A stop in Byron (March 2019)

Same day as the previous post, I decided to swing into Byron over near the golf course and wander down a path on the northern edge of the caravan and camping ground towards the beach. I had been exploring potential walks on a map and this was one I could cross off my list. It had become quite hot in the afternoon, but it proved worthwhile as several willing subjects presented themselves.

This post presents some "old favourites", but as is nearly always the case when the environment is different so is my appreciation for the birds (and our environment). 

I begin with a very handsome and majestic magpie keeping a very close eye on its present domain. The strong grey beak protruding beyond the dull red eye offers a clear reminder why you do not want to swooped by one. A very stately pose on the paper bark branch this time.

Same tree, different branch, a more diminutive amd demure pee-wee (magpie lark). The white breast is noticeable compared to the larger magpie as is the much smaller beak and white eye with the black centre. As often noted, it is amazing how "black and white" as a description falls so far short of the stark differences of reality!

Now, the laughing kookaburra I have featured in many prior posts. This setting was quite a treat for two reasons. First, the perch on the paper bark against the wonderous clear blue sky we take for granted far too much. Second, the very willing subject allowed me to provide you with a selection of successively closer portraits, with the BONUS of a final warning glare straight down the lens that "that is enough" 😉 ... and such access and light really shows off the finery of the plumage and the strength in the beak.

 

A little further down the track was a retention pond and this hardhead struck a lonely, but oh so peaceful sight.

A wren flitting along among the path-side foliage offered a rare stop for a pose before continuing on its way.

Making itself heard very clearly, scouring the foliage of a young casuarina, was a little wattlebird enjoying some shade for limited camouflage with a voice like it has!

To finish this Byron interlude I had the very good fortune to come across a small flock of white-breasted woodswallows basking in the sunshine, preening and communing atop the bare branches of a very old and gnarly paperbark. Once again the value of the pristine clear blue sky cannot be over-stated! I really love how these feathers look so soft and furry, almost velvet-like. Of course, their black eyes can also be very piercing (even stern!) when they peer at you with the "right" angle! As noted in earlier posts, the only real giveaway about the "swallow" part of their name is when they are in flight 😉; then it is unmistakable. Enjoy!