baby brush turkey learning to forage.

Mother pacific black duck and ducklings.

Old man emu having a rest.

And finally what is a visit to Currumbin without observing feeding time for the lorikeets. This last photo of the post is more about the birds positioning themselves in anticipation of feeding time and as it was almost Christmas seemed a very Australian vision of a Xmas tree ... you be the judge!

Until the next post ... and I realise that as Australia's most often sighted birds lorikeets will feature many time in future posts as they have provided many moments of joy and humour!

2015 - trying out a good camera

And so, even before my interest in bird photography, it turns out they offered themselves as some really good subjects as I attempted to come to terms with my Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200. A birthday present from my dear wife. This model has been superceded by the FZ300, but to date I am more than content with what I have and progress with my efforts ... here is the fourth photo taken with my camera - was impressed with the detail from the 25-600mm zoom range (a new experience for me).

Rainbow lorikeet feasting on red umbrella tree flowers

And shortly thereafter, a quick follow-up on full zoom with some nice backlight, same tree providing sustenance for a different species ... nature showing me how to share!

Young blue-faced honey-eater

Great subjects, even without a specific interest other than exploring how to apply some of the features of my new camera. The next few are examples from the beach. More specifically, the north wall at Ballina with illustrations of what is available on the river side, the main beach side and in Shaw's Bay ... plenty of options when you begin to take notice!

Pied oystercatcher.

The aptly named Superb fairywren.

Take-away for the Brahminy kite!

A drying darter.

 I now know that these species are common sights in such a rich habitat offered by the Richmond River mouth. The opportunity to photograph such beautiful creatures in their natural environment is a privilege and the range of natural contexts is fun to explore. The final few images for this post are from the same location and feature the playful and curious pelican and another favourite subject, the osprey. A favoured spot along the wall is atop a lamp post ... and their focus on potential prey generally allows some excellent up close photos. The tip of the beak, the claws and that clear focused eye are great features!

Pelican paying homage.

Pelican cruising with that sharp eye.

The majestic fisher - osprey.

More from 2015 soon ...