We took a drive north to check a couple of reserves I had scouted on Google Maps. One proved to be far less accessible than the map indicated, but the other a much more pleasant walk and associated treats for my camera (and a good walk for our health!).
After a nice cuppa when we arrived in Pottsville, we located the Pottsville Environment Park and headed off on the loop walk. As well as the birds (and bats) there was some wonderfully varied coastal wetland and forest to admire as you meander along the track. Along the eastern and northern reaches of the track you overlook the Cudgera Creek as an added bonus. A beautiful and peaceful walk.
I have to begin by sharing a couple of non-bird photos to offer a sense of that beauty and serenity. The naturtal textures are just astounding and command you to pause for admiration.
First up for the bird photos I have a "regular" - a white-cheeked honeyeater. This one was just after we set off and the song was very close to our track. Nonetheless, it took several swivels to finally spot it ... hiding in plain sight, right at eye level and very close, something not so common. The brid's obliging nature enabled a great close-up and then, as if to simply show-off before we moved on, it caught a green flying insect to demonstrate its hunting capabilities 👏.
A short walk further along the track we spotted a very elusive and active white-browed scrubwren. Tiny thing, but like a lot of such tiny birds, disproportionately large feet to cling on with while perching. And in almost the same location, and even more elusive, I share my latest attempt to photograph an eastern whipbird (it is the black blur just left of center 😕; once again, seemingly close enough to touch!!).
The final set of photos on our walk are variegated fairy wrens. I share these three photos because it was a treat (a relatively rare one for me so far) to see the male so clearly and to show how the females are a real challenge to distinguish among the various fairy wrens. The colours offer a real kaleidoscope variation on the more common (to me) superb fairy wren. The environment for each photo provides a strong sense of proprotion for the small size of the fairy wrens. To me, another stunning viewing!
Once again the less trodden paths of our local area prove well and truely worthy of exploration. Real gems hidden in plain sight!
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