Australia - WA - Kalgoolie - Lake Douglas!

My pal and I spent yesterday on a road trip from Perth to spend the weekend with another former colleague who lives in Kalgoolie. The afternoon was spent with local people during ANZAC day. The plan is to spend a couple of days in Esperance before returning to Perth.

This morning we took a trip to Lake Douglas recreation Reserve which offers camping around a naturally rain filled lake. The surrounding area was sparsely vegetated with patches of eucalyptus which held a few passerines including Striated Pardalote.

A couple of Black Fronted Dotterel was found patrolling the sandy margins.

The lake held a few wildfowl including Grey Teal, Maned and Pacific Black Duck. White Faced and White Necked Stork were seen fishing in the open margins.

Australian Grebe remained closer to an area of reeds at the far end of the lake. 

A Yellow billed Spoonbill looked lost clinging onto a submerged branch in the centre of the lake.

Australia - Perth - Thomson's NR - Kogolup Lake - Flying Visit!

I took a short visit to Kogolup Lake this afternoon. The sun was up and I didn’t really expect to see much but there was plenty of activity on the lake. A flock of Australian Ibis were feeding in front of the reed-bed on the far side. I wonder if they were the same birds I had seen in the paddock just off the main road on previous days! Australian Shelduck were also present on the lake.

I missed the photo opportunity for the Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo once again. This was frustrating because I heard then calling long before the group appeared low over the trees. Whilst in my haste to set up my camera I noticed a Buff Banded Rail washing up just in front of a clump of reeds a few metres in front of me.

A fantastic finale to a flying visit!

Australia - Perth - Thomson's NR - Kogolup Lake - Day Count!

Kogolup Lake with its muddy margins and open water still has potential to pull in any passing shorebirds or waterfowl. I spent a day staking the lake out to see how many species of bird I could record taking counts and attempting pictures of species I did not recognize.

It was clear and sunny and I was grateful for some shade that the lakeside trees and bushes provided as the day progressed. I had one eye in the sky and another on the ground during my vigil as I didn’t want to miss flyovers or any snakes that had cared to join the watch!

I was caught out early on by a group of Carnaby’s Cockatoo that made a noisy entrance overhead and had departed by the time the camera was deployed. I had also bought the heavy artillery along (telescope) which gave me the appearance of a Christmas tree with its decorations as I made the walk to the lake. This had caused much amusement with counters during the Batumi Raptor Count in Georgia Europe last autumn. I did however only carry essentials and put everything to use during the count!

 

I have only visited this lake a few times but there was a growing list of species that frequented the lake. One species the Yellow-billed Spoonbill start off feeding/resting in the reed-bed and gradually migrate onto the open water as the sun rises.

A flock of Glossy Ibis made several attempts to land in the weed covered area in front of the reed-bed but gave the task up as a bad job departing together. A Straw Necked Ibis appeared on the lake rested on a post and then spent time circling the lake before departing.

Some species just took the briefest of looks and continued their journey over the lake. An Australasian Darter and a Pelican were noted.

Raptors were represented by Whistling Kite, Swamp Harrier and a couple of Collared Sparrowhawk who sparred with the Kite giving a good size comparison. The Australian Hobby appeared mid afternoon and was observed hawking insects low over the lake.

I finally secured some pictures of the Fairywren having missed opportunities on earlier visits.

I also photographed a passerine which may be a Jacky Winter the amount of white creating the eye-ring and combination of white and black in the tail has me questioning my id. The bird was otherwise behaving like a flycatcher sitting tight to the branches then with a burst of speed hawking insects returning to the same covered spot. - Western Gerygone has been suggested and fits the above!

Honeyeaters were also busy in the vicinity the noisiest being New Holland and less frequent Brown and Singing.

I will be visiting friends next week in WA interior with a few days in Perth before I return to England via Singapore. Where has the time gone!!

Day List provided by Wildlife Recorder as follows:-

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus)                                                      14

Pacific Black Duck (Anas superciliosa)                                        7

Grey Teal (Anas gracilis)                                                             37

Hoary-headed Grebe (Poliocephalus poliocephalus)            12

Australasian Darter (Anhinga novaehollandiae)                      1

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus)                           1

Great Egret (Australasian) (Ardea alba modesta)                    2

White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)                        1

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)                                                16

Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis)                              1

Yellow-billed Spoonbill (Platalea flavipes)                              21

Collared Sparrowhawk (Accipiter cirrocephalus)                     2

Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus)                                          3

Australasian Swamphen (Porphyrio melanotus)                    10

Pied Stilt (Himantopus leucocephalus)                                    17

Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera)                               2

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae)                          2

Australian Hobby (Falco longipennis)                                        1

Carnaby's Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris)        4

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus)                       9

Superb Fairywren (Malurus cyaneus)                                        4

Western Wattlebird (Anthochaera lunulata)                           2

Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata)                             1

Singing Honeyeater (Gavicalis virescens)                                 2

Brown Honeyeater (Lichmera indistincta)                                1

New Holland Honeyeater(Phylidonyris novaehollandiae)     5

Weebill (Smicrornis brevirostris)                                                1

Australian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen)                                 1

Willie-wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys)                                       3

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa)                                             2

Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides)                                      5

Jacky-winter (Microeca fascinans)                                             1 (To be confirmed from pictures)

Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena)                                      1

Fairy Martin (Petrochelidon ariel)                                              5

Silver-eye (Zosterops lateralis)                                                   1

Australia - Perth - Thomson's Nature Reserve - Seasonal Changes!

Thomson’s Lake is a key staging post for thousands of waterbirds but is dry by the end of the summer. A tractor was grubbing up the lake bed this morning as I was walking the inner circuit from the Russell Road entrance to the Lake. Present in the Eucalyptus were small flocks of Silvereye and Brown Honeyeater. Willie Wagtail took advantage of the insects that I had disturbed along the sandy path. 

The route to the lake took me past Copulup Lake where a male Musk Duck was one of a handful of ducks on the lake.

Pacific Black Duck made up the numbers.

Cormorants were also sparse on the lake with a couple of Little Black Cormorant sunbathing on a partially submerged branch.

A Little Pied Cormorant was a late entrant onto the total. 

What a difference a few months make!

Australia - Perth - Thomson's Nature Reserve - Return to WA!

Thomson’s Nature Reserve is walking distance from where I am staying but the gate at the Branch Circus side of the reserve to access the main lake has been damaged not allowing access inside the fenced area. The red tar track around Kogolup Lake is accessible and is where I have spent the last couple of days.

The lake is lined with reed-beds and muddy margins providing a feeding ground for shorebirds. Ducks rest on the shelves of mud and Black Swan feed in the swampy areas covered with weed. A group of Yellow-billed Spoonbill has been roosting on the lake.

Whistling Kite has been a regular feature over the lake with an Australian Hobby joining the wheeling Kites this afternoon.

A Greenshank and Marsh Sandpiper have been seen feeding in the margins. Pied (White-headed) Stilt are the most common wading bird on the lake.

Parrots were represented by Rainbow Lorikeet with their high pitched metallic calls as they moved through the trees. A couple of Australian Ringneck was also see in flight.

In the scrub female/juvenile Fairywrens were calling and hopping between the low bush stems. New Holland Honeyeaters, Western and Red Wattlebird were also present.

A pair of Laughing Dove took to a nearby tree as I was walking back through the developing estate.

I am certain I missed species but it was interesting to gauge how much I had remembered from my first spell in the area!

New Zealand - Stewart Island - PM Pelagic!

The afternoon began with Matt handing over to Chris from Rakia Tours who conducted the pelagic tour as well as steering the boat, chumming and providing refreshments. The journey out to sea headed along the coastline to see some of the resident coastal species.

News circulated of Bottle Nosed Dolphin just off the coast which had the boat making a short diversion to see the pod as it fed. The Dolphin came relatively close to the boat the art was to anticipate when they would surface to get the best photographic results.

Both regular species of Penguin were seen Little (Blue) and the endangered Yellow Eyed Penguin which was spotted some way out by Chris. 

The main event got into full flow once we had reached the shelf and deeper water. The chum made up of fish off cuts and skins did not take long to work its magic. The most common species present was White Capped Albatross who fought over every scrap that was thrown overboard. Buller’s were next in the pecking order with a Southern Royal Albatross making up the three species total at the boat.

Sooty Shearwater took a bit longer to brave the squabbling at the back of the boat but a few birds gave good views as the sailed past quite effortlessly! 

The species of the day Common Diving Petrel made an even briefer visit sneaking in diving re-surfacing and heading back out to sea Chris was on point as I fumbled with the camera missing the shot but not the bird! The views were good though! A Giant Petrel completing the petrels that were seen.

Along the various island coasts Spotted Shag were present along with Pied, Little and Black Shag. 

The Stewart Island Shag was seen on an outcrop further from the coast.

The Terns featured White and Black fronted both species were seen fishing and on smaller outcrops. Seals were seen in small groups on beaches completing a crazy good outing!

I have consulted Wildlife Recorder having entered all my data and the trip totals are as follows:-

Singapore: 90 species 72 Lifers
Australia: 230 species 200 Lifers
New Zealand 96 species 57 lifers**

Trip species total 377 

**NB There are several sub species included in these totals and without going through each individual species record between each search parameter allowing for duplication of species between countries it is difficult to give an accurate total. Confused I am!!

Some of the species have been challenging but with the guidance of the kindle versions of these books backed up by local information has allowed me to see many of the endemics that are possible on the mainland and adjoining islands:-

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in New Zealand with thanks to everyone who I have met and provided guidance on finding some of the trickier species. The birds I did not see I may be back one day to catch up with you!!

I will be making my way back to Perth over the next couple of days and recharging as the adventure enters another phase!

New Zealand - Ulva Island - A birds Paradise!

I joined Matt from Ulva’s Guided Walks for a morning spent on Ulva Island and an afternoon with Chris on a pelagic trip visiting open water and the surrounding coasts. 

The first bird to greet up off the boat was Weka which was wandering along this and was seen on other beaches that were visited during the tour. Kaka was also present and was seen further into the forest. Tui and Silvereye were regular whilst traversing the island.

Saddleback was more difficult to locate but two juveniles showed well after some creeping around along the path. This plumage is sought by birdwatchers as they are overall plain brown distinguishing them from juveniles in the North Island race. The adults are similar in appearance.

Brown Creeper was easier to locate feeding at mid level to the canopy in small groups. Yellowhead were heard during the morning but had not homed into view. However with ten minutes left of the tour a bird was seen by Matt picking up food from the floor and feeding young that were nearby. Matt had earlier offered to take me out the following morning if this species had eluded the tour.

One species that was extremely obliging was the Robin which came to very close quarters to invite Matt to assist it with its feeding routine!

A female Rifleman completed the total of protected species that share the forest on the island.

Matt who’s knowledge of the islands history and fauna is worth the trip alone. His bird finding skills were at another level! Many Thanks!

New Zealand - Stewart Island - Kiwi Tokoeka!

Stewart Island is an hour ferry ride from Bluff and offers a predator free environment for its birdlife. The Brown Kiwi thrives on this and the surrounding islands along with Weka another flightless bird. Ulva island is a short water taxi journey from the island and supports a host of endangered species of bird.

My island adventure began with an evening tour with Ange from Beaks and Feathers to seek out the Stewart Island Brown Kiwi. Torches are provided if you don’t have a red setting or covering for your existing torch. The Kiwi is present all over the island and views are possible on the rugby field but you will join numerous other people searching for the same gratification. The views I had here were brief!

The tour takes a small group three on this occasion to a restricted area on the island where Kiwi openly feed at night. Five individuals were seen during the tour and down to a few metres where the birds were not disturbed during their feeding activities. Pictures were taken without flash relying only on red light from a torch.

An excellent few hours spent with Ange who is very knowledgeable, passionate about Kiwi and protecting their future!

New Zealand - South Island - No Blues with the Duck!

Todays adventure took me into Fiordland which has been hit by a heavy storm over the last couple of days. I hoped to connect with Blue Duck which is a regular feature at Monkey Creek provided you beat the mad dash of tourists that congregate in the car park by the river crossing. This meant another early start with a drive of over three hours from Invercargill.

Dawn had already passed but I was alone for long enough to find the Blue Duck and get some pictures before the Kea brigade arrived abandoning cars to get a shot of the dark destroyers!

My next stop was just up the road by the tunnel to Milford. The site is very reliable for Rock Wren with birds seen along the closed path adjacent to the car-park adjacent to the tunnel. Despite spending a few hours there and speaking to the Department Conservation Officer I was not able to locate a bird. Perhaps the storm had some influence but this species can be tricky despite a healthy population in the area.

Tomorrow I am off to Stewart Island for the last leg of my NZ tour. Just need the weather to hold out for a few days!

New Zealand - South Island - Nugget Point - A Paddle of Penguin!

I was up and out on the road at ridiculous o clock with the prospect of catching Yellow Eyed Penguin as they make their way out to feeding grounds from Nugget Point. The journey was a dark and interesting one but I arrived in good time to set up in the hide before dawn. The only element that did not show were the penguins either that or they slipped out without me noticing!

I spent the majority of the day on penguin and albatross watch with a snooze break before my afternoon vigil. There was a steady flow of albatross throughout the day Royal, and Buller’s, Giant Petrel, Sooty and Fluttering Shearwater were noted but I have some photos to examine to confirm some of the above.

The day continued in the hide whilst the sun beamed down outside. People visited the hide some daring to talk to the crazy bloke dressed to the nines in his winter wear! No penguins seen was the tone of the conversation but for much of the day 0800 to 1500hrs I did not really expect to see one but would not leave just in case a moulting adult ventured out to stretch its flippers!

At 1600hrs grew closer human traffic through the hide increased but then a penguin was spied having snuck though the thick seaweed and bounced on to the beach at my left. Wow panic stations camera went into overdrive and then the shout was put up in the hide! Well I don’t know where everyone came from but within minutes the hide was packed to the rafters as penguin number one bounced up the stoney beach stopping to call number two to shore before disappearing into a burrow!

Yellow Eyed Penguin number two was more obliging exiting the water then returning to it having a swim in the shallows before bouncing up the beach towards a large tree trunk. There was plenty of room to go round but the penguin bounced onto the trunk and slid off it back to where it had started. 

Why go round when you can bounce over it even if it takes a few attempts. This caused amusement in the hide but the penguin made it calling over to number one before disappearing down another burrow.

I rattled off two hundred pictures and had to stop myself shaking with excitement at the beginning but inside I was doing cartwheels. I held on to a wahoo until I got back to the car and then I re-lived the journey back to Invercargill in daylight this time!

Penguins are fantastic creatures and I wish I could see more of them but I don’t think they will be colonizing the UK any time soon!

New Zealand - South Island - Clear Up Operation!

There has been a fair bit of rain over the last week but it has not stopped me getting out looking for the South Island Specials. It did however prevent a walk across the river in the Hawden Valley to an area that may have turned up some bush birds and even a parrot.

South Island Tomtit seems to be everywhere I go and unlike the North Island variant they are more approachable. I added Mute Swan and Greylag Goose to the introduced total today.

The South Island Robin I had hop onto my foot as I was watching other passerines at Hawden Valley. Having spent time on Tiri I knew exactly what to do to provide this wonderful bird with its next meal. It seemed grateful and became my guide (or was it escorting me out of its territory!) for a while!

Time is also moving on at a rapid pace with only a week left in NZ with some regular species still to make the trip list (Brown Creeper, Yellowhead, SI Saddleback, NZ Falcon). I am trusting that Stewart Island and Ulva island will come good if my time in the South does not come up trumps for them. I am looking forward to seeing the Penguins at Nugget Point with the possibility of Rock Wren and Blue Duck in the Fiordland.

New Zealand - South Island - Arthur's Pass - Special Bulletin!

There is a gang that is operating in the Arthur’s Pass Village area. They are well organized and are experts in evading capture. They seek out gatherings of humans and whilst some entertain the remainder will clear your vehicle of any signs of rubber and other soft materials.

If seen approach with caution as they may call you and your camera close to the edge as other members of the gang take flight and monitor your movements from close quarters. If you camp at night expect a late night visitor to your tent. These birds are excellent at creating ventilation to any form of canvas!

Do not attempt to detain any gang members as they are subject to diplomatic immunity and cannot be bought to task for their shenanigans! 

It has taken a while to catch up with these mischievous birds but they have been well worth the wait to see them perform. I had to chuckle as a tourist sat down to photograph one bird and another snuck up behind him and sat on a rock above him bobbing its head as if to laugh!

They are a protected species and people are discouraged from feeding them. The Kea a magnificent parrot each individual has a unique personality!